The Philippines has always reveled in a fiesta-like atmosphere–everything from mass services to the way politics is done has to be with glitz, glamour and a heavy dose of fun. This year, the Manila International Auto Show takes a similar approach. Not detracting from its original vision of being the country’s premiere and only international quality auto show, this year makes a slight change in the show’s overall feel. The result is nothing short of astounding. The show, which ran from March 29 to April 1 showcased all the major key brands from both manufacturer and aftermarket sectors. The entire World Trade Center was transformed into, literally, a petrol head’s delight with tons of exotic cars, upcoming sneak preview models as well as special deals and incentives for those who reserved or bought cars during the show. More than 70,000 visitors entered through MIAS’s halls this year. Though the number is slightly down from last year’s 75,600 visitors, the organizers, Worldbex Services International still consider the show hugely successful.
This year’s highlights included the Subaru-Russ Swift Precision Driving; the appearance of the MOTUL Skyline GT-R, the Top Gear Philippines exhibit (that included the BMW M5 and M6, Lamborghini Murcielago and Trueno AE-86) and fashion show; FHM Mossimo Bikini Summit fashion show and the Ford No Boundaries Off-Road Experience.
This year’s theme, “Mobility for Everyone” stressed the need for everyone to drive whether it be for work or leisure. It also reiterates the organizer’s focus towards both the car aficionado and car buyer alike. In this regard, MIAS opened exhibition space in the main hall for both truck and motorcycle distributors, complimenting the automobile area. This year, the Manila International Auto Show had the following main exhibitors:
BMW
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
Honda
Hyundai
Isuzu (Gencars Makati, Inc.)
JAC
Jaguar
Jeep
KAMA
Kia
Land Rover
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mitsubishi Motors
Nissan
Sinski
Subaru
Suzuki
Backing up the main exhibitors is a further beefed-up aftermarket area that played host to the country’s premiere automotive accessories and tuners:
3M
Yokohama
Bridgestone
Rota Wheels
Maxima
Motolite
Mancor Holdings Corporation
A-Toy Body Kits
Concept One
H&R Springs
Bilstein
Xenon Bulbs
Nitto Tires
Tuason Racing School
Thule
Campershell
Pirelli
Veloce
Dupont
Emperor Motorsports
Adidas
Eibach Springs
Of course, the Manila International Auto Show wouldn’t be complete without public debuts and sneak peek of new models. This year, MIAS played host to no less than 18 new cars:
Chrysler 300C SRT-8
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Coupe
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Veracruz
Isuzu IPV
Jaguar XK Coupe
Kia Carens
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Mazda MX-5 Retractable Hard Top
Mercedes-Benz Viano
Mitsubishi Endeavor
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi Pajero
Nissan Patrol Super Safari
Nissan Teana
Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Suzuki Alto
By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang and Jason Ang
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