Kuala Lumpur, 27th September 2008 – The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) announced the return of the most anticipated and largest motor show in town. The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show'09 (KLIMS'09) is making its comeback after a three-year hiatus. The 7th presentation of KLIMS will be held from the 29 May to 7 June 2009 at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

KLIMS'09 launching ceremony was officiated by Dato' Haji Zakaria Haji Bahari, Secretary General of the Ministry of Transport, who launched the motor show on behalf of Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Lajim Haji Ukim, the Deputy Minister of Transport. Dato' Haji Zakaria Haji Bahari also witnessed a signing ceremony between MAA and Interexpo (M) Sdn Bhd, for the appointment of Interexpo as KLIMS'09 show manager. Signing on behalf of MAA is its President, Datuk Aishah Ahmad and signing on behalf of Interexpo is its Chairman, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.

Datuk Aishah Ahmad said, "While Malaysia still commands the largest passenger vehicle market in ASEAN, there has been an uneasy market sentiment lately with the global threat of rising inflation and fuel prices. KLIMS'09 will be the dynamic platform to renew market confidence and represent the automotive industry players’ determination to overcome market challenges and emerge stronger than before."

KLIMS'09 will be back with the theme "We CARE", CARE is also the acronym for Commitment, Advancement, Reliability and Environment. MAA intends to leverage on the high profile stature of KLIMS'09 to promulgate a message of the automotive industry's civil mindedness and promote their contributions to environmental conservation.

Datuk Aishah Ahmad commented, "We CARE encompasses the role of Corporate Social Responsibility which is one, if not the most important issue of our time. It is acknowledged that forward looking businesses must take greater account of its social and environmental impact, as well as its financial 'wheel-print'. Perhaps the rising fuel and steel costs is a wake-up call for industry players and policy makers to look farther afield to the “greener pastures” of the automotive landscape. With rising fuel prices and the impact of carbon emissions, buying vehicles with better fuel economy and eco-friendliness may become the most important consideration on buyers' minds."

KLIMS'09 is set to be back with vigor. MAA is determined to surpass their achievements for past KLIMS, and especially with KLIMS 2006 which has been critically acclaimed for its success, to mark the association’s 50th anniversary in 2010.

KLIMS'09 promises to be an adrenaline pumping affair for car enthusiasts with a showcase of concept cars, exotic cars, fast cars and revolutionary cars. An onslaught of marketing, promotion and exciting activities are in the pipeline for KLIMS’09. Amongst the plans are an extensive advertising and promotion campaign and making KLIMS’09 an event in Malaysia’s tourism calendar to attract more tourists.

KLIMS'09 is expected to occupy 30,000 square meters of exhibition space, with an expectation to attract over 200 exhibitors from the automotive industry and targets to draw over 330,000 visitors.

KLIMS'09 has already confirmed the participation of Cherry Alado, Daihatsu, Hino, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Naza Kia, Perodua, Proton, Suzuki, Tan Chong, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and is expecting an upsurge of confirmation after the launch.