KLIMS Kicks off to a Fine Start
Kuala Lumpur, Thursday, 25 May 2006 – The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2006 kicked off to a fine start today by opening the exhibition to the Media. The motor show will be open to the public from tomorrow onwards (26th May 2006) and shall be held over a 10-day period until 4 June 2006.
Organized by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the motor show is themed “Accelerating Towards a New Horizon”, and will showcase a number of interesting cars to the Malaysian public, in addition to which some of the exhibitors will be unveiling some new models which are to go on sale either immediately, or will be available in the months to come.
The KLIMS was declared open by the Minister of Transport, YB Dato’ Sri Chan Kong Choy, and he commented in his message for the motor show that “The Malaysian Government encourages healthy competition with the aim of supporting the development of Malaysia as the regional hub for the automotive industry and safeguarding the interest of consumers in terms of value for money, safety and quality of products and services. KLIMS presents a significant and appropriate platform for the exchange of design and technology. As the largest motor show in Malaysia, with a wide range of automotive models and products revealed at KLIMS 2006, it will be an excellent event for the public.
Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of MAA and Organizing Chairman of KLIMS, said, “The Automotive leaders will unveil the world’s freshest, spiciest, most awe-inspiring marquee of automotive thoroughbreds and most tailored, most diversified, and most innovative automotive product portfolio in the industry to the public. Concept, prototype, special and rare bred motor vehicles have been imported and transported into KLIMS 2006 to dazzle the visitors.”
All the motoring majors are present, but sadly missed will be Volkswagen, which pulled out at the eleventh hour, leaving the organizers scrabbling to fill up the void by putting in a classic car display.
Mazda unveiled a new SUV and the Mazda 3 at the show today. The Mazda 3 should stir up some interest, as Cycle & Carriage, the importers and distributors announced that the 1.6 litre model would be available for sale by September this year. Also on display is their world top-seller the MX5, a true-blue unadulterated sports car for the enthusiast.
Elsewhere, Hyundai unveiled the new Santa Fe, a flagship SUV for the upper niche market sector and the Getz 1.4 litre, now with a DOHC engine and more power.
Nissan, under the flag of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd showcased their new sports car and the Murano, in addition to other models in their range.
An interesting exhibit at the TC Eurokars Renault exhibit is the highly personalized Chic Wagon, all dolled up in pink, with flowers and furry stuff all over, plus an interior that is dressed up like a ‘love wagon’, the brainchild of the marketing team led by Reza and co.
Honda, not to be outdone, had a grand exhibit, bringing in the Sports 4 Concept vehicle that was unveiled at the Tokyo Motorshow last fall, and also the FCX Concept, a fuel cell-powered car for the future, that burns hydrogen and gives out water as exhaust. Honda Malaysia also introduced for the first time in Malaysia, ASIMO, the world’s first and most advanced humanoid robot. ASIMO put on a great show for the media, and is a must see for kids of all ages.
DaimlerChrysler Malaysia had, amongst other models, the B200 Turbo on display at its booth, and also the SLR, a beautiful machine that is a must see. Also on display is the Brabus Smart fortwo, a cute little car that is sure to be an attention grabber at any gathering. Also available is the Smart Roadster, a car that is guaranteed to become a collector’s item not very far down the road, and if you want a great little roadster that is powerful, yet frugal on fuel, go and check the Roadster out.
At the Ford stand, go and check out the latest 4WD machines from Ford, and keep your eyes peeled for the bright orange Focus ST. Equipped with a 2.5 litre turbocharged engine with an output of 225 horsepower, the Focus ST is the base car from which the WRC Focus is built. According to Mike Pease, MD of Ford Malaysia Sdn Bhd, they are exhibiting the Focus ST to gauge the interest of Malaysian motorists for this model. If there are enough buyers, Ford may consider bringing in a batch of these cars.
UMW Toyota, as usual, has a huge stand, and there are some unique concept cars on display, including a cut-up model of the Prius. More interesting is a TRD version of the newly launched (in Malaysia) Toyota Yaris that looks real neat.
The star of the Volvo stand is the C70 convertible, a nice looking car that is a true 4-seater with an electric roof that stows away into the boot at the touch of a button.
At the Proton booth, there is a prototype SUV on display that looks very good, and demonstrates that our national carmaker does have the capability to design and build great cars. Also on display are some great –looking Lotus models.
A given with any motorshow is the motorshow girls. All the nice looking girls that are available for hire must be at the KLIMS. Somehow, girls and cars seem to go together, and this year is no exception. It must be worth your money just to go there and eyeball the beautiful girls at the show.
Finally, if you visit KLIMS, you stand a chance to win yourself the car of your dreams. There, you may buy yourself a ticket that gives you a chance to win a Porsche Caymen S worth more than RM700k. Tickets for this lucky draw go for RM50.00, and all proceeds go towards charity.
As a visitor to KLIMS you also stand a chance to win a Smart forfour with a Thule box, a Proton Savvy, Volvo holidays, Naza bikes, handphones and a car audio system. Don’t miss it!
