Exciting events in 2024 for automotive fans

Exciting events in 2024 include International Automodified Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia International Motor Expo and 20th Malaysian Car of the Year Awards dates announced

Automotive fans in Malaysia have exciting events to look forward to in 2024. International Automodified (IAM) and Malaysia International Motor Expo (MIME) will take place from 8-9 June 2024 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Also in the calendar is the 20th year of the Malaysian Car of the Year Awards (COTY) to find the best new vehicles in 2024.

International Automodified (IAM)

International Automodified (IAM) 2024 will kick-off from Kuala Lumpur before it goes on to six international stopovers. After Kuala Lumpur, IAM will then move to Surabaya, Indonesia from 20-21 July before making its debut in California in the United States on 24 August. The show continues in Singapore from 28-29 September; in Jakarta, Indonesia from 30 November to 1 December. The finale will be in Bangkok, Thailand from 7-8 December. 

Southeast Asia’s largest car tuning and lifestyle show as well as competition, IAM has the distinction of touring more than 38 cities throughout Indonesia since 2001. The show attracts thousands of car enthusiasts and aficionados with nearly 100 individual awards presented to the best displayed vehicles in each category. 

“The modified car scene has grown exponentially over the years with tuners not only emphasizing on custom interior and exterior designs as well as makeovers, but also leaning towards performance enhancements namely in terms of braking solutions, suspension and vehicle handling, engine upgrades, audio and lighting propositions. It has evolved into a multi million ringgit industry greatly benefitting businesses particularly in the ASEAN region,” said IAM Founder Reza Aliwarga. 

“IAM is not just a celebration and expression of creativity, but has become a strong business to customer and business to business platform. The inaugural show in the United States will also elevate IAM to a higher profile and envisioned to become a confluence for Asian and American tuning enthusiasts.” 

First held in Malaysia in 2011, IAM combined forces with MIME in 2022 where close to 104,000 people visited the inaugural three-day show held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. In 2023, more than 70,000 visitors attended the show at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC). 

Malaysia International Motor Expo (MIME)

Another exciting event in 2024 MIME 2024, in contrast, is cars from original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and feature the latest products and innovations in the automotive industry. This will be a display of new vehicles, including electric vehicles, and a special section dedicated to the winners of the 2023 Malaysia Car of the Year awards. 

“What distinguishes MIME from other motor shows is that our show is positioned to resonate more with car owners and potential buyers. It is not merely a display of new cars in the market – something they can readily experience at the respective car brand showrooms – but presenting customers with venue that would enable them to make a more informed purchase in the presence of a sea of options. This will not only include vehicles by official distributors but also independent vehicle importers who offer unique models and variants that are not available at official showrooms,” said MIME Founder Yamin Vong. 

Vong further added that the industry for independent vehicle imports in Malaysia has evolved significantly. Dealers today are not only able to offer relatively new models, but back their sales with warranty and comprehensive aftersales service for the convenience and assurance of customers. 

On this note of aftersales support, one of Malaysia’s holders of Japanese and South Korean franchises will showcase how it is providing vocational training towards internationally recognised certification in electric vehicles. This private sector initiative is in collaboration with the Skill Development Department (JPT), the Ministry of Human Resources. 

“MIME is not exclusively a platform to sell new cars, but cars in general…cars that we believe will appeal to a broad segment of customers depending on type, use and affordability. On the same note, MIME and IAM also brings together manufacturer and distributors of numerous automotive products, catering not only to custom car enthusiasts but also car owners in the market for the latest auto tech innovations.” 

Car Of The Year 2024 

2024 will mark 20 years of the Malaysia Car of the Year (COTY) Awards. The annual award recognises the best new cars launched in Malaysia between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024. 

There will be a new category this year, recognising EV-friendly properties and the developers.

The judging panel will consist of an experienced panel of automotive journalists and professionals. The evaluation criteria includes design, technology, safety, and value for money. 

There will be an online poll for the People’s Choice award. There will also be Honourable Mentions for outstanding cars that defy convention. 

Tickets are currently on pre-sale at RM22 from https://www.ticket2u.com.my. More information at www.internationalautomodified.com and www.malaysiamotorexpo.com