KLIMS or AFTA Car Expo?
Went to PWTC early this morning for the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2010 (KLIMS). Walked around for most of the morning all around the PWTC (Putra World Trade Center) and did not find the International Motor Show at all. Instead, all that we found was an ‘AFTA’ car expo with participation from a parallel importer and a handful of exotics. My camera lens was also a little underworked as there was little to really photograph after having test driven most of the cars showcased at this ‘EXPO’. Still there was promise of some new cars to be unveiled and new aftermarket accessories to be seen.
Biggest excitement was yet to come as I managed to catch a glimpse of the Styrofoam made Batmobile and Bat bike and when it came time to ‘transform’ , the Bumblebee on display was shy to show itself. Some tall tales!
Some good news was still to be had with Proton putting on a strong showing with its next generation products carrying Malacca warrior names and global standard designs. The tuned Inspira promised more sales for sure.
They also had the sexy new Lotus Espirit on display. Right across was Perodua with a full in house Malaysian designed city concept car that looked very much like a possible production ready car.
They also announced their plans for next year where they are sticking to releasing next generation combustion engines with better fuel efficiency and lower emissions and not moving into hybrids for the time being like the competition.(BTW the best looking show girls at at Perodua).
Moving along inside, Chery Alado had a full plug-in electric car, the M1-EV on display and some imported show girls.
Isuzu showed a Hybrid truck…something the Malaysian lorry association will need to seriously look at in coming years for better emissions and lower running costs.
Nissan had the Juke sports SUV, March city car and the 370Z cabrio to get our attention. We suspect the March will arrive early next year at Tan Chong showrooms.
Then Honda caught everyone’s attention with the pricing of the Insight hybrid which we applauded. Toyota did not disappoint with their hybrids and concepts but little else in terms of news.
Mitsubishi kept their ‘green’ promise and displayed the iMiEV sports air car and a hybrid SUV. Ralliart products were in full showing also.
Hyundai unveiled the latest 6-speed Avante and Santa Fe diesel. Both are ready for sale right now.
Maserati had the GranCabrio on display and next to them were the latest Ferraris.
Kia had the next generation Optima, Koup and
Cadenza on display and they unveiled the new Sorento with an interesting price tag.
Peugeot had their 5008 MPV unveiled with senior executives from France making the trip to support their Malaysian partner Nasim.
Automotive aftermarket companies were also lacking in attendance. However we saw a revival of Blaupunkt
with a whole new range of products and speakers. Then there was Cobra (CSE) with their latest alarm and vehicle tracking systems.
For the entrance fee, there is little excitement if you ask me but for most Malaysians, this show has been 2 years late. Note to be taken…….Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, Mazda, Citroen, FIAT, Porsche, Ford, Range Rover, Mini, Renault, Ssangyong, Rolls Royce, Skoda, Jaguar, BMW and Mahindra were missing from this show which shows the importance of this event.
And since it’s the school holidays, might as well take the family and collect some reading material and recyclable bags.
Who knows, your ticket could be the one to win a Toyota Prius or a Proton Saga.
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