Top car designers from around the world will converge this summer at The British International Motor Show, sponsored by Zurich Connect, as the vibrant automotive design community prepares for one of the biggest events in the international motoring calendar.

A special evening event will see up to 350 of the world’s most respected automotive designers gathering on 22 July in London, before the Show opens to members of the public on 23 July.

London is set to reinforce its status as a style and design centre as it plays host to top design teams from international vehicle manufacturers.  The UK, and particularly London, is home to some of the top automotive designers in the world, and some of the biggest car brands have design centres in the city.

‘Auto Design Night’ events are held at some of the world’s most respected motor shows.  The most recent event, held at the Geneva show in March, attracted global design executives from the industry’s biggest players, including General Motors, Ford, Nissan, Peugeot and Fiat.  The London event will be an ideal networking opportunity for vehicle designers and will be held at an exclusive London venue – details will be confirmed soon.

Auto Design Night is an invitation-only event, and will also be attended by representatives of the Design Council, Think London and the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.  They will be joined by leading figures from UK universities which specialise in automotive design.

“We are delighted that this event will take place on the eve of The British International Motor Show,” comments Kirsty Perkinson, Motor Show Marketing Director.  “The status of the Show attracts the biggest automotive brands in the world, many of whom will be unveiling global premieres, so it is fitting that the designers penning these vehicles congregate here.”

The award-winning British International Motor Show runs from 23 July to 3 August this year at ExCeL London.  For the latest British International Motor Show news, and to buy tickets, go to www.britishmotorshow.co.uk .  Members of the design community who would like to attend Auto Design Night can register their interest at www.autodesignnight.com.