HAPPENING only every two years since August 9, 2007, the Philippine International Motorshow (PIMS) returns after a four-year, pandemic-induced hiatus. Organizers promise that this year’s show will make up for its long absence, with “electrifying” surprises, consistent with this year’s ‘Mobility + Humanity’ theme.
Those who moved into the digital sphere with online presentations and vehicle introductions, found it difficult to do so because a motor show is a venue to see and feel a car. This is the reason why the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), organizers of the PIMS 2022 decided that instead of trying it our online, it would wait for the lockdowns to ease and develop a bigger, more exciting show. After all they had two years more to prepare.
Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good
Now in its 8th edition, PIMS 2022 focuses on introducing innovations that will provide safer, more efficient and sustainable mobility to the people with the theme “Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good.”
The theme guides all displays for the participants in the show. The theme centers on the many innovations the industry has made in terms of mobility, safety, sustainability with the aim to help improve the human experience.
“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,” Atty. Gutierrez shared.
Coinciding with the industry’s resurgence
The automobile industry had dropped to unbelievably low levels during the pandemic. Despite the difficulty, motoring industry players have been constantly adjusting and adapting to the needs of consumers relative to the impacts of the pandemic on the showroom floor and service centers.
The return of the PIMS coincides with the surge in the performance of the Philippine automotive industry. In March this year, CAMPI and its commercial vehicle counterpart, the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) reported that sales of local vehicles reached pre-pandemic levels.
This meant that car sales grew 43.4 percent to 29,685 units from 20,702 units in March 2021. That was the first time since the pandemic that the industry experienced zero sales that it has rebound. Coming into the 8th PIMS, the CAMPI and TMA hit 28,601 units or 26.8 percent growth to the same period last year. The rapid and constant increase in sales is a sure sign of the full recovery of the industry, originally predicted to bounce back in two to three years.
“When the first quarter performance reached the industry’s pre-pandemic levels we realized that to keep up the momentum we needed to bring this success to the market. We expect that the sales will continue to rise after the peak in March this year,” CAMPI President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez told Malaya Business Insight at the media forum about the launch of the PIMS last August.
As the auto industry continues to adjust to the effects of the pandemic, the CAMPI for its part has remained steadfast in its commitment to push the automotive industry forward by working with the government and the private sector alike in creating policies, programs, and other activities that not only maximize the industry’s role in the country’s economic growth and development but also provide mobility solutions that cater to the ever-changing needs of Filipinos.
“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,” Gutierrez added.
The more members, the merrier
This year’s show is expected to be breaking records in terms of vehicle displays and floor space excitement, the number of vehicles to be exhibited. Already CAMPI opened up the year with the addition of three new members with one of them returning to the organization. These are; Chery Auto Philippines under United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), Geely Automobiles under Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation, and the return of Hyundai now under Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc.
The additional brands brings to a total of 13, the top automotive brands including long-term partners with CAMPI. These are, in alphabetical order, BMW, Foton, Honda, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and Toyota.
Never in its time as an organization did CAMPI receive so many members simultaneously. This alone is a major move for the local car industry disrupted by the separation of the organization between CAMPI and the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) which displays their vehicles at the annual Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
Motoring enthusiasts and car fans consider the highly-anticipated biennial event that brings the country’s biggest auto manufacturers and distributors together to showcase their latest vehicles and cutting-edge technologies as an venue not only to see what’s new but also to set their dreams in motion.
Becoming a local tradition
“The PIMS is like the Geneva Motor Show of the Philippines where the newest vehicles are launched. For car enthusiasts like me, the show allows me to see my dream cars and even test drive it. There is no other opportunity like this. To see all the brands in just one place and be able to look up close at what they have,” Pete Gan, a young entrepreneur said. He added that he is looking at getting his new SUV to replace his old one, which coincidentally he bought from a special promotion that led him to his dealer.
“I want to buy my first car here,” Sofie Reyes a nursing student said. “I heard there are many promotions here that makes buying a car faster. I have been a fan visiting the show with my friends in the past, but now that I have finished school, and am working, it is my time to get my own car.”
This year, Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) will be the exclusive auto financing partner and diamond sponsor of the motor show. Serving as the official mobility partner, Foton will be providing 3 modernized Jeepneys as shuttle service during the 4-day event. From 10am to 7pm, the shuttles will ferry guests free of charge between two pickup points, World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center.
Like previous editions of PIMS, the motor show will feature exclusive car launches and car displays in the brand booths and daily presentations of the country’s leading auto manufacturers. In addition, spectators and guests of the motor show can look forward to test-driving some of the latest vehicles in the market from participating brands.
“PIMS is a great place to meet up with friends. They also now have aftermarket section and dealer service packages. Also our car club in Laguna will make a meet up at the PIMS to show off our Isuzu pickups,” Adrian Morte said adding that even spectators can also participate in a wide variety of family activities which is why he is coming with his wife and 2 older children. “Fr P200 each they also enjoy seeing the cars and all the bright lights. Just always be safe.”
As a gesture of goodwill, CAMPI set aside 1,000 tickets with a 50 percent discount every show day. Gates will be open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
See what some of the car makers have in store by clicking the links below.
BMW Philippines Inc.
Chery Auto Philippines (United Asia Automotive Group Inc. [UAAGI])
Foton Philippines (United Asia Automotive Group Inc. [UAAGI])
Geely Automobiles (Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation)
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI)
Hyundai Motors Philippines, Inc. (HMPH)
Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC)
Mazda Philippines, Inc.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC)
Nissan Philippines, Inc.
Toyota Motor Philippines, Inc.
