Little near business at the show
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WHILE Nigel Breeze was referring to the truck chassis manufacturers when he lamented the lack of commercial vehicle exhibitors at the 1984 Motor Show (CM November 3), I feel that his comments apply equally to the commercial vehicle bodybuilding industry, in which we are involved, and would agree with his views.
Welford Truck Bodies did, in fact, exhibit along with 18 other companies in this section of the industry and when one remembers that there are approximately 90 members of the bodybuilders section of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders along without the hundreds of non-members, one can see that support is waning for that type of show. My company feels that the Motor Show is extremely expensive and that it is only during the trade days that there is any real benefit from exhibiting. Even then, there is little new business done actually from the stand. The fact that the charges to exhibitors made by the National Exhibition Centre are so excessive forces one to look very hard at the value of continued support. Even simple items like food and refreshment for use on the stand cost up to 90 per cent more than identical items purchased in the high street.
I would ask the SMMT and the NEC to stop looking at the Motor Show in terms of how many members of the public have passed through the doors and begin to consider the members and their needs.
I am sure that the majority of those involved with the commercial vehicle section would dearly love to return to a separate display away from the cars which not only dominate the show but also steal almost all the national publicity.
Tipcon at Harrogate has given my company an excellent opportunity to display our wares in a convenient and economical way with the minimum amount of disruption to our everyday business.
The Motor Show is too long and in its present form quite unsuitable for most of the UK bodybuilders.
Perhaps the amalgamation with the forthcoming International Construction Exhibition (ICE) would attract more interest and produce a rear commercial motor show to attract both chassis manufacturers and bodybuilders alike. G. E. HAWKYARD Managing Director We!ford Truck Bodies Warley
West Midlands