Next year's commercial vehicle show is on course to sell out ahead of schedule after organisers praised the NEC's hosting this year.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said it would be "unimaginable" for the show - the biggest in Europe - to be held anywhere else.

Already two thirds of the stands were sold out eight months ahead of its start in April.

The decision is a fillip for the region's automotive industry following the SMMT decision to shift the British Motor Show to London's ExCel centre for the forseeable future.

Robin Dickeson, spokesman for the SMMT, said: "The show's success is growing. The number of bookings are already ahead of last year and the amount of space booked is also up."

Developments include a larger stand for Japanese truck manufacturer Hino, which assembles vehicles in Ireland.

Hino, controlled by Toyota, first exhibited last year, and next year's presence could herald a greater involvement in Europe.

Meanwhile Birmingham van maker LDV is poised to take a stand, with Solihullbased Whale Tankers and refuse lorry maker Dennis Eagle.

Mr Dickeson said the return of the show was secured after overwhemingly positive feedback from exhibitors.

He said: "Some of the smaller companies sold lots of their product, while for the larger firms, who don't sell a lot of expensive trucks, it is about relationship building.

Our exhibitors said the quality of visitors was up. This is not a consumer show and a lot of decision makers from the logistics and haulage industries were there.

"Exhibitors were making contact with people to forge long-term relationships.

"There are always new transport and haulage companies, and this show gives opportunities for manufacturers to meet them."

Mr Dickeson added: "I cannot imagine it could move from the NEC. It is the ideal venue, easy to get to from all parts of the country.

"It is a day trip for most, so that is important. It is also in the heart of the logistics and commercial vehicle industry.

"Most of Britain's haulage and logistics operators are between the M1 and M6 and that means the show is close to customers."

But Mr Dickeson warned against complacency, especially following traffic problems last year.

"The situation was fairly dire and needs to get sorted. It took one man two hours to get to the show from the bottom of the M6 Toll.

"The NEC is aware of this, and trying to deal with it. They do need to do better."

The show runs for three days from April 24.

Mr Dickeson said: "This year was a success and people are realising if they are going to sell products they have to exhibit. There is also a number of world debuts at the show.

"I cannot imagine it would move."

Steve Miller, marketing director of LDV, said his company had been delighted with the outcome of the 2006 show and would be doubling the size of its stand for 2007.

He said: "We are definitely going to be there next year. This year we showed off five models it was the best show we have ever had, and we will probably increase it to ten vans next year.

"This is our home show. We are a Birmingham manufacturer and this is an exhibition in Birmingham. It also helps because we can take customers around our factory which is only 20 minutes' drive away.

"It would not have the same appeal if it went to London."