The inaugural Philippine International Truck Show (PITS), organised by the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) with the Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP), was held at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City from October 22nd to 24th.

It brought together manufacturers, distributors and local body builders to present vehicles and equipment for logistics, public transport, construction and other industries. Exhibits ranged from delivery trucks and public utility vehicles (PUVs) to heavy-duty tractor heads and specialised commercial vehicles, with a focus on local transport requirements and vehicle body-building capabilities.

TMA President Robert Carlos said the event aimed to encourage collaboration among manufacturers, body builders, technology providers and industry partners to support Philippine businesses. He highlighted the role of commercial vehicles in connecting industries and communities and helping businesses select suitable vehicles and technologies. The exhibition featured diesel-powered trucks alongside battery-electric commercial vehicles.

Isuzu presents electric concept and diesel trucks

Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) displayed the Traviz with an Almazora Motors utility van body, the NLR85 C-Tech refrigerated truck developed with Centro Nippon Fruehauf Cooltech Inc., and the battery-electric N-Series EV Concept Truck. The electric concept has a 100-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery and an estimated range of 299 kilometres (km) under specified conditions. IPC President Mikio Tsukui said it was intended to demonstrate electric vehicle technology and assess local market requirements. No commercial launch has been announced. He added that EV adoption would depend on customer needs, infrastructure and operating requirements, supporting a multipathway approach to mobility.

Electric trucks may suit delivery operators using fixed routes and depot-based charging, although viability will depend on acquisition costs, payloads, charging infrastructure and daily distances.

The Traviz features a Mercury Silver finish and an enclosed utility van body. Its 2.5-litre 4JA1 Blue Power diesel engine produces 78 PS at 3,900 rpm and 176.5 Nm at 1,800 rpm. Payload capacity is 1,660 kg, making it suitable for cargo delivery and distribution.

The NLR85 C-Tech Reefer Van has a 10-foot refrigerated body capable of reaching minus 25 degrees Celsius. Its 3.0-litre 4JJ1-TCC Blue Power turbo-intercooler diesel engine produces 124 PS at 2,600 rpm and 354 Nm at 1,500 rpm. The vehicle is intended to transport frozen food, meat, seafood, dairy products and other temperature-sensitive goods.

Isuzu also presented its Isuzu Advantage aftersales programme, covering maintenance, parts, technical assistance and driver and mechanic training through its nationwide network, alongside the Eco-Drive Training Programme, which teaches techniques to reduce fuel consumption. Tsukui said vehicle uptime affects business productivity and income and cited nationwide support, genuine parts, trained technicians and operating-efficiency training as components of the company's aftersales offering.

Other manufacturers and vehicle applications

Hino Motors Philippines displayed the Hino 200 Series Utility Van, a customised rescue truck, the Hino 500 Series tractor head and the Hino PUV Class II Wide. The exhibition also marked the Hino 200 Series' relaunch.

Toyota Motor Philippines officially launched the Tamaraw MPUV Class 1, based on its locally manufactured Tamaraw platform and intended for short-distance public transport, particularly in smaller communities. Other passenger and cargo configurations were also shown.

Mitsubishi Fuso, through Sojitz Fuso Philippines, exhibited the diesel-powered Canter FE73 and electric eCanter. JMC presented two electric vans: the JMH EV Closed Van, with a 64 kWh CATL battery, 1,540 kg payload and claimed range of up to 300 km under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC); and the JCE Van EV, with a 53.58 kWh battery, 1,310 kg payload and claimed CLTC range of up to 320 km. Both target delivery and logistics operations where fixed routes and planned charging are feasible.

For heavier applications, MAN Automotive Concessionaires Corp. displayed the MAN TGX 33.440 and TGX 33.540 tractor heads, alongside the Volkswagen Delivery 9.170 refrigerated van. Columbian Motors Corp. and Sta. Rosa Motor Works presented "The Ultimate Blank Canvas", a flexible chassis platform for cargo vans, refrigerated trucks, ambulances and PUVs. Their display also included the locally manufactured 36-seat SR Minibus for shuttle services, tourism and public transport, and the Kia K4000G, powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 132 PS and 255 Nm of torque.

Local body builders and specialised conversions

Philippine body builders displayed conversions of truck chassis into passenger vehicles, cargo trucks, refrigerated vans, ambulances, garbage compactors and other specialised equipment. Almazora Motors showed an Isuzu NLR77 Class 2 PUV, a MAN Land Jet and an electric mobile kitchen.

Centro Manufacturing Corp., marking its 30th anniversary, presented an Isuzu FRR with a 3-tonne Tadano truck-mounted crane and a Hino XZU710 with a 6.5-cubic-metre ShinMaywa garbage compactor for construction, utilities, waste management and local government applications. Kyoei Autobody displayed the Vario PUV Class 1, Geordan Multiventures presented utility van body designs, and F. Cura Industries showed vehicle-building applications for military and firefighting services.

Promotions and buyer services

The exhibition enabled prospective buyers to compare specifications, body configurations, financing and aftersales services. Isuzu offered discounts of up to PHP 200,000 (US$ 3,125) on selected trucks, while JMC offered savings of up to PHP 200,000 on the JCE Van EV. Foton introduced financing for participating internal combustion engine models, including zero interest for up to 48 months, with down payments of 20-50%, subject to terms and conditions.

PITS covered diesel and electric commercial vehicles, specialised body configurations and locally manufactured applications. The displays also addressed considerations for businesses evaluating electric trucks, including charging infrastructure, operating requirements, payload capacity and total ownership costs.