MANILA, Philippines — Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) has signed an agreement with the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC) to provide 50 Hyundai Santa Fe units that will serve as official protocol vehicles for the 2026 ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in the Philippines.
The ceremonial signing was held on July 10, with representatives from Hyundai Motor Group, Hyundai Motor Philippines, the ASEAN NOC, and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in attendance.
According to Hyundai, the fleet will be used to support operational personnel during the summit, which is expected to gather delegates from across the region and the world at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) later this year.
Beyond transportation duties, the partnership also highlights Hyundai’s continued involvement in national and regional initiatives focused on mobility, connectivity, and sustainability.
Hyundai Motor Group Senior Vice President for Global Policy Office Dong Jo Kim said the company hopes the vehicle support will contribute to a successful hosting of the ASEAN Summit while supporting ASEAN’s goals of innovation and sustainable mobility.
For HMPH President Jiho Son, the agreement reflects the trust placed in the brand and its commitment to supporting the Philippines on the regional stage.
“We are honored by the trust and confidence placed in Hyundai Motor Philippines. It is with great pride that we support the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit as we strengthen our commitment to advance meaningful mobility.”
Mr. Jiho Son, HMPH President
The signing ceremony was attended by several key officials, including ASEAN NOC Director-General Undersecretary Ma. Hellen Dela Vega, ASEAN NOC Head of Operations MGen. Potenciano Camba (Ret.), Hyundai Motor Group executives, HMPH management, and Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa.
Hyundai clarified that the 50 Santa Fe units are being provided as in-kind support and will be returned to HMPH after the country’s ASEAN 2026 hosting period concludes.
Why the Santa Fe?
While Hyundai did not specify the exact variant mix, the Santa Fe’s combination of passenger space, comfort, safety features, and long-distance touring capability makes it a fitting choice for protocol and logistics duties during a major international event.
The move also gives the latest-generation Santa Fe additional visibility as one of Hyundai’s flagship SUVs in the Philippine market.
As preparations for the 2026 ASEAN Summit continue, the partnership places Hyundai among the automotive brands directly supporting one of the country’s most significant international gatherings in recent years.
