Whether you are looking to buy a new car, curious to know future possibilities or simply an enthusiast entranced by the sleek lines and muted purrs of well-crafted machines, you may want to head to the 2023 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) to keep abreast of the latest creations and what’s in the horizon in the industry.
The 18th staging of the annual MIAS, the most anticipated motoring and driving event in the country, will be held Apr. 13-16 at the World Trade Center in Pasay Cty.
As in years past, the four-day fully face-to-face event will be an impressive and extensive showcase of the automotive industry’s state-of-the-art, both in design and technology, products that combine beauty, brain and brawn.
This year’s theme is “Shaping Mobility”, as MIAS acknowledges that people are becoming more conscious of protecting the environment and adopting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Jill Ang, who has taken over from her father Joseph Ang as managing director of Worldbex Services, Inc. (WSI), explains the theme: “We are at a point where car companies are shifting to more sustainable modes of transportation, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in the field of driver aids and safety.”
With electric and hybrid vehicles carving a fast growing niche in the industry, Ang says, “We have several brands that will introduce their EVs (electric vehicles) and hybrid models because that is the road to the future.”
In addition to what promises to be an impressive and thrilling display of actual automobiles and concept designs, MIAS visitors can expect to watch and/or participate in thrilling automotive events that have helped draw hundreds of thousands of people to the exciting show since its inception in 2005.
Ang says, “Being the (Philippines’) premier international auto and biggest annual motoring event . . . for almost two decades, MIAS has been the go-to platform and venue (for) car companies to stage their public debuts and launch new model cars.”
She adds, “Sometimes (they even use the event to) showcase concept vehicles. In some cases, some companies provide sneak previews of up-and-coming vehicles that will be formally launched in half a year or so (to) gauge public reactions and responses. These give them actual market insights.”
Last year, when the country had almost fully shed remaining vestiges of the corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and MIAS was face-to face again,
most car companies, while keeping actual sales figures secret, reported that sales leads and actual vehicle sales resulting from the 2022 show “outpaced pre-pandemic years”.
This very positive result was achieved despite a drop in attendance because seniors and children were discouraged from visiting some exhibits. “Our 2019 visitor count was over 142,000 while in 2022 was 120,000,” Ang says, a clear result of the restrictions.
While things are now almost back to normal, Ang says they wll still observe some health protocols during the 2023 MIAS, including the wearing of masks, especially during pre-event exhibition setup and particularly among show
crew and exhibitor staffs. Disinfection activities will be held regularly and personnel onsite will be constantly monitored to reduce risks of Covid-19 infection.
Ang credits positive reviews from MIAS visitors for its going from strength to strength through its 18 years of existence. The show’s success, she says, owes much to good visitor experience shared by word-of-mouth or on social media.
WSI ensures that visitors have a memorable and exciting visit not just through the impressive display of motor vehicles. “We carefully curate our exhibit portfolio to ensure it covers a wide spectrum of interest groups within and outside of the automotive market. Exhibitors create buying opportunities by giving promos exclusively available in MIAS,” Ang says.
While prospective car buyers may be drawn by the display of new models
from different brands, the latest in accessories and aftermarket options, MIAS stages carefully selected competition shows, classic and customized show cars for enthusiasts.
“We also have something for the young and young-at-heart like the miniature die-cast car collections on display. For entertainment, the Subaru Russ Swift stunt has always been a hit, dazzling and exciting fans and families,” she adds.
Ang is optimistic that, as the threat of Covid-19 continues to recede, MIAS will equal, even surpass, the record attendance in 2019 not only because of a more relaxed exhibition environment but she believes the demand for new vehicles has built up.
Rise in sales was actually expected last year, but unavoidable snags in the supply chain, including logistics and chip shortages, supply could not meet the demand. But this year, Ang says production has largely normalized and “we see that this demand will be a big factor in visitor turnout and improved sales for our exhibitors”.
The Covid-19 pandemic prompted WSI to diversify its focus to adapt to lifestyle changes. With people more eager to reap the benefits of the outdoors, they are doing more road trips. In response, Ang says, “This year, (as) our visitors check out the new SUV (sport utility vehicle), minivans and pickup trucks, we will highlight aftermarket products like camping equipment and fully customized leisure camper vans (to reach a broader) market of leisure travelers.”
MIAS will also call attention to the growing demand for delivery vehicles because of the massive growth in e-commerce and other online shopping platforms. Several exhibitors will be promoting commercial vehicles of all types as well. “The pandemic has created some opportunities for our exhibitors and MIAS would be the perfect platform to (take advantage of these),” Ang says.
For car manufacturers and dealers, MIAS is a chance to engage prospective buyers and provide more in-depth information on their products.
Ang says the Filipino car buyer is much more informed as car brands are making information more accessible and traditional and new media are actively reviewing all models available in the market. But buyers are also looking for validation of the information they have by seeing the actual vehicle.
MIAS provides the perfect venue for an all-in-one-roof consumer experience. People can see their favorite models and get to test drive them to help them make a decision.
This year, over 100 companies will participate in MIAS and over 200 vehicles, including brand new ones, will be on display. Customized and classic cars are vying for the prestigious MIAS Petron Custom Classic Car Competition that will recognize the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Filipino.
MAIN PHOTO: Senator JV Ejercito joins Worldbex Services, Inc. founder Joseph Ang and other VIPs at the ceremonial plug-in of the MIAS 2023 at World Trade Center yesterday.
