Story & photos by Patrick Tulfo
THE recently concluded sixth edition of the much-awaited Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), which ran from September 14 to18, may be the best one yet based on the number of models introduced by the participants and the innovative concepts only showcased in motor shows overseas.
The number of attendees is not yet available, but judging from the traffic jam that it spawned within the vicinity of the World Trade Center, especially during the last two days that fell on a weekend, PIMS’s sixth edition is probably the biggest one yet. Here are some of the highlights of the manufacturers who participated in the highly successful biennial event.
Toyota
Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) occupied the leftmost part of the exhibition hall and, as expected, came in force. After all, it is the country’s No. 1 automaker in terms of sales. The IMV trio, which forms the bulk of its sales and are still relatively new, now has some interesting variants for buyers, such as the TRD Fortuner and Hi-Lux—now both equipped with original Toyota Racing Development (TRD) parts that set it apart from the rest.
The Innova, meanwhile, drew a lot of families who love its new looks and its roominess, as well. Another best-seller, the subcompact Vios, was also in display. The Vios had an upgrade recently and is now equipped with a bigger Dual-VVTI engine and the seven-speed sequential shift transmission promises a more spirited performance and fuel savings. But the biggest draw for Toyota and one of the highlights of the event was the Toyota FT-1 concept car that features a long hood with a see-through glass that showcased its powerful engine. The bold looking sports car is said to be the new Supra, which Toyota will introduce very soon. Hopefully, it will be made available locally. Tree-huggers, on the other hand, has a lot to rejoice as the new Toyota Prius was on display. The highly successful hybrid features a bolder design and is now built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) philosophy, a concept of building an even better car. Last but not the least was the recently refreshed Toyota86, which now features a low bumper profile that gives it a sportier profile together with the subtle tweaks around the front and rear tires, which lend it a sportier look. It’s still powered a by 2.0 flat-four boxer engine.
Isuzu
Isuzu Philippines Corp., which has been enjoying a banner year so far, displayed its best-sellers mu-X and D-Max. The mu-X, which now has sold more than 11,000 units since its inception, features minor tweaks on its limited-edition variant, such as new alloy wheels and a toolbox at the rear. It’s also available with new colors. The D-Max on the other hand received a major exterior makeover that covers the entire front end. This includes a new hood, new grille, headlights and fog lamps plus a new tailgate. A new set of 18-inch alloy wheels completes the new look. Inside, it now features a passive entry and push start/stop system, 7-inch entertainment system with navigation, electroluminescent meter cluster with multi-information display and an automatic climate control. Actor and TV personality Derek Ramsay was on hand on the first day to welcome visitors as he is the new face of the new D-Max.
Outside the venue, Isuzu displayed its best-selling trucks, such as the CYZ dump truck, EXR tractor head and the NPR double cab 4×2. The booth proudly displays the “Isuzu, The King of Logistics” theme, which the company can very well claim based on the numbers of trucks they’ve sold so far.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., which also drew a lot of people, didn’t disappoint as it showcased an interesting lineup. The Outlander PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is Mitsubishi’s answer to the growing demand on environment-friendly vehicles. The Outlander features an innovative hybrid plug-in system and boasts of zero emissions when driven in all-electric mode and consumes only 1.8 liter of gasoline when driven on hybrid mode.
The XM concept, on the other hand, is a small crossover multipurpose vehicle (MPV) that features the toughness of an SUV and the versatility of an MPV. It features Mitsubishi Motor’s dynamic shield concept design now carried by the latest Montero. The Philippines is only the second country to see the XM after Indonesia. Aside from the aforementioned concepts, the new Pajero with a VGT engine, the good-looking Montero Sport and the new Mitsubishi Strada GT variant now with the 4N51MIVEC clean diesel engine, also on display were the Lancer EX and the two variants of its best-seller in the subcompact segment—the Mirage and the G4.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi’s truck division displayed its latest entry in the medium- and heavy-duty segment in the growing truck market, the FI and FJ. Both models boast of new powerful, fuel-efficient diesel engines that comply with the latest Euro regulation plus thicker chassis that’s ready to take on any requirement for business of its buyers.
BAIC
BAIC displayed new models, such as the M20 dressed up for the show and the Alphard look-alike V8 van that carries almost all of its features but at a lower price, and the tough-looking X-424 clad in military green color and with its roof removed and windshield folded; the X25, an entry in the compact-SUV segment and other models, such as an ambulance based on its current van offerings. BAIC is a Chinese car manufacturer that boast of its partnership with Daimler of Germany.
Centro
The country leading truck body-builder displayed its 26-seater mikrobus based on Mitsubishi Canter FE71 light truck. According to Centro Sales Manager Vic Belisario, “It is retrofitted with an air suspension for a smoother ride and will be called Super Shuttle, as it is perhaps one of the biggest shuttle bus ever.”
Aside from the mikrobus, another shuttle van version model made by the company—the I-Van—was also on display, which was derived on Isuzu’s NHR truck. “It is now one of the more popular UV shuttle express in the country not only in Metro Manila but in the provinces, as well” Belisaro added.
Other popular Centro models were the L300 XV passenger van and the L300 XV school bus, which, according to the company, is compliant with the existing Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board regulations. Other products of Centro that it showcased were hydraulic-lift gates and telescopic cranes.
Image credits: Patrick Tulfo