Friday, October 12, 2007 Motorshow set to fight rampant car smuggling
CEBU'S hosting of the 8th Motorshow Cebu International strongly affirms the province’s position as a convention destination in the country and a growing investment hub, an industry official said.
“Cebu used to be a difficult market. But this event will prove that Cebu can cater to big-scale events,” said Marisa Nallana, Motorshow International Inc. organizer.
Despite Cebu’s “impressive” performance as an investment and tourism destination, the province’s lack of facilities to host large-scale indoor and outdoor events then left many show organizers no other recourse but to hold big projects only in Manila, she said.
“We credit the creation of the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) with its big exhibit space,” she said.
In a press conference held last Wednesday at the CICC, which serves as the event’s main venue, Nallana said over 40 “exotic, vintage, and latest model” cars will be on display from Oct. 16 to 21.
The motorshow will feature, among others, old Volkswagen cars and vans, race cars and bikes.
The total exhibition space covers 2,400 square meters, the biggest among Cebu motorshow exhibits, Nallana said.
“This is our way of protecting the industry from (the effects of) illegal importation of cars,” she said, adding that this is the main thrust of the event.
She said car smuggling is the main problem that crippled the automotive industry in the country.
“We encourage automotive groups and organizations in Cebu to openly discuss the issues and concerns of the industry,” Nallana said.
Byron Piramide, president of the Volkswagen (VW) sa Sugbo, said the motorshow provides a venue for motorists and car enthusiasts to appreciate the evolution of car models.
The VW Beetle, also known as the “bug” and originally manufactured in the 1930s, will be exhibited during the event, he said.
“Most of the bugs still running now are handed down from one generation to the next. It’s also one of the cheapest vehicles to maintain and you wouldn’t have a hard time looking for parts (because there’s ample supply),” Piramide said.
“Through the motor-show, we would like to encourage people to restore their VWs,” he added.
Ron Duterte of the Old Schools Club Cebu said the event also allows hobbyists of old school cars-those dating from the late 1800s to the 1960s- to gather together, exchange ideas and trade units.
“We think of this as a very good mileage. We look forward to meeting new acquaintances, seeing other vintage cars and bonding with other clubs,” he said.
Other than the wide variety of car displays, Motorshow Cebu also include lectures on topics like industry trends, competition and car painting, among others.
The motorshow first opened in Cebu in 1989. Since then, it has steadily evolved into a grand exhibition that brings together top automakers, automotive dealers, parts and accessories retailers and wholesalers as well as aftermarket service outfits. (MMM)
