Revving up local energy-efficiency culture

BY the time you read this article, the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 would have opened its doors to visitors. The autoshow will run from today to November 12 2017 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park in Serdang (MAEPS).

The event is in line with the National Automotive Policy 2014 (NAP2014) focus of making Malaysia the regional hub for Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEVs).

To become an EEV hub, it is not only about design and production, but also public buy into the idea of energy efficiency.

While the government has received tremendous support from original equipment manufacturers and industry players towards the EEV direction, it is important to also receive public buy-in and support for energy efficiency at all levels.

The Malaysia Autoshow 2017 will continue to spur growth of the culture of energy efficiency, through the various programmes and activities planned at the event. This year, the government is aiming to attract 250,000 visitors, and to maximise its potential, decided to move this year’s show to the vast grounds of the MAEPS.

This year, 170 exhibitors will showcase a wide range of products and services from the various sectors that make up the automotive ecosystem.

Similar to any motor show of global standing, they are here to allow participants to experience the full breadth of the automotive economy.

Most importantly, the Malaysia Autoshow serves as a testament to the number of choices given to consumers. It signifies the government’s commitment to showcasing mobility solutions that are increasing in fuel efficiency, safety and security.

For this very reason, the activities at the Malaysia Autoshow is structured to allow Malaysians to gain first-hand experience of the mobility solutions on offer in the market.

Visitors have the opportunity to test-drive various models from different brands in the true spirit of consumer choice. The test drives take place on a 3km test route, so visitors can truly experience the models they are interested in.

Not of all of us, myself included, are privy to the experience of premium models. For a small fee, the Malaysia Autoshow provides this experience through taxi rides in premium models such as the Bentley Bentayga and Ford Mustang.

Adventurers seeking an extreme off-road experience can catch the 4x4 Taxi Ride.

Meanwhile, those with a taste for motorsports can try the Karting Slalom —which is open to visitors aged eight and above.

Running concurrently with the Autoshow is The Kuala Lumpur International Automotive Symposium (KLIAS 2017). KLIAS 2017 is an annual meeting in Malaysia of global automotive professionals and players.

This event also serves as a platform for market experts to gather and share the latest trends, technologies, advancements and policies in the industry.

For those seeking career opportunities, they can visit the KLIAS Career Fair on the last two days of the Malaysia Autoshow. Around 3,000 vacancies are available to those interested to join the industry.

Additionally, The SoundValley Festival will also be held in conjunction with the Malaysia Autoshow. SoundValley Festival 2017 will feature eleven local and internationally renowned bands from Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and England.

This combination will provide a lively ambience for all visitors to the Malaysia Autoshow 2017.

The Malaysia Autoshow serves as a testament to the number of choices given to consumers. It signifies the government’s commitment to showcasing mobility solutions that are increasing fuel efficiency, safety and security.

The writer is the chief executive officer of Malaysia Automotive Institute.