TessDrive brings you the complete editorial workup of the country’s biggest mobility week—from Toyota’s simultaneous showcase across PITS and PEVS 2026, to iCAUR’s 10-gift holiday pre-sales, the TGR Cup biofuel season finale at Clark, and Mercedes-Benz’s heritage pop-up in Rockwell.
‘TWO-yota’: Dual presence at SMX for PITS and PEVS
Marking a major dual-expo presence from Oct. 22 to 24, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is taking over both Hall 1 and the main exhibition floor of the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City, simultaneously anchoring the 1st Philippine International Truck Show (PITS) and the 14th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS).
The new Tamaraw MPUV makes its debut at the 1st Philippine International Truck Show. At PITS, Toyota is formally presenting its newest commercial milestone, the next-gen Tamaraw Modern Public Utility Vehicle (MPUV) conversion. Certified as an official modern PUV by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in May 2026, the vehicle is engineered specifically for public transport operators, cooperatives, and local government units seeking dependable, Philippine-built fleet modernization.
Beyond the MPUV, Toyota’s commercial exhibition space highlights the modular utility of the IMV 0 ladder frame with several functional body conversions:
- Tamaraw Utility Van (available for public test drives)
- Tamaraw GL Dropside (available for public test drives)
- Tamaraw Freezer Van
- Tamaraw Food Truck
- Tamaraw Fire Truck
TMP president Masando Hashimoto emphasized: “The Tamaraw truly is a blank canvas, taking different forms to help people realize their dreams. We are happy—and proud—to build it… Through the Tamaraw MPUV, let us bring our strengths together to make everyday life better—for commuters, transport operators, and communities. That is how we want to contribute to the Philippines: By delivering something people can use, depend on, and truly value in their daily lives.”
Then, TMP presents its broadest electrified lineup at 14th Philippine EV Summit. Concurrently at PEVS 2026, TMP is demonstrating its multi-pathway decarbonization roadmap under its proven Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR) banner.
Visitors can inspect pure-electric and self-charging hybrid offerings on the floor:
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs): The Toyota bZ4X, Hilux BEV concept, and the luxury Lexus RZ 350e;
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs): The Innova Zenix Q HEV, Corolla Cross HEV, and Lexus ES 350h;
- Trackside test drives: Toyota is deploying more than 10 electrified test-drive units, giving prospective buyers hands-on driving evaluations across city and crossover platforms.
TMP marketing division senior vice president Sherwin Chua-Lim noted: “We have been pioneering EV technology in the country since we locally introduced the Toyota Prius back in 2009. Many Prius units are still being used today, a testament to the longevity of Toyota’s EVs and quality, reliability, and durability. When customers choose to start their EV journey with Toyota, we can guarantee peace of mind and seamless after-sales services.”:
iCAUR’s V23 EV, V27 REEV pre-sales come with 10 X’mas gifts
Ahead of its official brand debut in November 2026, premium new energy vehicle brand iCAUR Philippines—distributed by Omoda & Jaecoo Motor Philippines Inc (OJMPI)—officially opened pre-sales for its flagship SUV duo: The all-electric iCAUR V23 BEV and the range-extended iCAUR V27 Golden REEV.
Running from Oct. 19 to Nov. 9, the campaign introduces the Pioneer Edition, capped strictly at the first 100 customers per model. Each Pioneer vehicle receives an individually numbered interior badge alongside a comprehensive 10-gift ownership package:
Estimated launch pricing:
- iCAUR V23 BEV: Estimated at P1.5 million (2WD) and P1.8 million (4WD).
- iCAUR V27 Golden REEV: Estimated at P2.1 million (2WD) and P2.5 million (4WD), utilizing an onboard generator to eliminate range anxiety during long-distance provincial travel.
To support the national launch, OJMPI is establishing retail and service hubs in Makati, Manila Bay, Quezon Avenue, Pampanga, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao in partnership with premier dealer principals Gateway, Britannica United, DC Automotive, and the LausAutoGroup. Reservations are now active at icaurglobal.com/ph.
Season finale at 2026 TGR Philippine Cup
The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup reaches its climax from Oct. 22 to 24 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS) in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Admission to the grandstands is free, with live coverage streamed on the official Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines Facebook page.
Offering double championship points, the season finale will crown the 2026 champions across three fiercely contested classes. Heading into Race Weekend 4, the standings are led by:
- Super Sporting Class: Red Diwa
- Sporting Class: Bern Zaragoza
- Tamaraw Class: Iñigo Anton
Culmination of ‘rolling laboratory’
Since Race Weekend 2 in July, TMP has deployed the TGR Cup as a high-stress competitive testing ground for alternative fuels:
- E20 bio-ethanol (20% blend): Tested under circuit conditions inside the one-make Vios race cars.
- B5 coco-biodiesel (5% blend): Tested inside the racing-spec Next-Gen Tamaraw utility trucks.
Race Weekend 4 marks the conclusion of this data collection phase, with empirical telemetry and mechanical wear findings to be compiled and shared with government agencies and energy stakeholders to support national transport decarbonization and local agriculture.
TMP first vice president for vehicle sales operations Elijah Marcial stated: “We hope the developments we are planning for the 2027 season will attract new motorsports fans. It has always been our mantra at TGR Philippines to continue pushing the limits for better not just for the activities we are already doing, but also when looking for new ways to bring the thrill closer to Filipino motorsport fans.”
Beyond circuit action, fans can experience racing simulator rigs, RC drift tracks, sponsor showcases, and new official Gazoo Racing merchandise collections, with TMP previewing brand-new series regulations for the 2027 season.
Mercedes-Benz ‘Welcome Home’ pop-up returns to Rockwell
Celebrating 140 years since Karl Benz patented the automobile in 1886, Mercedes-Benz Philippines is staging its “Welcome Home” roadshow at the South Court of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati City, from Oct. 23 to 25.
The curated exhibition links heritage craftsmanship with modern electrified performance through a three-car showcase:
- E350e plug-in hybrid: Executive sedan pairing refined cabin appointments with zero-emission electric commuting;
- GLE 400 4Matic plug-in hybrid: The brand’s bestselling luxury SUV in the country, balancing high-torque all-wheel traction with extended electric efficiency;
- 1974 Mercedes-Benz 200D (W115): A historic classic executive saloon representing the first generation of post-war Benz chassis to feature advanced semi-trailing arm suspension architecture.
Visitors participating in public test drives receive a complimentary gourmet set meal prepared by Deli by Chele, alongside access to the 140 Seconds of Comfort in-cabin sensory activation and the official Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle Boutique.
Greenhills anniversary service perks
Running through Dec. 31, flagship dealer Mercedes-Benz Greenhills is granting special service discounts and raffle incentives for owners:
- Older model maintenance discounts: 15% off parts, labor, and boutique items for vehicles from model years 2019 to 2022, 20% off for model years 2018 and older;
- Raffle giveaways: Every paid PMS visit earns an entry to win windshield protection film or Full Clear PPF from Diamond Film Specialist, Hydro Spray Wax and Acid Rain treatments from GMAN Mobile Enterprises, or Ceramic Coating packages from Intelligent Motorists Phils Corp.
