Manila’s top international auto show opens

MIAS 2017, the country’s biggest automotive event of the year opened Thursday until April 2 organized by the country’s biggest trade show organizer, Worldbex Services International. The event is co-presented by BPI Family Auto Loan and is for the benefit of the ABS CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. In photo, (top L-R):Jason Ang (Co-Organizer, MIAS); Eugene Yap (Chairman and President, HRAP); Ronald Delos Reyes (President, CAGI); Lance Mosley (President, Ford Philippines); Felix Ang (President, Auto Nation Group and CATS Motor Inc. Chairman); Tomohiro Ando (Executive Director, JETRO); Steven Tan (CEO, Mazda Philippines); Alvin Uy (Co-Organizer, MIAS); Bottom (L-R): Rene Ramos (Director, Worldbex Services International); Francisco Flameno Jr. (Executive Director, Worldbex Services International) Tessie Roque (Director, Worldbex Services International); Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo (President and CEO, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.); Usec. Thomas Orbos (Chairman, MMDA); Josephe Ang (Founding Chairman, Worldbes Services International); Augusto Lagman, (President, AAP); Jill Ang (Managing Director, Worldbex Services International)

The annual Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) opened Thursday at the combined venues of World Trade Center Metro Manila and the Philippine Trade Training Center, with an unbelievable display of the latest automotive innovations and various exciting event highlights.

The 13^th MIAS, also referred to as MIAS 2017, will run until April 2, and will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

To officially open its doors, a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by James Deakin was held at the venue lobby of World Trade Center. In attendance during the momentous affair were MMDA Chair Tomas Orbos and AAP President Gus Lagman along with key officers of event organizer, Worldbex Services International, including Joseph L. Ang, Levi S. Ang, Archt. Francisco Flameño, Jr., Jill Aithnie Ang, Rene Ramos, Tessie Roque, and MIAS co-organizers Alvin Uy and Jason Ang.

Last year’s widely successful MIAS has set the bar high with over the top presentations – amassing over 110,000 visitors. But attendees of this year’s show are in for a far more ambitious and unforgettable experience as MIAS 2017 occupies a five-indoor structure event hall – ultimately covering over 34,000 sqm of exhibition space.

Aiming to drive the automotive scene “Beyond Performance”, MIAS 2017 turns the spotlight on automotive brands, companies, and products that showcase innovations that not only bear high-performance capabilities but also qualities of safety, efficiency, reliability, and practicality.

In line with this year’s theme, MIAS 2017 boasts of state-of-the-art car brands that all take pride in features and key characteristics that truly go “Beyond Performance”.

Among the new models to be launched at this year’s show are the Challenger SRT Hellcat by Dodge, Gratour Midi Truck by Foton, Civic Type R by Honda, Genesis G90 and Creta by Hyundai, Moparized Wrangler (80th anniversary MOPAR) by Jeep, MX-5 RF, CX-5, and CX-9 by Mazda, Impreza by Subaru, Tiguan by VW, and Spark by Chevrolet.

Sweet spot: Mazda MX-5 with retractable fastback

Apart from captivating car launches, MIAS 2017 hosts a heady line-up of pocket activities and event highlights. From heart-stopping stunt performances by the world’s best precision driver, Russ Swift, and off-road test drives with simulated 4×4 obstacle courses to world-class customized tuner cars and remarkable collectible vintage and classic cars, OEM and performance parts suppliers will also showcase their latest offerings in the aftermarket area located at the East Wing Annex building of the World Trade Center.

Other must-see events at MIAS 2017 include the Petron Custom Classic Car Competition which honors the country’s finest car restoration and custom car shops; the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) annual Driver of the Year gala awards night which honors the country’s top drivers in various motorsport disciplines; the Car of the Year (Honda Civic RS Turbo) and Truck of the Year (Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4×2 LS AT) display at the entrance area of the venue, and the first-ever Motorcycle of the Year, which aims to recognize the thriving motorcycle segment in the country. Moreover, another first at MIAS 2017 is the 3,000 sqm Truck Pavilion which houses the latest models of commercial vehicles and top truck brands.

Visitors can also look forward to some bargain hunting at the Die Cast Collectors Philippines (DCPH) swap meet or enjoy viewing the DCPH special miniature die cast car exhibit. Attendees may also opt to join the RC (remote control) drift race event, Tamiya 4WD race event or even do some Drift box go-karting with friends and family.

The main hall of the World Trade Center houses the main car brands while its lobby showcases the major sponsors and partners of MIAS 2017. Meanwhile, extending towards World Trade Center’s east wing annex tent building is another purpose-built air-conditioned tent that stretches to a seamless linkway that allows for easier access of the Philippine Trade Training Center.

In today’s fast-paced world, performance has been a strong selling point for the automotive brands, but beyond performance, automotive brands and companies must all strive to deliver all-inclusive automotive innovations.

As the largest premiere, annual motoring event in the country, this year’s MIAS inspires the automotive scene to drive “Beyond Performance” as it curates the best of the best in automotive technology and aftermarket products and services all under one massive venue!

Organized by Worldbex Services International, MIAS 2017 is bound to break records with its biggest installment yet. The event is co-presented by BPI Family Auto Loans which will once again offer quick and easy loan processing throughout the four-day expo.

For more information, follow www.facebook.com/ manilainternationalautoshow and @mias.ph #MIAS on Instagram.