I paraphrase that Swiss knife of a gentleman, Ian Veneracion, who is basically licensed to operate all manner of transportation on land, sea, and air aside – aside from being a longtime popular celebrity. He had gushed during a recent interview with this writer about what a time it is to be alive if you’re a motoring/auto fan, or are simply browsing for your next vehicle.
We’ve never had this many brands and models available for the picking – or the test drive. And on many an occasion, motoring journalists and content creators have been pretty much left scratching their heads about how to cover overlapping events from the many brands. I’m not complaining; it’s all good for the consumer, after all. Our aching feet and backs bedamned.
Speaking of overlapping events, I’ve long marked October 24 on the calendar because of two auto shows happening on the same day: the Philippine International Motor Show and the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit. The good thing is that the venues for both are so close to each other. That means you can actually visit both, and that those of us covering the beat can actually do the same.
These twin events are evidence once more of just how busy the industry is. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are done and dusted as we look toward a robust, exciting future of mobility. So, which of these piques your interest?
Philippine International Motor Show
The Philippine International Motor Show (earn cool points by calling it PIMS) is the in-house, biennial auto exhibition of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (addressing it as “CAMPI” gets you commensurate points, too).
This year’s staging, the 9th overall, is billed as the “biggest PIMS ever” with 17 participating brands, and is themed “Dare. Drive. The Future Redefined.” Said CAMPI President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, “This year’s PIMS embodies CAMPI’s bold vision of uniting the automotive industry and leading the way in redefining advanced, inclusive mobility for all Filipinos. We are excited to showcase the innovations that will shape the future of transportation in the country.”
Scheduled to showcase their present portfolio (and for some, launch new ones) are these CAMPI members (in alphabetical order): BMW, Changan, Chery, Daewoo, Ford, Foton, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jetour, Kia, Mazda, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and Toyota.
For those who don’t know where it will be held, the PIMS will be at the usual haunt – yes, the one that it shares with the yearly MIAS (Manila International Auto Show) – that is the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Speaking of the MIAS, we’re expecting (i.e., hoping) that the PIMS is less congested and crowded than the last MIAS – not because of a lack of foot traffic, but because exhibitors are a little fewer in number and the spaces between the booths are more generous.
While we’re doing this, I wish for more considerate videographers, photographers, and content creators who will not get in front of our cameras or phones, or take their time annexing a vehicle while the rest of us wait interminably. Do I hear an amen? Let’s all enjoy while being mindful – never mind demure.
For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/PIMS2022. BPI is the exclusive auto financing partner of the 9th PIMS.
Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit
The Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) throws open the doors of the SMX Convention Center Manila – just about hailing distance from the PIMS venue. The opening program is slated to commence at 9 a.m., per organizers. Themed: “Spark Change, Drive Electric,” the 12th annual PEVS, reported Dylan Afuang over at BusinessWorld Velocity, will “once again push for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. The exhibition will showcase the latest models from EV makers here and aims to ramp up EV sales. It also coincides with revised policies for green mobility.”
The idea behind the confab, according to organizer Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), is “to inspire individuals, businesses, and policymakers to join the movement for a cleaner and more sustainable future in transportation.” Dylan’s article quotes EVAP President Edmund Araga thus: “This summit is a platform to foster a positive perception and behavior toward electric vehicles.”
I remember covering the PEVS during its earlier days – rather modest affairs at the Meralco Compound in Pasig City. Though it was wanting in pomp, it had copious amounts of passion from the organizers and panelists who campaigned mightily for greater promotion, government support, fiscal incentives, and such. I had wondered then if it was a pipe dream to see more EVs here beyond the odd early adopters. Look at where they are now.
Co-presenters of the 12th PEVS are auto marques BYD Philippines; Diamond Autogroup EV Corp. (DongFeng); Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc.; Nissan Philippines, Inc.; and VinFast Auto Philippines Corp. Also sponsoring the 12th PEVS are Britannica United Motors, Inc.; QSJ Motors Philippines, Inc. (Seres); Omoda and Jaecoo Motor Philippines, Inc.; Power Equipment and Supplies, Inc.; and Dangdang New Energy Auto Service Ltd. Corp (Aion Philippines).
Register for free at pevsummit.com.
