From MITEC to MAEPS: What's Changed at Tokyo Auto Salon Malaysia

When Tokyo Auto Salon Malaysia (TASM) opens at MAEPS in Serdang on Friday 2 October, it will be more than a new name for a familiar event. The show that ran as Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur (TAS KL) from 2023 to 2025 has changed its venue, its organising setup and its format.

Here is what is different this year, and what it means for Malaysian car fans.

Why the name changed

TAS KL was held for three years, from 2023 to 2025. According to paultan.org, the local licensee, Element X Strategies, decided not to renew its licence in June 2026.

The 2026 show is now run by the TAS Malaysia organising committee, working with the Tokyo Auto Salon Secretariat in Japan. The Tokyo Auto Salon brand is owned by Japanese publisher San-Ei.

The organisers said: "The evolution of TAS Malaysia is more than just a name change. This marks the beginning of a new era for this event."

The official Tokyo Auto Salon website in Japan says the change from "Kuala Lumpur" to "Malaysia" shows its plan to become a regional and international festival, rather than a show based in a single city.

Bigger venue, outdoor space

The biggest physical change is the venue. TAS KL was held at MITEC in Kuala Lumpur. TASM moves to the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

MAEPS offers both indoor halls and outdoor space. The Japanese organisers describe the 2026 event as the largest format so far.

Drift demos arrive

The outdoor space allows something TAS KL did not have: drift demonstrations in a dedicated outdoor area. Paultan.org describes this as one of the key upgrades from the previous edition.

TASM will also feature:

• show-grade custom cars from Japan and overseas
• concept cars and new product launches from aftermarket companies
• booths for JDM brands, wheels, aero parts and styling
• the "A-class stage", with live performances on all three days
• meet-and-greets with Tokyo Auto Salon's A-class performers from Japan
• lifestyle, gaming and food areas aimed at families as well as car fans

Longer opening hours

TASM is open from 10am to 10pm on all three days (2–4 October). The later closing time means visitors can come after work on Friday or after an F1 session at Sepang.

More ticket options

Organisers announced at least eight ticket categories, starting from RM48. These include early bird, student, normal, family, early entry, collector fast lane, three-day combo and VIP experience options. Full details are on the official TASM website.

Japanese builders return

Japanese exhibitors are part of the show again. ALESS, which exhibited in Kuala Lumpur last year, has confirmed it will return with its award-winning Crown sedan build.

What it means for local car culture

For Malaysia's JDM and modified-car community, the move to MAEPS brings the show closer to what fans see in Japan, with live action as well as static displays. The dates also overlap with F1 at Sepang, which is a short drive to the south, making the first weekend of October one of the biggest weekends for car fans in years.

Key takeaways

• TASM replaces Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur, which ran from 2023 to 2025.
• The show moves from MITEC to MAEPS Serdang, with indoor and outdoor areas.
• New for 2026: drift demonstrations in an outdoor area.
• Opening hours are 10am to 10pm from 2 to 4 October.
• Tickets start from RM48, with at least eight categories.

FAQ

Is Tokyo Auto Salon Malaysia the same as TAS KL? It is the successor event. The name, venue and organising setup have changed, but it is still an official Tokyo Auto Salon event.

Where is Tokyo Auto Salon Malaysia 2026? At MAEPS (Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang) in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

Will there be drifting at TASM? Yes. Organisers say drift demonstrations will take place in a dedicated outdoor area.

Sources: paultan.org, Tokyo Auto Salon (official Japan site), Tokyo Auto Salon Malaysia, ALESS/Mountain Peak