The Manila International Auto Show 2025 has come to a close. As MetroLinks found itself in the middle of the action in the event, the team became witness to attendees who took part in seemingly endless conversations about vehicles, especially since this historic car show celebrated its two decades this year. Those who missed the gathering, don’t worry because here is your recap, featuring insiders’ takes on what transpired.
The Manila International Auto Show 2025 Experience
Every car enthusiast, not only in the Philippines but also from abroad, who wishes to take a glimpse at the market conditions of vehicles in this Southeast Asian country looks forward to attending the Manila International Auto Show.
They know this is “the most anticipated motoring and driving event” in the Philippines, since its debut in 2005, it has taken pride in showcasing the most dynamic automotive displays today, as well as the most thrilling automotive events that inspire drivers to keep moving for their dreams.
What Attendees Witnessed
It did not matter whether they were avid car lovers or not since the Manila International Auto Show, which was held this year from April 10th to 13th, also treated those who were simply curious about cars. The following highlights treated the attendees:
- Displays of various car brands showcasing their cool and chic looks
- The Mobility Marathon exhibit, featuring some of the newest cars right now
- A knockout competition wherein the attendees decide which cars are the best
- An exhibition of formidable trucks
- The Test Drive Avenue, or that part of the exhibit where attendees were given the chance to test drive cars
- A die-cast collection for those, well, who want the fun side of it all
Organizers And Partners
The 20th Manila International Auto Show was organized by none other than Worldbex Services International, more popularly known as WORLDBEX. They are a leading building and construction exposition in this country, serving as a cornerstone of the country’s design industry.
Aside from the recently concluded car show, they are also the people behind these trade events:
- The World of Architecture
- The World of Interior Design
- Philippine Garden Festival
- City of Tomorrow, and so much more
Some of the partners and sponsors that made the car show possible in its 20th-year celebration included Petron, BPI, ABS-CBN Foundation, Shell, Top Gear Philippines, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, and Devant, among various others.
Car Enthusiasts Treated To A Gallery Of Up-And-Coming Car Brands
You can just imagine the luck that the attendees of this car show felt since they were treated to a gallery of young car brands beyond Porsche, Toyota, or Ford. Here are some of the car brands that flexed their vehicles in the event:
1. AITO
One of the newest entrants in the Philippine car market, AITO introduced its flagship vehicle, the M9 SUV, at the Manila International Auto Show 2025. This premium SUV is noteworthy for offering drivers a choice between a range-extended electric vehicle, a car that can cater to long drives without range issues and a battery electric car for those who want it sustainable.
2. BAIC Group
This car brand showcased two of its most important vehicles, the B60e Beaumont rEV – which is BAIC’s first-ever full-sized electrified SUV – and the B30e Dune, a hybrid unit. The former is known for its range-extended powertrain and smart all-wheel drive system, while the latter is upbeat about fuel efficiency.
3. BYD
Something you are more familiar with. BYD cars are becoming increasingly visible on Philippine roads. Yes, this is an up-and-coming electric car brand that made nerve-wracking announcements during the event.
BYD officially launched the eMAX 7, a fully electric multi-purpose vehicle that is a first for the Philippines. They also displayed their Shark, a versatile plug-in hybrid pickup truck. The list goes on.
4. Changan Automobile
Even this Chinese-owned brand never wasted any moment. They took the opportunity to introduce several vehicles, more than what the other brands on this list have presented. For one, they officially launched the Lumin Battery EV, as well as introduced the Nevo Q05 Plug-In Hybrid EV, the Nevo Hunter K50 Range-Extended EV – hailed as the first-ever range-extended electric pickup truck in the world – and the Nevo A05 Plug-In Hybrid EV, a plug-in hybrid compact sedan. All are looking beautiful.
5. GAC Motor
Also, a Chinese car brand, GAC Motor provided attendees with a sneak peek into its electrification strategy by displaying the M5 PHEV, a plug-in hybrid electric car. This introduction is a milestone for the brand as it indicates its goal to incorporate electrified options into its catalog, answering the demand of the market for more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles.
6. Jaecoo
Sounds like the doughnut store, but Jaecoo is actually another East Asian car brand, fairly new in the Philippine market. During the auto show, they previewed their J7 SHS PHEV, a car model that championed the brand’s Super Hybrid System, which underscores Jaecoo’s goal of integrating advanced hybrid technology into its car catalog. Of course, some of the attendees got to test-drive this magic.
7. Kia
Yes, it’s the mainstream car brand that was fortunate enough to be part of the Manila International Auto Show 2025’s lineup. So, they wasted no time and showcased the fully electric Kia EV9, its flagship electric SUV.
Then, they also displayed the Kia Carnival, an old unit, but the recent releases feature a hybrid powertrain for a more fuel-efficient option. Furthermore, the Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid also took center stage. Everyone was spoiled with cars that could possibly be in the garage soon.
8. Tesla
Tesla has quite a presence in China, and have you ever seen lots of Teslas on the Philippine metro’s roads? Perhaps not. Well, Tesla successfully made its presence at the Manila show, compensating for the lack of it on Philippine roads.
The electric car brand owned by one of the world’s wealthiest persons displayed its Model 3 and Model Y, which some attendees also got to test drive. For the MetroLinks team, calling Tesla to expand its catalog like the other car brands on this list are doing.
9. VinFast
Last but not the least is a vehicle brand from Vietnam, VinFast, which took the spotlight to launch its VF 6, a fully electric B-segment SUV available in its Eco and Plus variants. Attendees who were interested in owning a VinFast car were able to inquire from its sales teams.
The Manila International Auto Show 2025 event was enough for car enthusiasts to bring out their notepads, or take notes on their tablets and PCs, perhaps even record discussions by the sales team using their smartphones. It was an event that was like a buffet restaurant for the food adventurer. It was a week-long affair that had the World Trade Center in Pasay City turning into like a playground for the car enthusiast who wanted to discover something new, hip, and fun. See you at the next edition!