After the COVID-19 pandemic saw motorshows and car gatherings being suspended, it seems that such activities are now returning in full force. For fans of modified cars, electric vehicle enthusiasts and those shopping for new cars, there will be yet another event this October – the International Modified Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia International Motor Expo 2023 (IAM-MIME 2023).
Three different elements
What makes IAM-MIME 2023 unique is that it will incorporate three automotive genres under one roof. Firstly, it will be a showcase of new cars from legacy automakers as well as newcomers to the Malaysian market.
With growing interest to electric vehicles (EVs), fuelled by the government, there will also be an EV Fest with displays of many models available at duty-free prices ranging from RM100,000 to RM500,000.
The third and most vibrant component will be a grand showcase of about 300 customized cars. This large number is a reflection of how the International AutoModified (IAM) event has grown exponentially and is now Southeast Asia’s largest and longest running modified car show.
IAM is part of regional tour
Regarded as the region’s largest car tuning and lifestyle show as well as competition, IAM has had the distinction of touring more than 38 cities throughout Indonesia since 2001. It has also expanded to hosting shows in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The show attracts thousands of car enthusiasts and aficionados with nearly 100 individual awards presented in various categories.
First held in Malaysia in 2011, IAM combined forces with MIME in 2022 where close to 104,000 people visited the inaugural 3-day show held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Last year’s event featured more than 100 of Malaysia’s top grade modified vehicles with the numbers expected to triple this year.
“The show has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. There is a huge following and love for modified cars in the region especially in Malaysia and this is extremely evident from the high quality of cars on display,” said IAM Founder, Reza Aliwarga.
“The interest to display cars has been phenomenal and there are almost 1,000 modified cars on the list so we have to vet through before meticulously selecting the final 300 for the show,” he revealed.
This year’s regional IAM tour starts in Singapore on October 21/22 and then moves to Kuala Lumpur. It will then move back to Jakarta, Indonesia on December 2/3 before the finale the finale in Thailand a week after that. The organiser are also working towards a debut event in the USA next year.
Endorsed by MARii
To be held from October 27 – 29 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, IAM-MIME 2023 is endorsed by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii).
Commenting on the event, MARii’s Deputy CEO, Ts Nizmar Mohd Nazar, said: “Beyond the promotion of the automotive industry, MARii’s agenda is very much aligned with Malaysia’s responsibility regarding energy transition and decarbonisation. On this note, I’m very happy to note that the organizers of the Malaysia International Motor Expo (MIME 2023) have focused on the Electric Vehicle (EV) mega trend and allocated a central location for the display of some of the leading EV brands in the world.”
MIME Founder Yamin Vong added that a major attraction will be the opportunity for the public to personally experience EVs. Many may not realise how different the feel is, especially the quietness and smoothness, and may be persuaded to switch to these zero emission vehicles.
Vote for the ‘ People’s Choice’
Mr. Vong said that during the show, there will also be digital polling for the ‘Peoples’ Choice Car of the Year’ (to be announced at a special Car of the Year Awards event scheduled in November 2023). Those who participate in this 10-question poll will also stand to win hourly prizes.
Besides the plentiful cars on display, IAM-MIME 2023 will have a wide variety of attractions which will include racing simulators, radio-control car displays, car club gatherings, a display of some of the exotic cars belonging to royalty, and a live music festival. There will also be a lot of contests with and giveaways for the public.
Discount on tickets for early birds
To know more about IAM-MIME 2023, visit www.internationalautomodified.com and www.malaysiamotorexpo.com. Entry tickets will be priced at RM30 per person but children below the age of 12 (must be supervised by at least 1 adult) can go in free. If you want to save money, you can get a discounted price of RM17 per day if you buy the before August 31.
