We don't really question that the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is the most attended automotive event in the country. 

The 2026 edition, despite the challenges of the venue and the desire of Filipinos for electric or electrified automobiles in the wake of the still ongoing conflict in the Middle East, is pushing that goalpost even further.

After 4 days, MIAS organizers announced that they had exceeded the 170,000 visitor marker that was set last year.

"MIAS 2026 just crossed an incredible milestone with 180,600 visitors, surpassing last year’s 170K mark," said the organizers in a press release.

The turnout means they averaged about 45,150 visitors per day, but we believe -given our experience on the opening day- that number is probably inaccurate. The surge of people on Thursday is far above what we have ever seen before on a MIAS opening day, given that it was a national holiday (Day of Valor). As such, we expect that MIAS probably attracted anywhere between 50,000 and 60,000 visitors on Day 1.

The number of people who visited MIAS (especially on Day 1) was a reflection of the desire for a new vehicle that can free them up from frequent fuel ups, given today's prices. As such, lots of automakers -particularly Chinese automakers with affordable EVs, PHEVs, and HEVs- tallied a lot of reservations over the 4-day event.

The volume of people converging towards the World Trade Center Manila and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) highlighted how the venue has been far outgrown by the event, as visitors lamented the lack of parking areas, the inadequate airconditioning, the lack of space for corridors between the booths, as well as the problems with the organization particularly the ticketing that resulted in long lines under the sun. 

But that won't be the case (hopefully) for the next edition of the Manila International Auto Show as the event looks to move to the new (and much larger) SMXcite venue that is set to open sometime next year. If SMXcite at the Mall of Asia grounds can open on time in 2Q 2027, MIAS and visitors can finally get the motor show they deserve at a venue that is far more easily accessible.