Moscow International Automobile Salon 2012 (Source: http://best-3-0.livejournal.com/1611411.html)

 Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) is one of the most popular international biennial exhibitions held in Crocus Expo in Moscow, Russia. MIAS is scheduled by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, which considers it to be the largest and the most impressive international auto show. This year MIAS (held on August 31 – September 9, 2012) has beaten all the records: the exhibit space was about 100 000 sq m, more than 100 companies participated in the show and the number of visitors exceeded 1 000 000. And what is more, a great number of surprising premiers was presented: 23 world, 21 European, 85 Russian and 34 concept cars. Almost each automobile brand launched a premier at their stand!

 At the moment, Russia is one of the fastest-growing markets in Europe. And after entering WTO it has become even more attractive for the car exporters.  The increase of the exhibition space in more than 2 times this year in comparison with 2010 proves the fact of the vital role of the Russian market in the international automotive arena.

 All leading foreign and Russian automobile brands and car makers were presented at MIAS in 2012: Audi, Bentley, BMW, Brabus, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, FAW, Fiat, Ford, Foton, GAZ Group, Geely, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, LADA, Land Rover, Lexus, Lifan, Luxgen, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Rolls-Royce, SEAT, Skoda, Ssang Yong, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, ZAZ and UAZ. Products and services were divided into several categories, such as: concept vehicles,  passenger cars, vehicle manufacturing equipments, auto parts, assemblies,  testing equipment,  ornaments and accessories, etc.

SUVs are particularly popular in Russia, with a segment share of about 20 percent. That is why so many world car producers decided to present their SUV models. Mazda’s latest concept car is one of them. Its stylish design of a sporty and compact SUV might appeal to the young consumers.

Another SUV model was demonstrated by the Taiwanese producers who are only entering the Russian market. Luxgen7 is a mid-sized SUV that may become quite common in Russia over the next few years. Luxgen showed its car’s capabilities together with its smart on-board system organizing and outdoor test drive with an intriguing title “Blind Drive Show”.  The idea is that the driver is maneuvering on the quiet dangerous constructions with all car windows covered, and relying only on the Think-System with the Side and Eagle views installed into the car.

Outdoor test drives were also arranged by Fiat, Land Rover, Smart and Volvo.  And the finish of the ninth annual rally “Made in Togliatti” held in 13 Russian cities with participation of the best developments by Togliatti car makers on the basis of the Russian AvtoVaz took place on September 1 at MIAS.

Actually, MIAS is not just an exhibition.  It is an opportunity for the producers to increase their sales potential and to broaden their business knowledge. This time the world car producers discussed Innovative Automotive Industry of Russia, whether it is a myth or reality. Besides, new market conditions after WTO introduction became a topic of their main concern.

The exhibitors welcomed the visitors with various impressive show programs even with the participation of robots, valuable prizes and souvenirs, and very unusual and sometimes extreme test-drives. MIAS is also a great entertainment and real fun for children who don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to sit in their dream cars. Sometimes they distinguish the models even better than their parents, and are running quickly from one car to another taking pictures and imagining how they will buy them and drive as soon as they grow up.

At the end of MIAS the best car of the motor show have been defined by the mass media representatives, who left their opinions not only about the exhibitors, but also about the organization of press conferences. The winners got different valuable prizes and memorable diplomas. And results are the following: 

Best Urban Car: Smart

Best Car of Small Class: MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4

Best Car of Medium Class: NEW Mazda 6

Best Car of Business Class: Toyota Camry

Best Luxury Car: Rolls-Royce Ghost

Best Off-road Vehicle: Volkswagen Touareg

Best Minivan/Wagon: SEAT Alhambra

Best Convertible/Coupe: Audi R8 Coupé

Best Ecomobile: Renault Zoe

Best Prototype/Concept Car: LADA XRAY

The most successful press conference: AvtoVaz

The Most beautiful stand exposition: Mazda Motor Rus

Grand Prix – main nomination of the Moscow International Automobile Salon’2012 – Dream Car: Bentley Continental GT Speed

Anna Dorozhkina

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