Driving fun and function in the Philippines’ car and motor industry
CAR lovers and motor enthusiasts rejoice because the country’s most anticipated car and motor show is back in town. Now on its 15th edition, with a theme of giving Filipinos the “Experience the Fun and Function” of seeing the best that the car and motor industry has to offer, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) launched at the World Trade Center Manila and North Wing, and will be a four-day event from April 4 to 7 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Aiming to “elevate the way Filipinos travel ”, fun and function, the two primary qualities car and motor enthusiasts are looking for are highlighted at this year’s event with banner presentations of the latest and most impressive auto and motor innovations. Last year, the MIAS managed to house 150 companies, an impressive number of 305 car displays, 34 truck displays, and 12 motorcycle displays.
For MIAS 2019, the trade show experience promises to go bigger, vowing to give visitors with an insightful and productive look into the latest trends from the industry, as well as an entertaining time to boot.
For instance, among the manufacturers at the event, Suzuki Philippines dives deep into how it combines fun, functionality and comfort in designing the optimal driving experience of its most-valued vehicles. Among its latest range of vehicles available for trade show visitors to preview are the multifunction 7-seater Ertiga, highly-regarded subcompact sedan Ciaz, the 4x4 all-new Jimny, the popular hatchback Swift, the sedan Dzire, and SUV Vitara.
Volkswagen displays the best of German engineering and craftsmanship with a show of the various models of their Santana line: which include Pepper Grey Santana MPI MT accessorized with the Blaupunkt Infotainment System; a Reflex Silver Santana 180 MPI AT S with Blaupunkt; a Deep Black Santana 180 MPI AT SE with Blaupunkt; and a Red Rock Santana GTS 180 MPI AT SE with Blaupunkt. Other displays preview the Hunting Brown Volkswagen Tiguan 280 TSI DSG SE with Blaupunkt; a Misano Red Lamando 280 TSI DSG SEL, and; a Sunset Red Lavida 230 TSI DSG SE fitted with Blaupunkt.
Ford, meanwhile, display its lineup of vehicles that includes a first look at the first-ever Ranger Raptor, new Ranger Wildtrak, new EcoSport 1.0L EcoBoost, new EcoSport 1.5L Titanium, Everest, new Explorer, and new Mustang.
Hyundai unveils the latest models of its three-row SUV Palisade, while touting the latest in electric car technology with the Kona Electric, the manufacturer’s first-ever all-electric compact crossover.
On the first day of the trade show, Subaru debuts its XV GT Edition, a special edition of the highly popular crossover vehicle that was made in collaboration with renowned engineering company Giken Co. Ltd and Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi, Subaru’s former Chief Designer (Head of
Aiming to “elevate the way Filipinos travel”, fun and function, the two primary qualities car and motor enthusiasts are looking for are highlighted at this year’s event with banner presentations of the latest and most impressive auto and motor innovations.
Global Advanced Design Studio).
Auto Nation Group (ANG) marks its 15th year as the official importer and distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM vehicles, parts and accessories in the Philippines with the launch and preview of the all-new Jeep Compass at the 2019 MIAS.
Names such as Kia Philippines and The Covenant Car Company, Inc., the importer and distributor the Chevrolet and MG Philippines brands, as well as oil industry leaders like Petron Corporation are also making their presence known with their own striking displays. The launch and preview of the Compass dovetails the recent launch of the all-new generation Jeep Wrangler and heralds the company’s aggressive plans to gain a foothold in the growing premium SUV segment in the market.
Seeking to put itself above the typical car show, MIAS does not only hold car launches and product displays but also hosts an array of pocket events throughout its four-day run. Among these include the various car club displays that will be launched to the public at the World Trade Center Driveway.
Meanwhile, addressing the growing demand for commercial vehicles and large trucks, MIAS 2019 brings back its Monster Truck Display which is located at the North Wing side of the venue. On the opposite side of the spectrum, collectors are invited not to miss this year’s Miniature Die-Cast Car Collection Display.
Those looking to reserve, purchase, or simply try out the latest car models on display will have access to test drives outside the venue’s main hall. A signature component of all MIAS shows, back to carry out a series of awe-inspiring stunt performances is Guinness World Record Holder Russ Swift with his trusty Subaru cars.
This year’s MIAS also teamed up with Petron for another round of the Classic Car Competition which is expected to feature over a hundred of entries of the most creatively executed car set-ups.
With exclusive looks at the latest and greatest that the Philippine car and motor industry has to offer, as well as a fanfare of promotions, competitions, and presentations designed to drive the passion of the country’s most avid motoring enthusiasts, there is an abundance of “Fun and Function” to be experienced at the biggest car show in the country this year.