MIBTC 2015: Malaysia International Bus Truck and Components Expo 2015 begins today

Tan Sri Syed Hamid Syed Albar, Chairman of SPAD, in a Scania bus during his walkabout 

I attended the Malaysia International Bus Truck and Component Expo over at the MINES convention center earlier today. The three day event began today and showcases various commercial vehicle players such as Iveco, Scania, Volvo Trucks, TATA, MAN and other brands too. There is a strong presence by the Europeans and a unsurprsingly the Chinese brands which are making inroads especially on the more affordable end of the field.

Press release

Road Safety Takes Centre Stage at Malaysia International Bus, Truck and Components Expo 2015

Strong Exhibitors Showcase and Diverse Activities at South East Asia’s Largest Commercial Vehicle Expo

Kuala Lumpur, 14th May 2015 –The second instalment of the Malaysia International Bus, Truck and Components Expo (MIBTC) kicks off today at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC), with a strong showcase of over 80 local and international exhibitors and featuring a diverse range of fringe programs. The event with the theme ‘Drive Safe’ was launched by Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Syed Hamid bin Syed Jaafar Albar, Chairman of the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Syed Hamid, Chairman of SPAD said, “Road safety continues to be a key concern for our nation and one which all parties involved in the commercial vehicle industry, from fleet manufacturers to drivers, must do their part in addressing this issue. Therefore, I am pleased to see the emphasis on this subject in the MIBTC event today and given the strong success of the first MIBTC, I am confident that this year’s show will be even more exciting and industry-relevant.”

In alignment with the event’s theme, the MIBTC 2015 sees many exhibitors such as Smart Lite, Volvo, Scania, and TUV showcasing products and services that contribute to better vehicle management and safer driving techniques. Other exhibitors have also put together a comprehensive display of innovative products and services that promotes safe driving. The Scania Drivers’ Competition – MIBTC edition, which is part of the Asian Trucker Drivers Club activities and is an obstacle course open to anyone with valid driving licenses, further augments the ‘Drive Safe’ message.

“We are pleased to be able to once again hold an event of this scale that brings together all parties from the commercial vehicle industry to showcase their best and exchange insights. Over the next three days, we are anticipating a total turnout of about 6,000 visitors to this expo. These attendees are all ambassadors for safe driving and we are grateful for their support of our ideas and efforts in championing safer roads,” said Stefan Pertz, Editor of the Asian Trucker and Asian Buses magazines and organizer of the MIBTC 2015.

He explained that prior to the MIBTC 2015, Asian Trucker had already been organizing a series of roundtable discussions as well as running Asian Trucker Driver’s club activities on the topic of road safety. The discussions which included sharing by industry leaders and government officials further reinforced the commercial vehicle industry’s commitment in coming together to address the issue of ensuring safer roads for users.

“Apart from a bigger display by returning exhibitors from the first expo, we are also seeing stronger participation from international brands in our event this year, including Brianza Plastica from Italy, Lamilux Composites from Germany and ALCOA Wheel Products Asia. With such a solid showcase from so many top brands from the commercial vehicle industry and some of them launching their new products at the expo, I am optimistic that visitors to this expo will be thoroughly engaged with new learnings and experiences, “Pertz added.

Visitors can also expect to take part in other exciting fringe programs such as the remote-controlled truck race and the Asian Trucker Networking Night. The networking night to be held on the second day of the MIBTC would see 800 local and global market leaders and players gathering to meet and exchange insights on new developments that will help increase the level of road safety in Malaysia. 

Adding to the excitement is the Best Booth Design contest where awards will be given to the most creative booth design. The top two winners will be voted by MIBTC 2015 visitors and awarded with a total cash price of RM 20,000.

The MIBTC 2015 is open from 10:00am to 7:00pm and admission is free to trade visitors. To make it more convenient for visitors, shuttle buses courtesy of the Sendok Group are provided as a transport option for those coming from Kapar and Kuala Lumpur's city center. More information can be obtained at www.mibtc.com.my