The Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) 2015 has been cancelled.

The event was scheduled to take place at the Expo Centre, in Gauteng, from October 14 to October 27.

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) notes in a statement that the decision to cancel the show was taken following a meeting of Naamsa CEs on April 16.

“The costs of automotive exhibitions have risen disproportionately, and this has called into question the return on investment for exhibitors,” notes the association.

“Moreover, the economic and financial climate in South Africa currently has impacted on trading conditions in the automotive sector and has resulted in substantial pressure on margins throughout the automotive value chain.

“Internationally, in recent years, concerns about affordability and return on investment for exhibitors have led to the cancellation of automotive exhibitions in a number of countries.”

JIMS 2013 already saw a number of motor manufacturers opting not to participate, citing high costs as one of the main reasons for their decision.

Among the brands not present at the 2013 event were Jeep, Chrysler, Fiat and Volvo.

Naamsa says “additional considerations” in the decision not to proceed with the 2015 show include the fact that the event clashes with the Rugby World Cup, to be held in the UK, as well as the E-mobility month, scheduled to take place in Sandton over the same period.

However, the industry body says the possibility of a 2016 show will be consid- ered by the end of June this year – should it be possible to put forward a more financially sustainable model for the event.

“South African Shows Messe Frankfurt, the show management company, in consultation with the industry’s marketing and sales experts, has been tasked with formulating proposals and a strategic action plan to enhance the value proposition for exhibitors and to increase substantially the return on investment for participants,” states Naamsa.

“In essence, Naamsa has requested its joint venture partner, South African Shows Messe Frankfurt, to formulate proposals that would ensure a sustainable, financially attractive model for possible future Johannesburg International Motor Shows.”