Eighty Kia Sonet units participated in a club-organized convoy over the weekend to mark the vehicle’s second anniversary in the Philippine market, with the drive taking owners from Pasig City to the mountainous roads of Tanay, Kia Philippines posted on social media on July 2.

The caravan, organized in coordination with Kia Philippines and the Kia Sonet Pilipinas Club, assembled at Kia Ortigas before proceeding east along the Manila East Road. The route included paved highways, winding mountain sections, and light off-road stretches typical of the Rizal province terrain.

The event was primarily a community gathering rather than a product launch or promotional activity. Club members used the opportunity to exchange ownership experiences, discuss vehicle maintenance, and test the Sonet’s performance across varying road conditions.

The Kia Sonet, a 5-seater subcompact crossover utility vehicle, was introduced in the Philippines in July 2024. It competes in a segment that includes the Toyota Raize, Suzuki S-Presso, and Honda BR-V.

The Kia Sonet is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and is positioned as an entry-level SUV option for urban and occasional weekend use.

(From left) Joel Sevilla, General Manager, BYD La Union; ; Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines; Pastor Joel Tabingan, Vice Chairman of Highland Transport Service Cooperative (HTSC); Marwin Cabading, Chairman of HTSC; Glenn Yu, CEO of SEAelectric Philippines and dealer of BYD Baguio; and Francis Yu, Chairman of SEAOIL and Dealer Principal of SEAelectric Philippines (Photo: BYD Cars Philippines)

Twenty BYD Sealion 5 DM-i units have been deployed to Highland Transport Service Cooperative (HTSC) in La Trinidad, Benguet, marking the first taxi fleet of its kind in the Cordillera region, BYD Cars Philippines announced on June 15.

Through its dealer partner SEAelectric, BYD Cars Philippines turned over the vehicles to HTSC as part of the cooperative’s re-fleeting program aimed at modernizing transport services in La Trinidad and the surrounding areas.

The Sealion 5 DM-i runs on BYD’s Super DM-i technology, which combines electric and hybrid capabilities to deliver extended driving range and reduced fuel consumption.

BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca said the technology is suited for the region’s varied terrain, offering operators an efficient and cost-effective alternative.

The new fleet is expected to lower operating costs for drivers while providing passengers with a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The deployment comes as transport cooperatives across the country pursue modernization efforts under government programs.

For HTSC, the transition to hybrid-electric vehicles is seen as a step toward improving long-term operational efficiency.

(Photo) L-R: Victor Vinarao of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.; Atty. Rhys Alexei Murillo of Nissan Philippines, Inc.; Jing Atienza of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI); Robert Carlos of Isuzu Philippines Corp.; and Atty. Louie Soriano of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) has officially launched the 10th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), scheduled for June 4-7, 2026, at the World Trade Center in Metro Manila.

The biennial event carries the theme “Forward in Every Drive.” During the launch on May 7, CAMPI President Jose Maria Atienza said the 10th edition underscores the industry’s aim to foster a competitive auto industry while addressing evolving mobility demands, including challenges related to the ongoing fuel crisis.

Seventeen automotive brands will participate: BAIC, Chery, Foton, Geely, Honda, Isuzu, Jetour, Kia, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Omoda and Jaecoo, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota, and VinFast.

The show will feature over 150 vehicle models, including approximately 75 electrified models, or about 50 percent of the lineup. Activities include product launches, previews, driving experiences, and displays on energy efficiency and mobility technologies.

First staged in 2007, PIMS is a biennial event organized by CAMPI.