Manila International Auto Show celebrated its fifth year of world-class auto exhibitions. The 2009 show was held over nearly 20,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor areas. MIAS welcomed more than 70,000 visitors during its April 2 to 5, 2009 run. They viewed 35 car brands from seven countries, including some vehicles never before seen on Philippine roads.
Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive Philippine distributor of Subaru automobiles, launched the new Impreza sedan. The Impreza sedan is available as a 2.0-liter four-cylinder model with automatic transmission, or a storming WRX variant, powered by a 2.5-liter turbo inline-four. Both models feature signature Subaru technologies such as the boxer engine configuration and symmetrical all-wheel drive. Glenn Tan, Group Chief Executive of Motor Image Group, was on hand to personally unveil the new sedan during MIAS opening day.
MIAS continued its tradition of showcasing new products and new cars. Five auto brands from China unveiled their new models.
Chana vehicles made a strong debut in last year’s MIAS under Focus Ventures Inc., the exclusive Philippine distributor. This year they unveil the Chana Starlight Jr., the subcompact version of the Chana Starlight. Starlight Jr. seats seven passengers, and it has a collapsible third-row seat if additional luggage space is needed. Powering Starlight Jr. is a 1.0 liter four-cylinder Euro-III compliant engine. It is equipped with multi-port electronic EFI system for better fuel economy and responsiveness.
Chery Motors, represented by Iseway Motors Philippines Inc., introduced five new models: a dressed-up QQ3, the QQ1.1 AMT, QQ’s sedan version – the QQ6, the Tiggo 1.6 liter MT variant, and a bullet-proof Tiggo compact SUV.
Lifan unveiled the Lifan 520, a sedan designed by automobile design firm Ricardo Plc. of UK. The top end model has a SOHC 16-valve engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, and it is equipped with power windows and a hydraulic-assisted steering system. There are 3 variants of LF520 – the 1.6LX, 1.3LX and the entry-level 1.3DX. The LF520 was reportedly awarded 4 stars in the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP).
The Peri is one of the great value cars to be introduced this year in the Manila International Auto Show. It was one of the crowd favorites in the last Beijing Motor Show as far as this category is concerned. Great Wall also produces pickups, SUV’s CUV’s, motorhomes and other special vehicles. Its cars are sold in over 50 countries worldwide including markets in Africa, the Middle East, South America and Russia. Plans are underway to put up showrooms for Great Wall in Metro Manila.
Foton demonstrated its impressive Foton MPX. The 10-seater MPV has an XTEC chassis technology and steering system developed by Lotus UK, experts in chassis tuning, and manufacturers of highly-desirable sports cars.
EVnnovations previewed its REVAi electric vehicle. The REVAi is a full-electric vehicle, running on lead-acid batteries. After an 8-hour charge from home or office 220-volt electrical outlet, the REVAi is ready to run for up to 80 kilometers, with a top speed of 80 km/h.
According to Karl Magsuci, business planning & development manager of EVnnovations, “We believe that electric vehicles are a viable solution to the environmental and economic issues that the transport sector faces. They run on electricity, which is a readily available and relatively cheap energy resource. More importantly, they do not emit harmful carbon gases. Electric vehicles can be both an economical and ecological mobility solution for the modern Filipino.” It is also reportedly cheaper to run that gasoline or diesel vehicles.
MD Juan showcased its Philippine-made e-Jeepney. The e-Jeepney is an electrically-powered, zero-emissions vehicle that provides an alternative to the noisy, uncomfortable, and smoke-belching jeeps that we often see on Philippine roads.
The MIAS Custom Classic Car Competition held its second successful year, with more than sixty cars participating in a gleaming showcase of classic and custom vehicles. Taking the best of show was a pristine 1956 Pontiac Star Chief.
The European Mobile Media Association conducted a Sound competition at the MIAS grounds.
Capping the spectacle of MIAS was the return of Guinness world record holder Russ Swift, who once again demonstrated his driving skill behind the wheel of various Subaru vehicles. The new Impreza sedan provided an exciting debut performance with Mr. Swift behind the wheel.
Mercedes-Benz showed off the all-new GLK SUV, fresh from its recent launch. BMW exhibited a rarely-seen 6-Series convertible. Jeep displayed its toughened-up variant of the Wrangler go-anywhere off-roader. Jaguar introduced the stunning new XF sedan to the MIAS crowd, while its sister brand Land Rover displayed its compelling Mitsubishi previewed the new Galant. Honda showed off the new City. Hyundai, Isuzu Gencars, and Nissan displayed their regular line-ups.
Several OEM and aftermarket suppliers also graced MIAS. Bridgestone set up a motorsports-themed pavilion, appropriate for the exclusive supplier of Formula 1, as well as other top-tier motorsports. Yokohama showed off a classic Alfa Romeo in its area. Motolite celebrated its 90th year anniversary with an impressive display. AutoPlus Sportzentrium, distributor of Motul high-performance lubricants, displayed a gaggle of supercars in its area, including a Nissan R35 GT-R paired with a tuned R34. (For GT-R fans, there were at least four of them on display at MIAS.)Also in their booth was a Ford GT, a Shelby GT-500, and several rare Porsches. Tuason Racing gave a series of seminars on road safety. Repsol also highlighted its line of lubricants. Top Gear Philippines was the event’s exclusive magazine sponsor.
By Jason K. Ang | Photos by Ulysses Ang and Jason K. Ang
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