THE doomsayers had been busy in the preceeding months - ever since the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders announced its controversial decision to try and arrest the declining fortunes of Britain's bi-annual International Motor Show, by moving it from Birmingham's NEC to an all-new site in London's docklands.

Well finally crunch-time arrived with the doors thrown open on the new-look event, and on my return from the swanky ExCel Centre in the shadow of Canary Wharf I'm happy to report that initial impressions are very positive. And don't take my word for it - Britain's show has long been a second division event because manufacturers felt it was not upmarket enough an occasion in which to launch all-new models. The London show has been given an immediate vote of confidence with no less than a dozen models being seen for the first time anywhere, along with a host of European and UK launches - it was a real pleasure to hear many foreign, and particularly American, accents among the journalists attending press day.

ExCel is a smaller venue than the NEC, and that required a total rethink - with the exception of BMW, attending a British show for the first time in many years and building its own roomy plaza outside in the sun, manufacturers produced more compact stands occupying two halls, either side of a central foyer area making the show very easy to get around. And there was an immediate feeling of a more classy event. To give just one example, the food; instead of the usual burger and chips joints there are eateries selling everything from continental sandwiches to noodles, seafood, paninis - all of excellent quality and located either in the foyer or at waterfront eateries - London's café culture is very much alive at ExCel.

The location also allows a whole range of extra events outside, from a free ride around an off-road course, to taster test-drives, speed challenges and entertainment, both on the water and in the evenings in an adjacent 'dock rock' arena. This really is a new kind of motor show.

So the signs are good, but the show's success will ultimately depend on the visitors - they will determine whether the car manufacturers come back in 2008, and are joined by the few high profile absentees, such as Audi and VW. Britain deserves a top profile International Motor Show, so let's hope we don't miss out on the start of something big.

* For a personal view of the Motor Show, check out my diary in the Andrew C Xtra section – click here.

Land Rover considered London an important enough event at which to launch the all-new Freelander - many other makers also had global debuts.	BMW attended a British Motor Show for the first time in years, and did not skimp on its presence - this is just part of its outdoor plaza.	An off-road course was among the many outside attractions at ExCel, and like most of the extras rides were free to an enthusiastic public.

In this London Report...
New cars...	Other car highlights ...	and extra attractions.