The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Manila International Auto Show 2025 opened up its 20th year celebration last Thursday at the World Trade Center in Pasay City with the theme “Driven by Connection” highlighting the efforts of the organizing Worldbex Services International in making connections with the international car brands, partners, and visitors the past 19 years.
Worldbex founding chairman Joseph Ang led in welcoming various automobile and government officials. They were joined by WSI Executives, Board of Directors, and other MIAS co-founders. Close to 25 international car brands showcased their respective new car models and more than 400 car models were displayed, from ultra-modern to customs and classics.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands was again the exclusive banking partner as it offered special loan deals reaffirming its commitment to helping more Filipinos do more by making car ownership more accessible and affordable through tailored financing options.
“We’re thrilled to partner with MIAS once again, and this year, we are offering even more value to our customers who are looking to turn their car ownership dreams into reality. With our exclusive onsite offers and competitive loan terms, BPI is here to make owning a car more accessible than ever before,” Dexter Cuajotor, head of Retail Loans and Bancassurance at BPI, was quoted as saying.
Jetour Auto Philippine surprised the opening-day crowd with its two newest hybrid SUVs in town — the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM (a 7-seater intelligent dual-motor SUV pegged at ₱1,648,000) and the Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM Panda Edition (a rugged and stylish intelligent dual motor 4×2 SUV starting at ₱2,488,000 while the Panda Edition is at P2,888,000).
The Jetour launch was attended by Vhong Navarro, who joined the first batch of T2 owners including Ka Tunying (Anthony Taberna), and actress Camille Prats.
Jetour managing director Miguelito Jose highlighted the brand’s commitment to redefining mobility and said: “We are not merely launching vehicles—we are presenting the future of driving. Our Lightning i-DM series offers extended range, hybrid power, and intelligent design, while ensuring the comfort and security our customers deserve.” He added that Jetour vehicles are backed by a 6-year bumper-to-bumper warranty or up to 1-million kms, a 10-year engine warranty, and an 8-year battery warranty.
Suzuki Philippines unveiled its all-new Suzuki Dzire Hybrid, a stylish and smart compact sedan now equipped with Suzuki’s hybrid system, using 1.2L Z12E 3-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a hybrid system and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Suzuki Philippines’ director and general manager for automobile division Norihide Takei, mentioned the brand’s milestone celebration of 50 years in the Philippines during his speech and added: “We are proud to unveil the all-new Dzire Hybrid—a vehicle designed to give every Filipino a stylish yet practical driving experience. With advanced features, hybrid efficiency, and premium styling, it redefines what a compact sedan can be,” he said.
The Dzire Hybrid will be available nationwide at all Suzuki dealerships by the end of the month with prices set at P920,000 for the GL CVT Hybrid and P998,000 for the GLX CVT Hybrid.
Other Suzuki models that were displayed were: the adventure-ready Jimny 3-Door and 5-Door; the family-friendly Ertiga Hybrid, and the bold new XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade; Jimny 5-Door; XL7 Hybrid; and S-Presso.
Isuzu Philippines Corporation made the public debut of the much-anticipated 2025 Isuzu mu-X at the Isuzu Pavilion not only to launch new innovations but to redefine the brand’s image and deepen its connection with the Filipino market.
“We are very happy to introduce the new 2025 Isuzu mu-X to the public through this year’s MIAS. We really want a big audience to view this unit and test drive it so that our customers will get a first-hand experience in its improved driving performance,” said the new IPC president Mikio Tsukui.
At the forefront of Isuzu’s presentation was the award-winning Isuzu D-MAX, recently recognized at the 2024-2025 Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards for Best Engine Performance and Best Value for Money. A consistent favorite in the pick-up segment, the D-MAX remains a benchmark for pick-up trucks that combine robust engineering with excellent fuel economy and everyday utility, embodying the DNA of Isuzu’s trusted truck heritage.
Global automaker JAECOO previewed the J7 SHS built with their unique Super Hybrid System technology. It travels great distances on both hybrid and pure electric modes and driven a distance of 1,488.8 kilometers on a full fuel tank and a single charge during the Automobile Association Philippines Verification Range Test in February 2025 , exceeding its published extended range of 1,200+ km. It can also drive as far as 106 km while on pure electric mode.
The model’s Super Hybrid System is powered by a 201 HP motor and 5th Generation 1.5 TDGI DHT hybrid engine that generate a comprehensive power of 255 kW, and a peak torque of 525 Nm, comparable to that of a 3.0T engine. This powertrain also allows drivers to seamlessly switch between the vehicle’s Full Electric, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid, and Energy Recovery (regen) modes. The J7 SHS’ battery is an 18.3 kWh lithium-ion battery that can also power up from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes and its built-in all-around battery protection system can withstand temperatures from -35°C to 60°C, making it resistant to certain elements.
GAC Motor Philippines, led by Astara Philippines showcased its flagship plug-in hybrid MPV — the M8 PHEV. With the theme “Innovate the Drive – GAC’s Road to Electrification,” the brand is moving forward with smarter and more sustainable mobility options for Filipino drivers. It is expected to be launched in the market by the third quarter of 2025, with a projected price below P4.3-million.
“Introducing the M8 PHEV at MIAS marks an important step in our journey to bring more intelligent and sustainable mobility solutions to the Philippines. This model represents the kind of innovation GAC is now known for—smart, refined, and aligned with the needs of today’s Filipino drivers,” said Luis Torres, the country manager of Astara Philippines.
GAC also featured a strong lineup of vehicles, including the GS3 Emzoom, Emkoo Hybrid, M6 Pro, GS8, while test drives were made for the GS3 Emzoom, Emkoo Hybrid, and M6 Pro, allowing guests to get a feel for the brand’s performance and features.
On the hand, Tesla, showcased its latest offerings such as the highly acclaimed New Model Y and Model 3, along with a comprehensive charging strategy aimed at fostering the burgeoning EV community in the local market.
The Model Y has been named as the best-selling car in the world for two successive years in 2023 and 2024 while the Model 3 has been optimized to offer extended range and an all-new premium interior that enhances comfort and aesthetics and is available in a powerful Performance variant, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds.
Tesla remains committed to expanding its charging infrastructure to support its growing customer base. With Supercharging stations strategically located at Uptown Mall, Mall of Asia, and Shangri- La Plaza, as well as a Destination Charger at Eastwood Mall, the company is dedicated to ensuring comprehensive and convenient charging solutions for its owners. Apart from putting efforts to expand the existing charging network, Tesla launches the Home Charging Program to offer a complimentary Wall Connector for new owners to charge at home.
Kia Philippines, a subsidiary of ACMobility, highlighted the brand’s focus on bringing cutting-edge innovation, performance, and style to Filipinos with Kia’s lineup that includes fuel-efficient crossovers, hybrids, and fully electric models such as Kia EV9, Kia Carnival, Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid, and the brand’s current best-selling model Kia Sonnet,
“At Kia, we believe in shaping the future where mobility is both innovative and sustainable. Through our Movement That Inspires, our initiative aims to bring this vision to life for Filipinos, empowering them to choose vehicles that align with their needs while embracing greener and more forward-thinking mobility,” said Brian Buendia, the chief operating officer of Kia Philippines.
Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. officially revealed the all-new Elantra, the comeback of one the brand’s iconic nameplates.
“All of these milestones continue to prove Hyundai’s greatness as a globally competitive brand. With Hybrid technology changing the automotive landscape worldwide, we believe that the launch of the all-new Elantra will set us on a path to continue evolving, innovating, and being more than just a mobility partner for Filipinos around the country,” said Jiho Son, the HMPH president.
The Elantra N Line and the Elantra Hybrid Premium are equipped with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wireless Smartphone Charger, as well as Hyundai SmartSense technology for optimal safety and peace of mind on the road and starts at P1,065,000.00. Also on displayed were the Tucson and Santa Fe Hybrid.
The Aito M9, a groundbreaking flagship SUV designed for discerning drivers who embrace cutting-edge technology and demand luxury, safety, and intelligent mobility in their automotive experience, was unveiled setting a new benchmark in revolutionary new energy vehicles (NEVs).
“Adding Intelligence to Auto,” the Aito M9 is with the state-of-the-art technology and components sourced from world-class suppliers and offering a completely transformative driving experience that will leave an indelible mark on automotive enthusiasts.
The five key features you’ll love about the AITO M9 are the following: captivating Design; exceptional performance; luxurious interior comfort; cutting-edge intelligent technology; and uncompromised safety standards.
BYD Cars Philippines officially launched the all-new BYD eMAX 7, the pioneering, fully electric MPV available with two variants — the Standard and the Superior Captain – and priced atP1,498,000 and P1,748,000, respectively,
The BYD eMAX 7 enters the market as the first affordable, fully electric MPV, offering a perfect blend of spaciousness, style, and smart technology and designed to provide families with an eco-friendly and efficient mode of transportation.
Chery Auto Philippines unveiled three vehicles with advanced technology and they were the all-new Tiggo Cross, the Tiggo Grand Tour MPV, and the Tiggo ReV C-DM (Chery Dual Motor technology).
The Tiggo Cross is equipped with a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed CVT transmission and priced at P998,000. The Tiggo Grand Tour is a 7-seater MPV A 7-seater built for adventures, blending refined design with everyday practicality priced at P1,188,000. The Tiggo ReV C-DM is another 7-seater electrified SUV that’s perfect for people who are looking for versatility, comfort, and an electrified performance without having to worry about range anxiety and powered by Chery Dual Motor or CD-M technology to be priced at P1,648,000.