All-time high of 180,600 visitors achieved in MIAS 2026 amid uncertainties
There were a lot of uncertainties leading to the staging of this year’s Manila International Auto Show, slated this April.
First and foremost, the date of holding the event was set to happen right smack in the middle of a global energy crisis and economic woes brought about by the war in the Middle East. Fuel prices have severely skyrocketed, affecting every single thing moving out there on the road–from diesel-powered pickups and SUVs, to jeepneys, buses, even gasoline-run tricycles, cars and whatnot. Even the number of legacy brands that were the usual showstoppers of the event dwindled down. On event day, the backlash on its usual shortcomings did not stop–in fact, it was endless.
Yet–when the dust settled after four full days at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the numbers, like any other usual shows’ indicator, revealed the level of its success.
As it turned out, this year’s MIAS just reached an all-time high of 180,600 visitors, surpassing 2025’s mark of 170,000 attendees.
“Despite economic headwinds, the Iran conflict, rising fuel costs, the absence of legacy car brands, the summer heat, traffic, and even parking challenges, you guys showed up,” Alvin Uy, one of the organizers of the event said in a statement.
“180,600 of you braved it all.”
“And made MIAS 2026 one for the books. Seeing people leave with smiles and great memories makes it all worth it,” he added.
According to Uy, the surge in interest around new energy vehicles reflects today’s realities with rising fuel costs.
“Even more encouraging, many brands are reporting record bookings and reservations, which is a strong sign of confidence in the market.”
Sticking to their guns
Looking back, the organizers in their more than 20-year run, we then realize, have a knack of sticking to their guns despite all the odds.
During the pandemic, they held an unprecedented digital show despite the world facing the grimmest of realities. As expected, they didn’t have the numbers. Yet, they soldiered on. The organizers still never failed to show up, that alone showing character, clearly reflecting the kind of caliber that resonates within the core values of the men and women behind the show.
Soon, when restrictions were tempered in 2022, they garnered a number of 120,000 visitors. In 2023, the figures jumped to 149,000, then 162,000 in 2024.
Last year’s staging—which happened to be the 20th anniversary of MIAS—drew over 170,900 visitors, and featured over 310 cars, motorcycles, and trucks from 145 exhibitors.
Surprisingly, despite a decreased number of exhibitors this year, about 250 cars on display, including test drive units, as well as 50 plus classic and vintage cars–still, the numbers of visitors reached a record-breaking milestone.
Uy, along with other organizers, particularly Worldbex Services International (WSI) were headstrong stating that MIAS 2026 “positions itself as a platform for industry resilience, underscoring the need for the automotive sector to adapt, innovate, and move forward amid uncertainty.”
For them, this show places a strong emphasis on responsible mobility and sustainability, highlighting the growing presence of electrified vehicles, with increased attention on electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and new energy technologies.
According to sources, this pivot was particularly the major “game-changer” for this year as attendees were more focused on inquiring about electrified vehicles amid steep fuel price woes. They were attuned to how they can better adapt to the fast-changing landscape from fuel-powered vehicles to those run by electric as this crisis further lingers on.
