The opening weekend from last Friday to Monday saw 80,000 people flock through the doors - a 27 per cent increase over the same period at last October’s show in Sydney, and a substantial 41 per cent over that timeframe at the last Melbourne show in March 2009.
Event director Russ Tyrie says the attendance figures are an indication that the event’s new July date is a success. “The move to July has been met with approval by visitors and exhibitors alike,” said Mr Tyrie.
“The clear space around the show on the international motor show calendar has allowed manufacturers to bring in drawcards such as the Audi e-tron, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept, Lamborghini Aventador, Lexus LF-Gh, Maserati GranCabrio Sport, Mazda Shinari concept and Toyota FT-86 II concept.
“The Melbourne public hasn’t had a show for the last two years, and the combination of a host of star cars and the winter school holidays has seen people return in good numbers.”
The Australian International Motor Show runs through until Sunday 10 July at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.