The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) has already catered to 500,000 attendees since 2005, not to mention hosting nearly 200 participating companies from the automotive sectors, 500 exhibitors and 400 car display units in the show’s 30,000-square meter exhibit area.
Last year, the annual affair gathered about 110,000 spectators. Thus, the motoring event, by far, is deemed the biggest of its kind held every summer.
Now, the heat sets ablaze again as car enthusiasts are ready to horde the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City for the 13th installment of the event. In fact, organizers have even upped the ante as the show now extends to five indoor structures now covering over 34,000 square meters, stretching from the main hall of the said building and its East Wing Annex structure to two customized tent areas, and the Philippine Trade Training Center.
The main hall of WTC caters to the main car brands, while the lobby area houses the major sponsors and partners. Another new feature of the 2107 MIAS is the 3,000-square meter Truck Tent Pavilion showcasing the industry’s latest offering of commercial vehicle and truck brands.
For this year, a number of car brands are expected to unveil new models, such as The Chevrolet Spark, Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, Foton Gratour Mid Truck, Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Genesis G90 and Creta, Jeep Moparized Wrangler, Mazda MX-5 RF, CX-5 and CX-9, the all-new Subaru Impreza and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
With a theme “Beyond Performance”, MIAS aims to serve as a venue to highlight the various feats automakers have done to further enhance their vehicles to be able to deliver to the driver and passenger that exhilarating experience they so deserve.
In today’s fast-paced world, performance has, in fact, been a strong selling point for automotive brands. But, beyond performance, attributes like the car’s efficiency, safety, practicality and reliability must all go together with it. Carmakers have created an amazing synergy in their diverse models—from sports cars all the way to the SUVs, pickups and sedans.
Moreover with perennial spikes in fuel prices in particular, the vehicle’s fuel efficiency has been one of the major focus of improvement among automakers—spawning better electronics, exhaust systems, fuel delivery and drivetrain solutions. Similar to previous years, car-lovers from all walks of life (the young, the old and the young at heart) can expect a number of spectacles this year—from the heart-stopping stunt performances by the world’s best precision driver, Russ Swift to off-road test drives with simulated 4×4 obstacle courses to world-class customized tuner cars and highly collectible vintage and classic cars. Here, OEM and performance parts suppliers also get to showcase their latest offerings in the aftermarket area at the East Wing Annex building of the WTC.
The MIAS Petron Custom Classic Car Competition, meanwhile, aspires to honor some of the country’s finest car restoration and custom car shops. The Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), on the other hand, stages their annual Driver of the Year gala awards night, which distinguishes the country’s top drivers in various motorsport disciplines.
For hobbyist and collectors, a Diecast Collectors Philippines (DCPH) swap meet and viewing the DCPH special miniature diecast car exhibit can serve as entertainment. They can also join the RC (remote control) drift race event, Tamiya 4WD race event or even do some Driftbox go-karting with friends and family.
MIAS is also the venue wherein the Car Awards Group Inc. launches the Philippine Car and Truck of the Year and the first-ever inaugural awards for motorbikes, the Motorcycle of the Year- Ph (MOTY-P) as the group again embarks on a new journey of searching for the best vehicles this 2017.
Last year’s winners, the Honda Civic RS Turbo (Car of the Year) and Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4×2 LS AT pickup (Truck of the Year), respectively, also got recognized as the two vehicles are displayed at the entrance area of the World Trade Center.
While MIAS presentor BPI Family Auto Loans also once again offers quick and easy loan processing during the four days of MIAS.
This sizzling show runs from March 30 to April 2 from 10 am to 10 pm.