HYUNDAI ix-Metro

The exciting world of the automobile will be defined in the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in the four days of August when 15 manufacturers and distributors present their products at the World Trade Center-Manila.

All brakes have been disengaged to prepare for this event that claims the prestige of being the official industry motor show for the Philippines. It is organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) led by Elizabeth Lee, its president for three years now.

As the past two PIMS have demonstrated, this year’s displays will reflect a comprehensive picture of the car industry with the launching of new car models, presentation of concept cars, eco-friendly technologies, and showroom models. Also, expect clever architecture and design to push the cars straight into your line of vision!

There will be many surprises on opening day, Aug. 19, each riding on the theme – Drive the Green Road and its environmental protection awareness campaign, “My Ride+Earth.” Toyota and Honda have kept the identity of their concept cars a secret. So too with Mitsubishi, Nissan and Chevrolet Philippines – they have kept out of their press releases the names of the new models that they will officially unveil at the motor show. To whet the appetite of the curious car-enthusiast, here are the hints the car makers have given a week away from opening day:

Mitsubishi said it will launch the ASX or the Active Sports Crossover. Nissan Motors Philippines Inc. will present what it now calls “the superior sedan” which “will raise the bar on power and sophistication” and now claims it as its new flagship model. Chevrolet Phils simply says they will unveil “a new vehicle” which will be one of its most economical cars with a “quite a reasonable price.”

Hyundai and Suzuki, though, saw no point in keeping secret the new models that will stand in their booths. Hyundai will present a science-fiction-inspired concept car – the ix-Metro Hybrid Electric Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV). It will instantly remind you of an “extraterrestrial life form protected by a compact, robotic shell-armor and technology-infused survival instincts” – as Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) describes its show-stopper. It will stand with other Hyundai vehicles, among them – Starex, Tucson, Santa Fe and Genesis.

Suzuki will unveil on Aug. 20 the Kizashi Sports Concept Car which was launched at the New York Auto Show in 2008. This concept car series has already sent two versions into production model and are available in other markets. Other Suzuki vehicles in the booth will be the Celerio, Swift, APV and SX4.

Meanwhile, the newest member of the Kia family – which made its debut in Seoul late last year, will be presented for public viewing by Columbian Autocars Corp., distributor of Kia in the Philippines. The model is the 3.5-liter Cadenza luxury sedan which will carry the new tiger-grille design ushering in Kia’s “new design DNA.” CAC announces its new look through its booth showcasing the Picanto, Rio, Sorento and the Soul.

CATS Motors, Inc., the newest member of CAMPI, will launch the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG sports car. It will stand with the elegant automobiles, among them the Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid which had its first launch in Asia in CATS Motors showroom last year. Other models will be the Chrysler 300C, HEMI Touring Town & Country, Jeep Commander CRD, Dodge Charger HEMI.

Another elegant vehicle that will be presented at the PIMS is the latest product of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) which was unveiled early this month – the Toyota Alphard minivan. Entering a market with a strong following for vans, the Alphard presents a truly business-class-on-wheels with captatin’s seats that fully recline, with ottoman and footrests, two sun-roofs, and a sophisticated audio entertainment system!

The Alphard will stand with the country’s best-selling car, the Toyota Vios. A sporty and fuel-efficient car available in 1.3 and 1.5 variants, the Vios recently expanded its market share with the presentation of the 1.3 automatic transmission variant. Other Toyota vehicles in the booth will be the Fortuner, Prius (first hybrid car in the local market), Innova and Hilux. The Fortuner will be dressed up by the Toyota Racing Development accessories – aero kit, suspension set and alloy wheels – looking like it will inspire more pride of ownership.

“Drive the Green Road” will especially be defined by the displays at the booth of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. – the iMIEV and the Canter Hybrid. The iMIEV embodies Mitsubishi’s global thrust to pursue the development of the electric vehicle for the environment. Launched last year in various markets in Europe and Asia, the iMIEV can run up to a distance of 160 kms on one full charge of its lithium battery which can be “fueled” through a household charging system.

The Mitsubishi Canter Hybrid presents a more eco-friendly way to carry loads across the long roads powered by electric and gas engines. A museum piece will be at the Mitsubishi booth – the 1982 Lancer EX Turbo, together with its popular models – Lancer EX Ralliart, Montero Sport, and Strada.
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. has prepared its popular vehicles for PIMS – the City, Jazz, Civic, CR-V and Accord. The promise of a surprise comes with the concept car that they will present on opening day.

The luxury vehicles of UMC-Nissan will take centerstage at their booth. The Nissan Patrol Royale, which UMC launched only last month, presents the full face of power – its 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine and trademark massive fenders announcing a strong – and elegant – road presence anywhere. The Nissan Murano Z51 presents a new acronym for the privileged – the ZUV, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Reliable and handsome power will be standing at the booth of Isuzu Philippines Corporation. Its strong line of diesel-engine powered vehicles will likely offer the thought of an Outdoor lifestyle to visitors. Watch the special edition variants of the Alterra 3.0-liter SUV, D-Max 4x2 and 4x4 pickups and the Crosswind Sportivo change the way you look at long roads! Also at the Isuzu booth will be the NHR Microbus and the NHR truck.

The arrival of new technology to keep the roads safer will be announced by the Volvo cars at the booth of Volvo Philippines (Viking Cars, Inc.). The all-new Volvo S60 features the pedestrian detection system which applies full braking power when sensing a pedestrian cross its path – and senses that the driver does not respond in time. The vehicle also has the City Safety as standard feature which also applies auto brakes if driver fails to react in time when vehicle in front slows down or stops.

“The new face of Chevrolet” will be the theme of the Chevrolet Philippines-The Covenant Car Company, Inc. booth featuring the Cruz compact sedan, Captiva 7-seater, Aveo subcompact sedan, Camaro V8 muscle car and the 2010 Suburban, and the “new vehicle” that the company will unveil.

Another face of elegance in motoring will be exuded by the BMW cars at the booth of Asian Carmakers Corporation. The recently launched 5-Series will expectedly attract the most attention.

PGA Cars will present Audi and Porsche models. Expect to view the Audi A4 TDi, A5, Q5, R8; the Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo, Panamera Turbo, and the Cayenne Turbo.

Chana Philippines, a new member of CAMPI, will present the accessorized variants of Benni (1.3-liter subcompact) and Star 2 (1.3-liter).

Also expect to view all vehicle models distributed here by all the manufacturers and distributors at the PIMS.

The PIMS will be open Aug. 19 to 22.