A lot has happened in the local automotive scene in 2023. Not only have we seen plenty of new model launches but we’ve also witnessed a few new players enter the Philippine auto industry. 

To recall, almost all of these happened at what could be some of the most memorable auto events in the country this 2023. So before we wrap the year up, let’s take a quick look back at these experiences. 

MIAS 2023 

One of the most anticipated annual motoring events in the country is the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). 

Here, Ford Philippines presented the next-generation Territory, marking the arrival of the latest iteration of the brand’s popular crossover. Since its introduction, the nameplate has reached multiple milestones, including a 25,000-unit sales achievement. 

Additionally, Ford Philippines gave fans of the Ranger nameplate a glimpse of the Ranger Raptor — a souped-up version of the iconic pickup truck. This report is from our friends at Carmudi Philippines. 

MIAS 2023 also played host to the previewing of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the six-seater Stargazer. The former has set the standards pretty high for electric cars sold here in the country, while the latter looks to shake up the local multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment. 

A few months after MIAS 2023, Hyundai Motor Philippines unleashed the Stargazer X alongside the Custin to further strengthen its strides in fortifying its foothold Philippine MPV category. 

The Astara-operated GAC brand launched the Emkoo crossover — together with the Empow sedan — at this year’s MIAS event. 

We were able to check out the GAC Emkoo firsthand, as the local arm of the Chinese brand invited Zigwheels Philippines for a quick media drive from its newest Alabang dealership to a Victorian-style Italian restaurant in Batangas. 

Check out this feature story to find out our thoughts about the GAC Emkoo. 

MIAS 2023 also had its fair share of aftermarket brands for eventgoers, including the likes of JBL and ACDelco. 

PH EV Summit 2023 

The Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit is an automotive event that is growing in popularity in the country thanks to the growing number of electrified models being sold in the Philippines. 

Considered the premier electric vehicle (EV) show in the archipelago, the PH EV Summit became the venue for this year’s latest in the electric car scene. On that note, it was the perfect venue for the local launch of the Lotus Eletre, a powerful zero-emission sport utility vehicle. 

The British EV looks to blow the competition out of the water with its Eletre 675 Motor and two-speed transmission that puts out as much as 905 horses. 

Meanwhile, the electric car that looks to capture the heart of the masses also made an appearance at the said event. The BYD Atto3 was previewed at the PH EV Summit, and was later launched in Glorietta with an enticing price tag of P1.598 million. 

The car not only boasts an impressive EV battery but will also benefit from Ayala’s expanding EV charging network. 

The 2023 PH EV Summit also saw previews of the cute and classy GWM Ora 03 EV — which by the way looked beautiful in its Volkswagen Beetle-ish iteration — and the trifecta of new-energy vehicles from Chery, namely the Tiggo 7 Pro Plug-in Hybrid and the all-electric EQ1 hatchback and EQ7 SUV.

Manila Auto Salon 2023 

While majority of this year’s show focused on present and upcoming cars, there were some events that paid homage to the roots of our local car culture. 

Catching eyes of attendees were models like the two-door Toyota Land Cruiser, classic Levin, and Euro-spec Corollas. Further, the 2023 Manila Auto Salon also was home to a host of Suzuki Jimnys and a bunch of Honda Civics. 

There were also a variety of aftermarket brands at the 2023 Manila Auto Salon including Motul, Bosch, and ACDelco. 

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa, Ruben Manahan IV, and Hazel Nicole Carreon

Also read: 

Toyota PH returns to Taguig for this week’s ‘Go Electrified’ tour

Porsche PH celebrates 75th anniversary at ‘Festival of Dreams’ this weekend

Mini EV matchup: Wuling Gameboy vs. Jetour Ice Cream