In past years, motorshows in Malaysia were limited in number but recent times have seen more taking place during the year. This year, there will be the Malaysia Autoshow in May and at the end of the year, the Malaysian Automotive Association will also hold its motorshow which has now been renamed to KL International Mobility Show from KL International Motor Show.
Another event which now seems to be a regular on the calendar is the International Automodified (IAM) and Malaysia International Motor Expo (MIME) and this is scheduled for June 8 and 9. This time, it will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre next to the Petronas Twin Towers.
Kuala Lumpur will be the first venue for IAM’s 2024 calendar which has a total of 6 events in various countries – Indonesia (two separate events), Singapore, Thailand and for the first time ever, in the USA (California).
Largest regional car tuning and lifestyle event
IAM is regarded as Southeast Asia’s largest car tuning and lifestyle show as well as competition. It has the distinction of touring more than 38 cities throughout Indonesia since 2001 and attracts thousands of visitors each time. Some 100 individual awards are typically presented to the best displayed vehicles in different categories.
“The modified car scene has grown exponentially over the years with tuners not only emphasizing on custom interior and exterior designs as well as makeovers, but also leaning towards performance enhancements namely in terms of braking solutions, suspension and vehicle handling, engine upgrades, audio and lighting propositions. It has evolved into a multi-million ringgit industry greatly benefitting businesses particularly in the ASEAN region,” said IAM Founder Reza Aliwarga.
“IAM is not just a celebration and expression of creativity, but has become a strong business to customer and business to business platform. The inaugural show in the USA will also elevate IAM to a higher profile and envisioned to become a confluence for Asian and American tuning enthusiast,” he added.
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 more than 70,000 visitors were recorded at the show which was held at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
2024 edition of MIME
MIME 2024 will feature the latest products and innovations in the automotive industry. This will include the display of new vehicles, which includes electric vehicles, and a special section dedicated to the winners of the 2023 Malaysia Car of the Year awards.
“What distinguishes MIME from other motorshows is that our show is positioned to resonate more with car owners and potential buyers. It is not merely a display of new cars in the market – something they can readily experience at the respective car brand showrooms – but presenting customers with venue that would enable them to make a more informed purchase in the presence of a sea of options. This will not only include vehicles by official distributors but also independent vehicle importers who offer unique models and variants that are not available at official showrooms,” said MIME Founder Yamin Vong.
Mr. Vong further added that the industry for independent vehicle imports in Malaysia has evolved significantly where dealers today are not only able to offer relatively new models, but back their sales with warranty and comprehensive after sales service for the convenience and assurance of customers.
With regard to aftersales support, one of Malaysia’s holders of Japanese and South Korean franchises will participate at MIME to showcase how it is providing vocational training towards internationally recognized certification in electric vehicles. This private sector initiative is in collaboration with the Skills Development Department (JPT) of the Ministry of Human Resources.
“MIME is not exclusively a platform to sell new cars, but cars in general… cars that we believe will appeal to a broad segment of customers depending on type, use and affordability. On the same note, MIME and IAM also brings together manufacturers and distributors of numerous automotive products, catering not only to custom car enthusiasts but also car owners in the market for the latest auto tech innovations,” Mr. Vong added.
Tickets are currently on pre-sale at RM22 from this website. For more information, visit www.internationalautomodified.com and www.malaysiamotorexpo.com.
Malaysia COTY 2024
This year will see the 20th edition of the Malaysia Car of the Year (COTY) Awards being held, the longest running event of its type in Malaysia. This awards program recognizes and celebrates the best new vehicles in Malaysia namely models introduced during the qualification period between August 1 2023 and July 31, 2024.
As in previous years, he judging panel will consist of experienced automotive journalists (including a representative from MotaAuto) and include professionals who provide alternative perspectives in assessing the new models. There will also be a People’s Choice award which is determined through online polling, and Honourable Mentions will also be made for models that are outstanding in certain respects.
Click here for the list of winners in the Malaysia Car of the Year 2023 Awards.
