The Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) (formerly the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show) remains Malaysia’s premier automotive event, however it is often seen as lagging behind its regional neighbours for several structural and economic reasons.
Well, to start, we all know that the yearly Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) is widely considered the flagship show of Southeast Asia with a strong showing every year in terms of variety of vehicles and brands and we must mention the side show ….. which is the motor show queens.
Thailand is still very much the “Detroit of the East,” which means it is a global manufacturing hub for major automotive brands becuase it has maintained its NATIONAL Auto Policy for years without flip-flopping and making ‘U’ Turns like with the Malaysian Auto Policy.
Auto brands despite selling less number in Thailand when compared to Malaysia will show their latest and best models becuase they get HIGHER foot traffic and better quality media coverage as they work closely with motoring media. Plus, most brands have large local production, they have a higher incentive to spend millions on extravagant displays.
Most major auto manufacturers often use the Bangkok show to host regional or even global premieres for new models, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ ASEAN launch recently.
The show regularly draws over 1 million visitors and spans roughly 170,000 square meters at the IMPACT Challenger halls.
Meanwhile, in Singapore where the price of a new car is the highest in the world with COE added also has more excitement in terms of number of brands participating and the variety of NEW models and variants. Why? Well, Singapore is a small, open market with easy access for international brands. In a smaller footprint, it manages to host a record number of brands (37 brands in 2026) and hundreds of cars in a single location.
Due to favorable government ‘set and kept’ automotive policies, Singapore often sees new electric models and Chinese brands (Dongfeng, Changan and MG) launched in Singapore before Malaysia) before they reach the Malaysian market.
Plus, the Singapore auto show is heavily geared toward immediate sales, with many visitors attending specifically to secure show-only deals or navigate the complex COE (Certificate of Entitlement) system.
KLIMS Challenge. The perception that KLIMS is “worse” often stems from comparison to its peers because of lack of variety and variants. Reviewers and attending crowds have noted that KLIMS booths sometimes feature large empty spaces and feel like “cost-cutting” exercises compared to the high-budget, high-decoration standards of Singapore and the Bangkok auto shows.
Imagine, this years KLIMS 2026, we will NOT see BYD, Denza, Chery, ICaur, Omoda Jaecoo and even LEPAS. Plus, we are quite sure, like in the years before, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, McLaren, Lamborghini, Porsche, Peugeot, Renault, Citroen, Skoda and even Polestar will not be participating.
