Special Features

If there is a barometer just how strong the motoring industry is this decade, just take a look at this year's Philippine International Motor Show. The bi-annual event gathered 17 of the country's biggest and most significant manufacturers in the Philippines, each showcasing the newest vehicles and latest technologies they have on offer. We take a look at the hottest and most significant vehicles that made their premier at the 6th Philippine International Motor Show.

From September 14 to 18, the World Trade Center was home to the Philippine International Motor Show, bringing together 17 manufacturers and distributors from the passenger car and commercial vehicle sector. This year's show saw over a dozen new cars, as well as concept and race cars.

Opening this year's PIMS was Atty. Rommel Gutierrez with guest of honor, Sen. Ralph Recto.

Apart from manufacturers showing the latest cars and trucks they offer, PIMS is the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers in the Philippines, Inc. bi-annual event that highlights the significant role the auto industry plays in the country's economic development.

First to unveil their latest product was Daewoo Bus. The commercial vehicle manufacturer introduced the BS120SN low floor bus or LFB. This bus from Daewoo sits 39 with a standing capacity of 49 and includes wheelchair access for PWD commuters. This shows Daewoo commitment to revolutionizing the public transport system.

Nissan was up next with their official debut of their halo sports car, the GT-R. Affectionately known as Godzilla by enthusiasts, the GT-R packs high performance and high tech all in one package. As a bonus, Nissan's Chief Product Specialist Hiroshi Tamura did the honors of showing the technical highlights of the GT-R. Nissan also took the opportunity to reveal the revamped Altima, the brand's entry in the mid-size sedan segment.

Third in line to present was Honda. For this year's motor show, the automaker revealed the all-new BR-V, a compact crossover with seven seats. The BR-V serves as Honda's smallest crossover, slotting beneath the HR-V. Honda also gave the rare opportunity of showing an actual Formula 1 car in the form of the McLaren-Honda MP4-30.

Peugeot meanwhile was keen to officially announce Targa Manila, a time-speed-distance rally that tests not just driver skill but also teamwork and coordination. Along with that, Peugeot also highlighted their motorsports history with a pair of 208 GTi hatchbacks dressed up in classic Peugeot rally colors.

Toyota continued the sporting theme when they displayed the FT-1 concept car during PIMS. This concept serves as a preview of upcoming Toyota sports cars and what to expect from the brand's performance line in the future. In addition, Toyota also showed the TRD equipped Fortuner, giving a sporty flair to the popular mid-sized SUV. As for new cars, the automaker debuted the all-new Prius, packing more features to boost the hybrid's already excellent fuel economy.

Toyota's luxury division Lexus also showed a high-tech sports car, but this time, in production form. Taking center stage for Lexus was the LC 500h, serving as the Japanese luxury car maker's flagship coupe. Lexus will be selling the non-hybrid LC 500 to customers soon. Also making an appearance in PIMS is the Lexus GS-F, a high-performance executive sedan packing V8 power.

Over at BMW, the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car was the main highlight of the booth. Boasting of a sleek design, the BMW i8 is a sports car that blends performance and clean energy in one package. At the same time, BMW celebrates its 100th year by showing the 100 Years edition on the 4 Series, X4 and the M Performance package for the 3 Series.

For this year's PIMS, BAIC launched the practical M20, a low priced 7-seat MPV. With MPVs being a hit in the market, BAIC plans to expand their sales even more by offering a 7 seater within reach for many.

Kia meanwhile showcased their take on autonomous driving with a self-driven Soul. Kia treated its visitors with 18-seat virtual reality theater, simulating what its like to be in a car with autonomous driving technology. Along with that, Kia also launched the updated soul with a new transmission.

Focusing on hybrid technologies, Mitsubishi showcased the XM Concept and Outlander PHEV. The XM Concept not only boasts of Mitsubishi's latest advancements in hybrid technologies, the concept also combines the practicalities of an MPV with seven seats, as well as the ground clearance of a crossover. The concept, along with the Outlander PHEV, showed the public Mitsubishi is taking for cleaner, more fuel efficient motoring.

Volkswagen continues its Philippine expansion with the introduction of two new models, the CC and Caddy. The CC is based on the Passat and blends the sleek looks of a coupe with the comfort and practicality of a mid-size sedan. The Volkswagen Caddy meanwhile is the brand's second MPV in the Philippines, giving local consumers a taste of a European van at lower prices.

From premium to practical, Suzuki introduced the Super Carry Diesel. Suzuki's smallest utilitarian is equipped with their newest 800cc two-cylinder turbodiesel, making it an enticing option for those in business.

This year's PIMS sees Mazda putting the CX-3 on the center stage. With the addition of the CX-3 in the local market, Mazda now has a crossover in the subcompact class. Like all Mazdas, it features sporty looks with the SkyActive technology, promising high economy at no expense of driving fun.

Fresh from its debut a few weeks back, the revamped Isuzu D-Max makes its public debut at PIMS. For 2016, Isuzu gave the D-Max a new look, as well as a refreshed interior to keep it fresh in the hotly contested pickup truck segment.

Last but not the least was Mitsubishi Fuso introducing their newest long haul trucks.