March 31, 2021
"Voltswagen" Stunt Backfired on Volkswagen
This is why Germans aren’t known for their sense of humor. A day after Volkswagen of America said it was renaming its operations to “Voltswagen of America” in their EV push, they’ve now fessed up that it’s all a marketing stunt.
What's Going on with Subaru Dealerships?
Today marks the last day of Subaru Alabang, almost a decade since it opened under the management of the ANC Group.
The Mazda CX-30 is the Antidote to Digital Fatigue
In this busy world, consumers of all generations are engaged in a silent battle to disconnect from work and social media—and the devices that keep them tethered to both. Millennials are no different.
Toyota PH Sales Are Up, Production Down for First 2 Months of 2021
Toyota Motor Corporation has seen its sales rise globally by 9 percent, driven primarily by its strong sales in China and Japan.
Toyota GR Yaris Selected as One of the World's Best Performance Cars
In a move that will certainly increase its street cred even more, the Toyota GR Yaris has been selected as one of the Top Three finalists for the World Performance Car of the Year 2021, beating the BMW M2 CS and X5 M / X6 M in the process.
The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Has More Ground Clearance Than a Pickup Truck
Subaru has introduced its most rugged, most off-road capable Outback ever: the new 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness.
March 30, 2021
The Lexus LF-Z Electrified Opens a New Chapter In Their History
Lexus is writing its next chapter starting with its LF-Z Electrified—a concept battery electric vehicle that will realize the premium brand’s performance, styling, and technologies by 2025.
The 2022 Kia EV6 GT Can Challenge Supercars in a Drag Race
Kia may have already shown off its first dedicated battery electric vehicle, the 2022 EV6, but they’ve saved the best info for last: it’s coming with a high-performance GT version.
Global Nissan X-Trail to Get a 250-Horsepower Turbocharged Engine
It’s been almost a year since the all-new Nissan X-Trail debuted for the North American market as the Rogue. Now, global markets will finally see how Nissan’s compact SUV shapes up with a worldwide debut set for the Auto Shanghai in April.
The Mazda3's Chief Designer is Now Head of Design at Mazda North America
Yasutake Tsuchida, the guy behind the World Car Design of the Year 2020 winner Mazda3 has been appointed as Senior Director of Design at Mazda North American Operations or MNAO. In this role Tsuchida will oversee design operations, including next-generation vehicle planning and brand strategy development.
Volkswagen Shoots Down Idea That All-New 2022 Ford Ranger Will Look Anything Like This
Volkswagen has shot down ideas that the upcoming all-new Ford Ranger will look anything like its Amarok pickup truck. This, as the German automaker released a second sketch (see lead photo).
Will MINI Abandon JCW Models With All-Electric Push?
Previously, The BMW Group announced that it’s going electric, and the first brand to do so would be MINI. With MINI’s urban positioning, it will debut its last combustion engine in 2025, and by the 2030s will only sell purely electric models.
Volkswagen to be Renamed Voltswagen? (UPDATED)
In what was originally seen as an advanced April Fools’ Day joke, Volkswagen has confirmed that it is seriously and really re-branding its electric vehicles as “Voltswagen” in a move to differentiate it from its internal combustion engined counterparts.
Audi Shines a Light on Advanced Lighting Technology
In less than two decades, cars have shifted from halogen to HID to LED lighting. At the forefront of all this, Audi has been one of the leaders in the transition—using lighting technologies not just to give it a high level of function, but also a strong and unique design identity.
March 29, 2021
Look: TRB Holds Site Acceptance Test for Skyway Stage 3
The Skyway Stage 3 reached a new milestone as the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) together with its Independent Consultant as well as Tollway Operator and Project Concessionaire conducted a Site Acceptance Test or SAT to ensure the system’s functionality and readiness.
Chery Sustains Dealership Growth Amid Challenging Times
At a time when survival is the name of the game for many enterprises, and even established brands are struggling, it's a positive sign to see a new brand not just surviving, but even thriving and growing.
Ford Philippines PK Umashankar to Lead Customer Service for International Markets Group
Ford Motor Company today announced that PK Umashankar (‘Uma’) has been appointed director, Ford Customer Service Division, International Markets Group (IMG), effective April 1.
The Big 4 Japanese Brands to Offer Standardized Swappable Batteries for Its Electric Motorcycles
Electric motorcycles just got a much-needed boost as Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha have all agreed to standardize its battery systems. This paves the way for motorcycles to have swappable batteries allowing for battery sharing and replacement across the big four Japanese brands.
Could This Serve as Inspiration for a Potential 2022 Mazda BT-50 Pangolin?
Late last year, Mazda Philippines gave the current BT-50 its final hurrah: a special appearance package called the BT-50 Pangolin.
When Car is Family: The Story of a Long-Time Mitsubishi Fan
Filipinos have a penchant for treating their cars more than just another mode of transportation. With such a huge investment made into choosing the right car, it’s not uncommon to see these machines become an integral part of people’s lives.
March 28, 2021
DOTr Sets Guidelines on Public Transport in NCR+ ECQ Season 2
With the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine once more over Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has finally set its guidelines surrounding public transportation.
Toyota PH to Only Offer GR Yaris in Limited Volume, Will Be Cheaper Than Civic Type R, WRX STI (UPDATED)
UPDATE: Toyota Motor Philippines confirmed that our list of dealers is correct (4/20).
UPDATE: Toyota Motor Philippines confirmed that our pricing info is correct (3/29).
With Toyota Motor Philippines’s official announcement on the arrival of its second GAZOO Racing vehicle, the 2021 GR Yaris, details have now started coming out about their formidable hot hatch, including its local price.
March 27, 2021
Here's What You Can Expect with ECQ Season 2 from March 29 to April 11 (UPDATED)
UPDATE: The ECQ has been extended from April 4 to April 11. The dates have been changed in the story to reflect the changes. (4/3).
It feels like a nightmare, but Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal is back to the strictest Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ effective 12:00 AM of Monday, March 29, 2021 to 11:59 PM of Sunday, April 11. This, after the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
Honda PH to Export XRM125 to New Zealand
Engineered for the Filipino riding public, made in the Philippines, and now, exported to the world. In an effort to put the Philippines on the map in motorcycle manufacturing, Honda Philippines will begin exporting the XRM125 to New Zealand starting next month.
The 2022 Geely Xingyue L Has the Mother of All Touchscreens
Last January, Geely Auto revealed their newest Volvo-based SUV, the KX11. In preparation for its April launch date, the Chinese carmaker has finally given it a name, while also revealing some of its key features.
March 26, 2021
Motorists May Soon Have to Pay to Use Skyway Stage 3
The Toll Regulatory Board or TRB has approved the provisional toll rates submitted by operator San Miguel Corporation for Skyway Stage 3.
Geely Opens in Makati
Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) is adding another outlet in its fast-growing roster of dealerships this March as it opens Geely Makati. Geely Makati will operate under the management of SGAP.
Nissan Opens First Dealership in Cagayan Province
Nissan widens its reach throughout the country as it opens the first Nissan dealership in the Cagayan province.
All-New 2021 Hino 300 Series Offers Safety, AT Convenience in Light-Duty Trucks
Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, introduces the newest addition to its growing roster of light-duty trucks—the all-new 2021 Hino 300 Series.
Martine Cajucom-Ho Shares Her Experience with Lalamove to Help Grow Her Business
This year, the emergence of small and medium enterprises has never been this big. Technology has made it easy to grow businesses. From marketing your products on social media to hiring delivery services from apps, it is apparent that a lot of businesses have undergone digitalization to cope during this pandemic.
A Free Software Upgrade Just Added More Performance to the Porsche Taycan
Porsche just showed the potential of Over-the-Air (OTA) firmware updates with its first software update for its all-electric Taycan.
Porsche Won't be Using VW Platforms Anymore
Porsche won’t be using Volkswagen platforms for its future vehicles starting with the all-new Macan due in the second half of 2021. Instead, the German luxury carmaker will use the Premium Platform Electric or PPE which it co-developed with sister brand, Audi, since 2018.
Ford Just Found USD 100,000 Worth of Quality Leather Sitting In Its Basement
Anyone who’s moved house (or done a renovation) would know how Ford feels right here. When the carmaker decided to clean up its Ford product development center (it’s being razed to make way for a Ford ‘campus of the future’), they’ve managed to find rolls and rolls of leather—about USD 100,000 (about P 4.8 million) lying around. So, what did they do? Why, hold a garage sale, of course.
March 25, 2021
Geely Opens in Davao City
Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) continues its expansion in Mindanao as it opens Geely Davao. Since last year, SGAP has already inaugurated four dealerships in the country’s South: Geely Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro General Santos, and Davao.
The MG Marvel R is a 288-horsepower, 655 Nm of Torque Super SUV
MG just pulled the wraps off its next-generation battery electric vehicle—the 2022 Marvel R Electric. Dubbed as a “high-tech, luxurious lifestyle SUV” it’s destined to push the SAIC Motor brand’s presence in Europe, fighting the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model Y.
The Mitsubishi L300 Lives On the Mantra: "If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It"
When you trust someone, you usually have a strong belief on the other’s reliability, a deep confidence in one’s capability to deliver on his promises, and a reliance on his strength and ability to get the job done.
The All-New Honda CRF300L and CRF300 Rally Means There's No End of the Road When Riding
Honda Philippines continues its product onslaught this 2021 by bringing in new generation design and performance to the off-roading riding genre with the all-new CRF300L and CRF300 Rally.
Own a Hyundai Reina for Just P 5,921 a Month (And Yes, Still No Safeguard Tariff)
Make it your business to drive your business forward with style, space, and power—at the price you want!
Foton's Harabas TM300 is Ready for the Hard Life
Last year, Foton Motor Philippines launched the TM300—a small light-duty truck powered by a class-exclusive diesel engine under its Gratour sub-brand. This year, one of the country’s best-selling automotive brands has decided to bring it into their main line, re-branding it as the Foton Harabas TM300.
Volvo, Geely to Share Infotainment Systems
Volvo Cars will soon be licensing its infotainment system platform to other members of the Geely Group and even other carmakers. This as they’ve setup a new joint venture with technology company ECARX.
Isuzu, Hino, and Toyota to Jointly Develop Trucks
Isuzu, Hino, and Toyota have entered into a partnership surrounding the development of future commercial vehicles.
March 24, 2021
The All-New 2021 Ford Explorer Lands in the Philippines and It's Priced at P 2.7M
Its arrival may have been a tad delayed, but Ford Philippines is now pre-selling its mid-sized North American SUV, the all-new 2021 Explorer. It’ll be made available in two variants and initially three colors only.
Chery Volleybelles Share Their Thoughts on the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
Fresh from its launch in late January and basking in its sold-out success in February, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro sustains its momentum as new shipments arrive to replenish stocks and meet the strong demand for the stylish new crossover.
This Lexus IS Contains a Turntable in the Glovebox
Installing a turn table inside a car seems like an impractical thing to do; after all, vinyl records will skip at the slight bump. Well, leave it to the guys at Lexus to prove them wrong with this customized Lexus IS which sports, you guessed it, a turntable in the glove box.
Northbound Skyway Extension Structurally Complete
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is set to fulfill its commitment to the public of providing a long-term solution to years of worsening traffic on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) approaching Alabang, Muntinlupa—brought about by rapid growth in Southern Luzon.
2021 Lexus LS Comes with a New P 5.928M Variant
Lexus Philippines is updating its flagship sedan, the LS for 2021 with added safety and convenience features, and a new variant that starts at below P 6 million.
The All-New 2021 Subaru Outback is Coming and Here's What We Know So Far
The first quarter may have been quiet for all-wheel drive specialist Subaru, but they’re making up for it big time. After the official Philippine launch of the first-ever Evoltis in April, it’ll be followed a month after by the all-new 2021 Outback.
Changan PH Banks on CS35 Plus, CS75 Plus for 2021 Sales Momentum
Changan Motor Philippines, Inc. (CMPI), the exclusive distributor of Changan vehicles in the country is banking on the global success of the CS75 Plus and CS35 Plus to carry them forward in 2021. This, as Changan ended 2020 as the best-selling domestic brand in China.
Geely Announces New Tesla-Rivaling Zeekr Brand
Despite having brands such as Volvo, Polestar, and Lynk & Co under its belt, Geely thinks it’s still not enough. The Chinese car manufacturer just announced the formation of a new company, Zeekr. It’ll be their premium all-electric vehicle brand that will set the stage to challenge the likes of Tesla.
March 23, 2021
LRT-1 to Suspend Operations from March 31 to April 4
In order to facilitate necessary upgrades and continuous improvements to the LRT-1 system, private operator and maintenance provider Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) is announcing a temporary suspension of LRT-1 operations from March 31 (Holy Wednesday) to April 4, 2021 (Easter Sunday) for its annual maintenance.