THE Singapore Motorshow has shrunk again. Only five car brands have signed up for this year's event - less than half the number in the previous show in 2006, where major European brands like BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen were conspicuously absent.

In this year's show, Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Alfa Romeo and Fiat are the only passenger car exhibitors. Commercial vehicle participants are Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Fiat.

But the Motor Traders Association (MTA), which has been organising the biennial event since year one in 1992, said the show will go on.

The ninth show will occupy one level at Suntec Singapore, from the usual two.

And it will be held from Sept 26 to Oct 5 instead of the usual November slot - to coincide with the inaugural SingTel Singapore Grand Prix.

The world's first night F1 race kicks off on Sept 28, although the city will be abuzz at least a week ahead.

'I hope it will be a positive spinoff,' said MTA president Michael Wong.

'We'll see how it goes. This is like an experiment.'

Several motor companies are saying that the show does not yield returns commensurate with the cost involved.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.