With the theme ？rive the future？ this year？ exhibition promises more cars and fun activities

Vintage cars, a regional robot-racing competition and a show by famous stunt driver Russ Swift, along with new car launches and concept car displays, will be the main attractions at this year？ Singapore Motor Show.

The event, to be held from November 11-21, will occupy 25,000 square metres at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

About 100 exhibitors will be present, according to organiser, the Motor Traders Association of Singapore (MTA).

Mercedes-Benz and Chevrolet will take part for the first time and join Alfa Romeo, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Saab, SsangYong Motor, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota. Among sports and luxury brands to be shown are Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, Porsche and Rolls-Royce.

The show will also feature a range of commercial vehicles by Isuzu, Opel and Fiat ？which is exhibiting for the first time ？and motorcycle brands including Gilera, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Piaggio, Vespa and Yamaha.

The theme for this year, ？rive the future？ reflects the show？ emphasis on engaging and nurturing talents for the automotive industry.

MTA president Chia Yong Sian says this is clearly seen in the way Singapore Motorshow 2004 is supporting activities such as Temasek Polytechnic？ (TP) RoboGP and an exhibition of race cars by National University of Singapore (NUS) students, which will not only encourage enthusiasts in pursuing their interests but also educate the public on automotive technology.

？e want to stir up interest and inspire the future movers and innovators of the automotive industry. This year？ event supports initiatives that will encourage our young creative talents to develop a keen interest in the auto industry. Taking part in TP？ RoboGP with a specially-constructed racer, or exhibiting race cars built by NUS students, is a good way to rouse the interest of other students and young budding enthusiasts. It will encourage them to participate more actively in future car design and custom-built projects,？he said.

？e may not manufacture cars in Singapore but we can surely groom a future generation of world-class car designers and auto engineers if we interest our young in such projects at an early age.？

Held over two public holidays, Deepavali and Hari Raya Puasa, the motor show is expected to attract more than 150,000 local and foreign visitors. Apart from the car displays, some special highlights of the motor show include ？he Shining Silver Star？？a year-long travelling exhibition by Mercedes-Benz to commemorate 120 years of the automobile.

The Singapore Motorshow 2004 is supported by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Inc (JAMA), the Singapore Motorcycle Trade Association (SMCTA) and the Singapore Exhibition and Conventions Bureau (SECB).

More information on the show and the event highlights can be found on its official website atwww.motorshow.com.sg.

- Source from The Nation (Sep 06, 2004) -