May 2025 | CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

May 16, 2025

There Are Now More Than 10,000 BYDs In The Philippines

BYD Cars Philippines, a subsidiary of ACMobility, has reached a milestone in its electrification journey by delivering its 10,000th vehicle in the country. The milestone model, a BYD eMax 7, the brand’s full-electric Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), was purchased and turned over to Adrian Goh, a tech industry executive, last April 30.

Inchcape Philippines, distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram Trucks in the Philippines, under its IC Automotive Inc. operations, is making the iconic Wrangler more attainable for a limited time.

The recently-launched EX5, Geely’s next-generation EV SUV, has been honored with a Red Dot Award in the Product Design category. The recognition affirms Geely’s expertise in electric vehicle design and innovation.

Toyota Motor Philippines is bringing back the thrill of street racing this Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, May 25 for Race Weekend 2 of the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines Cup (TGR Philippine Cup). The highly anticipated event will be held south of Manila in Villar City and marks the first time the racing series will be taking on the streets since 2018.

Geely Auto Group announces the appointment of Alex Nan as CEO of Geely Auto International Corporation (GAIC), entrusting him with leading the company’s global growth strategy. Concurrently performing also as the Vice President of Geely Auto Group, Mr. Nan will oversee all international operations, driving innovation, market expansion, and brand excellence on a global scale. Mr. Nan also holds the positions of CEO of LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) and Chairman of LEVC UK.

Apple CarPlay is expanding beyond infotainment systems with the launch of CarPlay Ultra. Launching first in select Aston Martin models, CarPlay Ultra becomes an in-car solution that expands from the traditional center screen to the instrument cluster, controlling all aspects of the car in the process to deliver a more customized, personalized expeirence.

Hyundai Motor PH Is Launching The Refreshed Creta (Including The N Line Variant) Before The End Of May

After its ASEAN debut in Indonesia early this year, the refreshed Hyundai Creta will finally be making its way to the Philippines. The wait won’t be long as Hyundai Motor Philippines confirmed that it’ll be launching before the end of the month.

JMC Philippines, under the Astara Group, is offering their pickup trucks with flexible plans through June. The Vigus and Grand Avenue can be had with either a low down payment or low month payments.

Omoda & Jaecoo has officially opened its newest dealership located in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. This marks the brand’s first showroom in Mindanao, and fifth nationwide. In partnership with Carlux Premium Holdings OPC, the 300-square-meter showroom is located at the Tiresmart Building at the corner of Tionko Avenue and Araullo Street in Poblacion, Tagum City.

The new Bentley Continental GT has been recognized with a Best Cars award by German automotive publication, Auto Motor und Sport. Despite strong competition, the Continental GT has won this recognition for four consecutive years now, starting in 2022.

Buying battery electric vehicles isn’t some mythic dream anymore in 2025. You can have a sedan, crossover, or SUV even without selling your soul. However, there’s one void left in the market and that’s the MPV space. It’s the only hot-selling arena where there isn’t an attainable EV—until recently.

For P 24.59M, You Can Get The Land Rover Defender Octa, The Toughest Most Capable Defender Yet

After opening order books last year, Land Rover Philippines has finally revealed the price of the toughest, most capable Defender yet: the Defender Octa. The Octa P635 comes in two variants for the Philippine market with the “more affordable” Octa Petra coming in at P 24.59-million, while the Octa Edition One Faroe topping the range out at P 26.59-million.

Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the Philippine distributor of Hyundai commercial vehicles (CV), recognized the dealership teams whose exceptional performance in customer service and business development continues to drive industry transformation.

From May 16 to 18, Lexus will be at the South Court of Power Plant Mall for a summer showcase that embodies the brand’s quiet confidence and refined vision. Open throughout mall hours, this immersive display reflects the Lexus commitment to craftsmanship, purposeful design, and omotenashi, the spirit of thoughtful hospitality.

Kia Philippines, a subsidiary of ACMobility, celebrates the graduation of the first batch of cadets from the Kia Technician’s Boot Camp (KTBC), a program designed to equip Filipino technicians with world-class skills. The program sharpens local skills and opens pathways to international careers, including the opportunity for top cadets to compete at the 12th Kia World Skills Cup in Seoul, South Korea, which is set to happen in 2026.

If Nissan could benefit from a re-badged Xpander, why wouldn’t a re-badged Urvan work for Mitsubishi? Buried in Nissan’s Re:Nissan turnaround plan is confirmation that Nissan will be working on a van, specifically for Mitsubishi Motors in the Philippines.

BYD is set to obliterate the Chinese competition in the next few months, if these LTO homologation papers are to be believed. Apparently, the New Energy Vehicle manufacturer just got approval to sell the newest member of its Sealion family—the Sealion 5 DM-i locally.

Enthusiasts have dreamt of and demanded it for close to 40 years, so when BMW M decided to greenlight the first-ever M3 Touring (aka wagon or estate), everyone shed tears of joy. After all, on paper, it seemed like the only car you’ll ever need: stupendously fast, practicality spacious, and of course, solidly built. It’s more than that; it’s the embodiment of sheer driving pleasure—the single ethos behind every single BMW to have come from Munich thus far. It’s a car like no other, with a breadth of ability unmatched.

Tough Road Ahead For Nissan As They Announce More Plant Closures, Job Cuts

Nissan knows they’ve got a tough road ahead of them and it was outlined by newly-installed Nissan president and CEO Ivan Espinosa. Espinosa outlined yet another revival plan (his first comprehensive one since taking office) for the Japanese carmaker called, Re:Nissan. It will entail right-sizing Nissan which will mean more global job cuts as well as the shutdown of global assembly plants.

The 2025 Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) Miata Spec Series kicked off at the first leg of the Mazda Fan Festa PH 2025. Among the enhancements introduced this year is a new tire from GT Radial, the Champiro SX-R.

Ford Philippines honored its top performing dealers during the 2025 Ford Dealer Convention. The event recognized outstanding dealer contributions in sales, service, and customer experience (CX).

You are looking at the most expensive Range Rover model currently available in the Philippines. Just when you thought the Range Rover LWB SV P460e was already pricey at P 25.990-million, nothing will prepare you for the Range Rover Sport SV P635. This one sets you back P 32.490-million, before options. So, what sort of luxury SUV do you get for Ferrari Roma money?

The Nissan Formula E Team has launched its first ever video game, Nismo Electric Racer Tokyo, to mark the arrival of the Formula E to Tokyo, Japan this May 17 to 18. Marking the return to home turf for Nissan, the retro-inspired arcade game has been created in collaboration with Japanese illustrator, Kentaro Yoshida.

Toyota is celebrating 40 years of competition at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a unique combination livery design for its two GR010 Hybrids. One celebrates an iconic race car of the past, while the other captures its present fighting spirit, and both are determined to challenge for victory at the 93rd Le Mans 24 hours happening on June 14 to 15.

Toyota Teases All-New 2026 RAV4

The countdown begins. Toyota will be revealing the all-new 2026 RAV4 before the end of May. Check out the first official photos.

In a surprising move, Mazda has announced that it will adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) from 2027 onwards.

JMC Philippines Opens Reservations On P 660K All-Electric EV2 And P 780K EV3

Following teasers that started last February, Astra-backed JMC Philippines is now accepting reservations for its two battery electric vehicles: the JMEV EV2 and the JMEV EV3.

As the summer sun rises, Lexus invites you to explore new horizons in comfort and style. Whether it’s a weekend out of town or a quiet city escape, Lexus has the perfect model to match your pace this season. Enjoy up to 50 percent down payment with zero percent interest for up to 48 months on select Lexus models. These offers are available until the end of May at Lexus Manila in BGC.

One month into GWM Philippines’ management revamp, things are looking up. Just last April, Luxuriant Automotive Group, Inc. (LAGI), the exclusive distributor of GWM vehicles in the country, broke its internal sales targets.

Just when you thought Hyundai Motor Philippines will have its all-new Elantra cover both the sub- and compact sedan segments thanks to its top-notch pricing, it’s just been revealed that they’re bringing in the all-new Accent after all.

Mercedes-Benz PH Plugs In This 2025 With P 4.89M GLC 350e And P 5.49M E 350e

Mercedes-Benz Philippines debuts its pioneering plug-in hybrid line-up, the E-Class Plug-In Hybrid and the GLC Plug-In Hybrid.

Toyota Motor Philippines may have updated the Corolla Cross compact crossover last year, but in Europe, they’re just about to get an update. And boy, does the GR Sport variant over there look absolutely yummy.

Chevrolet has thoroughly reworked the cabin of the Corvette sportscar for 2026, removing one of the most controversial aspects of its design in the process.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is joining the annual Auto Focus Multi-brand Summer Test Drive Festival happening on May 8 to 11, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Those who are interested in buying new cars are encouraged to visit the Mitsubishi booth to experience first-hand the performance, comfort, and exciting features of Mitsubishi Motors’ vehicles. MMPC will be showcasing the following vehicles for public test drive:

As Suzuki Auto Philippines starts customer deliveries of its first (mild) hybrid sub-compact sedan, the Dzire, it’s well worth reflecting on where it all began for Suzuki Motor Corporation 70 years ago. Back in the Autumn of 1955, Michio Suzuki personally delivered a Suzulight, his very first production car to a local doctor who had previously been conducting his house calls on a bicycle.

Harman/Kardon Aftermarket Speakers Now In The Philippines

Harman Kardon (styled as Harman/Kardon) is now available as an aftermarket fitment. Renowned as a brand of choice for high-quality OE audio systems, the American speaker specialist, who also happens to count the likes of Bang & Olufsen, Infinity, Mark Levinson, and JBL as its stablemates, can now be installed to replace existing speaker systems for the discerning audiophile.

SAIC Motor Philippines, the exclusive distributor of MG vehicles in the Philippines, announces its participation at the 2025 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival. It’s happening this May 8 to 11, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia.

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) returns to the Auto Focus Test Drive Festival, from May 8 until May 11 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Hyundai is participating alongside 11 brands at this year’s run of the Summer Test Drive Festival.

In order to gain a foothold in battery electric vehicles, Mitsubishi Motors is teaming up not just with Nissan, but with Foxconn on two separate projects that will come to fruition as early as 2026.

Exceptional offers on brand-new BMWs are on hand this May 9 to 31, 2025 as the brand holds the BMW Festival of Deals.

Petron Corporation began 2025 on a positive note, reporting a net income of P 4.03 billion for the first quarter, sustaining last year’s level of performance despite continued volatility in the international market.

Mercedes-Benz Philippines is pushing its slow-selling battery electric vehicle (BEV) line-up by slashing the prices for all models until the end of May. The move coincides with them backtracking on plans to offer an all-electric line-up under Inchcape moving forward.

Can’t make it to the 2025 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival? No worries. Honda Cars Philippines is extending some of its special offers to all dealers until the end of May. Limited offers are up for grabs until the end of the month and covers the likes of the City RS sedan, City RS Hatchback, BR-V S, and the CR-V RS e:HEV.

Ford Philippines Launches Special Edition Ranger, Everest

Ford Philippines bolsters its line-up with two new variants of its Ranger and Everest. Both models receive cosmetic enhancements, while retaining their value-for-money pricing and features.

ACMobility, the mobility solutions arm of the Ayala Group announced a series of strategic leadership changes across its business entities. Effective June 1, 2025, these organization enhancements are part of the company’s broader transformation to bolster its operational capabilities, improve workflow, and enhance overall business agility.

Honda Cars Philippines is offering the public to find the “right one” at the 2025 Auto Focus Summer Multi-Brand Test Drive Festival. Happening this May 8 to 11, 2025 from 11 AM to 9 PM at Block 16, SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, Pasay City, HCPI is offering test drives of its nine best-selling models.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), in partnership dealer group Iconic Dealership, Inc. (IDI) marked a milestone with the groundbreaking of its upcoming dealership, Isuzu Mandaluyong, located along the bustling Shaw Boulevard.

Lotus. It’s a brand that conjures up plenty of nostalgic memories from Formula 1 to James Bond. Of course, one common thread holding them together is the spirit of being lightweight—a philosophy its founder, Colin Champman lived and breathed by. Now, however, Lotus is much more complicated. Thanks to Chinese money, it’s basically split into two, three if you count its engineering arm. There’s Lotus Cars which still makes sportscars, and there’s Lotus Tech, an EV lifestyle brand. Regardless, they sell everything under one roof.

Toyota RentαCar, Toyota Motor Philippines’ official car rental service, has officially partnered with JoyRide, the leading mobility app, to offer travelers convenient long-term car rental solutions.

HARI Launches EV Commercial Vehicles, New Light-Duty Truck (w/ Brochure)

Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai Trucks and Buses in the Philippines, strengthens its commitment to innovation and sustainable progress with the launch of two full electric commercial vehicles and one new light-duty truck.

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