2011’s shows were a sign of strength despite some challenges

Bangkok International Motor Show

March 25–April 5, 2011 at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani (60,000 sqm)

Thailand has been carving out an enviably viable position for itself in the automotive world, first as a producer of compact “one-ton” pickups and now as a center for “eco-car” production. In 2011, this was borne out by its having no less than a world debut for a pickup truck. General Motors chose Bangkok as a venue to unveil its Chevrolet Colorado. The Colorado, in “Show Truck” close-to-production concept guise, was a massive leap in size and style, from the previous truck that was a shared development with Isuzu. The new Colorado is a Chevrolet designed and developed product, including its drivetrain. To highlight the Colorado’s truck heritage, Chevrolet also assembled an array of historical pickup trucks, from the General’s own collection to the prized possessions of Thai enthusiasts. Not to be outdone was archrival Ford Motor Co. Just across the massive Impact Challenger exhibition hall, Ford was showing off its pickup contender, the Ranger. The two trucks entered production later in the year, setting the stage for another massive battle royale.

Manila International Auto Show

April 7-10, 2011 at the World Trade Center main hall, tent annex, and outdoor areas; and Philippine Trade Training Center (23,000 sqm)

Some 85,000 visitors trekked to the Manila International Auto Show during the four-day event in April. On display were over 400 cars of various makes and sizes, from on-road to off-road and even amphibious crafts like the CROC [Coastal Riverine Overland Craft] manufactured and designed in PH by experts in military-type vehicles.

A total of 16 cars were introduced during the show—Audi A8L; Chery QQ electric vehicle; Chevrolet Orlando, Cruze Diesel, Traverse and Cruze Philippine Touring Car with new livery; Foton Custom View Van; Geely Emgrand and Panda; Hyundai Elantra; Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet; Mini Countryman; Porsche 911 GTS; Subaru Forester; Volvo S60 T4 and Volvo V60. Nine companies had launches and presentations during the opening day.

Industry executives stayed on for the awarding of the 2010-2011 Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-P) Awards, given out by the Car Awards Group Inc. Top honors went to the Chevrolet Cruze 1.8, with GM Southeast Asia president Martin Apfel and The Covenant Car Company Inc. president Albert Arcilla receiving the trophy. The COTY-P and category winners were on prominent disply at MIAS for the duration of the show.

Catering to the aftermarket were the 86 custom and classic cars displayed and competing the 2011 MIAS Custom Classic Car Competition at the Philippine Trade Training Center.

Due to the potential for overcrowding, the entrance doors of the World Trade Center (WTC) were temporarily closed during the last day of the MIAS upon the instructions of the WTC to ensure safe crowd control—reportedly the first for an auto show at the WTC.

Tokyo Motor Show

Dec. 2-11, 2011, at Tokyo Big Sight (35,151 sqm)

After the unprecedented challenges of the Tokyo earthquake, the Bangkok flood, and the strong yen (in the words of Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn himself), the Tokyo Motor Show proved that the Japanese car industry continues to be alive, kicking and innovative.

Nissan was all about electric vehicles at Tokyo, showing off its Pivo ultra-compact three-seater concept, Esflow sports car concept, Townpod commuter concept and the Leaf production car. The Leaf, touted as the world’s first mass-produced affordable electric vehicle, was also shown in an intriguing Nismo touring-car racing concept. Nissan showed how a concept house could be powered by the energy in an electric car, while the car is not in use.

Toyota, too, showed off some eco-vehicles, while declaring that its cars will be “Fun to Drive, Again,” with the help of the unlikely tandem of Doraemon and Jean Reno. The Japanese carmaker whipped out its Fun-vii electric concept, able to display external wallpaper like a car-sized mobile game console. As for the fun to drive element, the GT-86, a rear-wheel drive sports car co-developed with Subaru, seems to fit the bill. Hybrids like the plug-in Prius and Aqua compact hatchback also had a strong presence.

Mitsubishi Motors heralded the return of the Mirage subcompact. The diminutive hatchback may be poised for a return to the Philippines, as a hatchback capable of up to 30 km/liter.

Shanghai Auto Show

April 21-28, 2011, at Shanghai New International Expo Center (205,000 sqm)

The 14th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2011) grew by 35 percent compared to the last one held in 2009. The show’s theme, tagged as “Innovation for Tomorrow,” had its sights toward alternative energy vehicles in light of the recent volatile oil economy. With a dozen vehicles on display in its massive outdoor and indoor pavilion exhibits, Foton, China’s biggest producer of commercial vehicles showcased five vehicle variants in the new-energy category, making it the largest new-energy automobile exhibition this year. By the year 2020, it has been estimated that the total production of new-energy automobiles in China will reach 5 million units. This included its Euro-V pure electric passenger bus, Auman electric sanitary vehicle, Aukark electric sanitary vehicle, MIDI electric vehicle, and Euro-V mixed power passenger bus. Foton’s Euro-V mixed power passenger buses have begun running on public transport routes, with close to 1,000 units servicing various routes of Beijing.

It was a prolific year for Shanghai, which had over 60 premieres including the next-generation VW Beetle, Audi’s Q3, BMW’s concept M-5, 6-series coupe and its 5-series hybrid built specially for the China market, Porsche’s Panamera Turbo S and Ferrari’s Asia Pacific premiere of its FF model among other debuts. With over 2,000 vehicle makers from 20 countries on display, Auto Shanghai has become one of the most significant auto shows in the region. The show grew by about 35 percent in size compared to the last one held in 2009 and was the largest since it started in 1985. The show alternates with Beijing and conducts its show every other year.

Manila Auto Salon

Nov. 24-27, 2011, at SMX, Mall of Asia (7,500 sqm)

The Manila Auto Salon is an auto show that promotes a culture of Filipino pride in automotive craftsmanship and ingenuity, where most, if not all, of its exhibitors are product and service providers for the automotive aftermarket industry. Known for its custom car competitions that showcases some of the wildest and most outlandish creations by the country’s top customizers, over a hundred cars and trucks were on display last year. Big names like Atoy Customs paraded their tuner drift cars and custom vans including a customized Hyundai Genesis drift car with an elaborate body kit and fitted with a plethora of aftermarket parts. Considered as a sneak-peek and soft launch of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe drift car, Atoy Llave, 2010 rookie drift race car driver of the year, said he will use this car for this year’s drift competition. This car won two categories—Best in Bodykit and Best Sports Coupe divisions.

One interesting trending is the proliferation of customized 4×4 SUVs and pick up trucks, while there were other notable exotics on display that included a stylized Lamborghini from the Mother’s display booth as well as high performance cars on display at the Wheel Gallery booth showcasing a Mercedes Benz SL, Porsche 911 Turbo and a highly customized all-aluminium 1966 Ford Mustang fastback that has been fitted out with Concept One wheels and a racing Nissan turbo engine. The customized classic Mustang won the Best Extreme Custom car and is probably the only all-aluminium custom body fastback Mustang that is known to exist and all bodywork is proudly crafted locally. Wheel Gallery also launched three new brands during the show—BBS, Carlsson and Kelleners Sport, considered as premium aftermarket wheel brands for European cars.

Thailand International Motor Expo

Dec. 1-12, 2011, at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani (60,000 sqm)

Dubbed as the 28th Thailand International Motor Expo, the show lowered its sales forecast to about 25,000 cars in its 12-day selling show from its previous target of 30,000 orders due to the devastating flood that plagued Bangkok and its outskirts. Last year’s motor expo witnessed orders for 30,000 cars and visitor traffic went down to about 1.3 million visitors, down from 1.5 million last year. Over 40 brands took part in the event and one of the most significant launches was staged by Motor Image with the regional debut of Subaru’s XV crossover vehicle. Motor Image is the distributor of Subaru in the Asean region. With its debut of the sexy sports coupe BRZ in Tokyo and the introduction of the XV for 2012, things look bright for the niche Japanese brand. Motor Image popularized the Subaru brand by using Guinness Record holder Russ Swift as the brand endorser and stunt performer in major auto shows globally. Russ Swift made another appearance in the Thailand Motor Expo last month and was the guest of honor during the regional launch of the XV as he performed his record-breaking stunt maneuvers that never fail to impress the crowd.

Nissan took the most number of orders with 4,711 bookings, with a 17.4-percent share while major rival Toyota did not take any orders during the show. Pickup trucks were the hottest products, with bookings rising by 10 percent from last year’s fair. The all-new Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger, as well as the new Isuzu D-max, were hot items as these cars are expected to perform well for this year, since buyers think they will be practical alternatives to Bangkok’s flood-prone streets. A total of 27,021 vehicles were booked, 8.1 percent above the target of 25,000. The show generated a total of 29.5 billion baht in revenue, including sales for used vehicles and car accessories.

After Nissan, Mazda sold 4,523 units for a 16.7-percent share, Ford sold 3,495 units, or 12.9-percent share, Isuzu sold 3,323 units, or 12.3-percent share, and Mitsubishi sold 3,246 units, or 12-percent share. Toyota was reportedly hesitant to book orders since it was not sure of its supply situation due to its production problems brought about by the recent calamities. A number of carmakers also offered special deals for car repair and services to help the flood victims’ damaged vehicles. As of date, Honda’s Ayutthaya factories remain closed, did take orders but informed its buyers during the show that a delivery date could not be given. Luxury brands like BMW sold 439 units while Mercedes-Benz sold 385 orders.