CeMAT 2004 could be stalled until 2005, depending on the outcome of high-level discussions about proposed changes for the world's largest forklift exhibition.

Inga Buss, spokesman for fair organiser Messe AG, confirmed yesterday that Messe AG, industry bodies and forklift industry leaders were negotiating changes that could see CeMAT move to a three-year cycle.

Ms Buss said the discussions were opposed by allied industries, such as forklift parts suppliers and component manufacturers, who "would prefer the show to be staged annually rather than every two years".

She said the talks had been initiated by forklift manufacturers. Forkliftaction.com News understands manufacturers have complained that "innovation cycles" do not coincide with the two-year format of the show, meaning it was difficult to produce a new product for each fair to maintain brand interest.

Ms Buss said a decision on the proposed changes would be announced in June. She would not comment on a proposal that the show be split into specific forklift and allied industries exhibitions.