The Australian International Motor Show has reached new heights, with this year’s event featuring a record number of new model launches – including the spectacular lowering of a Mazda from the ceiling of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

In a first for the show – and the venue – the 2.8 tonne Mazda BT-50 was lowered eight metres through ‘clouds’ as it was revealed to watching local and international media.

The Australian International Motor Show saw a 2.8 tonne Mazda BT-50 lowered from above to awaiting media

The Mazda debut was one of 10 world premieres and more than 40 Australian model firsts at the Motor Show – a new record for the event, which remains Australia’s largest public exhibition.

As always, the event was a logistical triumph. With more than 300 vehicles filling the Centre’s six exhibition halls, the show’s bump-in took eight days.
The large number of high-tech exhibits incorporating false ceilings also made the nine-day show the biggest ever Sydney undertaking by rigging company Clifton Productions.

More than four kilometres of truss, delivered in 17 semi-trailers and lifted by 550 chain motors, was used throughout the halls. In all, it took 75 men to coordinate the set-up, which also saw more than 3500 lights installed above exhibits.

As thousands of visitors packed the halls day after day to inspect the latest model cars, they also enjoyed appearances by local celebrities, musicians and performers.

The latest in digital technology was also on display at the Show with many stands using iPads to show off their products details and the event organisers offering ticket purchases and access via mobile phones while an event guide was available to iPhone users via a free app.

Show director Russ Tyrie said the Sydney event had been a big hit, with numbers up on the last Sydney motor show, held in 2008.

“The general view among exhibitors was that the Sydney show was a tremendous success – it is now regarded very much as a global event in the industry,” Tyrie said.