By JASON K. ANG
The Philippine car industry is set to dazzle car enthusiasts once again at the 2nd Manila International Auto Show. The show will open April 6-9, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the World Trade Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. There’s much more to do with these major exhibitors: Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Toyota and Volvo.
This year marks a much larger show with a strategic alliance with the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), which presents the show as their annual showcase of what’s new and what’s important in the industry. Aside from static displays, numerous test drives will be available.
Several car launches are being floated as Manila International Auto Show firsts. The biggest news has got to be from Honda — with their all-new 8th generation Civic. Jeep will make its Philippine return with the Commander, which will debut with the all-new Chrysler Pacifica luxury wagon, both exclusively distributed by CATS Motors.
Toyota is expected to go all-out luxury with their all-new Previa. Nissan Motor Philippines plans to take a slice of the premium SUV market with their 265 horsepower Murano. Kia Motors will introduce the all-new Rio sedan and hatchback. Hyundai will introduce their all-new Santa Fe SUV.
The exhibitors want to outdo their own displays last year and for the first time, announced an amazing array of concept and never-before seen road cars.
Mercedes-Benz will preview the future of motoring with demos of the F-Cell hydrogen-powered fuel cell car, as Isuzu demonstrates its Elf Hybrid truck.
Mitsubishi Motor Philippines will proudly display their rally heritage with the Dakar-winning Pajero Evolution plus the Lancer Evolution IX MR and the Eclipse 3.8 V6.
Ford Group Philippines will flex their compact car muscle with their 225 horsepower Focus ST and Focus DuraTorq diesel.
Toyota’s TF105 Formula One racecar will represent the company’s motorsports ambitions. The evocative 550-hp Motul Ford GT, first time to be seen in Southeast Asia, will certainly be another crowd drawer.
Manila International Auto Show will also unveil a new air conditioned tent adjacent to the main hall that will house the most impressive show cars from the likes of Rota, Michelin, A-Toy, Concept One, Makna, Thule and Xenon Bulbs.
BPI Credit Cards will hold its first ever Auto Madness installment promo during the show.
Total will showcase its fuels and lubricants and will be giving away thousands of pesos in free fuel every day of the show.
Continuing a tradition, The Manila International Auto Show will be the site for the public unveiling of the 2005 Car of the Year. The award, given by Car Awards Group (CAGI), is composed of more than 40 media personalities from 25 different publications and outfits.
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