Organised by the dynamic collaboration of Element X Strategies and MUSE Group Asia, this unique and thrilling exhibition promises an exhilarating experience for automotive enthusiasts like never before.
The event was officially opened by investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz. Recognising the event’s remarkable innovation, he praised the organisers for pushing the boundaries and delivering a remarkable experience for the automotive industry.
“Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur serves as an important and influential platform to cultivate and enhance business opportunities and collaborations.
“This is an area that greatly interests and continues to be pursued by Malaysia, and one that I hope Malaysian businesses and entities will take full advantage of,” he said in his speech.
The three-day exhibition, a satellite event modelled after Japan’s renowned custom and performance car show, covers a vast floor space of 130,000 sq ft. It is expected to attract 150,000 visitors from Malaysia and the Asean region.
Founder, CEO, and director of Element X Strategies Jason Yap revealed that the idea to bring the Tokyo Auto Salon to Malaysia originated in late 2018. The decision was driven by the country’s robust market for car enthusiasts.
“If you’ve never experienced a show like this before, you wouldn’t believe the massive following of JDM cars and modified vehicles at this level,” Yap told FMT.
Although Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur kicks off with humble beginnings this year and is nowhere as large as the original show in Japan, Yap said that moving forward, he is optimistic of seeing progressive growth for the show.
“What we lack in scale we believe we have more than compensated for in terms of quality of the displays and exhibits.
“The participation of renowned tuners from Japan and the arrival of specially tuned and award-winning cars, in addition to the spectacular participation of locally modified vehicles, have also given the show an exceptionally high degree of prestige worthy of the Tokyo Auto Salon,” said Yap.
MUSE Group Asia CEO Riduwan Matni said Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur is envisioned to become a strategic hub for both enthusiasts and members in the Asean region.
“The love for JDM cars is exponential worldwide and the Tokyo Auto Salon has been at the epicentre of this phenomenon,” Riduwan added.
A fleet of specially imported show-stopping cars from Japan and tier-1 exhibitors and tuners the likes of Top Secret, Spoon, HKS and Greddy among others, anchor the event.
These include the Japanese show-stoppers such as Top Secret Gold Nissan GTR, Active Carbon R32 GT-R RB30 Kai Concept by (Garage Active), Forte C7 Corvette Forte Wide Body, Subaru Levorg Kruise KR – VN5RR, and many more.
One of the exhibitors participating in Tokyo Auto Salon is RedSprings. Its founder, Alan Leong said that his company cannot afford to miss such a remarkable opportunity.
“Well, it’s Tokyo Auto Salon! I mean if you’re a car guy, you would know that Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan is a thing. So we’re actually very happy to be here,” said Leong.
Now in its 40th year, Tokyo Auto Salon has grown to become one of the top-tiered international shows for both enthusiasts and exhibitors.
Muhammad Amirudin, a 29-year-old marketing executive and avid car enthusiast, said he believed this was an event not to be missed by anyone – especially big fans of cars.
“It’s an incredible feeling to witness cars like the Top Secret GTR, Skyline Supras, Lamborghinis, and more in person,” he said.
“It’s like a dream come true, my dreams turning into reality. I’m very happy that the Tokyo Auto Salon is here, displaying these incredible cars.”
In addition to local and international exhibitors, visitors will have a chance to witness a line-up of beautiful race queens from Japan and singing performances by cosplayers Rina-Hime and Hayate Konno.
And, for the first time in Malaysia, there will also be a full display of Initial D cars. Hot Wheels will also be showing a Monster Truck.
Moreover, attendees have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur merchandise and memorabilia, adding to the excitement of the event.
There will also be a number of performances and workshops organised during the show.
The Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur also brings together a diverse range of automotive professionals under one roof.
Exhibitors comprise not only car tuners, but also companies specialising in parts, maintenance and servicing; car and motorcycle related products; technologies, services and solutions; auto detailing and accessories; custom bikes, tyres, and financial institutions.
Tokyo Auto Salon KL runs until tomorrow (Sunday, June 11). Tickets are available here.
Date:
June 9, 10 & 11
Time:
10am-10pm
Venue:
Halls 2-4, MITEC, Kuala Lumpur
Admission:
Adults RM60/day; children: RM28/day
Email hitcommunications@yahoo.com or contact 019-271 1609 for more information.
Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram