17 auto brands present their latest models at PIMS

The Philippines has, indeed, entered a new era of elevated motor vehicle demand.

From just selling over a hundred thousand units a year—even sank to a record low of 74,407 units in 1999, two years after the Asian financial crisis hit the country—the industry, since three years ago, now finds it easy to breach the 200,000-unit sales mark.

This year, member companies of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), which account for 85 percent to 90 percent of total vehicles sold in the country, will attempt to get past the 300,000-unit sales mark (target is actually 360,000 units), which is no longer insurmountable considering the group almost did it last year after selling 288,609 units.

In the first six months of this year, Campi and TMA members have already sold 167,486 units, which is over 27 percent better than their performance for the same period last year.

“It’s an indication how dynamic and vibrant our economy is. Also, there are a lot of new models being introduced,” said Campi president Rommel Gutierrez as he invites the public to visit the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) from Sept. 14 to 18 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The motor show gathers 17 of the country’s top car manufacturers and distributors. Each brand—Baic, BMW, Daewoo Bus, Foton, Honda, Isuzu, Jeep, KIA, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Peugeot, Suzuki, Toyota and Volkswagen—will showcase the latest or upcoming models, as well as automotive technologies.

“The theme of this year’s PIMS is ‘Steer The Future’ with the tagline ‘Campi: Driving Progress, Empowering Society.’ It highlights the automotive industry’s valuable contributions to the advancement of the country and its economy.

“The 6th staging of PIMS is proof that the country’s automotive industry remains robust. We are excited to stage it this year as we lead Filipinos to a future of better mobility and transportation, and contribute to the country’s progress,” said Gutierrez.

17 brands

The 17 participants will each have their booth highlighting a particular model as well as their current offerings.

Baic

Bayan Automotive Industries Corp. (Baic) will highlight its M20, a multipurpose vehicle that combines outstanding value and versatility. Baic said this multitasking vehicle is perfect for personal and business needs.

BMW

Asian Carmakers Corp., BMW’s official local importer and distributor, will be highlighting its centenary by showcasing some of six vehicles that serve to highlight its mission to stay at the forefront of mobility.

The six are the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car; the 750Li luxury sedan; the BMW 4 Series 100 Years Edition; the BMW X4 100 Years Edition; BMW X1 compact crossover; and the BMW 3 Series M Performance.

Daewoo

Columbian Manufacturing Corp. will showcase its Daewoo Bus BS120SN EURO5, a proudly Philippine-made bus that incorporates the latest technology in lowering vehicle emissions.

FOTON’S Toplander 4×4

Foton

Foton Philippines will present its Toplander 4×4, the brand’s freshest and first sport utility vehicle. The SUV is also assembled at the Foton’s plant inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Honda

Considering racing is ingrained in the corporate culture of Honda, Honda Cars Philippines will present the McLaren-Honda MP4-30, the brand’s Formula One car for the 2015 season.

Powered by a Honda-built 1.6-liter V6 turbo engine, the F1 car (piloted by Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button) is regarded as a “foundation,” and offers a number of new exploratory development paths for our engineers, aerodynamicists and drivers to pursue during the 2015 season and beyond.

ISUZU D-Max

Isuzu

Isuzu Motor Philippines will showcase its newly launched 2017 D-Max as well as its popular commercial truck models that will be displayed outside.

JEEP Renegade

Jeep

Celebrating Jeep’s 75 years of existence in the global auto market, Jeep Philippines will unveil the Renegade, a luxury subcompact crossover designed to empower a new generation of adventure seekers.

Kia

Columbian Autocar Corp., the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, will launch the all-new Soul 1.6L EX Dual Clutch 7-seater that features a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission designed to handle higher torque outputs as well as facilitate faster gear changes.

Lexus

Lexus Manila will showcase the Lexus GS F, a performance sedan that is the latest addition to the “F” marquee. It has a track-ready performance that will help its driver realize handling, stability and ride comfort at a higher dimension.

MAZDA CX3

Mazda

Berjaya Auto Philippines, distributor of Mazda in the country, will showcase the all-new CX-3 that breaks the mold of the subcompact SUV genre as it is designed to deliver elevated levels of style, class, comfort, safety and performance through emotive and functional design.

THE NEW Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasts of optimum comfort and drive.

Mercedes-benz

CATS Motors Inc., the authorized dealer of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the Philippines, will present the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, an extremely elegant automobile armed with the best in driving features, and adorned with top-of-the-line accessories for optimum comfort and drive.

THE Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. will display its Outlander PHEV, a new SUV that flaunts an incomparable power and refinement. It fully embodies the best qualities of a premium SUV.

Nissan

Nissan Philippines will unveil the new Nissan GT-R, the legendary supercar that delivers exhilarating experiences for anyone, at anytime and anywhere.

PEUGEOT 308

Peugeot

Eurobrands Distributor Inc., exclusive importer of Peugeot in the Philippines, will present the Peugeot 308, the multi-award winning model that is one of the brand’s best-selling vehicles globally.

SSANGYONG Tivoli

Ssangyong

Berjaya Motor Philippines, distributor of the SaangYong brand here, will present the Tivoli, the South Korean brand’s smallest and most affordable crossover offering.

SUZUKI Ciaz

Suzuki

Suzuki Philippines will highlight the Ciaz, its latest sedan model that exudes sportiness, and conveys the expectation of driving and a stunning feeling of elegance.

TOYOTA Prius

Toyota

Toyota Motor Philippines will unveil the all-new Prius, the company’s latest edition hybrid model that offers seamless hybrid powertrain, spacious interior, improved ride and handling.

VOLKSWAGEN CC

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Philippines will unveil the Volkswagen CC, a four-door comfort coupé with a 2.0-liter turbo direct injection diesel engine that combines the luxurious styling of an executive sedan with the sleek design of a sports coupé.

Total

Copresented by Total Philippines Corp., PIMS will also feature the Campi Brand Heritage Exhibit, car-club conventions, test drives, a drift-box activity, and other offerings including car wash and kiddie day-care activities.

Gutierrez added that this five-day automotive spectacle is truly dedicated to car enthusiasts, prospective car buyers, automobile business owners, and anyone who wants to be in the know of the Philippine automotive scene.