New Cars for British International Motor Show

With just five months to go until the British International Motor Show 2002 opens its doors to over half a million eager visitors, the following vehicles have been confirmed as UK debutantes:

· Ferrari's hot new FX, first snapped in the car press earlier this year, will be in the metal at the NEC.
· British favourite Caterham has confirmed that the new Superlight R300 with MG X-Power under the hood will be a showstopper.
· The Volkswagen Touareg will make a first appearance in the Show - the first off-roader from the German powerhouse. Joining Volkswagen's assault into new territory will be the brand new Phaeton, which will be taking on the luxury sector.
· The French will be out in force with new cars from Renault, showing visitors the new Espace and Mégane, while Citroën's new C8 is all set to pick up new business in the executive MPV sector.
· Honda has confirmed that the Accord is on track to make the headlines at the NEC with an all-new car for the upper medium segment.
· In addition to the new Fusion, Ford will be showing off its ground-breaking Transit Connect.
· Land Rover's claim to be the best 4-by-4-by-far will be put to the test when the new Discovery makes the short trip from the Solihull factory to wow the crowds at Motor Show time. Land Rover's Swedish cousin Volvo will bring the seven seater, all wheel drive XC90 for its first public outing from 23 October at the NEC in Birmingham.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: 'Motor shows thrive on new cars and the excitement of innovative technology, so I'm delighted to bring news of some of the stunning vehicles that will be on display at the British International Motor Show this autumn. Motor Show is Britain's biggest consumer exhibition and we can look forward to further announcements and more surprises as we prepare for an event that reflects Britain's leading influence in the European car market.'

1. The British International Motor Show 2002 takes place from 23 October to 3 November at Birmingham's NEC with public access from 24 October. Discount tickets for the Show are now on sale for those who book in advance through the web site at www.motorshow.co.uk. Visitors can save £3 by booking on-line, with adult tickets priced at £12 for public days. On the door, tickets are priced at £15. For the exclusive public preview day on 24 October, tickets cost £25 in advance but £40 on the door, an on-line saving of more than a third.
2. For visitors without access to the Internet, tickets are available through the Motor Show box office ticket line on 0870 906 2002. Lines are open 9am - 8pm on weekdays and
10am - 8pm at the weekend.
3. During the Show, doors will open from 9.30am to 7pm on all public days, closing at 5pm on the final day.