MAA Gears Up 12 months ahead for Spectacular Millennium Motorshow

Kuala Lumpur, October 19, 1999: The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is gearing up 12 months ahead, to present the nation's most spectacular and biggest millennium automotive event, the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2000.

Themed "Motoring in the Millennium"', it will bring to Malaysians and visitors the largest and most keenly awaited line-up of international and domestic manufacturers' automotive models and accessories for 21st century.

This was announced by Cik Aishah Ahmad, Chairman of MAA at an agreement signing ceremony to formalise the Association's appointment of Trade-Link Exhibition Services Sdn Bhd and Interexpo (M) Sdn Bhd as the managers for the event.

Witnessed by the Guest-of-honour, Dato' Chor Chee Heung, Parliament Secretary, Ministry of Transport, the agreement was inked by Cik Aishah for MAA, Trade-Link by Managing Director, Mr Jonathan Kan and Interexpo by Managing Director, Dr Michel Akavi, in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

The appointments put into gear MAA's landmark event for the new millennium - the "Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2000".

Cik Aishah said that the "Motoring in the Millennium", Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2000, to be held at the Putra World Trade Centre from 25th November to 4th December, 2000, will be the biggest and most exciting motor trade experience ever held in Malaysia. "This is our assurance to our members, exhibitors, the media, motoring enthusiasts and visitors to our show," she added. She said that excitement was already building up amongst MAA's 27 members who are targeting to debut their latest models as well as futuristic and experimental prototypes for the millennium.

The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show is expected to debut and showcase the largest and most spectacular line up of the latest and newest motor vehicle type and make, plus a fantastic array of motor accessories and components. "It will also be a gigantic entertaining and fun-filled event for every motoring enthusiasts and visitors across all age groups, every day of the show," continued Cik Aishah. "

Most importantly, exhibitors at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2000 will be able to show-off their models and accessories on a neutral ground for potential buyers to evaluate and confirm their choice of purchase," she said.

With the millennium come more demanding challenges and issues. Amongst these is the key issue on the ASEAN Free Trade Areas or AFTA.

"We need to discuss the impact of AFTA on the motor industry in all contexts of the trade, including its effects on the cross-sub sectors," said Cik Aishah.

An important conference on the automotive sector will run concurrently with the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2000.

The MAA aims to put the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show series, starting with the year 2000 Show, into an important feature in both the regional and international motor trade and industry calendar of events.

The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show was previously a once-in-four- year's event introduced by MAA in 1984 with its 2nd and 3rd presentations held in 1990 and 1994 respectively. The shows were resounding successes. The 1994 show surpassed its second presentation with exhibitors' participation rising by 40% and attendance by 52%, recording a new total high of more than 380,000 visitors. However, following the economic crisis in which the automotive sector in particular, was badly affected, the fourth presentation did not make an appearance in 1998.