The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is urging carmakers to focus on interactive activities to draw more visitors to this year's British International motor show at the NEC, Birmingham, October 23-November 3. It hopes to exceed the 600,000 visitors that visited the past two events.

Mini will be staging an Adventure Live show where the car will be put through its paces during a series of stunts and manoeuvres, while Shell will offer Formula One fans the chance to take part in a wheel change challenge.

Off-roaders will have an opportunity to experience in a Vauxhall Frontera a purpose-built 21-tonne steel structure that simulates extreme off-road conditions.

“We are responding to the needs of our members and the feedback from visitors,” says an SMMT spokesman. “The motor industry has more to offer than simply viewing the latest metal, and these moves will evolve the show.

“We believe our show is more of a consumer event rather than one designed around the needs of the motoring press. It's a family event that attracts a wide cross-section of consumers.”

The SMMT intends to address the issue of recruitment by setting up a careers day on October 28 to encourage 7000 people from secondary schools, colleges and universities to attend the show.