The history of the Philippine automotive industry is a journey from animal-drawn carriages to a thriving modern market. The story begins in the early 1900s and has evolved through various eras of innovation and cultural adaptation.
: The 1920s and 30s saw an "auto boom" with international models appearing on Manila boulevards. By 1931, the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) was founded to support the growing community of motorists. Post-War and the Rise of "Pinoy" Vehicles (1950s–1980s) AUTO SEARCH PHILIPPINES
: Following WWII, Filipinos refurbished military surplus Jeeps (Willys and Ford), creating the iconic Jeepney . The history of the Philippine automotive industry is
: In 2014, the Prius C was introduced as the first hybrid electric vehicle in the country, marking the start of a move toward more sustainable transportation. Buying and Searching for Cars Today By 1931, the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) was
: In 1901 , Dr. Juan Miciano became the first Filipino to own and operate a motor vehicle, a French-made Richard-Brasier .
: In the 1950s, local manufacturers began producing smaller, stainless-steel "owner-type" jeeps for personal use.
: The first motor vehicle arrived in 1900 , when the US Army Signal Corps brought electric cars by the Woods Motor Vehicle Company for military use.