After being canceled in 2010, the London-based biannual British International Motor Show has also been ditched for 2012. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which organizes the event.

"In recent years the show has played a less important role in influencing new car buyers and vehicle manufacturers are focusing their limited resources on events and activities that have a more direct impact on brand awareness and consumer decisions," said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.

The first edition of the British Motor Show was held back in 1903, while from 1976 it became a biennial event. It was hosted at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre from 1978 until 2004 before moving to ExCel in 2006. The last show was successfully staged at London's ExCel arena in 2008 where it attracted around 472,000 visitors. It remains unclear if and when the show will be reinstated.

___________________GALLERY: 2008 British Motor Show__________________