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September 4, 2025

VinFast Shows Off Customization Skills With Unique VF9 EVs For Vietnam's National Day Parade

Vietnam’s homegrown automaker VinFast showed off its strength at Vietnam’s National Day. The event commemorates Vietnam’s August Revolution of 1945, which ended colonial rule, and the founding of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1946.

Horse Powertrain, the Renault and Geely joint-venture powertrain maker, has unveiled the C15—a suitcase-sized ultra-compact powertrain that can potentially transform an existing battery electric vehicle into a range extended EV.

Kia has pulled the curtains off the new Stonic. The 2026 version has been comprehensively redesigned inside and out all aimed at elevating the customer experience and setting new standards in the small SUV segment.

The shift to EVs is causing some legacy automakers some problems, particularly those who want to leverage decades of nameplate recognition. Carmakers from Germany, are a prime example with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and now, Volkswagen all backtracking on their newfangled EV nameplates.

Riding With You: AISIN Celebrates 60 Years

From factory floors in Japan to highways across the Philippines, Aisin has quietly powered the world’s most reliable vehicles for six decades. This 2025, as the brand marks its 60th anniversary, Aisin steps into the spotlight not only to celebrate its rich legacy but also to remind motorists and mechanics of one enduring truth: Aisin is your best match for your vehicle. You may not always see it, but chances are you are riding with Aisin.

GWM Cagayan de Oro, under Otto Motto Mobility, Inc., showcased the new Cannon pickup truck, giving motorists in the Northern Mindanao region an exclusive opportunity to experience the newest pickup truck from GWM.

Marking six decades of unwavering service to the Bacolod community, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), in partnership with Southern Auto Mart and Trading Corporation (SAMTC), unveiled the refreshed Isuzu Bacolod dealership—now upgraded to reflect the brand’s Isuzu Outlet Standard (IOS) design philosophy. This milestone marks 60 years of service to the Bacolod community, a testament to the enduring trust in the brand.

This September 6 to 7 (Saturday and Sunday), Lexus is rolling out the red carpet for our most loyal companions: our pets. Visit Lexus at Mitsukoshi this weekend and experience a one-of-a-kind pet-friendly pop-up that blends luxury and omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) for our guests’ pets. Register here.

The pandemic-related “revenge spending” looks to be truly over as specialty cars from Japanese brands such as Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota are all seeing huge discounts this month.

The Civic Type R (FL5) is taking its final bow in the country as Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) says the last few units are now up for grabs. After this, order books will officially close marking the end of a chapter for the hot hatch.

Astara Philippines is rolling out the red carpet for owners of JAC passenger vehicles purchased between 2017 and 2023 with a welcome gift: a free check-up and free Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS), regardless of warranty status.

All-New Tang DM-i Can Do Up To 1,160 Kilometers As BYD Cars Philippines Opens Reservations

Reservations for the BYD Tang DM-i—the newest plug-in hybrid Super DM-i flagship—are now open and the stage is set for its official launch on September 17. Customers can now contact their nearest BYD dealership or leave their details here to get first dibs on this newest model from BYD.

MG Philippines highlighted both its hybrid technology and advanced driver assistance system as they took their bank partners on an experiential drive aboard the all-new MG ZS Hybrid+ and the MG3 Hybrid+.

Hyundai is moving away from its current design language, Sensuous Sportiness, for Art of Steel. It will make its global debut with the Concept Three—the Ioniq sub-brand’s first-ever compact battery electric vehicle.

The upcoming all-new Honda Prelude will act as the official course check car at the upcoming World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 (WCH Tokyo 25). The specialty hybrid sportscar will be joined by the all-new Honda N-One e: mini-EV.

Goodbye Vios? Toyota Motor PH Teases Ativ HEV For Local Launch

This is it, folks. Toyota Motor Philippines has just teased the arrival of the all-new Vios Hybrid. Or should we now call it, the Ativ HEV?

ACMobility’s investment in people has helped accelerate its business. Since the rebrand, ACMobility has grown its headcount rose from 1,370 in 2023 to over 1,600 by mid-2025, with a target of surpassing 1,700 by year-end, driven largely by the expansion of the BYD brand and the Mobility Infrastructure Group.

The continued softening demand for brand-new cars is threatening to wipe out the gains made by the Philippine auto industry during the first half of 2025. This is based on July 2025 joint CAMPI-TMA sales breakdown.

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation (SMCACD), the exclusive distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, has appointed Jacob Ang as its new President, effective September 1, 2025.

For all intents and purposes, the Z shouldn’t be here. With Nissan in dire straits, financially at least, they could have given the world another crossover; only they didn’t. In an automotive miracle that would make Lazarus proud, the carmaker bankrolled the creation of the current-generation Z—the RZ34. This alone proves to you that one, there are some car guys amongst the bean counters in Yokohama, and second, that the Z’s mere existence should be a course for celebration.

Honda is changing its plans surrounding its head office. Citing the continued rapid transformation of the automotive industry, the carmaker won’t be fully utilizing its planned new Aoyama Building anymore. Instead, they’re moving to an office space in Yaesu near Tokyo Station by 2029.

Hyundai Trucks And Buses' Tsuper Deals Will Have You Saving Up To P 400K

Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai Trucks & Buses in the Philippines, celebrates its 24th anniversary with Tsuper Deals—a special offering for the true kings of the road.

Filipinos families love the Mitsubishi Xpander for one good reason: it does everything very well. For those who’re after practicality, it offers boatloads of space with an interior that’s just as flexible. For those who want some excitement, it drives very well and it’s got head-turning looks that make it un-MPV like. Building on those strengths, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is introducing the new 2026 Xpander. With new features and a bolder look, it keeps Filipino families safe, comfortable, and connected.

In line with International Dog Day, Jetour Auto Philippines held its second annual Media Pet Day at Barkhaus Eastwood. The event reaffirmed a heartwarming tradition, bringing together media partners, their beloved furry friends, and the Jetour family for a memorable day dedicated to celebrating bonds and championing responsible pet ownership.

Lexus is making changes to its best-selling NX premium compact SUV on both ends of the variant range, introducing a new entry-level as well expanding its top-of-the-line trims.

The Mazda MX-5 has long held the record for being the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car—it took this accolade way back in 2000—and 25 years later its position as the two-seater roadster with the biggest cumulative volume is unrivalled.

Subaru Philippine Sales Plunge 64 Percent In First Half 2025

Motor Image Pilipinas has been fairly quiet this 2025, and we probably know why: sales aren’t doing too well.

Hyundai has one “must have” feature that has helped them top the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study once more. This year marks the sixth consecutive year that the Korean automaker has topped the study, reinforcing its leadership in automotive innovation.

With the biennial Japan Mobility Show (JMS) just around the corner (press day starts on October 29), some car brands are starting to tease their showcase. The first one to confirm their motor show line-up is Honda.

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) and the Department of Energy (DOE) released the 2025 report card of the state of the Philippine EV industry.

Two Seasoned Automotive Executives Join GWM Philippines Leadership Team

Luxuriant Automotive Group, Inc. (LAGI), the oﬃcial importer and distributor of GWM vehicles in the Philippines, announces the appointment of two seasoned automotive professionals to its growing leadership team.

Qualifiers are now open for the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines eSports GT Championship. The TGR PH eSports GT Championship 2025 continues Toyota Motor Philippines’ drive of staging the country’s premier virtual racing competition. This year, participants go head-to-head in sprint races using the Gran Turismo 7 game on the Sony PlayStation.

As the country celebrates History Month in August, Nissan Philippines looks back at its more than 55-year journey with Filipino motorists. From its early presence under the Datsun name to the innovative models seen on today’s roads, Nissan has long been part of the evolving Filipino driving experience.

It looks like Suzuki just confirmed the arrival of the eVitara for the Philippine market. The announcement wasn’t made in a statement, but rather, using an interesting backdrop used during an official event in India.

Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc., the official distributor of Volvo Cars in the Philippines, is offering an exclusive opportunity for its customers to experience a European getaway. With the "Volvo Euro Trip Raffle Promo," new Volvo buyers will have the chance to win a spectacular 14-day trip for two across Europe, celebrating the brand's heritage of world-class quality and design.

BYD is now the record holder for the world’s fastest electric vehicle. Its high-end sub-brand, Yangwang and the U9 Track Edition EV supercar, managed to hit 472.41 km/h at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany just this month.

Mini Philippines Launches John Cooper Works Family In Both Gas And Electric Flavors

Mini Asia and British United Automobiles today announced the availability of the all-new Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) family in the Philippines.

After 18 years and 48,000 examples, the final R35 Nissan GT-R has rolled off the assembly line. The final vehicle, a Premium edition T-Spec, finished in Midnight Purple paint, is destined for a customer in Japan. Workers at Nissan’s Tochigi plant, located about 100 kilometers north of Tokyo, gathered to celebrate the extensive legacy of the R35 as the very last unit rolled off the line.

Should Mazda Philippines expand the CX-60 family to include an entry-level version? What was once a Japan market exclusive, the CX-60, powered by the tried-and-tested 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G is finding itself in more of the carmaker’s global markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, and now, Australia.

Li Auto immediately positioned itself as a premium brand when they arrived here in the Philippines. Not only that, they are focused on their Range Extender Electric Vehicles like the L7 and L9. So, when they invited us for a drive, I was thinking of getting my hands on either of those.

From August 24 to September 23, Lexus blends good coffee and good records at Flat Six Café in Quezon City. Located in 131 Katipunan avenue at Bgy. St. Ignatius, Quezon City, the Lexus LBX will be displayed in this cozy café combining the brand’s passion for coffee and cars.

Review: 2025 GWM Ora 03 500 EV

GWM has a knack for coming up with quirky car names. From the same company that brought the world the Wingle, the Cool Bear, the King Kong Cannon, the Florid, and the Big Dog comes this: the Ora Good Cat. Only, it’s no longer the Good Cat; it’s the Funky Cat. No, scratch that. It’s now known as the Ora 03. Ultimately, credit goes to the Chinese brand’s global ambitions for the very sensible name change, all of which happened in the last five years or so. Whatever you decide calling it—Good, Funky, or otherwise, the product is a cutesy, retro-styled compact hatchback that’s full of design flair, but saddled by forgettable dynamics and an overprotective ADAS system.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) celebrates its 174th anniversary by reaffirming its commitment to enabling progress for Filipinos through fast, easy, affordable retail loan solutions—designed to make major life milestones more accessible and achievable.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation takes its D-Max and mu-X on a nationwide tour. The Isuzu Xperience Mobility Tour kicks off this August 25 and makes its way across the archipelago all the way until end of November.

Building on the launch of their first all-electric hypercar, the Hyptec SSR, GAC shows off a high-performance off-road supercar: the Hyptec SSR Baja Concept.

Roughly a month after its global debut in Indonesia, is Mitsubishi Motors Philippines about to launch the first-ever 7-seater Destinator compact SUV? Based on their social media activity, the answer could be a resounding, yes.

All-Electric Mercedes-Benz G 580 With EQ Technology Lands In Philippines With P 13.59M Price Tag

Mercedes-Benz Philippines announces the arrival of the all-electric G-Class. The G 580 with EQ Technology, as the model is officially referred to, could be the next go-to ride of DPWH contractors who feel like they have a soft spot for the environment. And before they ask, it comes with a P 13.59-million introductory price tag. Chump change, all things considered.

Vingroup is honored to receive the First-Class Labor Order in recognition of its achievements in developing the National Exhibition Fair Center in Hanoi, Vietnam. This award acknowledges the group’s breakthrough efforts and determination in completing the project 15 months ahead of schedule, celebrating the 80th National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and contributing to the socio-economic development of the capital city and the nation.

Mitsubishi Motors PH Recognized By Philippine Red Cross

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) was recognized with the Blood Services Platinum Award by the Philippine Red Cross for its unwavering commitment and continuing support in the promotion of voluntary blood donation and in the organization of mobile blood donation drives. Over the past five years, MMPC has contributed a total of 896 blood units from its initiatives.

Geely Motor Philippines has expanded its nationwide service network with a six-month stockpile of both fast- and slow-moving parts, covering periodic maintenance service and brake components, accessories, chemicals, and lubricants. Supported by a high fill rate, the inventory is intended to reduce service delays and ensure parts availability across the network.

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