Grand Prix International Public Company Limited of Thailand (GPI), the organisers of the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), and Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) and Aideah Communication Sdn Bhd – the organisers of the Malaysia Autoshow has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the promotion of automotive technology within ASEAN, through cross-promotional initiatives between the parties involved.
Autoshows are a powerful communication strategy, and a collaboration between the show masters of two neighbouring ASEAN car-makers will enable a more effective transmission of information and promotion regarding the disruptive changes sweeping the global and regional car industry ranging from alternative fuels, electric vehicles, autonomous cars, and E-hailing, amongst others.
Future collaboration may involve GPI investing a minority stake in the Malaysia Autoshow. A cooperation between the two national shows is also positive for ASEAN integration and a tangible manifestation of the ASEAN Economic Community.
The organisers of the BIMS has 37 shows to its credit while the Malaysia Autoshow organisers have held 6 shows annually since 2010.
Dato’ Madani Sahari, chief executive officer of MAI said that a cooperation between the two motorshow organisers was timely.
“The automotive industry is in the early stages of a disruptive change that will gradually usher in new technologies, such as electric vehicles and autonomous driving, within the next decade.
“This is going to create a huge demand for techno-centric skill sets from diverse sectors, including big data management, nano-technology, software engineering, as well as advanced control systems, manufacturing processes and materials.
“It’s going to be a challenging environment that creates huge demand for new core sciences,” said Madani.
“Regional autoshow organisers who can harness their resources and cooperate together, will be able to help automotive companies to tailor-make their technology endeavours towards becoming influential players within the ASEAN region.
“A high level communication of information and how the new disruptive technology improves people’s lives is important so that consumers don’t feel threatened. Yes, there is going to be self-driving cars and self-driving e-rides in the next decade, therefore it is vital to be proactive and discuss these technologies earlier rather than later so that customers can see things in perspective.”
Madani also mentioned that the assemblers of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) will demonstrate and give rides in their assembled-in-Malaysia PHEV’s during the upcoming Malaysia Autoshow 2016 which will be held at the Mines International Exhibition and Trade Centre next month.
“We are happy to be in Malaysia and looking forward to collaborate with the Malaysia Autoshow. This year is a first step but important start to our relationship,” said Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, chairman and CEO Grand Prix International Public Company Limited of Thailand.
“All over the world, the automotive industry is experiencing mergers and platform sharing. Similarly too, the ASEAN region will see a greater integration of autoshows as an important platform. I’m confident of the powerful synergy between the Bangkok International Motor Show and the Malaysia Autoshow,” he added.
The Malaysia Autoshow 2016 which will be held from 10 to 13 November at the Mines International Exhibition and Trade Centre is set to be become the biggest annual automotive show in Malaysia with more than 150 exhibitors from renowned vehicle brands, aftermarket and accessory products laying out their extensive product range during the event.
One of the highlights at the Autoshow will be the unveiling of Malaysia’s first electric passenger vehicle, which is a joint venture between Beijing Auto International Cooperation (BAIC) and Amber Dual Sdn Bhd.
Show visitors will also get to view all the newly launched cars for 2016 under one roof, with test drives available at the outdoor arena of the Mines Exhibition Centre.
Visitors who place their bookings on a passenger car at the Malaysia Autoshow will stand a chance to win a Kia Rio X 1.4 Sedan worth RM78,000 in the “Buy a Car, Win a Kia” contest sponsored by Naza Kia Malaysia.
Other activities lined up for the whole family include free car inspection, lifestyle booths, plenty of shopping and attractive prizes to be won including three E-bikes.
Entrance fee to the Autoshow is RM10.00 for adults. Students who present their Student ID will be allowed free entry on the 10 and 11 November (thursday and friday).
