Why MIAS 2024 is both in SMX and World Trade Center Manila
In two weeks time, the 19th edition of the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) will be held.
With the exception of the pandemic years 2020 and 2021, the venue of choice has always been the World Trade Center Manila. In 2020, MIAS was a virtual auto show, dubbed as MIAS Wired 2020 which was created with an interactive 3D walk around simulated showroom for participating brands, which was a first for any auto show in the region.
Fast forward to MIAS 2024, Worldbex Services International has decided to stage the country’s largest annual motoring event in two world-class venues. Aside from the World Trade Center, Worldbex also booked the SMX Convention Center as the second venue due to an expansive 29-brand line up. It isn’t the first time MIAS had multiple venues when staging the show. In previous years, the organizers had booked the adjacent PTTC (Philippine Trade Training Center) as a second venue and erected a temporary and enclosed air-conditioned pathway in between the two massive buildings and two massive air-conditioned tents in between to create a seamless visitor experience. Aside from this, the north wing parking lot also had a massive 4,000 sqm tent to house commercial vehicles and other exhibits. The total exhibit floor space was increased from 10,000 sqms of the original WTC building by about threefold. However, PTTC is no longer available since it has been repurposed leaving the organizers with no choice but to expand to SMX as an additional venue.
“We are very excited to stage MIAS 2024 in two venues, the World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center simultaneously. Although Worldbex has been staging dual venues for almost a decade already with its construction show, this would be the first time that MIAS would be home to two world-class venues,” said Jill Ang, Managing Director of Worldbex Services International, organizers of MIAS.
MIAS has always been known for diversity and inclusivity, and with a strong following and large visitor numbers, the show also serves as a good platform for automotive brands and related products and services to showcase their latest models and public unveils. Last year, some 149,000 visitors visited MIAS 2023 and featured more than 200 car displays. The 2024 MIAS is co-presented by BPI Auto Loans and Shell, and supported by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and Petron. Participating passenger car and commercial vehicle brands include BAIC, BAW, Bestune, Changan, Chery, Chevrolet, DAF, Dongfeng, Foton, GAC, GWM, Hongqi, Hyundai, Hycan, JAC, Jetour, JMC, Lynk & Co, Kinglong, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Omoda & Jaecoo, Peugeot, Seres, Subaru, Suzuki, and Weichai.
In the aftermarket line up, MIAS continues to see new brands joining this year’s show and visitors expect to see a lot of participants vying for “Best of Show” in the MIAS-Petron Custom Classic Car Competition, which is a tribute to our country’s best artisans and car tuners. As overlanding is a continuing trend, aftermarket and even car brands are showcasing vehicles fitted with overlanding and off-road accessories and equipment. There will be two major outdoor activities this year, the UAAGI Performance Center, featuring a simulated off-road closed circuit test track for Baic, Chery, Foton, Jetour and Lynk & Co. brands. Nissan will also have another massive outdoor overlanding lifestyle concept as well on the West Parking Lot within the compound.
Visitors of MIAS 2024 just need to pay for just one ticket at the same price of P150 only, and it allows access to two venues already, and is valid for one whole day. Visitors can go in and out of the two venues within the day. Both World trade and SMX will be a mix of various brands, and SMX is zoned for newer brands with a strong EV (electric vehicle) lineup and CVs, as well as some premium labels, while WTC will have the more mainstream brands. Both venues will also showcase aftermarket and OEM automotive products and specially curated classic car displays, as well. Visit MIAS 2024 happening on April 4 to 7, at the World Trade Center Manila and SMX Convention Center in SM MOA.
