9th PIMS: What we know so far

The 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) is set to kick off on October 24, 2024, at the World Trade Center Manila in Pasay City. As such, the proverbial hype train is going full steam ahead for one of the country’s largest automotive events. 

After all, the motor show is promising several huge reveals of the latest and greatest from local car brands. Plus, this year’s PIMS is also seeing some special appearances of several concept cars - a rarity in the Philippine automotive scene. 

So, what can event-goers expect from the 2024 PIMS? Let us find out here. 

Toyota

Toyota Motor Philippines will be showing off two concept vehicles at the 2024 iteration of PIMS. 

The two Toyota concept cars fall under the brand’s “Beyond Zero” initiative, thus providing a glimpse into the marque’s vision for the future of sustainable mobility. 

As hinted by the brand’s teaser, one could be the box-shaped Kayoibako concept, which is touted as a spacious all-electric kei-sized van that can be customized to meet various logistics or transportation needs. 

The Koyaibako was initially unveiled to the public at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. It also falls under Toyota’s “Mobility for All” initiative, as it boasts the capability to accept wheelchair ramps. 

The second one is possibly the bZ4X concept, which forms the basis of Toyota’s first-ever all-electric model. 

Per the Nagoya-headquartered carmaker, the bZ4X is built on the electric-Toyota New Global Architecture. The production version, which is already sold in the United States, utilizes a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive layout with a total engine output of 201 and 214 hp, respectively. 

Per the brand’s US website, the model is also capable of covering up to 405 kilometers from a single full charge. 

Mitsubishi

As revealed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) weeks ago, it will be holding the global premiere of a seven-seater concept vehicle at the 2024 PIMS. 

For now, the brand has yet to reveal what exactly the concept car is, but it was speculated that it could be the revival of the Adventure nameplate. The word ‘Adventure,’ after all, was utilized by the marque on several of its social media posts to promote the concept car’s appearance at the upcoming motor show. 

Additionally, several teasers for the concept have already been released by the Japanese brand’s local arm. The aforementioned are yet to fully reveal the ride, but it shows a hyper-modern design built on what could be a sports utility vehicle (SUV) platform. 

Suzuki 

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated (SPH) will be showcasing a “new and bold” version of the Jimny mini-SUV at the 9th PIMS. 

The Japanese small car specialist also described the said version of the Jimny as “fresh and exciting,” and something that’s ready to “take things even further.” The aforementioned could be hinting towards more style, as well as more off-road capability. 

Additionally, the SPH is set to present several vehicles and activities that are in line with its dedication to sustainable mobility. No details for the latter have been provided yet, but SPH says it will include a “future-forward concept that will spark curiosity and excitement among those who are passionate about clean, efficient mobility.” 

Honda

At the upcoming 2024 PIMS, Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated (HCPI) is expanding the Civic variant lineup with the addition of an all-new hybrid trim. 

The teaser for the said launch indicates it could be the Civic RS e:HEV, which is already sold in other Asian markets. In reference to the one launched in Thailand, however, the Civic RS e:HEV uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 mill paired with two electric motors, an electronic continuously variable transmission, and a lithium-ion battery. 

In the Land of Smiles, the Honda hybrid sedan can put out a total of 184 horsepower (hp) and 315 newton-meters (Nm) of torque. It also has a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist systems, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and the latest version of Honda Connect - among others.

Morris Garages

Morris Garages (MG) Philippines, under the distributorship of SAIC Motor Philippines, will likely launch the HS plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) at the 2024 edition of the biennial car event. 

The aforementioned speculation was derived from a statement made by MG Philippines Vice President of Operations Karl Magsuci. 

As seen abroad, the HS PHEV’s powertrain consists of a 1.5-liter engine paired with a 154-kilowatt (kW) electric motor, a 24.7-kilowatt-hour battery, and a 67-kW generator. Per MG, the said system provides the ride with an electric-only range of 120 kilometers. In certain markets, the PHEV model also boasts a total engine output of 258 hp. 

On the outside, the global version of the HS wears the brand’s latest design language - as seen on the MG 3 hatchback. Its interior, meanwhile, is equipped with niceties such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a spacious trunk with up to 507 liters of capacity. 

Changan 

Changan Auto Philippines (CAP) will be unveiling the Hunter REEV (range extended electric vehicle) at this year’s PIMS. 

Like the other brands with something cooked up for the huge car show, CAP released a teaser showing the silhouette of the pick-up truck. The said teaser, which was posted on Facebook, also came with a caption reading: “Incredible Power, Extended. Come by and see the world’s first for yourself.”

No specs or pricing details were revealed for the upcoming Changan truck model, but the global version can generate up to 268 hp and 470 Nm of torque. 

It also has a stylish exterior, a modern-looking interior, and loads of safety, security, and driver-assistive features. 

Jetour

Through a teaser posted on its official social media pages, Jetour Auto Philippines Incorporated (JAPI) will be introducing two all-new models at the upcoming car show. 

No exact details were revealed for the two models just yet, but judging from their silhouettes on the teaser post, the first could be the hybrid-powered, off-road capable T1, while the other is possibly the X50. 

In other markets, the T1 is a smaller, more compact look like the T2, which uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged PHEV powertrain capable of dishing out up to 600 hp. It also has an electric-only range of 114 kilometers and a four-wheel-drive system. 

The X50, meanwhile, is a compact crossover positioned below the Jetour Dashing in terms of size. At most, its 1.5-liter turbocharged mill can produce up to 154 hp and 230 Nm of torque. 

Chery

Another company with car launches at the upcoming 9th PIMS is Chery Auto Philippines. In total, it will be introducing two rides, and based on a teaser the marque posted, it could be the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV and the facelifted version of the Tiggo 7 Pro. 

In other markets where it is available, the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV is powered by a 1.5-liter mill paired with two electric motors. The said powertrain can provide an electric-only range of up to 75 kilometers and a total engine output of around 322 hp. 

The updated Tiggo 2 Pro, on the other hand, received a more modern exterior appearance, a slicker interior, and more tech. It is likely, however, that the newer version of the crossover will carry over the same 1.5-liter mill from the previous iteration. 

Kia

Kia is set to unveil the EV9 at the upcoming 9th PIMS. The aforementioned is based on an invitation to Zigwheels Philippines, which said that "the World Car of the Year is coming soon." 

For the unaware, the Kia EV9 was the model that won the "2024 Car of the Year" award.

Currently, the Ayala-led car distributor has yet to reveal the specs of the upcoming Philippine-spec EV9, but the global version may come in seven- or six-seater options.  It is also retailed in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive variants, and it can cover up to 239 kilometers on a single full charge. 

Other notable features of the Kia EV9 include Level 3 autonomous driving technologies, vehicle-to-load functionality, and an Integrated Charging Control Unit. 

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