| The first day at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) was always a great time to see emerging technology as well as the current models that are now out in the market. Every year this event grows and continues to expand its themes including adding another venue.
We get a glimpse of the tail end of the first day, where you see confetti still all over the lobby area of the World Trade Center Metro Manila. The much-awaited car show of the year is something that others admire with the reveals of something new every year, and they continue to do it just that. |
Of course, the weekend has become the peak day for MIAS to have the most visitors on both venues with SMX Convention Centre being used for the first time this year they have expanded with most of the car brands that were not featured at the WTC venue is now located here.
But there are also car brands that have been prominent in both locations with minor set-up differences and giving the spotlight to their flagship models that are immediately noticed. There are also exhibitors at SMX that can be visited in this venue and there is also an abundance of sights and exhibitors to check out.
Traveling to the SMX Convention Centre isn’t what it used to be if you’re just commuting to SM Mall of Asia. But once you arrive, the lobby is certainly packed and to avoid long lines purchasing the tickets it is best to have them already paid online to shorten the process by just picking them up to get to the main hall as there are a plethora of exhibits to explore once you enter the venue.
Some of the exhibitors at the SMX location are exclusive to this place which makes traveling to both locations an adventure in itself. Most of the exhibits presented are for car accessories and overland set-ups for those outdoor adventurers looking to upgrade their SUVs or vans. There are not many vintage cars featured here as most of them are heavily on display at the WTC venue.
The Ladies of MIAS 2024
This year, aside from the usual activities that featured prominently with cars it is also worth noting that for every featured exhibitor or car brand they have been represented by female models. It is part of the car show staple going back to the first car shows of yesteryears to add attraction aside from the latest cars that are unveiled at this show.
The Morris Garage (MG) exhibit not only showcased their latest roadster with the MG Cyberster (more of this later), but the women who represent their brand were also show stoppers having photo opportunities with the best of not of their latest cars. But also the personality they bring was an attraction.
With every female model representing their car brands, it also attracts would-be photographers who solely focus on capturing their images as part of their growing portfolio even bringing their portable gear set up for a quick photo shoot. For some novice photographers, this is their “training ground” in building their resume by connecting with the models as most have done in past car shows.
Chevrolet, MG, and Foton Exhibits
The most prominent car brands at the SMX Convention Centre are Chevrolet, Morris Garage, and Foton. Their line-up of cars, trucks, and other vehicles attracts a lot of visitors to this venue. Most notably Chevrolet with their Corvette and Camaro models have both cars being the highlight of their display.
Then you have Morris Garage (MG) with their Cyberster roadster that has scissor doors smoothly open and close as visitors play with the models' other features while children sit beside their fathers and uncles to check the boot capacity or what type of engine hides underneath the bonnet.
For those who want to drive or aspire to own “big things” you have Foton featuring their biggest trucks for camping and other heavy utility service. They have models that are capable of heavy lifting which you may find quite impressive for a brand largely unknown outside of Southeast Asia.
But here in the Philippines, they are making their statement that they have vehicles that are robust and can be affordable for the right price worth that they are a proven brand now solely focused on pick-up trucks and other services for small businesses.
While these three car brands are getting attention, the rest are small car brands that are slowly getting into the consumer’s collective consciousness as most of them are from China and have grown over the years.
There are too many to mention, but surely they have been building up their portfolio and most of the cars they have presented are plug-in EVs that are giving Tesla the competition that they are largely absent in this car show.
Going Forward into MIAS 2025
There is no shortage of exhibitors for everyone and younger kids to experience some of the activities presented at this venue. MIAS continues to be open and listens to visitor’s suggestions to improve for the next event.
Certainly, the SMX Convention Centre is hosting this event for the first time, and hopefully next year they get to bring other car manufacturers that have been part of the event in the past and bring their latest models to mainstream visitors of the event.
For now, enjoy checking out the exhibitors and participating in their activities as there are a lot of happenings around, and if you haven’t visited the World Trade Center Manila venue to see more exhibitors you can take the free shuttle service back and also, you don’t need to purchase a ticket for that venue as the ticket you already purchased at the SMX venue is also honoured in this location too
Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is happening from 4 until 7 April 2024 at the World Trade Center Manila and at the SMX Convention Centre in SM Mall of Asia, which opens from 10 AM to 8 PM with an Entrance Fee got Adult & Kids at ₱ 150.00 pesos ($ 4.04 AUD | $ 2.65 USD**), while Senior Citizen & PWD at ₱ 120.00 Pesos ($ 3.23 AUD | $ 2.12 USD**)
For more about the event follow MIAS on Social Media via Facebook and Instragam or visit the site at ManilaAutoShow.com
** - Currency converter via Google.com
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