After waiting for long, the Manila International Auto Show ended before we even know it. This three-day event unfolded a new chapter for the Philippines' auto industry. Though, as compared to the previous seasons, the 2016 MIAS was simpler but still was efficient enough to give a new angle to the car market.
This year's participant list included big names like - Chevrolet, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Ford, Tata, Foton, Peugeot, Jeep, Kia, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Great Wall and SsangYong. All displaying their best creations in the 30,000 sqm exhibit area of World Trade Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila.
Now of all the brands mentioned above, not all bring along new cars. Only nine out of the total lot greeted the audience with new launches. Needless to say, that the rest were no less and equally entertained the audience.
Starting with Chevrolet, this American brand rested over 419 sqm area, where it displayed cars like Sail and Colorado. Off the two, 2016 Sail was introduced for the first time in the Philippines and will compete against other B-segment sedans present in the market. Colorado, on the other hand, is already on sale in the Philippine market, but at 2016 MIAS Chevrolet introduced a new 4x2 automatic transmission variant.
Another big news was heard from Hyundai Philippines that used the MIAS platform to launch the much awaited Hyundai Veloster and face lifted Santa Fe. The brand also had a separate commercial section where its entire Hyundai truck lineup is displayed.
Making a comeback in the Philippines market was present SsangYong that presented the crowd with three new cars. First, is the compact SUV Tivoli that sites in the price bracket PhP 785,000 - PhP 1,080,000. Then, next is the Multi-Purpose Vehicle Rodius and lastly, was presented a full-size SUV, Korando. Both offered at a justified price of PhP 1,290,000 and PhP 1,090,000 respectively.
Mitsubishi Philippines booth was no less and staged face lifted versions of its top sellers - Mirage, Lancer GTA, and Mirage G4. Accompanying them was also the newly launched Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
Subaru grabbed the maximum portion, area wise at the recently concluded auto show where it housed its full-size revamped Subaru Forester. Also present was a Subaru concept vehicle called Viziv 2.
Ford Philippines attracted the crowd to its booth by presenting a Black Edition Ford Ecosport and Premium Package armed 2.2L Ford Everest.
Jeep extended its 75th-anniversary celebration to the Philippine market and treated the crowd with a new 2016 Wrangler Unlimited Sport. The new addition is slotted below Sport S and holds a lower price tag than its elder siblings.
Time for some luxury talk, Mercedes-Benz extended its A-Class lineup for the Philippines market. The brand introduced two variants under the class namely A220 Sport and A250 Sport.
Peugeot and Kia showcased one new car each named 308 GTi and all-new Sportage respectively.
The rest of the brands present at the show displayed their on-going cars at the show. In this category falls brands like Tata, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Foton.
Activities at 2016 MIAS -
●Russ Swift whooping stunts which he performed on cars like Forester, STIs, BRZs, and WRZs.
●Mazda safety camp
●Maserati Driving Experience
Summing up -
2016 MIAS had a lot in stock for the Philippines auto industry, potential buyers, and car lovers. The three-day event was well managed and everything was totally under control. Now we have to see what response and advantage automakers get from participating in the MIAS.
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