Aishah delivering her speech at KLIM'18 today.
KUALA LUMPUR: Organised by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the 10-day Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS’18) will open its doors to the public on Nov 23 till Dec 2 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
Besides new car, bike and commercial vehicle launches, the motor show will have exciting concept cars, innovative automotive products and attractions such as vehicles created by university students, exotic vehicles, the longest limousine in Malaysia and fancy customised art on bikes and vehicles.
Also, each online purchase of KLIMS’18 entrance ticket at AirAsia Red Tix is entitled to one entry of fortnightly draws with AirAsia return flights to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Bali, Taipei, Jakarta and Shanghai as well as the grand draw to Tokyo, up for grabs.
The vehicle launches will include the Malaysian debut of the Ford Ranger Raptor performance truck and a new Ford Mustang (one unit flown into Malaysia for the motor show).
Ford Ranger pick-up truck buyers at the show stand a chance to win a Ranger Raptor under the “Buy A New Ford Ranger, Win A Ranger Raptor” contest.
Another highlight is the Proton X70 sports utility vehicle, which will be making its public debut at KLIMS’18.
Five units of the first C-segment premium SUV from Proton will be displayed, and there will also be special areas to highlight the technology, safety and performance aspects of the vehicle.
Also, the new Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck will make its Malaysian debut at the motor show.
Star Media Group is the Official Media Partner of KLIMS’18.
MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad takes time off to tell more about the motor show, which makes a big return after a five-year hiatus.
Q: In the previous editions, the motor show was held at the Putra World Trade Centre. Can you talk about the venue change to MITEC?
Aishah: This is the biggest KLIMS ever, in terms of floor space. Exhibitors have taken up 16,053 sq metres and among the biggest exhibitors are Honda Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor, Petronas, and Naza Group of Companies.
This time, we aim to have 350,000 visitors and we think this is achieveable as MITEC is new and state-of-the-art, designed for easy pedestrian movement.
The motor show has 74 participating companies occupying six exhibition halls spanning two levels at MITEC.
Automotive brands include CAM, Citroen, Daihatsu, DS, Ford, Grand Max, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Lexus, Petronas Motorsports, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Perodua, Peugeot, Proton, Tata, Toyota and UD Trucks.
Q: What is your advice regarding commuting to MITEC? Should visitors drive and will there be ample parking space?
Aishah: We have negotiated with MITEC management and parking charges at MITEC will be RM15 per entry during the motor show.
While visitors may prefer to drive, using public transport might be better as parking space at MITEC and in the vicinity is limited due to the high visitor numbers we expect.
That is why we have provided free shuttle buses and vans to MITEC.
The free shuttle buses are available at the taxi stand at the front entrance of Sunway Putra Mall; and Door A at Semantan station (MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line).
The free shuttle vans are available at Tun Razak Tennis Stadium and MATRADE open air car park.
The free shuttle vans can also be hailed along Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah by visitors who choose to park their cars in the vicinity of MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry), Kuala Lumpur Court Complex as well as the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (Inland Revenue Board).
Q: What can visitors expect at KLIMS’18? Will there be many exotic cars, fun activities as well as vehicle price discounts and promotions?
Aishah: MAA has spared no effort in promoting KLIMS’18. Besides the 20 vehicle and three motorcycle brands (Kawasaki, Honda and Benelli), we have 65 exhibitors promoting automotive accessories and services.
Most exhibitors will have attractive offers and promotions.
As for design concepts, UMW Toyota Motor is bringing in the TS030 hybrid Le Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1) sports car and FT-1 performance concept while Lexus Malaysia will display the automated-driving capable Lexus LS+ concept.
Perodua will also have a concept car.
The latest Nissan LEAF electric car will also be previewed.
Also, do check out the KLIMS’18 Suped-Up Cars zone specially brought to you by Wrap Xpert where supercars on display include Bentley GT, the Lamborghini Gallardo, the McLaren 650S, and the Cadillac Escalade 180” - the longest souped-up limousine in Malaysia.
Then we have the nostalgic cars in the Down Memory Lane section, and the latest custom-built bikes in the Art of Speed Zone.
Upcycling workshops will also be organised at 2pm during weekends for visitors.
Q: Motor shows are typically about exotic machines and shiny wheels. Is KLIMS’18 designed to also be a family or kids-friendly event?
Aishah: Yes, children will also enjoy the motor show. KLIMS’18 has family and kids-friendly activities like the kids’ driving school, inflatable castles, rock painting, baby corner and music entertainment from buskers.
There will also be Meet and Greet sessions with selected celebrities during weekends from 3pm to 5.30pm - Amyra Rosli, Elizabeth Tan and Jinny Boy (Nov 24); Alif Satar and Sazzy Falak (Nov 25); Marsha Milan and Nazim Othman (Dec 1).
Also, aspiring and professional photographers can join the KLIMS’18 Photography Competition and win attractive prizes (first prize is RM1,000 cash and a gift; followed by two merit prizes of RM500 and a gift each; followed by five consolation prizes of RM100 cash and a prize each).
We also have 10 prizes of RM50 each in a Instagram Photo-Of-The-Day contest.
Q: The theme for KLIMS’18 is ‘Beyond Mobility.’ Why was this theme chosen?
Aishah: When we talk about “Beyond Mobility”, we want to show the future of cars — design, technology and trends.
The automotive technology landscape is changing very fast with rapid developments in electric vehicles, new energy cars and autonomous cars.
At KLIMS’18, we want to show the latest car models in the country, and many car marques will be launching new models.
Car buyers will also enjoy attractive offers.
KLIMS’18 also has a Innovation Centre area where there are vehicle prototypes imagined, researched and developed by university students.
Universiti Teknologi Mara is bringing their Urban Intelligent Mobile Autonomous Vehicle, the nation’s first autonomous electric vehicle, to KLIMS’18.
Universiti Putra Malaysia is showcasing the Lekir, their entry for the Student Formula in the Japan Monozukuri Design Competition.
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin is showcasing their Smart Urban concept vehicles.
Universiti Malaysia Perlis will showcase their project named “Seri Perlis”, a retro-themed motorcycle.
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia has an armoured vehicle, while Universiti Malaysia Pahang will show their Vehicle Global Positioning System test car.
