MIAS promises all things motoring, and then some
ONE THING that won’t be at this year’s staging of the annual summer car love fest that is the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City is triskaidekaphobia. In case you’re wondering, that polysyllabic word is the term for the irrational fear of the number 13 — that same widespread superstition that keeps our buildings from having a 13th floor ( or labeled thus, anyway). The 13th edition of the MIAS is an outandout celebration of everything motoring, plus oodles of enticements for the whole family. It has clearly the blossomed into a realization of its founders’ dreams.
“We envisioned MIAS to be a world- class auto show competitive with the region’s best. We’re glad that the manufacturers and the public have embraced the concept,” show organizer Jason K. Ang told BusinessWorld.
First held in 2005, the MIAS at that time occupied a mere 6,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space, plus 3,000 square meters of outdoor displays. But what it possibly lacked in venue space was more than compensated for through an ever-growing list of organizations and partners who shared in the ambition. Aside from an expanding list of auto brands and attached industries, MIAS has counted the likes of the Automobile Association Philippines; the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI); Tuason Racing School; and others as allies.
“The public introduction and showcase of the Car of the Year ( COTY) Philippines awardees is also a regular feature of the MIAS where the winning cars are displayed at World Trade Center, honoring this soughtafter accolade,” a MIAS news release said. “In previous years, only the COTY award winner was displayed but starting in 2013, CAGI added the Truck of the Year award and this year’s winner will also be prominently displayed side by side with the COTY.”
Over the years, MIAS attendance has grown ( see table) in tandem with the number of participants, as well as the exhibition footprint. The auto show has long been a favorite venue where car brands introduce their newest models in the market to the buying public. The event has obviously benefited from the steady influx of marques and models — a very real barometer of the health of the automotive industry. Stressed show organizer Alvin A. Uy to this writer: “The Philippine auto industry has been on an upswing, and MIAS aims to help the industry achieve its growth potential.” The expansion has certainly been directly proportional.
On March 30 MIAS will welcome visitors into a sprawl spread over two compounds and four buildings. The show has outgrown its original World Trade Center haunt and spills over to the Philippine Trade Training Center and Worldbex Services International. However, organizers point out that “several air-conditioned connecting hallways” will join the independent structures for the convenience of patrons.
A 4,000- square- meter temporary tent, called the East Wing Tent Building, will host automotive after- market displays and a 400- square- meter food court area. At the Philippine Trade Training Center, custom and classic cars will be on display. Additionally, a truck pavilion will be set up to house large commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses.
With the theme “Beyond Performance,” this year’s MIAS looks at the other aspects of a vehicle past the traditional metrics of speed, handling, and others. “Attributes like efficiency, safety, practicality and reliability must go with performance. Whether it’s a sports car, SUV, pickup or sedan, car makers are now harmonizing these attributes to attract its buyers,” said a MIAS news release.
Aside from the traditional displays of current and new cars and large vehicles, attendees to this year’s MIAS will be treated to an exhibit of highly collectible vintage and classic cars, as well as customized vehicles. There will be off- road test drives, simulated 4x4 courses, and a collection of OEM and performance parts suppliers. A Diecast Collectors Philippines swap meet will be hosted, in addition to a special miniature diecast car exhibit.
Kids of all ages can join the RC drift race event. Driftbox gokarts are also available for use. Meanwhile, Tamiya 4WD aficionados can rekindle their love for the hobby via an onsite race.
Some cars of note to be displayed include CAGI’s Car of the Year, the Honda Civic RS Turbo, and the Truck of the Year, the Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x2 LS AT pickup. Also featured are the Chevrolet Spark; the 707- hp Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat; Foton Gratour Midi Truck; Honda Civic Type R; Hyundai Genesis G90 and Creta; “Mopar- ized” Jeep Wrangler; Mazda MX- 5 RF, CX- 5, and CX-9; Subaru Impreza, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
For on-the-spot buyers, MIAS presenter BPI Family Auto Loans offers quick and easy loan processing during the show’s run, which lasts until April 2.
All signs point to a lucky 13th staging of the MIAS as it continues to make its case as the “premiere and largest annual motoring event in the country.” And then some, of course.