THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock to the London Motor Show, being staged at Earls Court, until October 31, and featuring all the latest in motoring comfort, technology and style.

Held in alternate years with the British International Motorshow, whose home is the Birmingham NEC, the London Motorshow has grown in influence and many new models are set to make their UK debut at this year's show.

One of the most important newcomers is the revised Ford Fiesta, but there will be something fresh in each sector of the market.

Rover will unveil the 25 and 45, which is based on the 200 and 400 models and puts the line-up in step with the Oxford-built 75 executive saloon.

Nissan will seek to command attention with the revised Primera, and Peugeot's 607 executive car competes against Vauxhall's updated Omega in the executive class.

Important changes in the industry will be reflected by the way car stands are arranged. Since the 1997 London show, Ford has bought Volvo and the DaimlerChrysler merger will be apparent to visitors.

BMW now presents its five brands together at motor shows - the others are Rover, Land Rover, Mini and MGF.

Lexus will be demonstrating its distinction from Toyota, the parent group, more clearly than ever now the IS200 is on sale.

Renault has taken a stake in Nissan, and is arranging huge investment, but the marques will be kept separate at Earls Court.

New owners Ford have injected new pride into Jaguar, which has found success with the S-Type. Jaguar goes Grand Prix racing next year.

As usual, manufacturers will test reaction to new ideas at the show with concept cars and the influence of the Internet in providing information about cars will be apparent.

For visitors, a day at the motor show provides a chance to compare family cars under one roof, something that manufacturers and dealers have so far failed to make possible because of competition.

SHOW DATABASE

* Open daily at Earl's Court from 9.30am October 20-31.

October 20-25 open until 7pm.

* Special days: October 26 is Classic Car day; October 27-28 are Motorsport days, and open until 9pm. Show closes 5pm on October 31.

* Admission: £12 (£10 in advance, £7 after 4pm, or 6pm late nights).

* Reductions for children, families and groups.

* Ticket office: 0870 900 4499.

* Tickets bookable through show website: www.londonmotorshow.co.uk

* Travel advice: use train, coach and Tube because parking is limited in the area.

* Tube: Earl's Court or West Brompton stations.

* Check with train stations and National Express Coaches for arrangements.

* Show tickets can be bought in advance when booking, with £2 off adult and £1 off child tickets.

* Inquiries: rail 0345 484950, National Express 08705 808080.

Story date: Thursday 21 October

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