The country’s premier automotive event is set to return this April as the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) stages its 21st edition. Following a milestone 20th anniversary edition last year, MIAS organizer Worldbex Services International is set to make it happen on April 9-12, 2026, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, once more placing the spotlight on innovation, performance, and the future of mobility.
Carrying the theme “Powering Mobility,” MIAS 2026 aims to highlight the automotive industry’s role in shaping modern society through continuous advancements in technology, design, and engineering. The theme also underscores the industry’s forward-driven commitment to improving how people and goods move, while embracing emerging mobility solutions.
MIAS has long been recognized as the Philippines’ biggest automotive expo, and its 20th anniversary edition in 2025 highlighted its growing scale and influence. According to Worldbex, the event drew more than 170,900 visitors, featured over 145 exhibitors, occupied 33,000 sqm of exhibit space, and showcased more than 310 vehicles. These include cars, trucks, and motorcycles, plus hundreds of automotive parts and accessory brands, making MIAs a one-stop shop for anything and everything automotive-related.
Building on this momentum, Worldbex said the 2026 edition is designed to deliver a larger platform, expanded displays, and more immersive experiences for both industry stakeholders and the general public.
In depth, one of the key highlights of MIAS 2026 is the Mobility Marathon, a series of vehicle launches where participating brands will introduce their latest models and technologies. Visitors will also be able to experience select vehicles at the Test Drive Avenue. Other features include the Truck Zone, dedicated to commercial vehicles of various sizes; the Die-Cast Car Collection, showcasing rare and collectible scale models; and the Car Club Display, which brings together automotive communities from across the country.
Finally, signature events are also set to return, including the MIAS Petron Custom and Classic Car Competition, held in partnership with Petron, which recognizes standout classic and customized vehicles. MIAS 2026 will also feature the return of the Ms. MIAS pageant, featuring representatives from participating automotive brands.
Autocar’s Take
MIAS has become an essential fixture in the Philippine automotive calendar because it does more than showcase new vehicles. It also provides continuity, credibility, and scale to the local auto industry. In a market where long-term consumer confidence and industry momentum matter, MIAS serves as a neutral platform where car brands, suppliers, and car enthusiasts converge under one roof.
More importantly, MIAS is also the start of each year’s series of public-engagement automotive events, where people can learn more and understand the direction the local auto industry is heading, particularly in electrified mobility and its relevance to society.
However, one part of MIAS was absent last year. That is none other than the Russ Swift Stunt Show, a staple of MIAS since the late 2000s. Presented by Motor Image Pilipinas, the official distributor of Subaru in the country, the Russ Swift Stunt Show features British professional stunt driver Russ Swift, who puts Subaru models to the test in front of an audience by performing some wild stunts, including J-turns, tight parallel parking, donut spins, and his signature move, the sideways run, wherein he drives one side of the car up to a ramp to lift it off the ground.
Although not explicitly stated, Russ’s MIAS 2025 absence was due to Subaru’s decision not to attend the year’s show. Based on the information we have so far, it seems the same scenario will occur this year. To this author, seeing shiny new cars is great and all, but attending the Russ Swift Stunt Show is always what completes the experience. Hopefully, Russ could come back in future MIAS stagings. To some people, he is missed.
