One of the benefits of being a motoring journalist is not only getting first dibs at beholding the exhibits at the annual summer tradition that is the Manila International Auto Show (more commonly known by its acronym MIAS) but in, perhaps more importantly, witnessing the opening program attended by auto industry bigwigs and public officials. Over the years, organizers have regularly designated public officials – whether elected or appointed – as guests of honor, effectively affording a chance for sector outsiders to weigh in on the merits and faults of the business.
The 13th edition of MIAS featured one of the more popular (i.e., beloved/hated) personalities of the Duterte administration, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairman and General Manager Thomas “Tim” Muñoz Orbos.
At the outset, Orbos made it clear he wasn’t going to kowtow to anyone as he tempered his statement of support for MIAS. “Had I been in the private sector, I would really look forward to coming over here… (I love cars), and this is the most prestigious event here in the Philippines,” he said. “Unfortunately, I am even the one tasked to take care of traffic.”
Orbos continued to explain his sentiment: “It’s good and bad, I feel I have mixed emotions about coming here. But then I said to myself, let’s be happy about our situation right now – 400,000 vehicles last year, who knows we might hit 500,000 this year. That’s a good sign for our country… a good sign that we’re developing, our economy’s growing, and therefore rather than see it as a problem, I see it as a part of the solution.”
I can commiserate with the MMDA head. It’s always easy to blame what is immediately obvious and observable. Check out the preponderance of new (or more recent) vehicles. You can drive away in one for a song. But to try to curtail the industry for growth is like killing the goose that lays the golden egg.
To be fair, Orbos sees the bigger picture – that the need for private transportation alleviates the constant pain of commuting. “The public transport system that we need is not yet there. It’s coming… but in the meantime, we need to address our requirements,” he acknowledged, and continued: “What I want to convey as my message to your industry is really this: Tulungan niyo po kami (help us). Be part of the solution. Go beyond your sales; go beyond your customers.”
The MMDA then challenged the industry to “have a discipline campaign... Instill in your customers, the future drivers, the future (causes of congestion) in Metro Manila to be disciplined… for the longest time, that has been something we’ve lacked.”
That said, MIAS beckoned as a celebration of the best of Philippine motoring. It regales in how far we’ve gone in terms of a richer buffet of automobile brands and models, and gives a deeper appreciation of the growth registered by attached industries such as aftermarket products and services.
First held in 2005 with “only” 6,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space and 3,000 of outdoor room, the MIAS has steadily “grown in size and in visitor count over the years.” Last year, organizers reported 110,000 visitors. This year, that figure is up 16 percent to 128,000 – the highest attendance ever.
“Clearly, there is a clamor for a bigger venue,” shared Worldbex Services International managing director Jill Ang exclusively to The STAR. “For now, we added another 3,000 square of floor space by installing a tented covered court adjacent to World Trade Center’s west wing that housed the Truck Pavilion. This year’s MIAS was particularly challenging because there was an added pressure to ensure our latest product, the Truck Pavilion which houses our large trucks and commercial vehicle lineup was well presented and would generate sales leads and actual buyers to for our visitors… We also added a premium motorcycle section so we had to make sure the exhibits are properly curated and organized. We will develop these two zones further in the coming years.”
With my missus in tow last weekend, I went back the World Trade Center to check out MIAS anew. With that, I present eight of the more popular new cars based – unscientifically based on the number of people crowding around them at the time we were there. Do you agree with this list (in no particular order)?
Honda Civic Type R
Did I say in no particular order? Well, this first car deserves to be top because it attracts the most selfie-seekers and photographers at MIAS. “As of now, we are still studying if we can bring the Civic Type R here. Its presence in the MIAS was to test the waters,” said Honda Car Philippines supervising head for brand/PR and activations Lyka-Mae de la Cruz to The STAR.
Hyundai Creta
Breaking the sub-P1 million barrier, this 1.6-liter crossover from the Korean carmaker is making waves and earning more than a second look from MIAS goers.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
The most powerful muscle car outmuscles everything in its path with (gasp) 707 horses. Of course, it deserves acclaim and attention.
Mazda MX-5 RF
Almost Matchbox (or Hot Wheels, if you prefer) in form and gait, the MX-5 RF is the “hardtop version of the fourth-generation MX-5.” The RF stands for “retractable” (roof) and “fastback” (styling). It could also stand for “really famous,” but that’s just me.
Subaru Impreza
The all-new Impreza features the Subaru Global Platform, along with other improvements. Most of all, it’s a new iteration of a nameplate that
Volkswagen Tiguan
Powered by a turbocharged stratified injection 1.4-liter heart, the all-new Tiguan is the all-new face of Volkswagen entry-level SUV.
Hyundai H350
The “new ally of small-to-medium enterprises” is a flexible workhorse that can be rendered as a cargo van or passenger bus. The people mover sure moved people to take photos at MIAS as well.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
Luscious, brutal, luxurious, beautiful. Yes, it’s ready for its close-up. Are you?