More technology-driven vehicles, particularly electric-powered engine cars, will mark the 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), amid confidence by local car companies to hit their 336,000 unit sales level this year.
The PIMS, which is staging a comeback after four years of absence, will open on September 15 this year at the World Trade Center with all members of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) are expected to showcase their latest and future mobility technology products. The 8th PIMS theme is “Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good.”
The PIMS usually takes place every two years. The last PIMS was in 2018, while the 2020 edition was cancelled because of the pandemic.
“Four years after, PIMS is coming back strong,” said CAMPI President Rommel Gutierrez adding that car companies are expected to showcase more than what they had presented several years ago.
As such, PIMS brings together 13 of the top automotive brands including long-term partners BMW, Foton, Honda, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and Toyota, as well as new members Chery, Geely, and Hyundai in unveiling their latest and most recent innovations that will drive the future of mobility.
Executives from various car companies hinted to display technology-based models, particularly EVs, during the four-day event. Despite the focus on cleaner motoring sustainability, car companies are also expected to also showcase performance car models on display.
Among the car firms that indicated to display EVs, hybrids, and plug-in models, include Nissan Philippines Inc., Mazda, BMW, Geely, among others.
“Despite the challenges, we are positive that the industry is on its way to revival and recovery as evidenced by the double digit growth in the past month with an 18.4 percent increase in vehicle sales year-to-date. Currently, we are almost at 57 percent of our annual industry target,” said Gutierrez.
“In line with our road to recovery, we are happy to bring back the much-awaited Philippine International Motor Show, gathering the industry’s biggest car manufacturers to showcase how the latest vehicles and mobility innovations can drive us towards a better and more sustainable future,” added Atty. Gutierrez.
While the PIMS is not a selling activity, but an opportunity for car manufacturers to display their latest and future products, orders and deals can be forged at the event.