The Melbourne Motor Show is set to make a grand return in 2025 after a hiatus of over a decade. This revival marks a significant milestone as the show celebrates its centenary, tracing its origins back to its inception a century ago. Scheduled for 5-6 April 2025 at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, the event promises a spectacular showcase of 300 vehicles spanning various categories, including cars, motorcycles, and industry exhibits, all set to unfold across 20,000 square meters in the heart of the city’s central business district.
While the official list of exhibitors remains undisclosed, the Melbourne Motor Show website hints at Nissan Australia and McLaren’s involvement as event sponsors and partners. Steering the 2025 edition is Craig Phinn, known for his involvement in automotive events like the Compello Versus Car Expo at the same venue in Melbourne since 2023. This resurgence marks the first standalone motor show in Australia post the amalgamation of the Sydney and Melbourne events under the Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) banner, which alternated hosting duties biennially.
The decision to revive the Melbourne Motor Show comes against the backdrop of dwindling participation from car manufacturers and a corresponding decline in public interest, leading to unsustainable attendance figures. Efforts by industry bodies like the Victorian Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) have been pivotal in keeping the motor shows afloat amidst changing dynamics in the automotive landscape.
Notably, the last motor show in Melbourne was held in 2011, carrying forward a legacy that commenced in 1925 at the city’s Exhibition building as the ‘International Motor Show,’ featuring a historical display of Australian-made Cobb and Co coaches. In contrast, Sydney’s motor show has been absent since October 2012, with the 2025 edition marking a long-awaited comeback after a hiatus of 13 years from either city.
Moreover, the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show holds particular significance as it unfolds post the closure of local manufacturing facilities, including the shuttering of iconic brands like Holden and the cessation of Ford’s car production in 2016. This changing automotive landscape underscores the evolving nature of the industry, with the upcoming show poised to offer a glimpse into the future of mobility amidst shifting paradigms.

On a global scale, the resurgence of the Melbourne Motor Show echoes broader trends in the automotive exhibition circuit. The discontinuation of the prestigious Geneva International Motor Show in 2024 marked a turning point, prompting a wave of new showcases like the Melbourne EV show and Motorclassica to cater to the diverse preferences of Australian automotive enthusiasts.
As the countdown begins for the eagerly anticipated 2025 Melbourne Motor Show, enthusiasts and industry stakeholders alike are gearing up to witness a convergence of cutting-edge technologies, innovative designs, and a celebration of automotive heritage, underscoring the enduring appeal of motor shows as a platform for industry players to showcase their prowess and captivate audiences with the latest automotive innovations.
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