2015 Melbourne motor show plans “advanced”

The confirmation comes as the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) announce the end of their joint venture partnership that was established in 2009 to coordinate AIMS – a single, international motor show that alternated between Melbourne and Sydney.

In a statement, the FCAI and VACC insisted the dissolution of the partnership did not signal the end of the motor show, though both agreed the time was right to develop a “new-look motor event”.

The release explains the new event will feature local vehicle manufacturers and importers, as well as motoring clubs, vehicle displays and exhibitions.

“It will be dynamic and interactive and provide audience participation at a suitable venue where visitors can test drive a range of makes and models,” the statement reads.

Flagging exhibitor numbers and attendance figures forced organisers to place AIMS on ice last year. The last motor show, held in Sydney in October 2012, attracted just 135,050 attendees, down three per cent on the previous Sydney show in 2010.

The new event is expected to feature a higher proportion of outdoor attractions, mirroring the hands-on style of Sydney's Top Gear Festival and April's inaugural Ferrari Racing Days event.

The organisers say further news on the 2015 Melbourne motor event will be released in due course.