20th MIAS draws 170K visitors
Chinese brands dominate summer automotive spectacle
By Kap Maceda Aguila
ANOTHER YEAR, another MIAS (or Manila International Auto Show, of course); except that this year wasn’t any other year, but a milestone 20th staging for the annual summer spectacle. While last year had the SMX Convention Center as a second venue, this year’s staging confined MIAS to its usual haunt, the World Trade Center Metro Manila.
To accommodate the expected foot traffic, organizers saw it fit to reduce the booth sizes of the participants — particularly since there were no less than 29 car brands on display at the World Trade Center Main Hall. “Velocity” was there on opening day as people very early in the day flocked to the venue. Many of the participating brands are headquartered in China, while some of the usual marques weren’t in this year’s staging.
When the four-day automotive exhibition packed up, organizers said they had counted a visitor count of 170,900 — surpassing last year’s total by 8,900. The turnout was realized “despite several challenges surrounding the venue, such as roadworks causing vehicular traffic in the area.”
Aside from being a selling exhibit, MIAS has traditionally been a venue to test-drive vehicles, and auto loans partner BPI was on hand to provide special deals on car financing. Meanwhile, the MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition, sponsored by Petron, “featured some of the best restored and modified vehicles.” This and after-market brands helped to serve up a complete experience for automotive fans of all ages.
