The Commercial Vehicle Show, due to be held at Birmingham NEC in April, has been cancelled due to lack of support.

The decision was taken by its organisers at a meeting today, after almost all UK van and truck brands decided to save costs by not attending.

Although 290 smaller exhibitors had signed up for the show, there wasn't enough support for it to continue this year.

“This is of course disappointing, but given the current economic climate and the uncertainty created, it is the only decision we could make,” said Nigel Emms, CV Show committee chairman.

“Future planning for the next show should be done against the backdrop of the outstanding 2008 event and not a compromise one for 2009."

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive added: “2009 will be an extremely challenging year across the motor industry but this decision, while difficult, creates the opportunity to ensure the 2010 event best reflects the changing needs of the road transport industry.”

The CV Show is owned by the CV Show Partnership, comprising the Road Haulage Association, the SMMT and the Institute of Road Transport Engineers.