If you still haven’t been to the 5th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), then you should probably head over to the World Trade Center right away. “Progress in Motion” is the theme for this year’s PIMS, and its members have gone all out to display their best wares with the motoring public. In case you missed the announcements and are planning to go over there later or tomorrow, here’s a rundown of the launches and surprises the companies have in store for the most authoritative motoring convergence in the country.
The area may be a bit daunting, so let’s start off clockwise and then snake through the booths. On the far right corner nearest to the ticket booth is Kia, who brought in some PBA players from their very own Kia Sorentos basketball squad in an aptly themed basketball stage. The team’s namesake crossover SUV is on display, along with various others such as the Sorento and Sportage SUVs, the Soul compact car, the Carens, and the Picanto hatchback. Though Manny Pacquiao wasn’t there during the opening ceremonies, he will be there on Sunday (September 20).
Second in line is the company with the biggest vehicles on display, Daewoo, with a couple of transport offerings: three hybrid/electric jeepneys with seating arrangements akin to what you’ll see on a safari getaway, as well as two buses with modified interiors not alike what you see on most Metro Manila city plyers. If you’re singing “Beep, beep, beep, beep, sabi ng tsuper ng jeep”, in your head right now, you’re not alone; that was the song used to unveil these classics during the first day.
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. publicly launched the new Brio hatchback and Brio Amaze sedan during their opening program, and finally released the official pricing that starts at PHP 599,000 and PHP 629,000, respectively . To the delight of its fans and to highlight the brand’s rich racing heritage, HCPI also brought in the Honda NSX concept sports car and the #16 Super Formula race car that won the 2013 championship for Team Mugen. They also have a Modulo and Mugen booth in tow for those looking to accessorize their Honda vehicle.
BMW’s X Pavilion has on display the full lineup of X models, including the new BMW X1 M Sport Edition, the BMW X3, the BMW X5 M Sport Edition, the BMW X6 Sport Activity Coupe, and their latest model, the first ever BMW X4. The BMW X4 is the first Sport Activity Coupe in the premium mid-size SUV segment. Their launch was simple and no-nonsense, with the company’s officials letting the blue and white emblems speak for themselves.
Mitsubishi’s aces are on display, including the 2015 ASX, Montero Sport, 2015 Pajero, 2015 Mirage (Hatchback), Mirage G4, and the Lancer. Also on display is the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero that champion Japanese rally driver Hiroshi Masuoka’s drove to victory in the 2002 Dakar Rally. The star of their display is the GR HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) Sport Utility Truck and the purely electric CA MiEV that was positioned at their Technology exhibit. In line with their environmental goals, they’re currently hosting an online game regarding fuel economy which will see the highest scorer going home with their very own Mitsubishi vehicle.
Taking center stage at the Lexus exhibit is their recently launched NX Compact Crossover. Also available for your viewing pleasure is the brand’s IS, ES, GX, and RX models.
On display at the Toyota booth, celebrity racer Sam YG’s official Vios Cup race car, the updated Fortuner and Hilux, as well as their Fun Vii concept car; a vehicle that literally changes its interior and exterior colors and designs at a whim. Lucky first day goers were entertained by Wigo endorser Sarah Geronimo’s amazing vocals at the brand’s opening program.
If you see a wedding-themed stage, then you’re probably at the new automobile player BAIC’s booth. Some of the vehicles over there include the A113/A115 subcompact, A523T sedan, X424 jeep, the Wevan microvan/Compact MPV, and the BJ5030 utility van.
Words Mika Fernandez-David & Chris Noel Hidalgo Photos by Nicolo David & Chris Noel Hidalgo
