A major auto exhibition scheduled for next month in Bahrain has been postponed for the second time.

The four-day Bahrain International Motor Show (BIMS) 2008 was originally due to open on April 24, but was rescheduled to begin on October 4.

It will now be held "sometime next year", BIMS 2008 project manager Ali Al Shehabi said on Sunday.

Shehabi said the postponement was due to "reasons beyond their control".

But sources blamed lack of response from potential exhibitors.

The event is due to be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

It was billed as an occasion for people to witness and take part in different motoring-related activities in addition to parallel events, such as 4X4 rides and drag racing, at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).

It is being organised by the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA), in a joint venture with Germany-based auto fair organiser Messe Essen.

BECA operates under the leadership of Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro, who is also BECA board chairman.

The show, when it was first announced late last year, was touted as an event to reinforce Bahrain's reputation as home of motor sports in the Middle East and also a launch pad for some of the most exciting car launches ever witnessed in the country.

Among others, Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini had announced it would unveil two of its latest high-performance automobiles - the Gallardo LP560 and Murciélago LP 640 - both still awaiting their GCC debut. Bahrain's geographical location was one of the reasons it was chosen as the location for the cars to make their debut.

High-performance auto and engine makers RUF Automobile, Jaguar, Hummer and Pankl Racing Systems AG are also said to have been represented at the inaugural show, while national pavilions from Germany, Taiwan and the UAE had also confirmed their presence.

Dr Fakhro said earlier this year that putting the show back to October would coincide with the Eid Al Fitr celebrations and would enable thousands of car enthusiasts and families to visit the show.

He also said the new dates would make it more viable for Bahrain's auto dealers to showcase their new models and concept cars for next year.

More than 19,000 sq m of pillar-free exhibit space had been earmarked for the show. - TradeArabia News Service