Here are concept cars that were showcased at the 9th PIMS

As the 9th Philippine International Motor Show came to a close last weekend, event-goers had the opportunity to witness an extravaganza of car launches and previews. 

However, production cars aside, this year’s edition of the biennial event went down in the history books when it showcased not just one, not two, but more than a handful of concept cars - something that really cements the “international” in PIMS. 

Concept cars, which preview the future landscape of the automotive industry, after all, are more common on the international stage. But as mentioned above, the 2024 PIMS went big when it came to fancy-looking prototypes. 

So, what concept cars were showcased at this year’s PIMS? Let’s check out this rundown to find out. 

Toyota Kayoibako , bZ4X, Corolla Cross H2

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) was one of the automotive marques that showed off multiple concept cars at the 2024 PIMS. 

In its booth, the brand displayed the highly versatile Kayoibako and the stylish bZ4X concept vehicles. Both were positioned on rotating pedestals and were arguably the highlights of Toyota’s presence at the biennial car show. 

The two concept cars are battery-electric vehicles but built with vastly different purposes in mind. For the Kayaoibako, it was designed to be a highly customizable platform that can serve as a commercial vehicle and a personal transport. 

The aforementioned quality of the box-shaped concept vehicle was highlighted at PIMS by making it ready to go on adventures. Specifically, it wore a set of knobby all-terrain tires, a roof rack, and a roof access ladder. 

The bZ4X concept, on the other hand, is a slick-looking electric vehicle (EV). It serves as the preview of the similarly named production car, which eventually became the brand’s first-ever commercially available EV nameplate. 

In other markets where the bZ4X is sold, it can cover up to 380 kilometers from a single full charge of its 71.4-kilowatt-hour battery. 

Additionally, TMP also displayed the Corolla Cross H2. The said prototype uses a powertrain similar to the one utilized by the hydrogen-powered GR Corolla race car.

Mitsubishi DST

As mentioned above, concept car debuts typically happen on a global stage. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC), however, made waves by showing off the DST sports utility vehicle (SUV) concept for the first time ever at PIMS. 

Its global debut at the biennial car show is a testament to how Mitsubishi places the Philippine market as a priority. As for the vehicle itself, it showed off the Japanese car maker’s vision of its future SUV models. 

Appearance-wise, the DST appears to bear the same design language as the locally available Mitsubishi XForce. Furthermore, the Japanese carmaker added that it is a three-row monocoque SUV that sports a roomy and high-tech cabin equipped with digital displays and plenty of amenities. 

It likewise boasts a high ground clearance and a front-wheel-drive layout with five different drive modes. The aforementioned includes wet, tarmac, normal, gravel, and mud. 

Suzuki eVX

During the four-day-long 9th PIMS, Suzuki Philippines displayed the eVX EV concept. 

Like the typical concept car, the eVX boasts plenty of sharp angles and dramatic cuts for its exterior design. The said design elements, Suzuki says, contribute to a lower drag efficiency. Additionally, it was kitted out with a rather expansive but closed-off front fascia, aerodynamic wheels, and a notably high ground clearance. 

Not much of the concept vehicle’s interior was visible during its appearance at the car event, but it is touted to come with a class-leading cabin when it comes to comfort and convenience. 

Moreover, the vehicle’s future production version will boast an electric cruising range of 550 kilometers. 

The marque shared no other specifications for the eVX, but it was shared that its production version will be launched sometime in 2025. 

Isuzu N Series EV, Traviz Cargo Van

Another brand with multiple concept vehicles at the 2024 PIMS is Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC). Specifically, the Japanese brand’s local arm showcased the N Series EV and Traviz Cargo Van concepts. 

Starting with the N Series EV concept, IPC shared that it utilizes an electric motor capable of generating up to 121 horsepower and 370 Newton-meters of torque. It also has an all-electric range of 115 kilometers, and it is equipped with Type 1 and CHAdeMO charging ports. 

The Traviz Cargo Van concept, meanwhile, is touted to fit the bill as a last-mile delivery vehicle. It boasts a gross payload capacity of 1,660 kilograms.  It also has a similar engine to the regular Traviz, but its closed-off body is touted to be more secure. 

Also read: 

9th PIMS: event roundup

9th PIMS: What we know so far