THIS year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is going to run from two venues. Its original venue, the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), and the nearby SMX Convention Center. These venues are not separated not by a great distance, but possibly congested traffic.
But will MIAS 2024 expansion to a dual-venue format make it better?
The decision to expand MIAS into a dual-venue event stems from the show’s immense growth and the desire to provide an even more expansive experience for both exhibitors and attendees. With additional floor space across both the WTCMM and SMX Convention Center, more car brands can participate, showcasing their full range of vehicles alongside the latest in automotive technology and aftermarket innovations.
This move also offers greater convenience for visitors, allowing them to navigate through larger, less-crowded displays, enhancing their overall MIAS experience.
Let’s list the stats to further justify the dual venue move.
The MIAS 2023 attracted more than 149,000 visitors and featured more than 200 car displays.
With the theme: “Bridging the Future of the Automotive Industry” the organizers are revving up for an electrifying 2024 edition, promising a larger-than-ever showcase of the latest automotive innovations. The need for the added space comes with the almost doubling of brands coming into the country in the last six months.
Here are the brands who will display: BAIC, BAW, Bestune, Changan, Chery, Chevrolet, DAF, Dongfeng, Foton, GAC, GWM, Hongqi, Hyundai, Hycan, JAC, Jetour, JMC, Lynk & Co, Kinglong, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Omoda & Jaecoo, Peugeot, Seres, Subaru, Suzuki, and Weichai. It is co-presented by BPI Auto Loans and Shell, and supported by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and Petron.
The Chinese car brands alone have expanded twice over, and a larger offering of both internal combustion engine and electric motor driven cars have squeezed every inch of space at the WTCMM.
Also MIAS has been the show of choice for the release of new cars, more than the sanctioned Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) which happens every two years. This year MIAS will see the debut of Hyundai’s N Brand–the high-performance N division within the Philippines. The Elantra N is the headliner, but other N models could be unveiled as well.
Based on social media posts of MIAS2024, it is apparent that there will be strong focus on electrification. The expectation is almost all brands will showcase new EVs and hybrids, a trend mirroring the global automotive landscape. BYD, Chery, and others have already hinted at all-electric launches.
Then there will be new SUV and pickup debuts as these segments remain fiercely competitive in the Philippines. Expect new models and updates from major players like Mitsubishi, Toyota, Ford, and more.
Visitors get to check out the country’s finest show cars at the MIAS-Petron Custom Classic Car Competition. Participants vie for “Best of Show” by displaying their well-restored and highly-customized vehicles, and share some useful tips on how to set up your own dream show car.
It will also be the best marketplace to check out and test drive your dream car at the Test Drive Zone. And big trucks, off-road and camping rigs, to reliable commercial vans, can be seen and tested at the Truck Zone.
Ever present will be the breathtaking driving of British precision driver, Russ Swift, holder of three Guinness World Records – parallel parking in the tightest space, J-turn in the tightest space, and the fastest donuts–as he drives the latest Subarus at the Russ Swift Stunt Show.
