The British International Motor Show is being hailed a success by its organiser as early reports suggest 411,070 people visited the London’s Docklands event.

International Motor Industry Events says this would make attendance 24% up on the Birmingham event in 2004. Official figures will be publicised following an audit.

Rob Mackenzie, IMIE managing director, said: "We were presented with a huge challenge by the motor industry - to organise a successful motor show that befitted the second largest new car market in Europe. We embraced that challenge and hosted the most exciting and well-received motor show in a generation. Plans are already underway to build on this success story and create an even more breathtaking event in 2008."

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: "Moving the motor show to London was no small step for the motor industry. But 2006 delivered a giant leap in the show's standing on the international stage. I attribute much of that to imie's hard work in taking up the baton to bring visitors and exhibitors a show for which we can all be truly proud."

The British International Motor Show is organised under license from the SMMT.

Dates for the 2008 show at ExCeL London will be announced in October.