9th MIAS promises to spring surprises

THE FORD Wildtrack

JEEP Wrangler Moab

The country’s biggest automotive event is set to open its doors Thursday at the World Trade Center and Philippine Trade Center in Pasay City, treating enthusiasts and guests to a four-day spectacle of new model debuts, driving exhibitions as well as car awards and competitions.

The Manila International Auto Show, now on its ninth year, is the biggest annual motoring event in the country and will run until Sunday, April 7.

Worldbex Services International, the organizer of the event, announced that with a larger floor area, this year’s edition of the MIAS promises to be its biggest showing yet, with over 300 cars on display, including new and never-before-seen car models in the market as well as classic, vintage and exotic cars.

Leading new model launches is Ford Philippines as it is scheduled to debut the all-new Ranger Wildtrak pickup truck while Mazda is set to launch the all-new Mazda6 executive sedan.

PEUGEOT RCZ

Subaru treat

Subaru will launch its all-new Forester SUV that features a new fuel-saving turbocharged engine technology and an all-wheel drive system. The company will again bring in UK precision driver and Guinness record holder Russ Swift returns for a thrilling exhibition of precision driving behind the wheel of the new Subaru BRZ sports car.

Not to be outdone, CATS Motors will introduce the new JEEP Wrangler Moab and for the first time. Iconic motorcycle brand Harley Davidson will showcase its latest motorbikes while Kia is set to feature a preview of the all-new Carens MPV.

RUSS Swift

French brand Peugeot will highlight their diesel technology and its face-lifted RCZ sports car.

Also in tomorrow’s MIAS opening, Tuason Racing teams up with BMW to launch the Tuason Racing driver experience featuring M-powered BMW cars.  Other debut brands in MIAS include JMC, MAN as well as Chinese car brand Chery.

Winners to be announced

During the MIAS, winners of the Petron-MIAS Classic and Custom Car Competition will be announced as well as a photo contest and exhibit including celebrity driver appearances.

MIAS, in cooperation with Car Awards Group Inc. (Cagi), will be hosting the “Car of the Year Awards” gala evening tomorrow.

The Automobile Association of the Philippines will also hold its “Driver of the Year” awards night on April 5 wherein AAP iwill honor the top race drivers of the year.

The 18th Annual Motor Sports Awards Night will be held at the Philippine Trade Training Center. As a member of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the Paris-based organization that governs all four-wheel motor sports worldwide, AAP is the only auto club authorized to organize, supervise and sanction four-wheel motor sport events in the Philippines.

KIA Carens

Visitors can also avail of special deals on current car models and accessories as well as exciting financing deals through BPI Autoloans, the event’s official auto loan partner.

With more than 88,000 visitors last year, MIAS organisers decided to expand its exhibition and activity area. For this year, the World Trade exhibition hall and lobby will offer an exhibition floor space of over 10,000 sq.m and an additional 4,000 sq.m annex building (east wing tent) and some 6,000 sq.m of outdoor exhibit, test drive and stunt performance areas.

In addition, MIAS extends to the Philippine Trade Training Center building that offers another exhibition floor space of 4,000 sq.m plus another 3,000 sq.m of air conditioned tent connecting the PTTC and WTC east wing tent hall specially installed for the show.