KOTA KINABALU: The Auto Traders Association of Sabah (ATAS), the organizer of motor show, is targeting 15,000 visitors for the ongoing three-day exhibition from yesterday, in view of the good response to its exhibition in the previous years.
James Yong (back row-third right) with Francis Lim (left) and other organisers with the sales promoters in the exhibition
Speaking at the launch of motor show yesterday, ATAS chairman Dr James Yong Chau Leong said he was expecting more more visitors this time than the 12,000 visitors two years ago (2012).
He said the exhibition, which is held once in every two years, serves as a platform for the participants to showcase their new products and at the same time promote their brands.
This year, the ATAS Motor Show is showcasing over 40 participants including car dealerships such as Sime Darby (Ford & Jaguar-Land Rover), Universal Motor (Isuzu), Right Power (Hyundai), Inti Deras (Big Bikes), Edaran Tan Chong (Nissan), Fook Loi/Anak Sabah (Great Wall Motors), Maxspeed Auto (Mazda), Boon Siew (Honda), Boston Auto (Chevrolet) and UMW Toyota, with new participants, Chevrolet and GreatWall.
Heavy vehicles firms taking part include Aulis Auto (Benteng), FF Auto (Hino) and Tan Chong Ind Equipment (Auman & UD Trucks), as well as tinting service shop The Tint Shop.
Banks and insurance companies participating in the exhibition are Maybank, RHB Bank, CIMB, AIG Insurance, UniAsia Insurance, Hwang Investment Mgmt Bhd, Toyota Capital and Public Bank.
“Since the sale volume of cars in Sabah is increasing every year, ATAS took the opportunity to gather the participants who are from various brands and products to be promoted to the people around the city,” he said, adding that record from the Road Transport Department (RTD) showed an increasing rate of new cars being purchased.
Yong said that vehicle buyers today are very lucky as there are many new cars of different brands being produced by companies.
“As the choices increase, the price becomes competitive and drop, making it affordable for customers to buy cars.
“We can find cars more being offered at affordable prices in this exhibition as compared to thr previous years as customers will usually compare prices of cars of different companies . Therefore, cars here could be available for as low as RM70,000 and cheaper,” he added.
“This is a must-visit exhibition as there are brands being offered with special promotions,” Yong said and pointed out that Honda is one of the brands offering special promotion during the three-day-exhibition.
ATAS Motor Show will also have exciting activities for the public to enjoy such as a lucky draw whereby an LED TV plus other goodies will be given away daily.
The Hitz.fm, Era.fm and My FM cruisers will also be conducting fun games for everyone to enjoy.
Organizing chairman of the event, Francis Lim said: “This biannual event is a great place for car enthusiasts to convene as it is a one-stop centre for all your car solutions from the latest car models and accessory trends to insurance policies and loans by your local banks. Daring visitors will also get a chance to conquer the 30-foot high Isuzu giant ramp which is not to be missed”.