CAMPI: Three decades of service to Philippine motoring
The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) is most well-known for its monthly and annual new-car sales reports.
However, this group of the country’s largest car brands isn’t just about hitting record sales figures – it has been instrumental in shaping the Philippine motoring landscape. As of press time, it has over 20 members, including market leader Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC).
CAMPI is also led by some of the industry’s most highly-respected figures, including Columbian Autocar Corporation head and Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez as chair and TMP first vice president Rommel Gutierrez as president.
As CAMPI celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we look back at the major milestones of this highly-esteemed organization.
PIMS
Arguably CAMPI’s biggest and most-awaited event is the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), which is conducted every two years.
It was most recently held last October 24 to 27, 2024 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The show was host to the official debut of several much-awaited models, including the Ford Ranger Raptor V6, Kia EV9, Nissan Z NISMO, Chery Tiggo 2 Pro, Honda Civic RS e:HEV and BMW i5 M60 Touring.
PIMS also includes booths for automotive parts and accessories, as well as offers various activities for car enthusiasts and the motoring public like car-club meets, kiddie treasure hunts, and brand-specific activations.
Given that the Philippine car industry continues to hit record figures, expect many more exciting things in PIMS 2026.
Safer, cleaner roads
As the Philippines’ largest and most prestigious automotive organization, CAMPI has naturally been a major stakeholder in the development of the country’s road safety and environmental policies.
These include Republic Act 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, which mandated the imposition of Euro 2 emission standards for all new cars sold in the country. This has been updated to Euro 4 standards, with the Environment Department currently drafting regulations for the implementation of Euro 5 standards in 2027.
CAMPI also played a role in the enactment of Republic Act 8750 or the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999 that required all front passengers to wear a seat belt while the vehicle is running. Conversely, this law also required all carmakers in the Philippines to install standard front seat belts in all of their new models.
With the government’s recent crackdown on deadly road crashes, CAMPI is likely to remain at the forefront of various traffic policies like the controversial No-Contact Apprehension Policy, as well as laws like the Anti-Distracted Driving Act and the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act.
Revving up Philippine economy
Representing the country’s major automakers goes beyond just lobbying and events – that’s why CAMPI has also committed itself to enhancing industry competitiveness.
For instance, the organization was heavily involved in the implementation of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program, which was enacted through Executive Order 182 in May 2015 by the late former President Benigno Aquino III.
Under the scheme, the government offered P9 billion each in incentives to three car companies that could locally produce 200,000 units from 2018 to 2024. TMP fielded its bestselling Vios subcompact sedan, while MMPC entered its Mirage hatchback and Mirage G4 sedan.
The government was expected to earn a net revenue of P18.77 billion in income taxes, value-added taxes and withholding tax payments. But following the global economic slowdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the five-year extension of the program in 2023.
Indeed, the Department of Trade and Industry is eyeing to replicate the CARS Program for battery-electric vehicles, particularly electric public utility vehicles. This is in line with Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act that went into effect in April 2022, another policy that CAMPI was involved in developing.
Given that the local automotive industry is looking more robust than ever, CAMPI is set to have a busy year amid celebrating three decades of serving Filipino motorists and carmakers.
