Renault, Mazda, Porsche, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz are the manufacturers confirmed for the motor show to be held in conjunction with the Australian F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne 13-16 March.
In fact Porsche will be staging the Australian debut of its all-new Macan SUV.
The Grand Prix organizers are hoping this will the gestation of a return of a true Australian motor show following the termination of the previous Australian International Motor Show which alternated between Sydney and Melbourne.
“Without an international motor show, the Australian car industry needs a direct outlet in which to deliver key messaging to consumers and media,” revealed Grand Prix boss Andrew Westacott. “Our goal is to work together with automotive brands to establish a motoring precinct at the event in the future. We’ve had such a positive interest from manufacturers this year that I’m confident this precinct will become a key part of the Australian Grand Prix moving forward.”
Non-F1 manufacturers Carshowroom.com.au spoke to, while not dismissing the future Grand Prix motor show concept entirely, were lukewarm in their response. “It will all get down to dollars and ROI (return on investment),” one insider said. “We all quit the previous motor show circuit because it was too expensive and we’ve found better ways to spend our marketing budgets.”
