The MTA Car Show of the Century

This year is a big one for the automotive industry in New Zealand.

Kiwis interest in cars has never been higher. The record number of new vehicles registered in 2016 coincides perfectly with the New Zealand Motor Trade Association’s 100th anniversary.

And to celebrate, there will be a weekend expo- the MTA Car Show of the Century- on April 29th and April 30th this year at the TSB Bank Arena in Wellington.

You’ll get the full, interactive journey through history and see for yourself just how far cars have come in the last century.

There will also be a chance to see what the cars of tomorrow look like in the futures section. This includes the Rinspeed Bodii, which is the first time the Swiss manufacturer has ever showcased a vehicle in Australasia.

The movers and shakers of the industry will also be there to share some of their insights. Among them are Kiwi transportation designer Alain Brideson, Kiwi entrepreneur  Ian Wright and public commentator Rod Oram. Frank M Rinderknecht from Rinspeed will also be giving a talk.

Attendees are encouraged to be on the lookout for the drive electric outside the TSB arena, where they can test drive an electric vehicle.

Tickets for Adults are $12 and children under 14 get free entry.

Motor Trade Association Media Release

For the first time, one of the world-renowned futuristic Rinspeed concept cars, will be displayed in New Zealand.  The Rinspeed Budii is being showcased by MTA as part of its public centenary celebrations in Wellington in April.

The electric, autonomous Rinspeed Budii has featured at the Geneva Motor Show, the Shanghai Motor Show and CES Las Vegas.  It is one of the world’s most technologically advanced cars and has been designed to show just how the relationship between cars and humans could evolve.

“We are very privileged to have been entrusted with this incredible vehicle by its makers, the Swiss company Rinspeed.  They have never displayed one of their concept cars in Australasia and it has been lent to us for our centenary 28-30 April,” said MTA Chief Executive Craig Pomare. The centenary event will be held at Wellington’s TSB Bank Arena and car park and over 150 the country’s latest, greatest and most iconic cars will make up a unique display.

Rinspeed head Frank M. Rinderknecht says the Budii is designed to evolve. “In the future, cars will do just as we do: they will keep learning every day, and as a result will get better and better at mastering the complex challenges of modern-day private transport.” To this end, Budii will take information from its surroundings, its own ‘experiences’ and those of other vehicles along its route into consideration. The long-term result will be a cognitive and intuitive autopilot.”

The MTA100 celebrates the century since a group of Manawatu garage owners first got together in Feilding to set up a motor retailers association. It also celebrates the love affair New Zealanders have with their cars.

You’ll also see the very latest cars, concept models, new and imagined technology in the Futures Exhibition. Check out a huge range of classic cars, supercars, muscle cars, and rare cars on show in the Arena carpark. Inside Shed 6 stop by the Great Kiwis Great Cars exhibition – learn more about the Kiwi-made Trekka and check out Chris Amon’s Maserati or have your photo taken on Burt Munro’s Indian motorcycle.