Everybody happy: MIAS 2026 delivers the big numbers for brands
The numbers alone tell a compelling story: the 2026 edition of the Manila International Auto Show 2026 drew a record-breaking 180,600 visitors over four days. It was an impressive turnout considering the punishing summer heat amid traffic caused by long queues along Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. Yet beyond the foot traffic, what truly defined this year’s MIAS was something more meaningful for the industry: confirmed sales, firm reservations, and a clear signal that Filipinos are not just browsing, they’re buying.
Organizers reported that nearly all exhibitors and sponsors logged record levels of sales and inquiries, but the more telling metric lies in actual bookings, of vehicles sold or reserved with deposits during the show itself. Across the board, brands reported strong conversion rates, suggesting that MIAS has evolved from a showcase into a serious commercial platform.
Leading the charge was the UAAGI Auto Group, which consolidated the performance of its six brands—Chery, Foton, Jetour, BAIC, Lynk & Co, and Radar that generated a total of 803 vehicle reservations. That figure alone would rival the total output of entire shows in previous years.
UAAGI’s results were driven largely by electrified offerings. Models such as the BAIC B40e Trailmaster rEV, Jetour T1 Lightning i-DM, Chery Tiggo rEV LE, and the Radar RD6 EV pickup proved that Filipino buyers are increasingly willing to commit to new energy vehicles (NEVs), especially when backed by competitive pricing and practical range figures. Notably, the Jetour T1 emerged as the group’s top seller, signaling a shift in consumer preference toward hybrid SUVs as alternatives to traditional diesel models.
MG’s momentum, powered by PHEV
MG Motor Philippines reported over 700 units sold and reserved during the show as it comes on the heels of its consistent performance in the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. first-quarter 2026 report, where MG maintained its spot within the top 10 brands (ranked 8th overall).
Much of this surge was driven by the launch of the MG G50 PHEV, a model that struck a chord with family buyers looking for space, efficiency, and value. The G50 PHEV combines a 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering a practical balance of performance and fuel efficiency. With seating for seven and a plug-in hybrid system designed for urban and long-distance flexibility, it reflects the broader trend seen at MIAS: electrification is no longer niche—it’s mainstream.
Kia, BYD, and the EV surge
While Kia Philippines did not disclose exact sales figures, it revealed that it exceeded internal targets by 40 percent in leads, largely driven by the debut of the EV5 at MIAS and strong interest in its hybrid lineup. In a market still transitioning to electrification, that level of engagement suggests a healthy pipeline of future conversions.
Meanwhile, BYD Philippines took a different approach, going big on presence. With the largest indoor display at approximately 700 square meters, an additional 400 square meters outdoors, and over 100 sales personnel on the ground, BYD made a clear play for dominance. While official numbers were not released, industry observers estimate that its bookings likely matched or even exceeded MG’s already impressive tally.
MIAS newcomers and veterans deliver
New entrants also made significant inroads. Deepal Philippines reported over 50 units sold, a strong showing for a brand still establishing itself locally. Meanwhile, emerging marques like 212 Philippines and Rox Motor Philippines generated “dozens” of bookings and leads, while modest in absolute terms, but meaningful as indicators of growing consumer openness to new players.
Among MIAS veterans, GWM Philippines stood out with a confirmed 112 vehicle bookings during the show. The brand’s performance was buoyed by strong interest in its expanded electrified and lifestyle lineup, including the Haval H6 Hybrid, the Tank 300 HEV, and the Cannon pickup range, as these models blend rugged appeal with increasingly electrified powertrains and modern features.
Omoda & Jaecoo Philippines also posted a strong showing, recording 187 units in confirmed bookings with reservation fees during MIAS 2026. The result was driven by the public debut and strong reception of models such as the Omoda C5, the Omoda E5 EV, and the Jaecoo J7, vehicles that highlight the brand’s push toward a mix of stylish crossovers and electrified offerings tailored for the local market.
Geely Philippines also delivered a solid performance at MIAS 2026, recording 124 units in confirmed bookings during the four-day show. The brand showcased a mix of its core lineup and electrified offerings, including the Coolray, Okavango, and Azkarra, alongside new energy vehicles such as the EX5 and the EX5 EM-i. Among these, the EX2 and EX5 EM-i emerged as the strongest contributors to Geely’s sales tally, highlighting growing consumer interest in the brand’s accessible electrified options and signaling a shift in buyer preference toward more efficient mobility solutions.
GAC Motor Philippines also reported robust booking activity, widely believed to be in the triple digits, even if exact figures were not disclosed.
Logistics: Not perfect, but managed
Of course, drawing over 180,000 visitors brings logistical challenges. Traffic congestion and parking constraints were inevitable, but organizers mitigated the situation with multiple off-site parking areas and free shuttle services. While not seamless, these measures helped sustain the steady flow of attendees, and more importantly, potential buyers throughout the four-day event.
What MIAS 2026 ultimately revealed is a market in transition, but one that is moving decisively forward. Electrified vehicles, whether hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric has dominated both the conversation and the sales charts. More crucially, consumers are no longer just curious; they are committing with deposits and reservations.
This aligns closely with the latest industry data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association, which showed that while overall first-quarter 2026 sales hovered at around 112,500 units reflecting a softer broader market as electrified vehicle sales surged. From just over 3,000 units in February, xEV sales doubled to more than 6,100 units in March alone, accounting for roughly 17 percent of the market. In that context, the strong bookings for hybrids and EVs at MIAS are not an outlier but a real-time reflection of shifting consumer priorities, driven by rising fuel costs and a growing acceptance of electrified mobility.
In that sense, the success of MIAS 2026 isn’t just about record attendance. It’s about confidence, brought by buyers willing to spend, from brands willing to invest, and from an industry that is clearly accelerating toward a more electrified future.
If this year’s booking figures are any indication, the Philippine automotive market isn’t just recovering, it’s evolving.
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