British Embassy revs up for the Great British Auto Show

THE CLASSIC MINI has appeared in a lot of movies and TV shows, including the United Kingdom’s Mr. Bean’s comedy show. photos by Alvin Uy

At the Capitol Commons in Pasig this coming Sunday, car enthusiasts can look forward to visiting the Great British Auto Show, a one-day gathering of all-British classic and modern cars in one venue. Organized by the British Embassy Manila, the event starts at 10 a.m. and will end at 6 p.m.   Some 40 classic and modern British cars of various marques will be on display showcasing the country’s rich automotive heritage.

Conceived as an alternative premiere destination in Pasig City, Capitol Commons is a 10-hectare integrated mixed-use development located in the old Rizal Capitol. Some 20,000 square meters of prime office space and 55,000 sqm of retail space and modern residential towers make up most of the development of Capitol Commons.

Its one-hectare Capitol Commons Park allows holding of various outdoor activities including car shows like this one.

Patterned after car events in Europe, the Great British Auto Show is a plethora of classic and modern cars, as well as brand new British cars from five iconic brands—Jaguar, Land Rover, MINI and Morgan MG. Visitors and car aficionados get to see and meet car owners and exchange their ownership experiences. There will be food stalls and activities throughout the day to add to its festive atmosphere.

The project is the brainchild of British Ambassador Asif Ahmad, who is inviting everyone to visit the Great British Auto Show. “Over the past few years, the presence of British car brands in the Philippines has almost doubled, and more brands like Aston Martin and Lotus are setting up shop here. Britain now makes more cars than ever before. Come to the Great British Auto Show and you will find a vehicle that suits your personality, whether you are quirky, stylish, low-key, high-profile, or prefer to go off road,” he said. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

The show is also about the celebration of the innovation, technology and heritage that has driven the UK automotive industry’s success as a global center of excellence. Six out of 16 European car brands being distributed in the country is British with two more to be added soon, as Ambassador Ahmad mentioned.

The United Kingdom is also home to eight out of 11 Formula 1 teams, which shows UK’s fervent passion for motorsports and anything about motoring.

For more details, visit the British Embassy Manila Facebook page and Twitter account (@ukinphilippines). Admission to the show is free and will run on May 31, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.