Moscow International Automobile Salon -2008
and the 4^th International Automobile exhibition Interauto

August 26 through September 7, 2008

Moscow, Crocus Expo IEC

The main automobile event for motor-car enthusiasts of many millions and automotive segment professionals - the Moscow International Automobile Salon / MosIAS-2008 took place August 27 through September 7, 2008 in Moscow at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre. For the first time in the history of Russian exhibitions the Autosalon-2008 ran for a record number of days (13 days) 12 hours a day from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The organizers of the Moscow International Automobile Salon are the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre and the Association of Russian Carmakers under the patronage of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles / OICA. The Crocus Expo is also the exclusive show operator. The event enlisted active support and participation of the Automobile Manufacturers Committee (AMC) of the Association of European Businesses (AEB) in the Russian Federation. The event enlisted the official support of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Ministry for Transport of the Russian Federation, the Ministry for Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation, the Ministry for Industry and Energy of the Russian Federation, the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and other governmental, professional and public bodies.

The status of the Moscow Autosalon has been acknowledged by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles / OICA and running dates of the event have been included into the official calendar of international motor shows starting from 2006.

In conformity with global practice related to motor show holding the first two working days of the Moscow International Automobile Salon -2008 (August 26 and 27) were allocated specially for Mass Media (Press Days). August 28 was Business Day intended only for specialists, wholesalers and suppliers. Representatives of governmental authorities and public structures, embassies of foreign states, top managers and specialists of motor vehicles manufacturers visited the event. August 29 through September 7 were general admission public days.

All in all about 1,6 million people visited the Moscow International Automobile Salon. According to David Thomas, Chairman of the Automobile Manufacturers Committee of the Association of European Businesses in the Russian Federation, President Volvo Cars Russia, “Moscow motor show's attendance figure made it the most attended motor show in the world.” Carlo Sinceri, President of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles / OICA, who honoured Moscow with his visit for the first time ranked the Moscow International Automobile Salon to be in the top five world's best motor shows. Alongside with David Thomas and Carlo Sinceri the show was visited by Igor Shuvalov, First Deputy Prime Minister, Igor Sechin, Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Zhukov, Deputy Prime Minister, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Vice-speaker of the State Duma of the Federations Council of the Russian Federation, Boris Gromov, Governor of the Moscow region, Pavel Borodin, State Secretary of the united government of Russia and Byelorussia, German Gref, Chairman of the Board of Sberbank of the Russian Federation, Evgeny Moskvichev, Deputy Minister for Transport of the Russian Federation, Victor Kirianov, Chief of the Department for road traffic safety provision, Sergei Kazantsev, Head of the department of the road traffic police of Moscow, Alexey Rahmanov, Director of the Department for Automotive Industry and Agricultural Machine-building of the Ministry for Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Sergei Shishkarev, Chairman of the Committee of State Duma for Transport, Vladimir Shevchenko, Head of the Department of the organization of interdepartmental coordination and traffic safety propagation of the Department OBDD of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Russia, Sergei Kondratiev, Head of the Department of realization of youth programs and projects of the Federal Agency for Education of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Leonid Roshal, Chairman of the Healthcare commission of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. Sergei Kogoguin, Chairman of the Association of Russian Automakers NP, the Director General of OAO KAMAZ, Matthias Wissmann, President of the German Automobile Industry Association / VDA, Tohishiro Iwataki, Executive Director and General secretary of the Japan Automobile Manufactures Association/JAMA, Juergen Sauer, President and CEO of ZAO Mercedes-Benz RUS, Martin Jahn, Vice Chairman AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee, Mozhtaba Shivapur, Managing Director Iran Khodro Parts, Design & Engineering & Supply SAPCO (auto parts), Mikhail Reznik, President of Ukrainian Carmakers Association UkrAvtoProm, Osamu Masuko, President & COO Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Christian Esteve, Deputy Corporate Secretary General and Director Resources Department Renault, Brent Dewar, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales General Motors Europe, Christian Kremer, President BMW Group Russia, Joerg Schreiber, President and Director General Mazda Motor Rus, Nigel Brackenbury, President Ford Russia, Peter Milling, Head Skoda subdivision OOO Volkswagen Group Rus, Boris Alioshin, President OAO AvtoVAZ, Sergei Zanozin, Chairman of Board GAZ Group UK, Vadim Shvetsov, Director General OAO Sollers. Alongside with the top managers from European and Russian representative offices and divisions of global car manufactures heads and specialists from various associations and auto dealers, in particular Dmitry Gulin, President Association of Russian Automobile Dealers, Albert A. Gallegos, Director of international relations NADA/National Automobile Dealers Association from USA, Leonardo Buzzavo, President Quintegia, Olafs Ozols, Chairman of Board Latvian Authorised Automobile Dealers Association, Nikolai Gruzdev, Director General Avtomir company, Vardan Dashtoian, Managing Director Sales Rolf, Igor Ponomarev, Chairman of the Board of Directors Genser, actively participated in the Autosalon work.

Representatives of the Ministries of the Russian Federation, and also representative delegations of embassies of China, India, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Slovakia, Macedonia, France, Ecuador and other foreign states made official visits. In particular, the exhibition was visited by the Minister Plenipotentiary, the Councilor for trade and economics of the Embassy of the Chinese National Republic in the Russian Federation. Fabrizio Giugiaro, Director General of the legendary design studio Italdesign Giugiaro, world famous speed racer Alan Menu, stars of Russian variety and show business (Irakly Pirtshalava, brothers Askold and Edgard Zapashny) visited the motor show. Numerous visitors of the Moscow Autosalon had a unique opportunity to eyewitness the open boxing coaching of world-famed boxers Oleg Maskaev (Russia), Robert Hawkins (USA) and Habib Allahverdiev (Russia).

About 2500 representatives of foreign, federal and regional mass media provided press coverage of the Moscow International Automobile Salon -2008.

Figures of statistics related to the Moscow International Automobile Salon explicitly showed that the Autosalon has surpassed all other motor shows held in Russia before. Thus the overall exhibit space exceeded 120 000 sq m, more than 1 000 companies from all regions of Russia and more than 30 countries worldwide exhibited at the Autosalon.

The Moscow International Automobile Salon-2008 was organized in two main sections:

1. Moscow International Automobile Salon with world and European premiers of passenger cars segment, worldwide automobile brands and novelties of national vehicle manufacturing industry. The exhibit space of the Autosalon comprised 63 000 sq m and the event ran for 13 days (August 26 through September 7, 2008). The exposition was accommodated in the third pavilion Crocus Expo IEC.

2. 4^th International Automobile Exhibition Interauto featured the state-of-the-art components, auto parts and the latest technologies related to automotive components, accessories, automobile care products, chemicals, maintenance and repair equipment and tools and a big exposition of commercial transport. The exhibit space of the Interauto-2008 comprised more than 50 000 sq m and the event ran for 5 days (August 27 through 31, 2008). The exhibition Interauto was accommodated in the second pavilion and outdoor Crocus Expo IEC area.

Outdoor exhibit ground featured the exposition of commercial transport and special purpose foreign vehicles. The outdoor exhibit area comprised 8 000 sq m.

The Moscow Motor show features a certain peculiarity that, unlike other world auto shows, the widest range of world car industry is presented in the Russian market and, accordingly at our Motor show,: Russian, American, European, Japanese, Chinese and other cars. Moreover, motor vehicle manufacturers demonstrate in Russia extra-high-power super cars alongside with environment friendly ecological and hybrid cars. The list of exhibitors of the Moscow International Automobile Salon impressed even the most sophisticated motor vehicle fans. The third pavilion Crocus Expo IEC host the exposition of passenger cars by the leading global car manufacturers: Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Citroen, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Daewoo, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, General Motors, Hummer, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, KIA, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Rolls-Royce, Saab, Seat, Skoda, Ssang Young, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo. The stands of the leading Russian carmakers (VAZ, GAZ, UAZ), Russian enterprises of foreign brands production and Chinese carmakers' stands (Chery, Geely, Great Wall, BYD and Brilliance) were also accommodated here. For the first time in the history of Russian exhibitions MIAS-2008 was granted “A” category by a number global automobile manufactures in 2008 alongside with Geneva, Paris, London, Detroit and Frankfurt motor shows and thus they brought to Russia their European and world debuts. And it is well reasoned by the fact that today automotive market of Russia is placed high on the list of targeted territories and ranked as one of the most dynamically developing automotive markets worldwide. As of today according to the results of the first half of 2008 Russia is on the second place in terms of new cars sale after Germany. It is remarkable that three out of five foreign brand sale leaders are produced in Russia.

Plenty of World, European and Russian debuts were presented for the first time in Russian motor shows history. All in all 87 debuts were unveiled at the Moscow International Automobile Salon, 9 world and 7 European debuts were among them.

World debuts:

1. Mazda Kazamai was unveiled at the 2008 Moscow motor show. Kazamai is an SUV concept designed using the same "nature inspired" styling cues designed specially for the Russian market. The Japanese name Kazamai translates to "swirling crosswinds" which Mazda use to express the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover. The Mazda Kazamai features a bold five-point grille, flared front wheel-arches, a swooping coupe-roofline and massive 22-inch alloy wheels. Japanese firm claim it will offer “frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions” thanks to a next-generation direction injection engine”. Besides the Russian debut of a prestige crossover Mazda CX-9 the biggest car in the brand models range was also made at the Autosalon.

2. On 26 August 26 the new Lexus LS 460 All-Wheel Drive made its world premiere at this year's Moscow International Automobile Salon. The LS 460's outstanding performance, sure-footed dynamic abilities and advanced active safety systems have been strengthened with permanent all-wheel drive.

3. BMW presented the world debut of BMW X5 Security during the Moscow International Automobile Salon'2008. Coupled with the very latest security technology, the BMW X5 Security provides a driver with all the benefits of a Sports Activity Vehicle. This bodyguard comes with the intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system and it fulfils the safety requirements of ballistic level VR4. The car guarantees maximum security in critical situations. What's more, BMW unveils an elegant BMW CS Concept for the first time in Russia. The latter is a 4-door concept car, which combines luxury of Gran Turismo cars and the charming style of high-efficient sport car.

4. Audi attracted the public attention with 2 world premieres: a new edition of the successful business class sedan Audi A6 and the brand new fascinatingly dynamic sedan Audi RS 6. Moreover, for the first time in Russia Audi represents a new version of sports crossover Audi Q5 and concept Audi Q7 V12 TDI.

5. Mitsubishi unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show at the Crocus Expo IEC August 26, 2008 the new Pajero Sport SUV. The Moscow Autosalon has been selected as the best platform for the début due to a privileged status of Russia which have become key target market for Mitsubishi starting from 2000 and every year it demonstrates unprecedented sale volumes. The new Pajero Sport features dynamic and sporty exterior lines, complemented by a stylish and vast interior space that engenders a sense of comfort, purpose and safety.

6. Renault demonstrated the world debut of an elegant and efficient sedan Renault Symbol and the two Russian premieres: Koleos, the first 4x4 crossover from Renault, and a spacious hatchback Renault Sandero.

7. Skoda unveiled the official world debut - four wheels drive version of new generation of Skoda Superb V6 3.6. 5-doors sedan is the unique modification. Russian premieres from Skoda are two wheels drive modification of new generation Skoda Superb and Skoda Octavia RS with turbo-diesel engine and automatic gearbox DSG. The products of Kaluga Factory of Volkswagen Concern (Skoda brand is owned by Volkswagen Concern): Skoda Octavia , Skoda Octavia Tour and Skoda Fabia are also represented at the motor show.

8. French carmaker Citroen unveiled the world debut of a restyled version of the successful Citroen C4. The rally car Citroen C4 WRC is also attracting visitors to the booth. The Russian debut is the new Citroen Berlingo.

European debuts:

1. Ford unveiled 2 European premieres: concept car Ford Explorer America and the new Ford Escape. There are also Russian debuts of Focus RS and the new Ford Fiesta.

2. Honda unveiled within the frames of the Moscow Autosalon' 2008 the whole range of exclusive cars: European premiere of a new edition of premium class sedan Honda Legend, a mid-size SUV Honda Pilot, unique concept car Honda CR-Z, Honda Civic Hybrid Earth Color and Honda Civic 5D Mugen. Other models of today's Honda range were also presented, including recognizable Honda Civic sedan, Honda Civic hatchback, 3-door Honda Civic Type R sport hatchback. Hi-tech Robot Asimo attracted and encouraged visitors to the Honda booth. The visitors of the previous Autosalon in Moscow were well familiar with the robot.

3. The European debut of a new sedan version of SUBARU IMPREZA took place at the Moscow International Automobile Salon'2008. The “peak” of the model is the renewed hot sport version WRX.

4. KIA Motors unveiled its European premiere - a new luxurious SUV KIA Mohave. This crossover represents the new generation of SUV-cars. KIA Motors implemented hi-tech technologies and equipment: a convenient start-engine button, a 3.5-inch back sight monitor, a fitted suspension. In addition to it, 3 concepts from KIA are going to be present.

Plenty of Russian automobile debuts were unveiled by major global key players of the automotive market such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen, GM, Nissan and many others. Please find attached the full list of the Moscow Autosalon-2008 premiers.

Russia is seen as a great place to make cars. Integration and more and more dense cooperation between Russian and foreign car makers becomes a remarkable tendency of domestic automobile industry. In particular joint Russian-French venture OAO Avtoframos (AvtoVAZ - Renault), which partners are the French company Renault and the Moscow Government, continue the release of Renault Logan cars. Alongside with manufacture of Renault Logan the expanded factory production capacities enabled the production of a new model - Renault Sandero hatchback. The products of Kaluga Factory of Volkswagen concern were also presented at the motor show.

Russian automakers have also prepared their novelties to demonstrate. In particular, OAO AvtoVAZ debuts with an independent booth of its sport car subdivision Lada Sport. Futuristic concept of a 4 wheel-drive crossover Lada and a sport modification of Lada Kalina TMS Turbo 4х4 were demonstrated at the show.

GAZ Group stand debuted a new passenger car Volga Siber luxe and comfort versions, which release commenced in Nizhny Novgorod (Russia), and new versions of commercial passenger vehicle MAXUS, which is being produced at GAZ factory in Birmingham (Great Britain).

Participants of the event are satisfied with the results of the exhibition. For instance, the quota for Alfa Romeo 8C Spider is 9 cars and all of them were sold out during MIAS'2008. Rolf Group, which is the distributor of Mitsubishi brand in Russia, presented its new trade mark called Rolf Premium Models (RPM). 5 premium models of Mitsubishi Galant, Lancer, Outlander XL, L200, Pajero make the RPM product-line.

The Moscow International Automobile Salon-2008 has developed to incorporate more than just an exhibition. A topical and saturated business program for specialists, diverse entertainment events ran within the frames of the Autosalon. The territory of the exhibition complex Crocus Expo offered special plots for test drives where visitors were given an opportunity to drive Land Rover and Nissan vehicles.

The business program of the exhibition was targeted at wide range of professionals. More than 100 conferences, presentations and other business events were held within the frames of the Moscow Autosalon-2008. The 1^st Professional Conference of Russian AutoDealers initiated and organized by the Russian Association of Automobile Dealers for the first time in its 14-years old history. Press conferences of the leading car making companies ran according to a specially compiled schedule.

This year the Autosalon ran under the motto Automobile and Child due to the fact that 2008 has been declared The Year of Family in Russia and the Autosalon included relative events dedicated to the issues of children road traffic safety.

The next edition of the Moscow Autosalon will be held at the end of August - beginning of September 2010. The organizers will strive to eliminate problems related to difficult transport accessibility due to the opening of a metro station with direct exit to the Crocus Expo exhibition grounds, construction of traffic intersections and supplementary parking places, and they forecast even more success and genuinely international grand scale.

Exhibition statistics: