Car buyers planning to visit the 2026 Auto Focus Multi-Brand Test Drive Festival need not worry about the ASEAN Summit disrupting their trip to the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex.
Sunshine Television (STV), the even organizer, have confirmed that the four-day automotive event will proceed as scheduled from November 12 to 15, with the commercial complex remaining accessible throughout the regional economic gathering.
The announcement addresses concerns over possible road closures and security restrictions around the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex, Philippine International Convention Center and World Trade Center, where ASEAN Summit activities will be held.
According to STV, the SM management has coordinated with estate marshals and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to help maintain access to the MOA Complex. Similar arrangements allowed the festival to operate during the 31st ASEAN Summit in November 2017.
Motorists may encounter brief stop-and-go traffic controls along portions of Seaside Boulevard, J.W. Diokno Boulevard and Macapagal Boulevard as official convoys pass. However, SM expects these measures to cause minimal disruption to regular commercial activities.
For visitors driving to the venue, EDSA southbound toward the MOA Globe Rotunda is the recommended route. Those coming from Makati, Alabang and Bicutan can use the Skyway and NAIA Expressway, exiting toward Macapagal Boulevard or the Entertainment City access ramp.
Motorists coming from Manila and northern districts are advised to use Taft Avenue and connect to EDSA instead of taking Roxas Boulevard. From EDSA, visitors can turn right onto J.W. Diokno Boulevard, then left onto Bayshore Avenue to reach the concert grounds.
Organizers also recommend avoiding Roxas Boulevard, the CCP Complex and several surrounding streets where security checkpoints and exclusion barriers will be in place.
Parking remains available at the North Parking Building and the Three, Four and Five E-Com Center facilities, all within walking distance of the venue.
Car buyers will have 21 automotive brands to explore, including Toyota, Ford, BYD, GAC, Geely, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, MG, Subaru, Lexus, Chery, BAIC, Dongfeng, GWM, iCAUR, Jetour, Lynk & Co, Omoda & Jaecoo, Riddara (formerly Radar) and Xpeng.
Under the theme “Drive What’s Next,” the festival brings internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrids, and fully electric models together in one location. Visitors can compare their options and take back-to-back test drives without having to visit multiple dealerships across Metro Manila.
With holiday shopping approaching, the event offers an opportunity for prospective buyers to evaluate different vehicles before making a purchase decision.
The festival is organized in cooperation with SM Estates and the SM Mall of Asia Complex. The festival will take place at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission and all vehicle test drives are free.
Autocar’s Take
A multi-brand test drive event makes sense, particularly for buyers who are still weighing their options between conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrids and electric cars. Having 21 brands in one location gives visitors a practical way to compare their choices without spending several weekends visiting different dealerships. The timing is also appropriate, with the holiday season approaching and many households considering a new vehicle.
The ASEAN Summit-related traffic arrangements may initially discourage some visitors, but the organizers’ efforts to maintain access should help. Ultimately, the biggest advantage here is simple: buyers can experience different vehicles before committing their money.
