MIAS wows ‘em car lovers

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) kicked off last Thursday at the World Trade Center and Philippine Trade Center in Pasay City, amid searing heat that appropriately matched the excitement that welcomed the “country’s biggest driving and motoring event.” Staged by Worldbex Services International, the ninth edition of the MIAS showcased more than 300 new, vintage, classic, and exotic cars. Since its inception in 2005, the event has attracted more than 500,000 car lovers of all ages. MIAS 2013 broke previous years’ records with an attendance of 96,000—up from 88,000 last year.

The first brand on the clock was Ford, which unveiled its much anticipated Ranger Wildtrak pickup. Ford Philippines president Randy Krieger revealed robust, record-breaking sales numbers—culminating in a 91-percent first quarter jump or 2,685 units. Expanding the Ranger lineup from three to 10 (three of which are Wildtraks) is seen to continue the great sales performance of Ford’s pickup—which sold over 2,000 a few months into its launch.

At the MIAS, Ford also showed a foretaste of the all-new Fiesta, slated for release within the year.

No less than Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL) executive director Glenn Tan was on hand to unveil the all-new Subaru Forester at the MIAS. TCIL (through Motor Image) is responsible for a wide swath of distribution across Asia for the Subaru brand.

“It’s always been our main model,” said Tan of the Forester. The SUV now wields more bells, whistles, and CVT punch. A new-generation Boxer engine promises 25 more horses over the previous model. The higher end 2.0XT is turbocharged and direct-injected—to the tune of 250hp.

“We expect to double last year’s target,” Tan continued, and assured the public of available stock despite the fact that a whopping 200-plus units were reserved even before launch. Motor Image Pilipinas general manager Mike Luyun revealed that they expect to sell as many as 300 Foresters—all CBUs from Japan—in a month.

Mini adds to its local portfolio with the Paceman, a so-called “sports activity coupé” for the premium small compact segment. Two doors, large tailgate, and two full-size individual rear seats marks this seventh model in the Mini family. 

For entrepreneurs, the Piaggio Apé is an economical, highly customizable conveyance alternative in aid of business. The three-wheeled wonder comes in four configurations for most needs or functions. There’s the drive-away chassis (P190,000), pickup (P210,000), delivery van (P240,000), and passenger (P190,000). Distributed by AutoItalia, the Apé features a 435-cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, direct-injection, four-stroke engine.

The frugal engine can muster up to 36 km/li. With a tank capacity of 10.5 liters, the three-wheeler can go a maximum of 380 kilometers between fillings.

AutoItalia boasts that the Apé can run on primary and secondary roads, is exempt from number coding, and is a green vehicle. Aside from the four base variants, it is highly customizable for specific purposes.

The reinvigorated, retooled Chery organization is back with a vengeance—heralding its return by making waves at MIAS with the launch of six models.

Aside from displays from car manufacturers, the MIAS also hosted various events, such as the Car of the Year Awards by the Car Awards Group, Inc., and a highly entertaining series of stunt driving sessions starring the world-famous record holder of precision driving, Russ Swift. His awe-inspiring stunts behind the wheel of Subarus (including the BRZ) entertained an enthralled crowd who braved the heat outside confines of the air-conditioned exhibit venue.

All told, MIAS offered something for everyone who loves the sight, sound, and even touch of beautiful cars.