The Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) made a comeback after four years amid the country’s ongoing battle against the socio-economic setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that hit various sectors, including the automotive industry.
“The show must go on, regardless of supply or limitation…It’s not a reason for us not to proceed with PIMS. The industry has to show its vibrancy amid the pandemic. Like any other industry, we have to show our resiliency in terms of adapting to the changes,” said Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, president, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI)
Based on the data report by CAMPI and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), the Philippine automotive industry witnessed a plunge in vehicle sales in 2020, bearing a 39.5 percent sales decrease.
However, despite the COVID-19 lockdowns, which spanned almost two years affecting the overall public mobility, Guttierez noted a resurgence in demand for company vehicles now that employees are finally returning to offices again.
“There is an increasing demand for private vehicles due to health and safety reasons heightened further by the challenges in our public transportation system. Private and public companies are also more interested in purchasing company shuttles as employees return to office or hybrid setup,” he said.
According to Guttierez, although the pandemic brought setbacks to various industries in the country, it also showed the resilience of each sector through advanced technologies emphasizing that the automotive industry is no exception.
As Filipinos continue to adapt to the “new normal,” the automotive industry is expected to step up more than ever now that they have to meet the demands of a post-pandemic society.
The event is celebrated every other year and highlights the country’s biggest motoring manufacturers and distributors to showcase their latest vehicles combined with spotting-edge technology.
“Throughout the years, CAMPI had remained steadfast in its commitment to push the automotive industry forward by working with the government and private sector alike in creating policies, programs, and other activities,” said Elvin Luciano, Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services, Toyota Motor Philippines.
Luciano emphasized that these policies and programs not only maximize the automotive industry’s role in the country’s economic growth and development but its leading efforts in providing mobility solutions that cater to the ever-changing needs of the Filipino market.
Through the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program, car companies that produce in the Philippines receive fiscal support in completing the production of 200,000 units of high-volume car models in over six years.
Toyota Motors Philippine Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. are among the automotive manufacturers which participated in the CARS program.
PIMS brings together 13 of the top automotive brands in the industry, including long-term partners BMW, Foton, Honda, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and Toyota, and new members Chery, Geely, and Hyundai to showcase their latest vehicles and spotting-edge technologies.
This year marks the highly-anticipated 8th PIMS with the theme “Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good” and will take place on September 15 until September 18.