A glimpse into the future of Philippine mobility

The Philippine automotive industry stands at the front lines of the conversation about mobility. Amid high fuel prices, Filipinos are clamoring for answers to questions such as how people should move, how technology should shape transportation, and how sustainability can be integrated into everyday travel.

At the center of this dialogue is the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), the country’s foremost automotive industry organization and the magnetic force behind the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). Celebrating three decades of leading the industry this year, CAMPI has made the 10^th edition of PIMS its best one yet, welcoming thousands of visitors eager to witness the latest developments in automotive technology.

Held from June 4-7 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, the event brought together 17 global automotive brands under the theme “Forward in Every Drive,” highlighting the organization’s push for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future.

An industry in transit

The significance of this year’s PIMS is a culmination of the growth that the Philippine automotive industry has had over the past two decades.

When the event was first held in 2007, CAMPI had only 10 member companies. Today, the organization has grown to more than 30 members and represents an automotive market that has expanded dramatically.

During the opening ceremonies of PIMS 2026, CAMPI President Jose Maria “Jing” Atienza noted that the local automotive market has expanded fourfold since the inaugural edition of the motor show, highlighting the significant role the industry plays in supporting economic activity, employment, and consumer mobility.

Similarly, CAMPI data showed nearly half a million vehicles sold in 2025. Despite this growth, the industry, along with the rest of the world, faced new challenges. Geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in Western Asia, have spiked fuel prices that directly affect Filipinos, motorists and non-motorists alike. Earlier this year, CAMPI even withdrew its original 2026 sales target of 500,000 units due to softer market demand linked to rising fuel costs and economic uncertainty.

Yet, these same challenges have also accelerated innovation. Rising fuel prices have forced consumers to become more conscious of operating costs, while manufacturers have responded by introducing more fuel-efficient technologies and alternative powertrains. The result is an industry that is becoming increasingly focused on practical mobility solutions that address real-world concerns such as affordability, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

This impressive shift was even noticed by the Department of Energy (DoE). During his keynote address, DoE Energy Utilization and Management Bureau Director Patrick Aquino emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and industry in shaping the future of transportation. He described PIMS as a platform that showcases innovation while highlighting the continuing evolution of the Philippine automotive sector.

Similarly, according to VinFast Chief Executive Officer for Southeast Asia Antonio Zara III, these developments have accelerated the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) as consumers come searching for more reliable and less volatile options.

“The demand has more than doubled,” he said. “Since April, if you look at [data from] CAMPI, car sales have been going down. But EV sales and plug-in hybrid sales are growing. So, we knew it would eventually transition, but the fuel crisis somewhat accelerated the transformation, and now this is the new normal. This is because people have been educated about the benefits of EV.”

Electrifying Filipino transport

Perhaps the most glaring clue for this transformation is the prominence and sheer volume of electrified vehicles throughout the exhibition halls.

According to the official showcase directory, more than 50% of the vehicles displayed and available for public test drives at PIMS 2026 were electrified models. This marks the most aggressive push toward electric mobility in the event’s history so far. Visitors walking through the show floor encountered a wide range of technologies, ranging from hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, mild hybrids, range-extended electric vehicles, and fully battery-electric vehicles.

Throughout the whole motor show, the momentum behind electrification was difficult to ignore. Several brands unveiled hybrid variants of popular models, while others introduced more affordable battery-electric vehicles designed to make electric mobility accessible to a wider audience.

New participants such as BAIC and Omoda & Jaecoo made their PIMS debut, joining established manufacturers and emerging electric-focused brands such as Tesla and VinFast. Their presence alone shows how competitive the electrified vehicle market in the Philippines is becoming and highlights how rapidly the industry is adapting.

Immersive experiences for every generation

Aside from the vehicles themselves, PIMS 2026 demonstrates how the automotive experience is truly changing.

The 17 participating brands transformed their pavilions into immersive destinations featuring technology demonstrations, interactive displays, digital experiences, and hands-on activities. Visitors were allowed to engage directly with advanced vehicle technologies, explore solutions firsthand, and participate in test drives that allowed them to experience the latest innovations firsthand.

Particularly, VinFast’s booth stood out as it contained what was seemingly an entire electric mobility ecosystem. The Vietnamese car brand’s pavilion was composed of EVs, charging infrastructure, mobility services, and even income-generating opportunities through the launch of their RENTAPASADA program. 

The event also featured a vibrant aftermarket and lifestyle section on the sidelines, letting car enthusiasts access accessories, car care products, performance upgrades, and new technology. Automotive clubs and owner communities also gathered throughout the four-day event, showing the strong culture and enthusiasm that continues to remain strong the Philippine automotive scene.

In many ways, the evolution of PIMS mirrors the evolution of the Philippine automotive industry itself. What began as a traditional motor show focused on vehicle launches and brand showcases has grown into a platform for discussing broader mobility solutions and emerging transportation technologies. This transformation reflects how the industry has matured alongside the country’s economic growth, expanding consumer base, and changing transportation needs.

The 10th PIMS demonstrates that the future of mobility in the Philippines is moving forward with every drive. Whether through electrification, connectivity, sustainability, or consumer choice, the future of Philippine transportation is inching closer, and CAMPI, through initiatives like PIMS, intends to help drive it forward. — Jomarc Angelo M. Corpuz