First Philippine truck show brings together manufacturers, body builders
By Anjo Perez
Oct 27, 2026 12:08 am
THE Philippine commercial vehicle industry took center stage at the first Philippine International Truck Show (PITS), which brought together truck manufacturers, distributors, and local vehicle body builders at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City from Oct. 22 to 24.
Organized by the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) in partnership with the Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (Abmap), the three-day exhibition focused on vehicles used for business, from small delivery trucks and public utility vehicles, to heavy-duty tractor heads and specialized transport equipment.
Unlike conventional motor shows that concentrate on passenger cars and SUVs, PITS placed attention on vehicles used in logistics, public transportation, construction, and other industries that depend on moving goods and people.
The exhibition also highlighted the country’s vehicle body-building
The exhibition also highlighted the country’s vehicle body-building industry, which plays an important role in converting truck chassis into vehicles suited to local operating conditions.
TMA President Robert Carlos said the event provided an opportunity for truck manufacturers, body builders, and other industry players to work more closely together.
“The 1st Philippine International Truck Show represents an important milestone for our industry. Through the theme ‘Driving Progress Together,’ we want to demonstrate how truck manufacturers, body builders, technology providers, and industry partners can work together to support the continued growth of Philippine businesses,” he said.
Commercial vehicles are essential to our economy, connecting
“Commercial vehicles are essential to our economy, connecting industries, communities, and opportunities across the country. By bringing these solutions together under one roof, we hope to help businesses of all sizes discover the right vehicles, technologies, and applications to move their operations forward,” Carlos added.
The exhibition featured both conventional diesel-powered trucks and battery-electric commercial vehicles, showing how manufacturers are preparing for changing transport requirements while continuing to serve businesses that rely on diesel engines.
Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) displayed three vehicles representing different commercial applications. These included the Traviz fitted with a utility van body by Almazora Motors, the NLR85 refrigerated truck developed with Centro Nippon Fruehauf Cooltech, and the battery-electric N-Series concept truck.
Hino Motors Philippines presented several commercial vehicle applications,
Hino Motors Philippines presented several commercial vehicle applications, including the Hino 200 Series Utility Van, a customized rescue truck, the Hino 500 Series tractor head, and the Hino PUV Class II Wide. The exhibition also marked the relaunch of the Hino 200 Series.
Toyota Motor Philippines used the show for the official public launch of the Tamaraw MPUV Class 1. Based on the locally manufactured Tamaraw platform, the vehicle is intended for short-distance public transportation, particularly in smaller communities. Other Tamaraw configurations for passenger and cargo applications were also presented.
Mitsubishi FUSO, through Sojitz FUSO Philippines, displayed the Canter FE73 and the battery-electric eCanter, representing two different approaches to light-duty commercial transport.
JMC also presented two electric commercial vehicles
JMC also presented two electric commercial vehicles. The JMH EV Closed Van has a 64-kilowatt-hour (kWh) CATL battery, a maximum payload capacity of 1,540 kilograms, and a claimed driving range of up to 300 kilometers (km) under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).
The JMC JCE Van EV, meanwhile, has a 53.58-kWh battery, a 1,310-kilogram payload capacity and a claimed CLTC range of up to 320 kilometers (km).
Both vehicles are intended for delivery and logistics operations, where fixed routes and planned charging schedules could make electric transport a workable alternative to diesel.
For heavier transport requirements, MAN Automotive Concessionaires Corp
For heavier transport requirements, MAN Automotive Concessionaires Corp. displayed the MAN TGX 33.440 and TGX 33.540 tractor heads, along with a Volkswagen Delivery 9.170 refrigerated van.
Columbian Motors Corp. and Sta. Rosa Motor Works presented several commercial vehicle applications, including a flexible chassis platform called “The Ultimate Blank Canvas,” designed to accommodate different configurations such as cargo van, refrigerated truck, ambulance, and public utility vehicle.
Their exhibit also included the locally manufactured 36-seat SR Minibus, designed for shuttle, tourism, and public transportation operations, and the Kia K4000G, powered by a 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine producing 130 horsepower and 255 Newton-meters of torque.
One of the more important aspects of PITS
One of the more important aspects of PITS was the participation of Philippine companies involved in manufacturing and modifying commercial vehicle bodies.
These companies convert basic truck chassis into passenger vehicles, cargo trucks, refrigerated vans, ambulances, garbage compactors, and other specialized equipment.
Almazora Motors displayed an Isuzu NLR77 Class 2 PUV, a MAN Land Jet, and an electric mobile kitchen.
Centro Manufacturing Corp., which marked its 30th anniversary,
Centro Manufacturing Corp., which marked its 30th anniversary, presented an Isuzu FRR fitted with a 3-ton Tadano truck-mounted crane and a Hino XZU710 equipped with a 6.5-cubic-meter ShinMaywa garbage compactor.
These vehicles are intended for construction companies, utilities, waste management operators, and local government units requiring equipment built for specific jobs.
Other participating body builders included Kyoei Autobody, which displayed its Vario PUV Class 1, and Geordan Multiventures, which presented several utility van body designs. F. Cura Industries also featured its specialized vehicle-building capabilities for military and firefighting applications.
PITS also provided an opportunity for prospective buyers
PITS also provided an opportunity for prospective buyers to compare vehicle specifications, body configurations, financing packages, and aftersales services.
Several manufacturers offered promotions during the exhibition.
Isuzu offered discounts of up to P200,000 on selected truck models, while JMC announced savings of up to P200,000 on the JCE Van EV.
Foton introduced financing packages on participating internal combustion engine models, including zero interest for up to 48 months, with down payments ranging from 20 to 50 percent, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Beyond the new models and technology displays, the first Philippine International Truck Show gave the commercial vehicle industry a dedicated venue to present its products and capabilities.
