The Cars are the Stars: New Model Debuts at the Manila International Auto Show

The Manila International Auto Show has served as an effective platform for the launch of new vehicle models, particularly with its press day immediately following the opening ceremonies. Regularly held at the World Trade Center, it has upsized and grown to over 23,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor exhibit space and 28 automotive and motorcycle brands, creating unparalleled excitement only an international grade auto show can provide. This year, aside from the World Trade exhibition hall and lobby of 10,000m2 and the 3,000m2 East Wing annex building and some 6,000m2 of outdoor exhibit and stunt performance area, MIAS has added some 4,000m2 of exhibition floor space at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) building. The combined outdoor and indoor exhibition floor area of 23,000 m2 continues to make MIAS the country’s biggest annual motoring event.

To make the event more relevant to the buying public, MIAS is presented by BPI Family Auto Loans, which will hold promos and onsite approval to allow buyers to make their purchase right on the show floor. Known for its “Auto Madness” campaigns, BPI Family will extend special financial packages with easy financing plans and various financing options.

This year, MIAS plays host to no less than 17 new car launches, from alternative-propulsion minicars to large, luxury SUVs. Here is a rundown of some of the new cars that will be introduced at MIAS:

Audi A8
The Audi A8 embodies all of the company’s key technologies in one ultra-luxury sedan. It is built on an aluminum Audi Space Frame chassis, allowing it to be the lightest all wheel-drive in its class. The weight reduction also benefits fuel economy. The A8 also has the signature Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which aids traction and cornering. The A8 will be powered by a 4.2-liter V8. Safety features such as full LED headlamps with varying modes for cornering, highway, intersection, city and country modes, will be available.

Chery Electric Vehicles
Making a comeback is Chery cars, now under a new exclusive distributor, Chery Motors Philippines. Chery is showcasing two electric vehicles at MIAS, the S18EV and S11EV. They are the electric versions of the Chery M1 and QQ3 models launched at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. The innovative cars use lithium ion phosphate batteries to give them a range of 150 km, and go at speeds up to 120 km/h. The electric vehicles can charge in 4 to 6 hours, with an optional quick charger that allows charging up to 85% capacity in just half and hour. These vehicles will be for test market purposes and are expected to generate a lot of interest.

Chevrolet Cruze Diesel and 2011 Cruze PHTC racecar
As a strong entrant in the compact car category, taking the COTY category award, the Cruze builds on its strengths by introducing a diesel variant. Expected to be more fuel efficient and yet as fun to drive as its gasoline counterpart, the Cruze is equipped with a 2.0-liter diesel paired with a six-speed automatic. The Cruze is part of the resurgence of the Chevrolet brand under new distributor The Covenant Car Company Inc. Chevrolet celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.Also on display will be the Philippine Touring Car racing version of the Cruze.

Chevrolet Orlando and Traverse
Chevrolet will dramatically increase the breadth of its lineup by also introducing two new MPVs at MIAS. First is the European-developed Orlando compact MPV. Built on the formidable Cruze chassis, the Orlando seats seven in comfortable theater-style seating arrangement. The Traverse is an eight-seater large SUV built in the American style, with a V6 engine powering the vehicle.

Mr. Martin Apfel, President of General Motors South East Asia has confirmed his participation in unveiling the new cars.

Ford Fiesta
Ford Group Philippines will display its full lineup in its 1000 square meter exhibition space, the biggest single brand display this year. Speculation is that Ford may introduce a racing version of its hot-selling Fiesta subcompact. The Fiesta is already proving to be a fun and desirable car, regardless of vehicle class. There will be several other Ford icons on display around MIAS, including new and classic Mustangs.

Foton Custom View Van
Foton Philippines, a rapidly ascending upstart in the commercial vehicle market, has partnered with Atoy Llave of Atoy Bodykits to offer a customized version of the bestselling View Van model. The View Van is powered by a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine with common-rain injection. Foton envisions the customized View Van to cater to corporate clients as well as celebrities who wish something unique.

Geely Panda and Emgrand EC718
Geely will have a re-launch on MIAS opening day, under a new distributor called Auto China. At the Geely stand will be a Panda mini-car and Emgrand EC718 sedan. The Panda has attained a 5-star C-NCAP (China-New Car Assessment Program) safety rating. The Emgrand uses a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with 137 hp and a five-speed manual gearbox.

Hyundai Elantra
After the success of the Tucson, Sonata, and Accent, Hyundai carries its “Fluidic Sculpture” design to another potential bestseller, the all-new Elantra. The compact car is expected to set the benchmark in design, safety and fuel efficiency, with a low drag coefficient of 0.28

Elantra will carry a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 148 hp and dual variable valve technology. The engine will be paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The new car is expected to be exceptionally fuel efficient.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
From its roots as a military vehicle, Jeep has evolved into a premium SUV brand while still retaining its all-terrain prowess. The all-new flagship model will be displayed at MIAS—the Grand Cherokee. The Cherokee seats eight in supreme comfort, while still allowing the vehicle to have extensive capability off-road thanks to its air suspension system and four-wheel drive system with two-speed transfer case. CATS Motors is the distributor of Jeep in the Philippines.

MINI Countryman
The Mini goes larger with the new Countryman SUV. The brand extends to a larger segment, complete with four doors, higher ground clearance and even four-wheel drive. The Countryman is Mini’s largest model to date, being nearly 350mm longer than the Mini hatchback. It breaches the four-meter mark, at 4097 mm length, while being 154mm taller. The interior will still be trademark Mini, as will the engine packages, including the turbocharged version.

Porsche Cayenne diesel
The Porsche Cayenne has expanded the brand by leaps and bounds to a whole new market. Adding to the appeal is the new diesel version, to be launched at MIAS. The Cayenne diesel will be powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, with 240 hp and 550 Nm. Consumption is quoted at 10.75 km/liter.

Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester, with an all-new engine will debut at MIAS. The new engine is expected to provide better fuel economy while retaining the performance that the Forester is known for. Motor Image Group President Glen Tan will launch the new vehicle.

Another guest will be flying in as well: Subaru’s Imprezas will once again be handled by precision driver Russ Swift at MIAS.

Volvo V60 and S60
Volvo’s S60 has been one of the breakthrough models for the Swedish brand, and now comes the estate or wagon version, the V60. The V60 will be powered by a choice of engines, with the most powerful T6 version. Volvo will also display an S60 powered by a powerful but efficient 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.