Here’s what went down at PIMS 2024

The ninth edition of the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) was one eventful gathering, with plenty of launches and previews from various automotive players in the country.

For those who were unable to attend the four-day motoring expo, here’s a brief rundown of what transpired during the bi-annual motor show.

Model launches

As mentioned earlier, large automotive gatherings such as PIMS are usually venues for manufacturers to showcase their latest products. Hence, it is expected for many car brands to launch new models during the show.

Here are the vehicles that were released at the event.

Hybrid Civic

Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated officially launched the hybrid variant of the Civic in the country. The latest addition to the sedan’s lineup promises not only fun and excitement behind the wheel but also cleaner drives thanks to its hybrid powertrain.

Under the hood, it packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. It also gets an electric continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Honda Civic RS e:HEV is priced at P1.99 million.

Kia’s EV SUV

Kia Philippines has rolled out its flagship electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the ninth PIMS.

The Kia EV9 follows through the trail paved by the EV6, the marque’s first electric vehicle (EV) crossover.

Powering the Kia EV9 are two electric motors mounted on its front and rear wheel axles. It also gets a 99.8 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery that offers an estimated driving range of up to 505 kilometers (km).

It is priced at P5.888 million.

Latest Nissan Z Nismo

Nissan Philipines announced during the show that they are now accepting orders for the all-new Z Nismo.

It is fitted with a VR30DDTT engine and comes with various performance-oriented appointments like aerodynamic front and rear bumpers, Dark Gray alloy wheels, and Recaro bucket seats.

Those looking to experience the thrill of driving a souped-up Nissan Z can expect to pay a base price of P4.688 million.

Raging raptor

Ford Philippines expanded the Ranger lineup by launching the Ranger Raptor 3.0 liter V6.

Stacked to the brim, the performance pickup truck comes with all the bells and whistles and appears to be purposely built for taking on tough terrains and challenging obstacles.

It gets a 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that has an anti-lag system — available in Baja mode.

Limited only to 300 units upon launch, this big boy truck costs P2.739 million.

Updated Tiggo 2 Pro

Chery Auto Philippines has launched the all-new Tiggo 2 Pro at the motor show.

It uses a familiar 1.5-liter gasoline engine with either a CVT or a five-speed manual gearbox. Depending on the variant, the sticker price will range from P708,000 to P818,000.

Arnie

No, I’m not referring to the Seiko SNJ025 (hat tip to those who get the reference). I’m talking about the Jetour T2 Terminator.

The said SUV uses a 2.0-liter Kunpeng TGDI gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission.

Offered in two variants, it will set car buyers back from P2.898 million to P2.498 million.

Likewise, Jetour Auto Philippines also released the X50 Crossover. It is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Those who want to bring home the five-seater can expect to pay from P888,000 to P1.088 million.

Tempting teasers

Some manufacturers opted to provide teasers instead of rolling out new models. These previews allowed not only motoring journalists but also fans and enthusiasts to get a glimpse of what the future holds for the Philippine automotive industry.

Here are some of the tempting teasers that took place at PIMS 2024.

Hybrid X-Trail

Nissan Philippines showcased a hybrid-powered X-Trail at the ninth PIMS.

The said model has been out on the market for quite some time — we spotted the SUV on our recent trip to China — and is poised to make its way into the country.

Similarly, the local wing of the Japanese marque presented the Magnite crossover, which will compete against the likes of the Toyota Raize and Kia Sonet.

Plug-in HS

MG Philippines presented a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) version of the HS crossover.

It is said to make 321 horses with 570 Newton-meters of pulling power and has the capability to drive up to 1,065 kilometers (km) with the internal combustion engine in use. Conversely, it can reach up to 100 km in full EV mode.

Hybrid Tiggo 5X Pro

Chery also previewed the new hybrid variant of the Tiggo 5X Pro. It is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a 48-volt belt-starter generator with a CVT.

Price and further specs are to be announced.

Contemporary truck

Changan Auto Philippines has previewed the Hunter REEV, which is short for Range-Extended Electric Vehicle.

Per the Chinese carmaker, the contemporary pickup truck uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with two electric motors. The said internal combustion engine acts as a range extender to juice up the electric motors instead of serving as the main means of propulsion.

The said concept has been used by other models such as the Nissan Kicks e-Power and BYD Sealion 6 DM-i.

New Camry

Toyota Motor Philippines took the covers off the new Camry near the closing of PIMS 2024. However, we got to take snaps of it while it rested in the parking lot on the evening of the show’s first day.

Launched earlier in Thailand, the new Toyota Camry packs a 2.5-liter hybrid engine paired with an electronically controlled CVT.

Modern Montero?

One of the highlights of PIMS 2024 was Mitsubishi Motor Philippines’ presentation, which revealed the DST concept.

While one can’t help but see it as a modern Mitsubishi Montero, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation President Ritsu Imaeda noted during a press conference that when launched, the DST concept will not replace the Montero Sport.

Also read:

Isuzu PH hints possible NEV model display at 9th PIMS

2024 PIMS set for Oct.

Hyundai to make PIMS comeback