Pushing the industry forward
IT is that time of the year again for pumping hearts to meet revving engines.
This week, motor enthusiasts can embrace the best that the automotive industry has to offer.
This Thursday to Sunday, the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) will host the country’s largest, most exciting automobile exhibition – the Malaysia Autoshow 2018. Organised by the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), this event is expected to be much bigger than last year’s.
Visitors can expect a wide array of vehicle models on display from local and foreign car manufacturers. You can bet on the Europeans to bring their A-game, with stunning exhibits from the likes of BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Volkswagen, Peugeot and Renault.
The Japanese will have their fair share of attention with displays from Honda, Toyota, Kia, Mitsubishi and Mazda.
According to MAI, attendees will witness the comeback of legendary German manufacturer Borgward, which will debut its state-of-the-art sport utility vehicles. Visitors will see the BX5 and BX7 for the first time on our shores.
Datuk Madani Sahari, chief executive officer of MAI, says, “Borgward has an interesting history. It was once Germany’s second largest car manufacturer after Volkswagen and after 54 years of having ceased operations, it has been revived.
“Its choice to relaunch in Malaysia signifies the growth of our automotive industry, where factors such as policies, vendor strength, purchasing power and ease of business contribute to the attractiveness of our business ecosystem.”
The Malaysia Autoshow is designed to allow Malaysians insight into the latest developments within the automotive industry.
Design, comfort and speed are all important in a vehicle, but the biggest appeal to the average Malaysian is fuel efficiency. Naturally, the spotlight of the show is on energy-efficient vehicles (EEVs), which let you save money and reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing convenience.
There will be attractive deals for visitors who book or purchase vehicles at the exhibition, including exclusive vehicle financing schemes from Maybank and BHP vouchers worth RM30,000 that will be distributed to 30 lucky visitors.
For attendees who book vehicles, these deals are only valid if they follow through with the purchase by July 30.
According to Madani, another part of the exhibition to look out for will be the Intelligent Mobility Experience (IMEX). Visitors can expect to see advanced technology and futuristic concepts come to life.
“Automotive-related technology, production, support structures, manufacturing and after-sales services will change in future. Visitors can experience the latest in mobility with IMEX.
“There will be virtual reality and augmented reality zones, smart factory displays, smart mobility exhibitions, games for children and opportunities to learn more about technology that is soon to hit stores,” he says.
One demonstration to look forward to is on Honda Sensing – a driver-assistive system that combines satellite navigation with sensors and cameras to create a near-autonomous driving experience.
Those with the newest Honda CR-V would have had a taste of this interesting system. At the Malaysia Autoshow, everyone can try Honda Sensing and see how it can assist everyday driving with features such as lane departure assist and adaptive cruise control.
This technology alerts drivers when they stray from designated lanes and lets them control vehicle speed with the click of a button instead of having to step on pedals.
In addition, Perodua will present how it aims to reduce accidents in Malaysia through
The spotlight of the show is on energy-efficient vehicles (EEVs), which let you save money and reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing convenience.
autonomous emergency braking, which is a feature of its latest Myvi variant.
Adrenaline junkies will not want to miss out on outdoor activities such as Mitsubishi’s Red Peak obstacle course and Toyota’s off-roading demonstration. These activities are set up to give visitors a firsthand experience of four-wheeldrives in action.
Three off-roading clubs including Buaya Puchong 4x4 will be offering rides along a track at Laman Palma near Hall A.
The Music on Wheels showcase is another must-see. Technichi Audio has upgraded in-car entertainment systems in several passenger cars and will be conducting demonstrations for the crowd.
Pre-registered visitors are invited to bring along their favourite music to test out with the improved systems. Get in touch with Pat (012-391 2662) over WhatsApp to sign up for a demonstration session.
Malaysia Autoshow also features one of the most attractive test drive routes in the world. More than just an on-the-road experience, the drive along the picturesque 3.5km route lets you gaze out on beautiful landscapes including a paddy field, pineapple orchard, fish ponds, horse stables and traditional houses.
In addition to getting to test drive their favourite set of wheels on the scenic 3km track, attendees can take home a memento in the form of postage stamps, courtesy of Pos Malaysia. For RM20, visitors can turn selfies with their favourite cars into a set of collectible legal tender stamps.
There will be free vehicle inspections offered during the exhibition. Those with a penchant for racing can give the go-kart track a whirl. One registered visitor will be driving home a brand-new Kia Picanto as the grand prize winner of the lucky draw contest.
Madani surmises that with such a good turnout from the Autoshow last year, there is a bright future for the country’s motoring scene.
“The Malaysia Autoshow is the Government’s commitment to bring the automotive industry to the public in a setting that caters to all age groups. With more than 250,000 visitors recorded last year, we believe that this event will emerge as a regional centrepiece of automotive development.”