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February 21, 2024

Toyota Motor PH Appoints Masando Hashimoto As New President

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) formally introduced its new president, Masando Hashimoto. Hashimoto assumes leadership from Atsuhiro Okamoto, whose tenure saw remarkable resilience and growth amidst the most challenging years for the Philippine economy, navigating the impacts of the global health crisis.

Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the Philippines has confirmed that a number of CX-60 and CX-90 SUVs are part of a global recall.

While Toyota has taken a more simplified naming for its Hilux Hybrid in Europe, where it’s known as self-explanatory “Hilux Hybrid 48V,” in Australia, they’ve decided on giving it a fancier name: V-Active.

As part of its transformation towards becoming a fully electric carmaker by 2030, Volvo Cars is streamlining and standardizing its model names for its EVs.

Petron To Expand Car Care Center Network In 2024

Petron has been steadily expanding its Car Care Center (CCC) network across the country, opening a total of seven new locations in 2023 with plans for even more in 2024. This move underlines the company’s commitment to delivering accessible, convenient, and top-notch car care services nationwide.

Gogoro Philippines, the innovative leader in electric mobility and battery-swapping technology, is set to expand operations across the country following its successful launch last December.

Ford Philippines reinforces its commitment to deliver an enhanced ownership experience to its growing customer base with a complimentary service inspection package and an updated owners dashboard available on the Ford website.

Local ebike brand, Hatasu is spreading the love filled with sweet deals and treats for everyone this February.

Subaru Halts Japan Production

Subaru is temporarily suspending production at three plants in Japan after a work was crushed to death. The factories producing among others, the Forester, Crosstrek, and BRZ halted production after a 25-ton mold fell on a worker at the company’s Yajima assembly plant in Gunma, Japan. It’s not clear when production would resume.

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation has launched the latest generation of its business icon, the 5 Series, bringing with it next-level dynamics and digitalization. And for the first time ever, it is offered in an all-electric variant as well.

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) and Shell Pilipinas Corporation (Shell) have joined forces to introduce the UnionBank Shell Power Credit Card. This new credit card that rewards motorists with perks and benefits including big savings on fuel, toll fees, and car services.

After the continued success of its trademark participatory brand experience event, Mazda has announced that there will be three legs to its Mazda Fan Festa this 2024.

A junior high school in Santa Rita, Samar, whose building was constructed with the support of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, has been formally inaugurated.

Nissan and Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co., Ltd. (NMC) announced their motorsports activities for 2024.

Kia is looking to China to expand its global footprint. The Automotive News reports that the Korean carmaker wants to make its Chinese joint-venture with Jiangsu Yueda Group Co. a global production hub for export markets, including the Philippines.

Bentley Posts Record Results In Asia-Pacific In 2023

Bentley Asia Pacific finished yet another record year in 2023 with deliveries of 2,121 ultra-luxury cars, representing a 16 percent share in Bentley Motors’ total global sales of 13,560 units. With 90 more vehicles sold last year compared to the previous one, Bentley Asia Pacific raised its performance by 4 percent.

Jetour Auto Philippines is celebrating the month of love with easy-to-own financing programs from their partner banks for the Jetour X70 Journey, X70 Travel, X70 Sport, X70 Plus, Dashing, and Ice Cream EV.

Bermaz Auto Philippines (Mazda Philippines), the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, strengthened its partnership with the non-stock, non-profit organization, Katala Foundation, Inc., and their fight to protect the endangered Philippine pangolin (manis culionensis).

Let’s stop for a minute and admire what Nissan has done here. In an age where electrification has become the auto industry buzzword, they’ve come up with something leftfield with the all-new Z. Eschewing any motivation via electrons, it’s got a big, honking V6 driving the rear wheels. There’s even standard limited slip diff, performance brake (pads), and a no-cost option for a stick. It’s as old-school as a sportscar’s going to get and just thinking about it gets any enthusiast, myself included, all wet.

Isuzu PH Updates mu-X For 2024 With More Safety, Tech Features

Isuzu Philippines Corporation updates the mu-X for 2024, adding even more safety and convenience features.

A couple of months back, Motor Image’s Glenn Tan confirmed that an off-road centric version of the Forester is in the works. The Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International, the parent company of Motor Image, said that this was made as a response to the growing popularity of off-road centric setups in the markets where Subaru is present in ASEAN.

Ford Philippines is officially opening reservations for the all-new Ford Bronco and all-new Ford Mustang on February 22 exclusively on its online reservation portal.

New car sales are off to a strong start in 2024 as the joint report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) shows. The CAMPI-TMA indicates that 34,060 new vehicles were sold in January 2024—a 15.5 percent jump from the same month in 2023.

If there’s one Honda vehicle that’s yet to get the RS treatment, it’s the BR-V. Though it may be a bit out of character for a 7-seater SUV to get sportified, that hasn’t stopped Honda from coming out with the next best thing: the BR-V N7X Edition.

Audi Appoints New Head Of Design

Massimo Frascella is the new Head of Audi Design. On June 1, he is scheduled to succeed Marc Lichte, who will take on a new role within the group. Frascella, an alumnus of the Istituto d`Arte Applicata & Design in Turin, began his career at Stile Bertone. Positions at Ford Motor Company and Kia followed. Since 2011, Frascella, 52, held leading roles at Jaguar Land Rover, most recently as Head of Design for both brands.

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) is inviting owners to bring and treat their Hyundai cars to complimentary services at an authorized Hyundai dealership.

GAC Motor Philippines officially launches its luxury MPV, the M8. After being previewed last December, the M8 marks GAC Motor’s continued expansion into more market segments.

Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai commercial vehicles in the Philippines and Flowerstore.ph, one of the country’s best-rated online flower shops, gave the Valentines Day crowd in Bonifacio Global City more reason to celebrate the language of love.

Astara PH-Backed Peugeot Sets 2024 Priorities

Peugeot Philippines held its annual Business Meeting with top executives and dealer principals, unveiling its plans and targets for 2024. The meeting highlighted strategic initiatives moving forward. Encompassing Sales, Marketing, and Aftersales programs, the Astara-backed brand is envisioned to challenge the local automotive scene through its vision of an alluring future, offering its tech-forward solutions within reach.

Just when we thought that the next vehicle to be launched by SAIC Motor Philippines would be the MG ZS EV, it seems they’re prioritizing a combustion engine model first in the form of the 2024 MG One.

Mober, a Philippine logistics company at the forefront of sustainable delivery solutions, recently announced a USD 2 million seed funding round led by RT Heptagon Holdings (RTHH) under the leadership of Chairman and President Rex Tiri. This investment accelerates Mober’s integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into its fleet, aiming to revolutionize green logistics in the Philippines.

The Earthshot Prize seeks solutions to environmental concerns, funding 50 winning projects around USD 70 million from 2021 until 2030. Presented by The Royal Foundation, it is spearheaded by Prince William, who cites his late grandfather Prince Philip and father King Charles III, both longtime environmentalists, as his influences in this eco-conscious initiative.

In a fusion of off-road prowess and outdoor camaraderie, Isuzu joined this year’s Overland Kings CampOut held last February 9 to 11 at Crystal Beach, Zambales. Drawing in more than 100 outdoor enthusiasts, the event underscored the blossoming culture of overlanding: a lifestyle that combines camping with the thrill of driving in rugged terrains.

What do you get when you mix a Ford Ranger with Ford’s MS-RT—an offshoot of Ford’s WRC partner, M-Sport? Why, the Ranger MS-RT.

In the wake of safety scandals that rocked it, Toyota is cleaning house over at their affiliate, Daihatsu.

Porsche Makes Dreams Come True With P 1M Off Select Models February 16 to 18

Porsche Philippines continues the “Festival of Dreams” by offering a select lineup of Porsche sports cars and SUVs with exceptional advantages.

Continue to attract prosperity, good health, and fortune as Lexus allows guests to experience amazing to celebrate the Year of the Wooden Dragon at Lexus at Mitsukoshi BGC this Saturday, February 17 to Sunday, February 18 (sign up for the workshops here).

Heads up: Ford isn’t just launching one but two icon models. After confirming that that they’re bringing in the Bronco after it was leaked by a dealer, they’ve made sure that nobody else jumped the gun and just teased the all-new Mustang as well.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation officially inaugurates its newest dealership in Iloilo City, under the management of Grand Canyon Multi-Holdings, Inc. (GCMHI). This is MMPC’s second dealership in Iloilo City, boasting a prime location in the city's commercial and industrial hub, offering easy access from the city proper and adjacent towns.

Chery Auto Philippines (CAP) started the year by holding an event to connect and show appreciation to the Chery car owners through the Chery Car Club Connect: Grand EB and Thanksgiving Party.

Jetour Auto Philippines Inc. (JAPI) has officially joined the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (CAMPI), the country’s largest auto industry organization.

Isuzu Makati Is 2023 Isuzu Dealer Of The Year

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) celebrated the outstanding achievements of its nationwide dealer network during its annual Dealer of the Year Awards. The event, which acknowledges exceptional performance across its network, saw Isuzu Makati clinching the coveted Dealer of the Year Award for the second consecutive year, highlighting its sustained excellence in 2023 following its previous win in 2022.

Great deals and offers are in in the air this February with Toyota Motor Philippines’ Valentines promo. Low monthly plans, free periodic maintenance, trade-in perks, and more are now available across all Toyota dealerships nationwide until February 29, 2024.

New 2024 Audi Q5 Aces IIHS Safety Test

Progressive technologies in the new Audi Q5 SUV, complemented by cutting-edge yet practical design and a dynamic character, are key to the midsize luxury model receiving top safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Kicking off its dealership expansion program for 2024 on a high note, Jetour Auto Philippines Inc (JAPI) inaugurated its second permanent showroom Jetour Auto Edsa Centris last January.

Review: 2024 Volkswagen Tharu 300 TSI SEL

Did Volkswagen Philippines just lie to us? Didn’t they promise that they were done with their so-called “Chinese experiment”? You know, when they brought in second-rate, Made for China vehicles to stay relevant in the local market? If that’s the case, what the hell is a Tharu? Shouldn’t we get a showroom filled with Golfs, Tiguans, and such? Alright. I get your anger, frustration, and all that against “Das Auto” but you know what? They’re not lying. Also, more importantly, regardless of its origin, the Tharu’s a solid drive for the most part, and that’s all that matters.

Three electrified vehicles will be launched by Luxuriant Automotive Group, Inc. (LAGI), the exclusive distributor of Great Wall Motor at the upcoming Manila International Auto Show in April. The list includes one battery electric vehicle and possibly two plug-in hybrids.

Remember the refreshed Hilux? The one that debuted the 48-volt hybrid tech for the Australian market? Well, apparently, this update has just arrived in ASEAN, but in Indonesia of all places.

GAC Motor PH Cuts Emzoom Prices By P 100K For A Limited Time

GAC Motor Philippines is excited to announce an exclusive Chinese New Year special offer1 on its Emzoom series.

For the whole month of February, Changan Auto Philippines is celebrating the year of the wood dragon with the Changan New Year Festival.

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