Visitor numbers to the British International Motor Show, which was held at London’s Excel Centre, increased by 23% on the last motor show in 2004.

The show was moved from the NEC in Birmingham to the capital in an attempt to better place the show on the international map.

Last week organisers forecast just over 400,000 visitors by the end of the show. But this had to be revised upwards on the back of a strong final week for the Docklands-based show. By the close of play on Friday, attendance had already topped 345,000.

Rob Mackenzie, director of show organiser imie, said: “In the final week we've had unprecedented weekday attendances. I can't think of any other public show where weekdays have exceeded the weekends – or got remotely near. But last week, day after day we saw crowds grow. It's hugely encouraging for us and for the exhibitors who have shown faith in this magnificent show.”