Christmas for the local automotive industry comes in April. It's when just about everything that has something to do with cars are out there on display together with the latest trends as well as accessories.

Now known as the Manila International Auto Show, it features all the industry players for multi-day exhibit that draws hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts.

Well, it's the time of year once again.

This year's MIAS, slated 4 to 7 April, is expected to beat the 149,000 visitors who came in last year and marveled at more than 200 car displays.

Easy to say because for the first time since its inception 2006, MIAS will be held at two separate venues — the World Trade Center Metro Manila and SMX Convention Center Manila.

That is a combined floor space of 41,000 square meters. A single ticket worth P150 will take the visitors to both venues linked by shuttle services that are provided throughout the day.

MIAS 2024 will feature vehicles from BAIC, BAW, Bestune, Changan, Chery, Chevrolet, DAF, Dongfeng, Foton, GAC, GWM, Hongqi, Hyundai, Hycan, JAC, Jetour, JMC, Lynk & Co, Kinglong, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Omoda and Jaecoo, Peugeot, Seres, Subaru, Suzuki and Weichai.

With a theme "Bridging the Future," this year's MIAS is co-presented by BPI Auto Loans and Shell, and supported by the Automobile Association Philippines and Petron.

There will be the MIAS-Petron Custom Classic Car Competition which will feature displays of well-restored and highly customized vehicles.

The latest models, launches and test drives are also expected to happen.