The times are upon us.
All around the world, the shows that would draw us are coming alive, and much appreciated.
This week marks the opening of the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) for those in this part of the world. How important are these shows for all of us anyway?
In terms of excitement, very. The last few weeks saw globally important shows like the New York Auto Show for the automotive industry, and Watches And Wonders for the watch and jewelry industries. What did these shows tell us about the current state of the world?
For one thing, people really appreciate being able to see, feel and hear what they want to spend their money on. Or even just dream about. With all the opinions being given about what is basically just seen on screen, there is a huge snap back to being physically able to see something. The curve of a car, the light playing on a watch dial. Being able to feel the excitement is a big deal, as well.
What is exciting nowadays? The car industry is facing big change, in many ways. Electrification continues to be a dominant discussion point, with cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 taking three different awards at the World Car Of The Year Awards physically held just last week at the New York Auto Show. That an all-electric car can take three separate awards, World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design Of The Year, as well as the Overall World Car Of The Year, makes it clear that there is much to still talk about and learn. The fact that such award-winning cars are more accessible in our market than ever (last years winner the Ioniq 5 is in the market now) is also a welcome improvement in the state of local affairs.
The theme for MIAS this year is “Shaping Mobility,” with the latter word being everyone’s byword lately almost to the point of overuse. Yet it is used because the focus is more on what is accomplished as opposed to what is purchased. In many countries there are really not that many cars purchased by an end user, rather they are leased or even effectively time-shared. In the last physically-held Tokyo Motor Show, there were whole floors devoted to mobility for those that will not drive. Indeed, many parents, myself included, are thankful that their kids show an interest in driving.
But we as enthusiasts, see driving as part of the experience and not just the means to an end or a destination. So you have different parts of a population for which there will be different answers. The Philippines has just passed regulation that will allow those that love old cars to better keep their old cars, which is great. But at the same time, has made it more financially positive to use propulsion other than fossil fuel, which is also great, even if still a point of argument, because we don’t exactly have the world’s cleanest electric production systems.
So what do we expect to see at MIAS this year? Diversity on many levels and in different directions. Solutions and options that meet the increasingly different requests and requirements of today’s community. But more than that, we are happy to be immersed once again in the levels of passion, discussion and excitement that we know and love, and that people have come to expect.
