The Canberra National Motor Show was launched in Canberra by ACT Deputy Chief Minister Mr Gary Humphries, and already has commitments from major distributors and dealers planning exhibits at the show.

Show director Mr Jon Thomson said a motor expo in the National Capital was well overdue.

"It has been something we wanted to get off the ground for a long time. Let's face it - Adelaide has its own Motor Show, Perth has its own Motor Show - even the Central Coast region of NSW has its own motor show, held in a paddock above Gosford," said Mr Thomson.

"Earlier this year the Big Boys Toys Exhibit at Exhibition Park attracted 20,000 people over two days, on the same weekend on which we will stage The Canberra National Motor Show in 1999, and this despite the fact that it it was drawing from a much narrower market than the one we are aiming for.

"We are aiming to attract the widest possible demographic, on the basis that it is not only an exhibition of cars but a weekend of entertainment and fun," he added.

The Canberra National Motor Show has a number of major promotions planned to help attract Canberrans, including a car giveaway in conjunction with FM 104.7, an alliance with the FAI Rally of Canberra which will include special events featuring cars and drivers from the rally, and a special four wheel drive test track.

There will also be advertising and promotional programs mounted in regional areas like Wagga, Albury, the South coast and the Southern Highlands to bring people from outside the Canberra area to the National Capital for the Show.

As does the Holden Precision Driving Team, kart racing demonstrations, motor bike trials demos and rides for the children.

The actual Show will be staged in the major pavilions at EPIC including the Budawang, the Coorong, and Fitzroy pavilions.

As well there will be out door exhibition areas for ancillary exhibitors including trucks, small farm equipment and accessory outlets, as well as displays by classic and vintage car clubs.

The Canberra National Motor Show will be a three day event, with day one Friday April 30 being assigned as a fleet buyers day before opening to the public from 4pm to 8pm.

On Saturday and Sunday the Show will be open from 10 am to 8pm each day, with the various entertainment events scheduled throughout both days.

"A year of planning has gone into the Canberra National Motor Show, a lot of work has gone into making this a success and there will be a lot of work in the next six months to ensure that it will be," said Mr Thomson.