GET ready for what may just be Malaysia's ultimate Japanese domestic market (JDM) car exhibition this year.
Covering a total floor space of 130,000 sq ft, the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023 (TASKL) will call the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) its home from June 9-11.
The satellite event, which is expected to draw 150,000 visitors, is modelled after the titular car show in Japan.
It will feature local and international exhibitors, a lineup of race queens from Japan, and a number of curated performances and workshops.
Also present at the venue is a fleet of specially imported cars from Japan and tier-1 exhibitors and tuners like Top Secret, Spoon, HKS and Greddy.
Tokyo Auto Salon Federation director-general Junichi Fukui said the aim of bringing the Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS), now in its 40th year, outside of the country was to garner even greater exposure for its members and to tap new and emerging markets.
"The love for JDM cars has grown exponentially worldwide and TAS has been at the epicentre of this phenomenon. TASKL is envisioned to become a strategic hub for both enthusiasts and our members in Asean.
"The Kuala Lumpur show will bring a more international flair with the display of locally-modified vehicles and exhibits featuring Malaysian and Asean engineered accessories and performance parts as well as services.
"The show's greater objective is to create a vibrant and viable platform for our members and potential regional manufacturers," he added.
What initially began as a celebration of innovative and creative display of Japanese manufactured cars has since evolved into one of the top-tiered international shows for both enthusiasts and exhibitors.
The show has also come to be accepted as a prestigious platform by vehicle manufacturers as well as aftermarket accessories and performance parts companies to showcase their latest and most innovative offerings.
On average, the annual show in Japan is said to feature 1,000 vehicles, more than 500 exhibitors, 4,000 booths and over 300,000 Japanese and international visitors.
Automotive players, big and small from Malaysia and Asean, will showcase their latest products and services at TASKL, where booths of different sizes are available for rent.
More than 50 per cent of the floor space had already been filled when the event was first announced in March.
Red Springs Sdn Bhd will curate the 4x4 exhibits while Hot Wheels, EMMA Malaysia, Soon Soon Garage and regional auto players such as Option 4 Wheel from Thailand and Adtory-Minshing Automotives from China will be joining the event.
The local event is jointly organised by Muse Group Asia and Element X Strategies, together with TAS' intellectual property owner San Ei Corporation.
"Our intention has been to bring this prestigious event to Malaysia ever since we organised the very first TAS outside of Japan in Singapore in 2013. We are glad to announce it is now happening after three years of planning," said Muse Group Asia chief executive officer, Riduwan Matni.
"The automotive aftermarket segment in Malaysia is valued at over US$6 billion per year, a sizeable contribution to Malaysia's gross domestic product. Malaysia also posted the third highest level of car ownership globally at 93 per cent of households, according to a Nielsen Global Survey of Automotive Demand.
"Against this background, we are confident that the robust interest from motor enthusiasts and automotive brands alike will welcome the TAS coming to the shores of Malaysia," said Riduwan.
"With the support of all partners and the public, and not forgetting our media friends, this event can become the spark in reinvigorating the aftermarket industry that has faced numerous challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic and is now on the road to recovery. We look forward to hosting a show every bit worthy of the TAS prestige," he added.
Tickets are priced at RM60 and RM28 per day for adults and children, respectively. They can be purchased online until the day of the show at www.tokyoautosalonkl.com.
