2009 Melbourne Show in February to have at least one Global Debut

It may not sound like something to blow your own horn about, but with the current situation of auto salons around the world, Aussies should be happy to know that at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show that opens on 27 February, at least one automaker is planning a mid-show global debut synchronized with the Geneva Auto Salon, which opens a week after Melbourne. Equally important, show organizers have calculated that the local and global brands on show will represent 94.7 per cent of Australia's total car sales.

Among the cars already confirmed for the 75th Melbourne Motor Show are the new Lexus RX350, Lotus Evora, Bentley Speed 8, Lamborghini LP560-4 Spyder and the BMW M1 Homage concept car that will take center stage at the Bavarian automaker's two-stand display.

Notably, with its extended two-stand display, BMW will be the biggest exhibitor at this year's Show. Volkswagen and Lexus are also mounting their biggest-ever show stands, while GM's domestic brand Holden, retains its status as the biggest single-stand exhibitor.