By Kath Gannaway
YOU don’t have to be a “petrol-head” to get a rev out of the Melbourne Motor Show.
The show has something for everyone – from kids who will be in awe of the amazing line-up of cars to build a dream on, to potential new car buyers, lovers of the classics, and those who simply can’t wait to see what’s happening next!
The 75th Melbourne Motor Show which opens on 27 February is the only major motor show to be staged in Australia in 2009, and global car companies are making the most of it.
Star cars from around the world are lining up to make their Australian debuts – and at least one global debut – at the show.
BMW heads the list of exhibitors taking extra space to show off their latest models.
Its M1 Homage show car will be the star of a dazzling two-stand display which makes BMW the biggest exhibitor at this year’s show, along with several still-secret production BMW models.
Volkswagen and Lexus are also mounting their biggest-ever show stands, while Holden retains its status as the biggest single-stand exhibitor.
Among the stars already confirmed are the new Lexus RX350, Lotus Evora, Bentley Speed and Lamborghini LP560-4 Spyder. Among those that are yet to be revealed are the latest in hybrids, luxury saloons, thrifty diesels, sports cars and family wagons from Australia, Asia, Europe and North America.
As always, a highlight for old-car enthusiasts will be the Shannons Motor Show Auction display, this year featuring a rare 1914 Rauch and Lang electric car from the era when electrics outnumbered petrol cars – a time which may yet come again.
Melbourne International Motor Show is organised and promoted by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce through its dealer division the Australian Automobile Dealers Association (Vic).
More information, including cost and times, visit www.motorshow.com.au .
Win tickets
THE Mail Newspaper Group, in conjuction with the Melbourne Motor Show, has 12 double passes to give away to the MMS which runs from 27 February to 9 March at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
To be in the draw just write the name of the motor company which heads the list of 2009 exhibitors on the back of an envelope, together with your name, address and a contact number, and send to Mail Motor Show Competition, PO Box 470, Healesville, 3777. Entries close on 20 February at 5pm. Winners will be notified by phone.
