Travel by Photos – Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2010

Very much being considered as one of the most anticipated event of the year, Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2010 is finally here in Malaysia, after the postponement of KLIMS ’09 last year due to global economic crisis. It was held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur, from 3rd to 12th  of December 2010. The same event was held previously in year 2006 and 2003 at the same venue. Visiting hours is from 11AM until 10PM for weekdays and 10AM to 10PM during weekends. Entrance ticket is RM15 and RM20 per entry for weekdays and weekends respectively. Discounted rate is available for children, students and family package.

OK. The biggest question. Is it worth to pay RM20 for the entrance? Let’s read on…

There are more than 110 exhibitors participating in the event, but mostly are not car makers. Participating car makers in KLIMS ’10 include Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Proton, Perodua, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Peugeot, Mitsubishi, Lotus, Isuzu, and that’s all! 🙁 Of course, visitors can still see some of the latest model from Ferrari, Maserati, Brabus, or Rolls Royce, but they are displayed by importers, not car makers themselves. Other supplementary automobile products such as tires, rim, car beauty, tinted film, audio system are also on show.

Some of the highlights include the appearance of Batman and his Batmobile, the 6-wheeled black army vehicle used to film the movie, and also the 16-feet life size replica of Bumblebee, the cute yellow Autobot transformed from the 1976 Chevrolet Camaro. I couldn’t see either of them. Hmm… 🙁

Not many surprises if you are an automobile enthusiast as most European car makers are not participating in the show. I was so disappointed that not even China auto makers are making their debut in KLIMS. Among those big names being left out are Mercedes Benz, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Volvo, Lamborghini, Volks Wagon, Porsche, Mazda, Daihatsu, Land Rover, Ford, Aston Martin, Skoda, Renault, Jaguar, Buick and so much more!

Nevertheless, I managed to find a couple of excitement. Honda is showcasing its U3-X, single wheel mobility device that can move freely with superb balancing by leaning our upper body to any direction to shift body weight. Another excitement is those show girls modeling around show cars! For photography hobbyists, this no doubt is fantastic treasure for them! 🙂 For me, it was a great opportunity for me to test out my new DSLR, Nikon D7000, in various aspects, such as high ISO performance, Nikkor 18-108mm sharpness, fill flash ability, skin tone, as well as Auto White Balance accuracy under complicated lighting.

Here are photos showing what generally you could see and shoot photos in the motor show…

Proton sports car, LEKIR.

Beautiful show model of Proton.

Proton TUAH

Proton EMAS concept car.

Perodua Bezza concept car.

Isuzu D-concept car.

Nissan Juke.

Nissan show hall.

Nissan 370Z Roadster made its debut here.

Nissan Elgrand.

1976 Chevrolet Camaro. When will it transformed into Bumblebee?

New Kia Sorento made its debut here.

Kia Cadenza.

Peugeot 5008.

Maserati Gran Cabrio

Another Maserati. Beautiful legs… 🙂

Ooops! My dream Ferrari.

Ferrari 250GT

Rolls Royce.

Mercedes E-class in Brabus version.

Half of the crowds are photography hobbyists.

3-Wheel motor.

The main actor, major car makers are all in bigger halls upstair.

Sweetest show girl of Hyundai.

Hyundai Sonata.

Santa Fe.

The most elegance show model in Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi concept car.

Pajero Sport.

Tucson… from Hyundai.

Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports concept car.

The sexiest show model in Toyota.

The Power of Dreams.

Honda new hybrid INSIGHT.

The biggest surprise, Honda’s U3-X personal mobility device.

Honda CR-X.

The cutest show model in Lexus.

RM1 Million Lexus LS 600hl hybrid flagship.

Click HERE to view all other photos in full resolution via my Flickr lightbox. 🙂

What’s my verdict?

• Attractiveness: Good    √ √ √ √
• Features to explore: Good √ √ √ √
• Photo Opportunity: Good √ √ √ √
• Accessability: Good √ √ √ √
  
• Value for money: Average √ √ √ (a bit expensive)
  

• Overall Travel Score : 76%

• Verdict: Located right in the heart of KL city centre, KL International Motor Show is very near to the rest of KL city attractions. Ask for PWTC and any taxi driver will take you right to the main entrance. For photography hobbyists, this is an opportunity to test your camera’s high ISO ability as well as your flash photography skill on beautiful models and cars. For car enthusiasts, this might not be the best motor show as there are too many car makers applied for green checks. Furthermore, the entrance is not cheap! Just prepare to be dissappointed. – Travel Feeder, your ultimate travel photo blog