By Ramon tomeldan
Once again, it’s (car) show time. The stage is set for the annual Manila International Auto Show, which will run from April 10 to 13 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
The centerpiece revolves around the best and latest technology the auto industry can offer.
For over two decades, MIAS has become the launching platform for global brands entering the domestic market, which is a veritable convergence point of the East and West in the automotive industry.
Take, for instance, the Japan-made Isuzu, whose newly appointed president, Mikio Tsukui, made his presence strongly felt ahead of the MIAS: He pulled off a fast one and unveiled the 2025 Isuzu mu-X, launching the flagship vehicle on social media last Friday.
Sporting a new face and safety upgrades, the Isuzu mu-X is priced from P1.725M (4×2 version) to P2. 67M (4×4 version). Isuzu Philippines said in a weekend statement that the mu-X, along with the rest of the Isuzu lineup, can be viewed during the four-day auto show.
Even the Johnny-come-lately marquees are expected to try and steal the thunder from the MIAS veteran distributors.
That distinction belongs to the Vietnamese-controlled VinFast Philippines, which announced its plan to hold its debut with a brand presentation on MIAS’s opening day.
VinFast Philippines will showcase an all-electric vehicle lineup, living up to the MIAS theme “Driven by Connection.”
VinFast EVs appear to be the industry newcomer’s strongest suit, priming itself for a potential showdown with China-made EVs over the long haul.
Not to be sneezed at, Chery Auto Philippines is another seasoned brand that will mark the debut of its new Tiggo Cross SUV. With a price of less than P1 million, Chery Tiggo can be an automotive market disrupter and a game changer.
Chery will also hold a sneak preview of the next-generation 7-seater MPV and SUV, the Tiggo Grand Tour MPV and the Tiggo ReV.
Brands such as Aito, BAIC, Bestune, BYD, Changan, Chery, Foton, GAC, GWM, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaecoo, Jetour, Kia, Lotus, Lynk & Co., MINI, MG, Nissan, Omoda, Rox, Suzuki, Tesla, Vinfast, and Zeekrs, motorcycle brands Aprilia, Segway, Triumph, and Vespa, and truck brands FAW, JAC, and Sinotruk have chosen MIAS as their stage this year.
MIAS is expected to highlight the newest technologies developed in the industry.
“MIAS has always been at the forefront of connecting with car brands and manufacturers to ensure the quality of each show will be at its highest,” its publicists say. Boasting a wide range of participating vehicle brands, the MIAS theme, “Driven by Connection,” links up with the older and younger generations in their love of the industry.
The Philippine auto industry is touted as one of the world’s most innovative and highly advanced industries, ranking at number 4 as one of the fastest global industries in terms of revenue growth in 2024. Last year, the auto industry came close to all-time high sales, a few points shy of 500,000 units. With its fast growth, the industry needs an ideal platform to showcase its evolution. MIAS hopes to fill this need once again.
