Manila International Auto Show 2020 is ‘temporarily postponed’

MANILA: This year’s staging of the country’s largest and longest-running car show has just gone the way of the Geneva International Auto Show – and for the same reason.

“In light of the recent turn of events concerning COVID-19, which has led the Philippine government to declare a state of public health emergency, the management of Worldbex Services International has come to the decision to temporarily postpone MIAS (Manila International Auto Show) 2020,” the organizers said in a statement. MIAS was scheduled to ensue from April 2 to 5.

This decision was made to “help prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure the utmost safety of all our stakeholders, exhibitors, and visitors,” and reflects “careful consideration of the current situation alongside (its) commitment to cooperate with the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the (virus).”

As the organizers asked for “understanding in these trying times,” they also thanked people who have taken part in the preparations for the 16^th edition of the much-awaited summer auto show. Though no exact date has been identified, MIAS organizers promised “that the event will be held at a later date when the public’s safety can be assured. For now, we hope for everyone’s continued wellbeing and safety.”

MIAS was first held in 2005 over a modest footprint of 6,000 square meters of indoor space and an additional outdoor area of 3,000 square meters. According to co-organizers Jason Ang and Alvin Uy, the yearly event was “envisioned to be a world-class spectacle competitive with the region’s best.” Last year, the exhibition drew a record 142,000 attendees to its longtime venue, the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.

Also Read: COVID-19 shuts down 2020 Geneva Motor Show