Nissan, Hyundai, Chery, BAIC, Omoda & Jaecoo, Seres, Hycan will launch EVs and performance cars
The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the Philippines’ largest annual motoring event, has been an effective launch venue for car manufacturers and distributors who want to reach a massive audience of car buyers and enthusiasts. Last year, MIAS attracted more than 149,000 visitors during its four-day run. This year, MIAS will be at two world-class venues for the first time: the World Trade Center, Metro Manila, and SMX Convention Center Manila (at SM Mall of Asia complex). MIAS stretches its footprint to an expansive 41,000 square meters, allowing top car brands to showcase their new models and offer test drives throughout the four-day event. 
Here are some of the car models that visitors can feast their eyes and ears on this year:
Nissan will showcase the latest in its Nissan Intelligent Mobility concept, consisting of electrification, vehicle intelligence and excitement. This Nissan Ariya, Nissan’s most-advanced electrified SUV, will be making its debut at MIAS at the World Trade Center. As for performance, Nissan will have the iconic GTR and Z sports cars. Visitors can also participate virtually in Nissan’s Formula E race campaign via driving simulators. Nissan will also have a sprawling outdoor display, showcasing the Nissan Urvan GX van outfitted for outdoor adventures in partnership with Overland Kings. Nissan’s outdoor setup will be powered by the Nissan Leaf using its V2X (vehicle to everything) energy transfer capability.
Hyundai Motor Philippines will be launching its exciting high-performance brand N. The Elantra N will be the first to debut under the performance brand, named after Hyundai Motor’s R&D center in Namyang, Korea and technical center in Nürburgring, Germany. The N brand embodies three themes: Corner Rascal, Everyday Sportscar, and Racetrack Capability. The new Elantra N will be in the spotlight together with the Elantra
N TCR, winner of the 2023 TCR World Tour Driver’s Championship. Alongside the Hyundai N cars will be the Creta, Custin, fifth-generation Santa Fe, Stargazer X, Staria, and Tucson. The award-winning Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 will also be at the Hyundai booth at the World Trade Center. Visitors can enjoy treats and coffee from Brew+Bakes and have their photos taken at the premium K-Photo Studio.
Chery Auto Philippines will feature new energy vehicles at MIAS, including two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV): the Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV. The new eQ7, the brand’s full-electric vehicle will also be at the Chery booth at the World Trade Center. Chery will be offering test drives of its vehicles, so visitors can feel for themselves the power and efficiency of the Chery lineup. Another highlight for the brand will be a visit by the Chery Tiggo Crossovers volleyball team on April 6, for an interactive fan experience.
BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd.) has announced its debut this year under United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI). BAIC will be showcasing its lineup of five new models at MIAS : the B40 Ragnar, B80 Wagon, B60 Beaumont (diesel hybrid), BAIC X55 Verve and the X7 Grandeza. The B40 Ragnar, B80 Wagon, and B60 Beaumont (diesel hybrid) are true body-on-frame, 4-wheel drive SUVs with diesel and gasoline-powered turbocharged powerplants with displacements ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 liters, producing torque figures ranging from 380Nm to 420Nm. The BAIC X55 Verve and the X7 Grandeza are both gasoline-powered and monocoque-bodied crossovers, powered by 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engines producing 305 N-m of torque. BAIC Philippines is exploring the market with its tagline: “Dare to Drive Big,” embodying a spirit of adventure and willingness to go beyond conventional boundaries. BAIC is the third largest automotive company in its native China.
Jaecoo will be launching its flagship model, the J8 luxury SUV. The J8 is powered by a 2.0 turbocharged gasoline engine with 183 kW and 385Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission. The J8 is equipped with an all-wheel drive system capable of distributing rear-wheel torque from 0-100 percent to enhance vehicle stability, safety and comfort. This also gives addition to its seven driving modes for different types of terrain.
Inside, the J8 has sofa-type seats trimmed in Nappa leather, suede-trimmed roof, 24.6-inch curved screen, and 14-speaker Sony surround sound system. The Jaecoo J8’s suspension can quickly adjust in milliseconds to provide a smoother, more comfortable ride. Jaecoo will have a substantial presence at MIAS together with its sister brand Omoda. Omoda and Jaecoo will have an interactive contest running throughout the four days of MIAS at its exhibition at SMX Convention Center.
EV carmaker and tech giant Seres International Company will launch its brand under QSJ Motors, Philippines. The Seres 3 battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is a compact electric vehicle that can serve as an affordable and easy-to-use entry point to electric mobility. The Seres 5 will be available in both BEV and extended-range electric vehicle variants (EVR). The Seres 5 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines an electric powertrain with internal combustion power to provide flexibility and extended range. The Seres 7 EVR debuts as a premium crossover with a spacious and comfortable interior. The brand’s flagship vehicle is the Seres 9 EVR. Seres will debut at MIAS at the SMX Convention Center.
Hycan is a new brand that has launched under Transcorp Group. Hycan is making waves with its innovative electric vehicles (EVs) that blend cutting-edge technology, performance, and sustainability. Hycan is a joint venture between Chinese automaker GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) and co-invested by Pearl River Investment Management Group, and has rapidly expanded its footprint beyond its home market.
Transcorp will introduce three models initially from Hycan’s lineup, namely: the V09, Z03, and A06+, each offering a unique blend of performance, design, and eco-friendliness. Hycan V09 is a premium electric MPV, equipped with a powerful electric motor rated at 202 kW peak power with 335 N-m of peak torque. Its cavernous interior space is trimmed with premium Nappa leather and equipped with zero-gravity concept aviation seats for the ultimate riding comfort. Hycan Z03 is a crossover SUV capable of quick acceleration from 0 – 100 kph in just 6.9 seconds. Peak power ranges from135 to 160 kw and peak torque is 225 N-m. Inside, its front row seats can recline 180 degrees and transform into a 2-meter king-sized bed, thanks to its 2750mm long wheelbase. The Hycan A06+ is a premium EV sedan packed with a 160 kW motor, capable of a blast from 0-100kph in just 3.7 seconds. You can see the all-new Hycan at MIAS at SMX.
MIAS visitors can also see and test drive the latest vehicles from BAW, Bestune, Changan, Chery, Chevrolet, DAF, Dongfeng, Foton, GAC, JAC, Jetour, JMC, Lynk & Co, Kinglong, MG, GWM, Hongqi, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Subaru, Suzuki, and Weichai. Co-presenters BPI and Shell will have exciting activities for visitors, while Petron will showcase amazing restored and customized cars at the MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition. Stay tuned for more on the launches and debuts at MIAS from April 4-7 at the World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center.
Hongqi Auto will be launching its luxury MPV, the HQ9. The HQ9 is a full-sized MPV slotting in at 5,222-mm long, with a generous 3200-mm wheelbase. The expected powertrain is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. Hongqi is China’s first independently-produced car, the brand debuting in 1958. Hongqi has been focused on producing executive and luxury sedans including the CA770, known then as China’s “national car.” Other Honqi models will be at the brand’s SMX booth.
Changan will be highlighting the new CS15 SUV at the World Trade Center. The subcompact SUV is expected to be powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. Inside will be a double digital screen display for the main instruments and infotainment. Changan will also be displaying the Uni-T and Uni-K SUVs, as well as the CS35 Plus and CS55 Plus.
Generating excitement at the Suzuki booth at the World Trade Center will be the new Jimny 5-door SUV, along with its popular 3-door sibling. Other cars available for demo and possible test drive will be the Ertiga Hybrid, XL7 Hybrid, S-Presso AGS, and Dzire AGS.
At the Jetour booth will be the Dashing PHEV and Jetour T2. Known for its dashing good looks, the Jetour Dashing is a compact SUV powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
