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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider AVID holds summit addressing geopolitical shifts and era of electrification

AVID holds summit addressing geopolitical shifts and era of electrification

Steering resilience in the Philippine automotive industry

Published Jun 18, 2026 09:31 pm

At A Glance

  • AVID convened industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders at the AVID Summit 2026 to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the automotive industry.
  • The summit highlighted the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry amid rapid technological and economic transformation.
  • Mobility Access Philippines Ventures, Inc. (MAPVI), the official distributor of BYD passenger vehicles in the Philippines, joins the AVID roster.
AVID President, Maria Fe Perez-Agudo
AVID President, Maria Fe Perez-Agudo
The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) convened industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders at the AVID Summit 2026 to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the automotive industry amid rapid technological advancement and accelerating electrification.
Adapting to disruption
The AVID Summit 2026 discussed the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the automotive industry.
The AVID Summit 2026 discussed the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the automotive industry.
Carrying the theme, “Steering Resilience in the Age of Geopolitical Shifts and the Era of Electrification,” the summit highlighted the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry amid rapid technological and economic transformation. Opening the forum, AVID President, Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, emphasized the importance of leadership, adaptability, and collaboration in navigating the future of mobility.
“The race is no longer about horsepower - it is about foresight, courage, and resilience. The future of mobility will be defined by those who can anticipate change, adapt quickly, and work together to build long-term competitiveness,” said Ms. Perez-Agudo.
The summit featured distinguished experts from various fields who shared insights on key forces shaping the future of the automotive industry. The discussions were moderated by internationally respected broadcast journalist, Rico Hizon, who guided conversations on how industry and government can work together to transform disruption into opportunity.
Ms. Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed, Partner at SGV & Co. and Strategy & Transactions Practice Leader, opened the forum with an outlook on geopolitical resilience and macroeconomic trends, offering perspectives on how businesses can navigate uncertainty while sustaining growth and investment.
Mr. Sujay Kalaria, ASEAN Automotive and Mobility Leader at EY-Parthenon, examined how artificial intelligence is transforming automotive business models, operations, and customer engagement across the region.
Atty. Liza Sebastian, Acting Director of the Bureau of Customs, highlighted the agency’s digital transformation initiatives, including the Electronic Certificate of Payment (e-CP) System, aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and ease of doing business.
DTI Undersecretary for International Trade, Atty. Allan B. Gepty.
DTI Undersecretary for International Trade, Atty. Allan B. Gepty.
Atty. Allan B. Gepty, Undersecretary for International Trade at the Department of Trade and Industry, discussed emerging investment opportunities and policy directions that can strengthen Philippine automotive competitiveness within ASEAN.
Mr. Patrick Oliver Ziechmann, PwC Partner and ASEAN Automotive Leader, outlined the region’s electrification journey and the growing convergence of sustainability, artificial intelligence, and mobility innovation.
“The challenge before us is clear: disruption must be given direction. Artificial intelligence must be harnessed as a national opportunity. Electrification must be seized as a Philippine advantage. Competitiveness can no longer be pursued by individual organizations alone - it requires collective action,” Ms. Perez-Agudo said.
BYD joins AVID
Representatives of AVID members were present at the 2026 Summit.
Representatives of AVID members were present at the 2026 Summit.
The summit also marked a significant milestone for the organization as AVID formally welcomed Mobility Access Philippines Ventures, Inc. (MAPVI), the official distributor of BYD passenger vehicles in the Philippines, into its growing membership roster.
With this addition, AVID now comprises nine member companies representing 16 global automotive brands, further reinforcing its role as a leading voice for a competitive, future-ready, and sustainable Philippine automotive industry.
“With our members, including the country’s leading electric vehicle brand, AVID is stronger than ever in advancing policies and partnerships that will help secure the Philippines’ place in the future of mobility,” said Ms. Perez-Agudo
AVID continues to champion policies and partnerships that promote sustainable growth for the Philippine automotive sector. Since its founding in 2010, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) has served as a vital platform for constructive dialogue between industry and government, championing policies that promote investment, innovation, consumer protection, and sustainable economic growth. By bringing together diverse perspectives on resilience, electrification, artificial intelligence, and global economic developments, AVID 2026 reaffirmed the industry's shared commitment to shaping a future-ready mobility ecosystem.

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Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID)
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