An online car magazine is trying to put a spotlight on the Northwest car scene, and it’s starting in Renton.
“I really truly believe that Renton especially has a big import community,” said Renton’s Mario Chan, features editor for NWMotiv.com.
Launching in June, the publication is planning its first import and exotics automobile showcase as a part of Renton’s new International Festival in the Highlands Saturday.
NWMotive International Automotive Showcase
WHEN: Noon-6 p.m., Aug. 14
WHAT: 50 imported and exotic automobiles with 10 award categories, including people’s choice
WHERE: In front of the Viet Wah, 2820 Sunset Blvd. N.E.
The import car community has always been very diverse, so the festival is the ideal market the magazine is trying to reach, he said.
He’s expecting about 50 vehicles and about 4,000 people.
The entrants came by invitation only, he said. “We really wanted to showcase the best of the best at the show.”
The event also includes trucks and motorcycles.
There are 10 award categories, including a people’s choice.
In theme with the event, the awards are handcrafted out of materials precious to car owners – glass, carbon fiber and titanium.
A few vendors, including tinting, film protection and car alarms, plan to complement the cars with booths.
The group decided to put on the show after being approached by the Seattle Chinese Times, which has been helping organize the festival.
“It made sense to have an automotive car show for this festival,” Chan said.
The show plans to be located in front of the Viet Wah, 2820 Sunset Blvd. N.E. It starts at noon Saturday and ends at 6 p.m.
NWMotiv has about 10 staff members, who write about and photograph imported and exotic cars, car lovers and a girl of the month.
“We really want to put the Northwest back in the spotlight,” Chan said.
