AVID Summit 2026 highlights resilience in an electrified world

Broadcast journalist Rico Hizon

One of the country’s major automotive groups emphasized collective action as the global economy faces unprecedented disruptions and market shifts.

This was the core message of this year’s Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) Summit held last June 9 in Makati City. Its theme, “Steering Resilience in the Age of Geopolitical Shifts and the Era of Electrification,” highlighted the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry amid rapid technological and economic transformation.

Officers and representatives of nine member-companies from 16 global automotive brands participated in the AVID Summit.

Since its founding in July 2010, AVID has provided a platform for constructive dialogue between industry and government, along with championing policies that promote investment, innovation, consumer protection and sustainable economic growth.

The Summit also marked a significant milestone as AVID formally welcomed Mobility Access Philippines Ventures, Inc., which is the official distributor of BYD passenger vehicles in the Philippines. The group now comprises nine member-companies representing 16 global automotive brands.

“The race is no longer about horsepower – it is about foresight, courage, and resilience,” said AVID president Maria Fe Perez-Agudo in her opening speech.

“The future of mobility will be defined by those who can anticipate change, adapt quickly, and work together to build long-term competitiveness,” she added. “With our members, including the country’s leading electric vehicle brand, AVID is stronger than ever in advancing policies and partnerships that will help secure the Philippines’ place in the future of mobility.”

From left, Wayne Nathaniel Tee Ten, General Manager of British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc.; Jefferson Lizardo, General Group Manager of British United Automobiles, Inc.; Giovanni Frias, Vice President for Sales and Operations of Legado Motors, Inc.; Bob Palanca, Managing Director of Mobility Access Philippines Ventures, Inc.; Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, Vice Chairman, President & CEO of Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. and AVID President; Adam Hu, Country Head of BYD Philippines Corp.; Alex Pamplona, EV Manager of PGA Automobile, Inc. and Sherwin Sambu, Legal/ Compliance Officer of PGA Cars, Inc. / Auto Extreme Performance Inc.

Expert analyses

The AVID Summit 2026 featured distinguished experts from various fields who shared insights on key forces shaping the future of the automotive industry.

Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed, Partner at SGV & Co. and Strategy & Transactions Practice Leader, opened the forum with an outlook on geopolitical resilience and macroeconomic trends, offering perspectives on how businesses can navigate uncertainty while sustaining growth and investment.

EY-Parthenon ASEAN Automotive and Mobility Leader Sujay Kalaria followed with examining how artificial intelligence is transforming automotive business models, operations and customer engagement across the region.

Acting Bureau of Customs director Liza Sebastian then highlighted the agency’s digital transformation initiatives, including the Electronic Certificate of Payment System, that aim to improve efficiency, transparency and ease of doing business.

In addition, Trade Undersecretary for International Trade Allan Gepty discussed emerging investment opportunities and policy directions that can strengthen Philippine automotive competitiveness within ASEAN.

Finally, PwC Partner and ASEAN Automotive Leader Patrick Oliver Ziechmann outlined the region’s electrification journey and the growing convergence of sustainability, artificial intelligence and mobility innovation.

From left, Calvin Casingcasing, Assurance Director of PwC Philippines; Patrick Ziechmann, Deals Senior Partner for Southeast Asia and ASEAN Automotive Leader of PwC Malaysia; Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, Vice- Chairman, President & CEO of Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. and AVID President; Mary Jade Roxas-Divinagracia, Deals and Corporate Finance Managing Partner of PwC Philippines and Gabby De Vera, Business Development Director and Pursuit Lead of PwC Philippines

The discussions were moderated by internationally respected broadcast journalist Rico Hizon, who guided conversations on how industry and government can work together to transform disruption into opportunity.

As the automotive industry continues to navigate an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven landscape, AVID said it remains committed to fostering meaningful collaboration among industry leaders and championing policies and partnerships that promote sustainable growth for the Philippine automotive sector.

“The challenge before us is clear: disruption must be given direction,” said Perez-Agudo. “Artificial intelligence must be harnessed as a national opportunity. Electrification must be seized as a Philippine advantage. Competitiveness can no longer be pursued by individual organizations alone – it requires collective action.”

AVID said by bringing together diverse perspectives on resilience, electrification, artificial intelligence, and global economic developments, the Summit reaffirmed the industry’s shared commitment to shaping a future-ready mobility ecosystem.

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