Big Brands Boycott Sydney Motor Show
The economic uncertainty has impacted on the Sydney Motor Show, with 18 brands electing to stay away to cut costs, among them the traditional drawcards Porsche, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
'A drawcard in previous years, Porsche is among the 18 marques to skip the Sydney Motor Show.'
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But of more concern to show organisers is the absence of leading luxury brands Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, who have boycotted the show in an attempt to pressure the Sydney and Melbourne motor shows to alternate their annual events.
European brands including Citroen, Fiat and Alfa Romeo are also no-shows.
The Europeans argue that if it's good enough for Frankfurt and Paris to hold their car shows bi-annually, it's good enough for the rival Australian cities.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive, Andrew McKellar says the no-shows are a result of 'economics and current market circumstances".
With exhibitor costs at a staggering $1.5 million, brands are thinking twice about the benefits of showing in a small market like Australia.
In an attempt to fill the empty spaces in Sydney, organisers have created their own stand called Supercar Central, which includes Australian-built kit cars and a couple of exotic, low volume supercars.
by Jeni Bone 
Mermaid Waters, QLD
