64 DAYS TO SOUTH EAST ASIA'S BIGGEST AUTOMOTIVE SHOW, TAN SRI RAMLI NGAH LAUCHES COUNTDOWN TO KLIMS 2000

Kuala Lumpur: Thursday. September 21, 2000 - The countdown to the Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow 2000 (KLIMS2000), the biggest automotive event in the ASEAN region, starts today with the colourful launching of the show's first giant billboard and flagging off of the bright yellow KLIMS2000 painted buses.

The launching which was officiated by Tan Sri Dato' Seri DiRaja Ramli Ngah Talib, Deputy Minister of Transport at the Putra World Trade Centre this afternoon also marked the start of an extensive nationwide Advertising and Promotions program for KLIMS2000. The close to RM4.5 million nationwide A&P blitz will take off over television, radio broadcasting, in print media, on the streets and in major high-pedestrian traffic areas - billboards (2) one at Jalan Sultan Ismail and the other in Jalan SS20/27, Petaling Jaya, bus panel advertising, buntings, as well as posters and light-box advertising in LRT trains and stations.

The KLIMS2000 bus advertising campaign stretches through the length and breadth of the peninsula from Alor Setar to Johore Bahru and Sabah and Sarawak, with a total of six fully painted buses in the Klang Valley and a total of 230 bus panel ads spread over 13 states.

KLIMS2000, a once in every four years presentation by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) will open at the Putra World Trade Centre on November 25 and will be held over 10 days until December 4. Clk Aishah Ahmad, President of the MAA in her speech at the launching ceremony said the strong Malaysian economy recovery and continuing upswing of the automotive industry adds to the anticipated success of KLIMS2000.

The MAA mid-year figures for year 2000 recorded:
- Sales of new passenger cars in Malaysia grew by 25% to 134,078 units from 106,840 (Jan-Jun), with July (25,843 units) and August (24,621 units) continuing to show strong growth.
- Sales of commercial vehicles segment recorded 16,212 units (Jan-Jun), 41% jump compared with 11,535 units for the same period last year. It is continuing on an upward curve for July (2,794 units) and August (3,389 units).

KLIMS2000, which carries the theme "Motoring in the Millennium", will roll out a 20,000 square meter marquee of sheer automotive delight. The show is shaping up to be the biggest and best ever held since its debut in 1984.

Currently, total exhibition space taken up has soared to 20,000 sq. meters gross and expanded from three halls (Tun Razak Halls 1, 3 & 4) to 6 halls --the additions are Merdeka Hall, Tun Hussein On Hall and Tun Dr Ismail Hall, with many more potential exhibitors on the waiting list.

Clk Aishah said that KLIMS2000 will be packed with new models, concept cars and special display "Visitors will be able to turn their minds and feast their eyes on the latest and best from the world motoring - from the smooth and sleek, the elegant and the luxurious, sensual and beautiful, to the rugged and the bold as well as the most young-blooded car models. Almost all the major international car manufacturers will be represented."

Mr. Jonathan Kan, Managing Director of Trade-Link Exhibition Services Sdn Bhd and the joint Exhibition Manager with Interexpo M Sdn Bhd for KLIMS2000 said that the targeted total visitors count over the 10 days of the show is 500,000.

"We are confident this target will be achieved and even scaled because of the quality and fantastic exhibits that will be showcased. KLIMS2000, will have something wonderful for everyone.

"In the area of audio, some of the latest in the future of car infotainment combining high-end multimedia system and futuristic multimedia applications and conimunications solutions will also be featured. This we believe will be another crowd puller," said Mr. Kan.

In keeping with the MAA's aim for KLIMS2000 to not only fulfill the automotive dreams of every car enthusiasts but also to bring enjoyment and fun for the whole family, a number of interesting activities for visitors' will also run concurrently throughout the duration of the show.

For updates on the show, please visit the KLIMS2000 website at http://www.autoworld.com.my/klimotorshow2OOO.