THIS phrase was derived from the speech of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman (MMDA) Francis Tolentino at the opening rites of the recent 2015 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. And no, it’s not from an action film franchise about a gang of crime-fighting illegal street racers.
Rather, it’s a story of about how an esteemed government official kick-started a four-day car show so fervently on opening day and how that ebullient vibe consequently continued up until the curtains closed.
In an interview, Tolentino said: “The show has been going on for years and every year they try to improve on it. It’s very well-organized. I wish them a fast and furious success.”
A quick and fiery one, indeed, as the annual auto madness brandished the latest models from different car manufacturers in the local Philippine market. Not to mention the dealers, manufacturers, tuners and car-product retailers who, day in and day out, never fail to put up a good show every time .
With the theme “Traverse the Great Outdoors,” Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Mini, BYD, Foton, Chevrolet, Subaru, Tata, Kia, Mitsubishi, JMC, Jinbei and Mazda, as well as CATS Motors, went out of their comfort zones to bring out into the world the best that they can offer.
Ford
Ford Philippines once again took center stage with the reveal of the all-new Everest and launch of the new Expedition Platinum.
Joining the Everest and Expedition Platinum were seven other popular Ford nameplates. These included the Fiesta equipped with the award-winning 1-liter EcoBoost engine; the Focus; Ford’s game-changing EcoSport compact urban sport-utility vehicle; the Escape; Explorer Sport; and the best-selling Ranger. The iconic Mustang 50th Year Limited Edition was another highlight at the Ford stand.
“We are very excited to showcase our most complete lineup of vehicles to date. We want to display the very best of Ford and that means bringing in our One Ford vehicles from the global stage and into the homes of our loyal Filipino customers,” said Kay Hart, managing director, Ford Philippines.
Subaru
Subaru launched the all-new Subaru Legacy and all-new Outback.
With most of its vehicles equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Subaru allows its drivers to feel the cars’ superb grip on the road while offering remarkable balance and stability. The Legacy and Outback are no different.
The 2015 Legacy has both the excellence of the 3.6- and 2.5-liter DOHC Subaru Boxer engines, while the Outback has the superb lineup of the 3.6R-S, 2.5i-S and 2.5i.
World-renowned stunt driver Russ Swift, meanwhile, awed audiences with his amazing bag of tricks, unmatched by others.
Subaru also held outdoor test-drives for customers who want to put to the challenge the Japanese automaker’s off-road capabilities.
BYD
Chinese carmaker BYD unveiled its new Qin, the country’s first dual-mode hybrid sports saloon. The four-door sedan can run on either hybrid or pure electric modes, which allow it to travel up to 70 kilometers before needing a recharge. It also boasts of class-leading 300 hp of power and sprints from zero to 100 in 5.9 seconds.
Aside from this spectacle, BYD’s BRO also took the limelight. Cars prove futile without good service and maintenance. Here, Solar Transport and Automotive Resources Corp. (Star Corp.) made it more easy to own a vehicle with this five-star customer program. This aims to give current and upcoming BYD owners assurance and peace of mind that they have bought a quality vehicle that is at par with what are being offered by other manufacturers/dealers in the market.
In an interview during a launch at their Shaw Boulevard showroom, Star Corp. Managing Director Mark Tieng enthused: “Allow me to start by sharing with you our company vision—to be the leading mobility solutions provider, built on excellence in technological innovations, committed to environmental sustainability and delivering the best brand ownership experience by a team of passionate individuals.”
“Over the last 18 months, I am proud to say that, so far, all BYD owners are satisfied with their purchase,” he added.
These are just a few of the hundreds displayed at the show.
When it celebrated its first decade in the industry last year, Mias was able to gather over a hundred thousand visitors to witness over 500 cars and trucks in display along with over 90 motorcycle unit displays from 30 different brands, and a collective total of 139 exhibitors and participating companies to flash the latest and greatest innovations and trends from the automotive scene. Well, happy to say, 2015’s edition proved to be bigger and bolder than this.
Last, when asked how the government can work hand in hand with the private sectors in the industry, Tolentino quickly replied: “There has to be synergy between the regulatory processes and the car-manufacturing industry’s initiatives.”
“We have to march in motion, single steps in cadence,” he quipped.
This way, this writer believes, is how we can achieve a “fast and furious” success on this bigger stage.
Story & photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes