Manila International Auto Show Returns with a Different Kind of Energy - CleanTechnica

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) returns in April 2026 with a renewed focus on electric vehicles (EVs), reflecting the shifting priorities of Filipino consumers amid rising fuel prices and inflation. Unlike previous years, where internal combustion engine vehicles dominated, this edition centers EVs and hybrids as practical solutions to current economic challenges rather than future possibilities. The event, themed “Powering Mobility,” aims to showcase how the automotive industry can adapt to environmental and economic pressures, with dedicated sections highlighting electric commercial trucks and off-grid capable EVs, signaling a broader lifestyle integration beyond urban use. This shift is supported by evolving policies such as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, which offers incentives like exemptions from number-coding schemes and reduced excise taxes, making EV ownership more accessible. Additionally, financing options through partnerships with institutions like the Bank of the Philippine Islands are crucial to converting interest into actual purchases, especially as consumers weigh upfront costs against long-term savings. The 2026 MIAS thus represents a critical