Now Reading
Here’s a preview of what we should expect at the MIAS

Here’s a preview of what we should expect at the MIAS

Botchi Santos

Firstly, new cars.

MIAS stalwarts like Subaru are rumored to be unveiling the latest second generation BRZ sports car, along with a heavily refreshed Forester cross-over, the brand’s major volume seller in the Philippines. Executives from parent franchisee Motor Image Singapore will be in town to witness the said event, led no less by Motor Image big boss Glenn Tan, who has a soft spot for the Philippines.

Peugeot is also making a major relaunch after new distributors Astara (formerly known as Berge Auto) aim to make a massive splash with a revitalised made-in-Malaysia line-up led by the 5008 crossover, the smaller 3008 cross-over and the compact 2008, another cross-over in this cross-over and SUV crazy country of ours. These three will be Malaysian-made bringing prices to a more affordable and crucially more accessible level. It should also help make long-term after-sales servicing, parts sourcing and overall ownership prospects for consumers far easier.

American powerhouse brand Chevrolet, under the Covenant Car Company Inc will be unveiling the new Tahoe, alongside the Trailblazer and Camaro muscle car.

Not to be outdone, the Swedes over at Volvo will unveil their new for 2022 and beyond hybrid model range.

The Chinese car brands have slowly been reaching top-of-mind consciousness for many Filipino car buyers looking for affordable, value-packed and non-traditional automobiles, and MIAS has a reputation of being the show for the China-branded cars to make a big impact to the public.

MG will unveil the HS and MG5 Core Plus, Geely is keeping it all a surprise for their unveiling, GAC is previewing the Empow and GS8, Changgan is unveiling the new CS35 Plus. Other brands like Cherry and Foton are also keeping us in suspense as to what they will be unveiling at MIAS 2022.

The industry’s 3rd best player, Nissan Philippines Inc will showcase their latest E-Power Drivetrain technology, which forms part of Nissan’s overall electrification strategy and starting with the Nissan Leaf EV. E-Power is a self-charging system wherein an internal combustion engine acts as a generator to power up batteries which in turn propel the vehicle.

Mitsubishi will also publicly unveil the latest Xpander MPV, as the compact MPV segment is one booming sector in the industry.

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro

French tire maker Michelin will be unveiling a new flagship tire model, while another iconic French brand, lubricants and chemicals specialist Motul will have arguably the most impressive display yet with full-on GT race cars that include the Ferrari F488 GT3, the Mercedes-AMG SLS GT3 and a McLaren 570 GT4 Sprint race car form the stable of legendary tuners and race car builders Autoplus Sports Center. For the young and the young at heart, Danish toy-maker Lego will have a full-size Ferrari 512M sports prototype race car from the 1970’s on display at MIAS too.

See Also

Continuing with the toy-theme, the Diecast Car Collectors of the Philippines will have a massive die cast car display with themes ranging from Formula One race cars and the latest and most desirable exotic / sports car models.

Michelin will also be present, highlighting their full line-up of tires for both OEM and specialty aftermarket applications, while lifestyle luxury brand Porsche Design, purveyors of sleek and slick fashion and stylish accessories for both men and women will have a display to commemorate 50 years as a brand.

Lastly, MIAS stalwarts Wheel Gallery will be publicly launching the Method Racing Wheels for light trucks and SUV’s. Though the brand and its products were previously launched, it was all done online. This will be a chance for the public to get up close and personal with their product line-up.

Remember, this is but a sample of what you can see at MIAS 2022. New cars, lots of cool stuff, and a chance to meet friends whom we haven’t seen in over two years to hang out.

See you all starting Thursday until Sunday, April 7 to 10 at MIAS 2022 at the World Trade Centre in Pasay City.