Motor Shows have a long history in Melbourne and Sydney, with both cities hosting exhibitions befitting of their influence and importance as Australia’s two largest capital cities.
 

The Sydney Motor Show was originally held at Moore Park (Sydney Showgrounds) however in 1988 the Motor Show relocated to the first purpose built exhibition centre in Australia, the newly constructed Sydney Exhibition Centre located at Darling Harbour.
 

Melbourne Motor Show was first held in 1925 with the first 61 exhibitions held at Melbourne’s iconic Royal Exhibition Building. The Motor Show was relocated to the newly constructed Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in 1996 and was the first commercial exhibition held in the exhibition complex. In total 14 Melbourne Motor Shows have been held at the MCEC.
 

During 2009 the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, the organising body of the Australian International Motor Show held in Sydney and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce, the organisers of the Melbourne International Motor Show agreed to form a Joint Venture.
 

Under the Joint Venture, the Motor Show will now be shared in alternate years between Melbourne and Sydney, which commenced with Sydney in October 2010 followed by Melbourne in 2011.
 

The Motor Show will be branded as the Australian International Motor Show in both cities.
 

The Melbourne edition of AIMS moved from the traditional timing in March to adopt new dates in July.
 

In 2012, AIMS Sydney dates will be 19 - 28 October inclusive.