The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) said its recently held 4th Philippine International Motor Show provided the public an opportunity to “experience a world-class motor show” as it vowed to cooperate closely with the government in re-crafting a road map that will further strengthen the auto industry.

Thanking the public for their support, Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, CAMPI president and vice president of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, said: “We have managed to draw around 50,000 visitors to the four-day event. But more important than the numbers, we have given our fellow Filipinos another opportunity to experience a world-class motor show that showcased the latest in automotive technology and motoring trends without having to set foot on foreign soil.”

Promising “more fun the fourth time around,” the country’s premier organization of vehicle manufacturers and assemblers treated the motoring public with dazzling exhibitions of the latest models and advancements in automotive technology at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City last August 16 to 19. 

Themed “Drive the Fun,” the show rode on the Department of Tourism’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign and embodied CAMPI’s aspiration for the PIMS to become a tourist destination and one of the top motoring events in the region.  Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., who was guest of honor at the opening ceremony of the 4th PIMS, said automakers and dealers are among those to benefit from the country’s booming tourism industry as more Filipinos show unprecedented interest to see their country.

The 4th PIMS also rode high on the back of the auto industry’s strong sales performance in recent months. “The PIMS’ success is a clear sign that the industry is on the road to recovery and in achieving its targets in the industry road map,” said Atty. Gutierrez.

“With the government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program finally moving, we expect improvements in our road networks and other infrastructure to drive up vehicle sales. This will enable us to sustain our momentum of growth in the coming years,” said CAMPI vice president Dante Santos, who is also first vice president at Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation.

CAMPI also seized the opportunity to turn-over its P500,000 donation to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) to help in rescue and relief efforts, especially in the wake of the two-week heavy monsoon rains before the motor show. Atty. Gutierrez and CAMPI chairman emeritus Jose Ch. Alvarez, also chairman of the Columbian Auto Group, turned over the check donation to PNRC chairman Richard Gordon during the opening ceremony of the 4th PIMS.