To say that the 8th edition of the country’s only industry-organized automotive fest, the Philippine International Motor Show is hotly anticipated is an understatement. With various manufacturers already seeding their hero cars on display at PIMS, and with the help of our friends from www.wapcar.my, we summarize what you can expect to see when you pay a visit to the World Trade Center in Pasay City this weekend.

Nissan

The big-spending Japanese brand isn’t holding back when marketing their wares. Just last week, it unveiled the all-new Nissan Livina to the market. The seven-seater MPV goes head-to-head with the Suzuki Ertiga, Honda BR-V, and its platform twin, the Mitsubishi Xpander.

Nissan also unleashed the highly anticipated Nissan Kicks a few weeks ago. The hybrid subcompact crossover with its all-electric motor drive will draw interest from the crowd coming to PIMS.

Unveiled in advance. The Nissan Livina makes its public appearance at PIMS.

Suzuki

Another Japanese brand specializing this time in small cars will showcase an updated version of its popular mini  MPV. Rumor has it that the Ertiga Hybrid will be the model to receive the environment-friendly powertrain upgrade. The hybrid version of the seven-seater is similar to what Suzuki has already introduced in Indonesia, where MPVs are king. 

A hybrid version of the popular Suzuki Ertiga is already roaming Indonesian streets.

Foton

Foton has established itself as a worthy contender against mainstream Japanese brands as a brand geared toward business and entrepreneurship. Over the years, the Chinese brand has made commercial vehicles cool with its daring displays at PIMS. As in earlier editions of the motor show, trucks and buses will likely dominate Foton’s booth this weekend.

Honda

As one of the big players in the local automotive industry, count on Honda to deliver an eye-catching display.  It has already mentioned the HR-V RS Turbo as one of its key displays. It also hinted at an all-new model to be unveiled at PIMS. Our hunch is it will likely be the 2023 Honda CR-V which is already due for replacement. Honda will also have test drive units on display for visitors to sample their Honda Sensing safety technologies. It will also introduce an app-based customer tool, Honda Connect, which should help Honda owners manage their cars better.

Do you prefer this look of the all-new CR-V by Dongfeng China? Or the US version's?

Kia

What will probably be one of the highlights of this year’s PIMS is the Kia EV6. As the Korean brand’s first fully-dedicated EV offering, the highly regarded model will focus on Kia’s direction towards premium EVs that can go toe to toe with European offerings.

The Kia EV6 will surely turn heads at the 8th PIMS.

Chery

As a newcomer to PIMS, Chery will share a small space with Hyundai and Geely in the middle of the main hall. The returning Chinese brand has already teased an all-wheel drive model, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max perhaps? It would be interesting how it can complement the already popular Tiggo 8 PRO PHEV.

The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max. Is it flagship-level goodness?

Geely

As another Chinese brand that has managed to shake up the establishment, Geely won’t be out of place if it displayed its highly sought-after Coolray and Okavango models as first-time exhibitors at PIMS.

Isuzu

Isuzu is said to b closely watching on the sidelines on how electrification will pan out in the country. As another Japanese brand that caters to commercial vehicles with a dab of SUVs and pickups in its lineup, it would be interesting to see how the future will unfold for Isuzu. We will most likely see a fleet of trucks and the D-Max and mu-X pairing with its 430 square meters of space.

BMW

BMW was one of the first brands to jump on the lapsing into law of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act or EVIDA. With its BMW iX, the Bavarian brand is raring to have a go at the emerging EV market in the Philippines. The BMW booth is the one to visit if you’re after a luxury EV offering.

The BMW iX is an electric-powered luxury.

Mitsubishi

The Ralliart brand is due for a comeback at PIMS. Its long history of success in motorsports aims to compete with the recent trend of infusing dynamic racing pedigree into the model lineup as popularized by the GR series of Toyota.

This is what you'll see in Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation's website.

Hyundai

After jumping ship from the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors or AVID, the other automotive organization, Hyundai Motor Philippines, is set to draw in the crowds with its display of the IONIQ 5 EV. The World Car of the Year winner will be on show at the apportioned Hyundai booth along with the Hyundai Creta, a popular subcompact SUV. The Korean brand may have a small space, but it will likely be packed to the brim this weekend.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV will grace the halls of the 8th PIMS.

Mazda

In line with the trend of sustainability and electrification, Mazda will showcase its mild hybrid variants of the Mazda3 and the Mazda CX-30. Expect the premium Japanese brand to highlight its halo car, the Mazda MX-5, with a special edition exclusive to the Philippine market.

Toyota

On the finale of the first day of PIMS, Toyota will have its extensive range of hybrid models on display and the GR86, the latest iteration of the very popular two-door coupe. And to spice things up after a long day at the motor show, former Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia will be on hand to cap the day with a mini-concert for those who are around during Toyota’s presentation slot.

The Toyota GR 86. Not a hybrid, but fun all the way.

So, with all these activities going on, will you make your way to PIMS this weekend? Hope to see you there!