On the sidelines of Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2026 on Thursday, April 9, Changan Philippines brand head Ryan Bermudez said the company expects EV models to have a larger share this year compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) models.

Last year, the split between EVs and ICE vehicles was on equal footing at 50 percent each, but ICE vehicles are now expected to account for only around 30 percent this year.

While EV sales have always been expected to increase, Bermudez said the projected growth for the year is largely influenced by the impact of the Middle East conflict.

Fuel prices have soared in recent weeks due to conflict-related disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where around 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through.

Bermudez said sales in March saw EVs account for 70 percent of the total, compared to around 50 percent in the previous month.

“March was an indicator of the shift that’s going to happen,” he told reporters.

As importation costs increase due to higher fuel prices, he said the company may raise prices of its models, but not to a level that would be considered significant.

“If you’re talking about the significance of the increase, it might not be much felt by our customers,” said Bermudez, noting that the company is working on cushioning the impact of higher logistics costs.

Changan aims to meet the anticipated growth in EVs with the introduction of new models, which were revealed during this year’s MIAS.

Changan is rolling out Lumin, a battery EV; Nevo Q05, a plug-in hybrid EV; and Nevo Hunter K50, a range-extended electric pickup truck. By the third quarter, the automotive firm will also launch CS55 Plus, another plug-in hybrid.

While the company looks to further expand its presence in EVs, Bermudez said the company will continue to offer ICE vehicles, given its broader customer base.

“I know that there’s a shift that's going to happen. That is why in terms of model lineup that we’re bringing in, we are focusing more on [EVs], but not leaving the ICE behind,” he said.

For the year, Changan is also planning to expand its network of dealerships to further cement the company’s reach across the archipelago.

From 15 dealerships nationwide, Bermudez said they are planning to add 10 more this year, focusing primarily on the country’s metropolitan areas.

A potential manufacturing base here, however, is out of the picture for the company, as importing from China remains the most cost-efficient option to keep its vehicles at an affordable level.

Inchcape Philippines, the joint venture (JV) between British automotive distribution firm Inchcape and CATS Group of Companies, is the exclusive distributor of Changan vehicles in the country.