After a two-year hiatus, the 16th running of the Manila International Auto Show, the country’s largest automotive trade show, is poised for a comeback to wow show-goers and industry members alike.
At its peak in 2019, MIAS, as the event is fondly called, drew over 142,000 visitors covering an area of 33,000 square meters, displaying 400 cars, trucks and motorcycles. Two hundred automotive, aftermarket, OEM and downstream firms came to participate, with guests flying in from all over the region. It was an opportunity to showcase the best that the Philippines had to offer in a highly competitive regional setting.
But for the car fans, MIAS meant other things. It officially kicked off summer, and was the first and major summer car show that would be followed by a series of other smaller, less formal car shows throughout the warm season. MIAS was an opportunity to bond with the family and google at the latest concept cars, check out the hottest deals and even try out a wide variety cars side by side in one single venue, helping car shoppers make better, more informed decisions on what car to buy next. And since MIAS is a big event, car companies, along with aftermarket and accessories retailers usually give hefty discounts and amazing deals, enticing people to visit the show proper to avail of great finds at equally unbeatable prices and promos. You also have banks and financing institutions offering the best financing deals, and insurance companies offering equally impressive rates.
MIAS is unique such that despite being a trade show, is a very interactive activity mixed with a good dose of marketing and selling activities. Of course, for the die-hard car enthusiast, there is also the Custom and Classic Car Competition held in conjunction with MIAS where the best of Metro Manila’s fast set could display their pride and joy and vie for trophies and prizes. Car fans too young to legally drive can also enjoy the die-cast / scale model car display, which often attracts kids trapped in adult bodies too!
And for entertainment, live performance, and the unique Russ Swift Show presented by Motor Image-Subaru are a real treat to all fans. Through these events, I’ve personally become friends with Russ Swift and his partner Chris, having had the pleasure of seeing Russ perform countless times here in the Philippines as well as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. And it’s true when I say that Russ loves performing in the Philippines the most, as the crowds are the friendliest, most enthusiastic and most excitable in the region, according to both Russ and Chris. Plus, they truly feel like they are very welcome and very cherished family members in the Philippines unlike other countries where they feel like paid performers. A testament to the warmth and friendliness of the Filipino people! Did I mention that I have unwittingly been part of Russ’ performances at MIAS as a passenger in his stunt cars? Now that is a truly an unforgettable experience.
But the best part about MIAS is meeting people. The pandemic robbed us of the opportunity to meet and interact with friends, meet new people, experience new things with both new and old faces, to learn more to expand our knowledge, to meet our readers and gain precious feedback and insight to the voice of the local automotive market, learn about the plans and general direction of the industry. It robbed us all of having a generally good time to just ‘’hang-out” and enjoy the moment, which is a real crying shame.
So what can we expect from MIAS this year? A slightly smaller display area, slightly less interactivity due to health and safety protocols, but still the same thrill and excitement we all get. Brands like Subaru, Chery, Changan and Peugeot will be launching new models for 2022 and beyond, while other brands will be displaying their full model line-up for everyone to see and admire. Just seeing all new cars up close is exciting and worth going to!
So mark your calendars for April 7-10 (Thursday to Sunday) at the permanent home of MIAS, the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City and see you then. Just as I am recovering from my recent physical ailments, the MIAS is a great indicator that the local automotive industry is slowly but surely recovering from the effects of the pandemic that has plagued the entire world for over two years.
