Joint truck show plan
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Miles Brignall • The UK could have a new "super" truck show which would replace the individual IRTE, SMMT and Tipcon shows as early as the year 2000.
David Cox, chairman of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers, revealed last week in a speech at its anniversary lunch that talks have started between the IRTE, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders and the Road Haulage Association, with the idea of uniting the three shows.
Although no agreement has yet been reached, the first mega-show could take place in 2000—probably at the NEC near Birmingham.
Exhibitors at the shows have long complained of having to go through the time and expense of attending three shows that duplicate one another in many ways.
The organisers also hope that one giant show would attract greater attention from abroad, and that it might rival some of the other big European venues, such as Hanover and Paris.
Last year the IRTE and SMMT tried to merge their shows, but talks broke down and they went ahead as stand-alone events.