THE AUTOMOTIVE market is sizzling hot, if the crowd at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is an accurate gauge. More than 110,000 visitors trooped to the World Trade Center complex over the four days of the auto show to see the latest and greatest offerings from some of the country’s car manufacturers and distributors.
Ford Group Philippines started off the event, as the first brand to launch at MIAS 2016. Ford introduced new variants of its best-selling models, the EcoSport subcompact SUV and Everest SUV.
The latest variant of the model dubbed the “urban SUV,” the EcoSport Black Edition was unveiled at MIAS. The EcoSport Black Edition is based on the 1.5-liter Titanium variant. True to its name, the new Black Edition features black 16-inch alloy wheels, side mirrors, upper grille bezel, lower grille surround, blackout dual halogen headlamps and black bezel fog lamps.
The result is a sportier, meaner EcoSport. Additional features include push-start button, keyless swing gate, and the Sync 2 entertainment system. EcoSport Black Edition’s introductory price is P998,000.
For those who need more space, Ford introduced the Everest Titanium 4×2 AT with Premium Package. The new Everest variant adds the convenience and safety features to the Titanium 4×2 package for customers who want the added features but who do not necessarily need the bigger 3.2-liter engine or four-wheel drive. The Everest Titanium 4×2 AT with Premium Package goes for P1,799,000.
Also on the Ford stand were bright yellow Mustang sports car and the twin-turbo Explorer Sport SUV. Ford Philippines managing director Lance Mosley said the company’s growth continues to outpace the industry’s. Ford’s volume leaders— EcoSport, Ranger and Everest SUV—continue their sales growth. With these results, Ford now claims the No. 3 spot in the Philippine automotive market.
Subaru launched the new Forester with new safety upgrades including swiveling headlamps that allow you to see farther into a corner, and a new exterior look.
Motor Image chief executive Glenn Tan unveiled the new Forester under the “Is there Anything You Can’t Do” campaign. This highlights the extensive capabilities of the Forester as a family and off-road vehicle. World renowned precision driver Russ Swift put the Forester through extreme maneuvers during his thrice-daily show at MIAS.
Subaru also gave a peek into the future of its vehicles with the Viziv 2 concept car. Viziv 2 is a plug-in hybrid car that features advanced, futuristic styling that could make its way into a future Subaru model.
SsangYong Motors is known for quirky vehicles that offer an interesting alternative to the usual suspects. The new vehicles on display at MIAS were the SsangYong Rodius, Korando and Tivoli. The brand was recently relaunched under president Dave Macasadia. SsangYong Berjaya Motor Philippines held the brand’s public launch at MIAS. SsangYong promises dependable and stylish vehicles at affordable price points. The South Korean company aims to achieve the success of other Korean marques.
Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (Hari) made a grand comeback at MIAS. Hyundai launched the new Veloster turbo model at MIAS. Hyundai started its new campaign “Ang Gusto Mo, Gusto ng Puso” which emphasizes the company’s approach of customer-driven innovation. The Hyundai booth was the most ambitious auto exhibit to be built by Hari, with two entirely unique motoring lifestyle areas for its passenger cars and new commercial vehicle models. On hand to open the display were musicians Ely Buendia and Gloc-9.
“The campaign is all about aspiration,” explained Hari President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez- Agudo. “Countless companies can talk about what they can offer the customer. We decided to refocus and instead listen to the customer. We want to ‘feel’ what you want. Kung ano ang gusto mo, ’yun ang gusto ng Hyundai. If you seek confidence and comfort on the road, then the 2016 Tucson could be right for you. For heartwarming family time, your best bet would be the Grand Starex. Or if you want to stand out, you’ll readily fall in love with the all-new Elantra.”
Peugeot Philippines built an elegant French-themed booth as it launched the all-new
308 GTi hot hatchback. Peugeot Philippines president Glen Dasig opened the exhibit with a speech in French no less. The Peugeot booth highlighted what makes the French car brand special, with an exhibit that shows its extensive history of innovation and leading design.
Chevrolet launched its competitor in the hot subcompact category, the all-new Sail. The Sail features 1.3- and 1.5-L engines and promises to be a stylish and reliable vehicle. The Sail was unfurled with brand ambassadors Zoren and Maverick “Mavy” Legaspi. The father and son duo performed the “Do the Sail” dance with company officers led by president Albert Arcilla. The brand’s best-sellers Trailblazer and Colorado were also at the Chevrolet booth.
Chevrolet was awarded the best booth at MIAS 2016. The 460-square-meter booth featured a huge LED screen in the shape of the brand’s bow tie logo. The booth was judged a standout among the other massive MIAS booths due to its design, fit and finish, and execution. The Chevy booth featured highly interactive features such as a graffiti wall, and a diner-style coffee booth.
Tata Motors unveiled its new light truck, the Super Ace Big Boy. The Super Ace Big Boy is suitable for carrying 1-ton loads. The new van is capable of taking 14 passengers in its rear compartment. The cabin promises a more car-like layout, and includes dual air-conditioning.
Mitsubishi exhibited the hot new Montero Sport SUV and Mirage subcompact at its steely booth. Mercedes-Benz had the all-new compact generation cars such as the GLA and CLA-Class, together with the robust G-Class SUV. Jeep launched the new sub-P2 million model, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. Jeep optimized the new Wrangler model for customers who want to customize their rides. Auto Nation Group vice president for sales and marketing Robert Shaw reckons that the new Jeep variant is just what customers want: a blank slate suitable for upgrading.
Jaguar displayed the stunning new F-Type and XE models on display. Land Rover has the new rugged yet elegant Discovery Sport. Maserati showed the prowess of its supercars at the MIAS front parking area. Great Wall displayed its range of commercial vehicles at its MIAS booth.
BPI Family Auto Loans offered quick and easy loan processing during the four days of MIAS. Kia displayed the all-new Sportage and Forte at its dual-level booth. World-class alloy wheels were at the show at the Rota Wheels booth, featuring a classic Toyota Corona and Toyota Vios Cup car. Petron entertained visitors with fun games at its classic gas-station booth featuring a Lamborghini sports car.
Aside from the main hall attractions, MIAS contained more than 20,000 additional square meters of exhibit space. These included the best of the aftermarket industry. Petron Tri-Activ presented the MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition at the Philippine Trade Training Center area of MIAS. MIAS ran from April 7 to 10, 2016, at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila.
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