GET READY TO STEP ON THE GAS AS THE PHILIPPINES’ BIGGEST MOTOR SHOW IS BACK. The Manila International Auto Show (previously known as The Manila International Motor Show) is set once again to provide an annual venue for car buyers and enthusiasts alike to take a closer look at the latest models and significant concepts from the country’s premiere auto makers.
This year marks a much larger show with a strategic alliance with the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), which have marked the show as their annual showcase of what’s new and what’s important in the industry. The show will open on April 6 and will run until April 9. The hours are now longer and there’s much more to do with these major exhibitors: Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche and Toyota. Aside from static display, numerous test drives will be made available.
To wet the car enthusiast’s appetite, several car launches are being floated as possible Manila International Auto Show firsts. The biggest news has got to be from Honda—with their all-new 8th generation Civic. CATS Motors hinted that Jeep will make its Philippine return with the Commander, while Toyota is expected to go all-out luxury with their all-new Previa. Nissan Motor Philippines plans to take a slice of the premium SUV market with their 265 horsepower Murano.
The exhibitors want to outdo their own displays last year and for the first time, announced an amazing array of concept and never-before seen road cars. Mitsubishi Motor Philippines will proudly display their rally heritage with the Dakar-winning Pajero Evolution plus the Lancer Evolution IX MR and the Eclipse 3.8 V6. Ford Group Philippines will flex their compact car muscle with their 225 horsepower Focus ST and Focus diesel. Mercedes-Benz will preview the future of motoring with demos of the F-Cell hydrogen-powered car. The evocative Motul Ford GT (the show’s official poster car) will certainly be another crowd drawer.
Worldbex International, the organizers of the show, will be beefing up the aftermarket pavilion by unveiling a new air conditioned tent adjacent to the main hall that will house the most impressive show cars from the likes of A-Toy, Concept One, Thule and Xenon Bulbs. Great deals and promos await those who decide to purchase new cars and car accessories during the show. All-in-all, the overall footprint of the Manila International Auto Show has grown to more than 10,000 square-meters. This will no surely draw more people than the already record-breaking 70,000 visitors last year.
Continuing a tradition, The Manila International Auto Show will be site for the public unveiling of the 2005 Car of the Year. The ward, given by Car Awards Group (CAGI) is composed of more than 40 media personalities from 25 different publications and outfits.
With so much new to offer, the 2nd Manila International Auto Show will be the most talked about motoring event of the year and will be industry’s biggest annual show. Mark your calendars and prepare to drive the future of motoring.
The 2nd Manila International Auto Show List of Exhibitors
Major Exhibitors
Audi
Chevrolet
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
Honda
Hyundai
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Land Rover
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mitsubishi
Nissan (Nissan Motors Philippines, Inc.)
Nissan (Universal Motors, Inc.)
Porsche
Toyota
After Market Parts / Accessories Exhibitors
Motul
Concept One
Thule
Xenon Bulbs
A-Toy Body Kits
Rota (Philippine Aluminum Wheels, Inc.)
Honda Motorbikes (Honda Motor Sports)
Suzuki (Superbikes, Inc.)
Emperor Motorsports
Tuason Racing School
autoindustriya.com
Official Partners
C! Magazine
EVO Philippines
Tech & Tuner
Auto Review
McDonald’s
motioncars.com will be covering the country’s biggest automotive event, and we will give you the latest blow-by-blow summary each day. Check out motioncars.com for the latest news and features from the Manila International Auto Show!
By Ulysses Ang | Main Photo by Ulysses Ang
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