May 2023 | CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

May 31, 2023

Motorcycle Taxi Company Move It Unveils Updated App

Move It, a homegrown Filipino motorcycle taxi provider, has unveiled its upgraded mobile app, signaling an exciting phase for the Philippine motorcycle taxi sector. With support from Grab’s cutting edge technology, Move It delivered a higher bar of safety, reliability, and user experience. The upgraded Move It app sets a new benchmark for motorcycle taxi services, catering to the needs of Filipino commuters like never before.

DB Schenker Philippines, the local arm of 150-year-old German firm DB Schenker, a world leader in logistics solutions and supply chain management, has taken delivery of the country’s first commercially available fully electric truck, the Foton Tornado 3.6 EV Truck.

The wait is almost over. Mitsubishi Motors has confirmed that the production version of the XFC Concept will be shown for the first time at the 30th GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show in August. And to whet everyone’s appetite, the carmaker just released these teaser photos.

Great Wall Motor is finalizing plans to set up a new battery pack assembly plant in Thailand, where it will start making a compact EV by next year.

As the world shifts towards electrified means of mobility, there’s a widening gender gap. And this, according to UK-based Auto Trader, should be a cause for concern.

Jetour Auto Philippines is making aggressive moves to grow its footprint in the country, announcing that it will open 16 new dealerships this year.

Mitsubishi Fuso, Hino Announce Merger

Two of the world’s truck giants—Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) and Hino are merging. This was announced as Daimler Truck Holding AG, the parent company of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, and Toyota, parent company of Hino concluded a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to that effect.

Changan BlueCore, first launched in 2011, opened a new era in Changan engine technology with the promise of a powerful, clean, and quiet driving experience. In 2019, Changan’s research and development (R&D) team followed it up with the BlueCore NE Platform.

Sonax Philippines has launched a new line of products that levels up personal car cleaning. Specially formulated to make DIY car care easy and efficient, these products render professional results while offering enhanced paint protection.

From its bold F-O-R-D grille to its strong shoulder line, the Ford Ranger Raptor surprisingly incorporates an aerodynamic design that helps it reduce drag improving its performance and efficiency.

Honda's Best Service Advisor In The Region Is A Filipino

Elijah Dave Villan of Honda Cars Makati raised the Philippine banner high as the Service Advisor (SA) category champion at the recently concluded Honda Asia and Oceania Skills Contest. Villan will be representing the country (and the Asia and Oceania region) at the Honda World Skills Contest in October 2023 in Japan.

Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) affiliates Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation jointly announced the renewal of their longstanding partnerships with FIFA through 2030. The renewed agreement welcomes Group subsidiaries Boston Dynamics and Supernal into the fold.

Honda Philippines introduces the all-new Rebel 1100. For P 650,000, this big bike model features an eye-catching modern bobber design, a classic single-round LED headlight, and a hunched fuel tank. This evokes vintage-inspired styling, while also giving a relaxed riding posture.

The Autohub Group of Companies, with 24 years of experience in the automotive industry, continues to serve its clientele by expanding their services. Autohub relaunches NextHub Auto Care by opening six more new branches around Metro Manila and the new NextHub Auto Care Premier in BGC and C. Raymundo Pasig. Now with a total of seven branches opened to serve the growing number of after warranty customers.

After A Re-Test, Toyota Finds Raize SUV Compliant With Safety Standards

After finding wrongdoing in the certification procedure of its Raize sub-compact SUVs, Toyota, through its affiliate, Daihatsu has re-tested it alongside the Rocky and has found them to be compliant with all standard safety values.

Subaru and Mazda have topped the list when it comes to recommended cars—new or used—for teen drivers. This is according to the U.S.-based Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports.

Lexus has dropped another teaser of the all-new GX body-on-frame SUV before its June 8 reveal. This is the second teaser it has dropped with the first one showing off its new headlight design.

The judges in Women’s World Car of the Year have voted for the Woman of Worth Award. There were 15 nominations in the running and a clear winner is Dr Astrid Linder, the designer and instigator of the world’s first female crash-test dummy.

Kia Philippines Continues Rapid Expansion With 2 New Dealerships

The aggressive expansion of Kia Philippines has been further boosted by the opening of Kia Otis and Kia Marikina—both under the management of Willy Tee Ten’s Autohub Group. These dealerships are the 43rd and 44th Kia dealerships in the country. Both of these dealerships—which also showcase Kia’s new look— advance the reach of the Kia brand, and promise to bring the Kia experience closer to its valued customers.

Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the number one motorcycle manufacturer in the country, marks 50 years of providing high-quality, innovative, and reliable motorcycles to Filipinos.

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH), welcomes the Borromeo Motoring Group to its network of dealers through the construction of Hyundai Bacoor. On May 24, a ceremony in commemoration of this was attended by leaders and managers from HMPH including Mr. Dongwook Lee, President, and Mr. Cecil Capacete, Managing Director.

AutoPerformance PH is celebrating a decade of being an official Brembo distributor in the Philippines by introducing new products, greater nationwide distribution, and more affordable prices for Brembo’s range of original-spec replacement brake products.

2024 BMW 5 Series: This Is It

BMW has thankfully resisted the temptation to go bonkers with their all-new 5 Series. Instead of going with idiotic features such as a selfie camera and built-in TikTok (yeah, we’re talking about you, Mercedes-Benz E-Class), the 5 Series steps up with a digitized form of luxury that was first pioneered by the current 7 Series / i7.

GAC Motor Philippines announces new retail pricing for the Emkoo as a gesture of gratitude to its valued customers in celebration of the brand’s fifth year in the country.

BJ Mercantile, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Scania in the country, recently turned over four Scania Touring buses to Cagsawa Travel and Tours, Inc., the safest and cleanest bus company in the Bicol region with hospitable drivers and spacious cabins. The Swedish-built Scania Touring is set to provide passengers the utmost comfort and convenience with its Electronically Controlled Air Suspension, thick body insulators for better noise cancelling, enclosed overhead luggage compartments like those found in commercial airplanes and USB charging slots in every seat.

Honda is returning to the Formula One World Championship (F1) as a power unit supplier from the 2026 season onwards. The Japanese carmaker has entered a works partnership with the Aston Martin F1 team to supply power units compliant with the new F1 power unit regulations which will take effect in the 2026 season.

Take a step closer to having your dream car or home as Metrobank offers low rates and waives up to P 50,000 in fees for approved Car and Home Loan applications through its Your Dream is on Us promo, which runs until June 30, 2023.

According to Nikkei Asia, China just overtook Japan as the world’s top auto exporter for the first three months of 2023. This is due to rising demand for electric vehicles worldwide and increased deliveries to Russia.

The Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) is set to host the 2023 Philippine Rally at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. Five years following the group’s first rally, the 2018 Philippine Rally in Pampanga, the racing action will take place in Tarlac complete with 12 special stages on the dirt roads of Capas.

Isuzu PH Continues With Its Heart And Smile Project To Empower Underprivileged Youth

Isuzu, together with World Vision and TESDA, commemorated the graduation of Isuzu Heart and Smile Project’s 19th batch of trainees and welcomed its 23rd batch of trainees at the TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center (AMTraC) in Tacloban, Leyte.

Volvo Cars Philippines joins the global Volvo family in committing itself to an all-electric future with news that they’ll be bringing in two fully electric vehicles by the second half of 2023.

Chevrolet Makati has re-opened now under the management of MIG1 Auto Dealership Corporation. MIG1 Auto Dealership Corporation is represented by its chairman, Cong. Michael Edgar Aglipay.

Hyundai successfully defended their class win at the 51st ADAC TotalEnergies 24h Nürburgring. The Korean automaker snatched a class win and a second-place finish at one of the most demanding racing circuits in the world.

Just when you thought Lexus couldn’t go down market any further with the Lexus UX SUV, they’ve surprised many (including us) with their third SUV announcement in just two weeks with their first-ever LBX.

Mitsubishi PH Expands to Iligan City

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) adds another location to its growing dealer network.

Remember that owner who gave me access to a 2023 Snowflake White Mazda MX-5 RF late last year? You know, the one with the Terracota interior? Well, I’ve got a confession to make: I’m that bastard. At the time, I felt prudent not to announce it all over the internet primarily because there was a supply shortage of MX-5s. But now that supplies have stabilized (more or less) and wait lists have shortened (more or less), it’s time for me to discuss ownership of the two-seater sportscar.

Founded just 55 years ago, Hyundai can’t claim to have a lengthy or storied history like many other more established carmakers. However, that’s all about to change with the start of Hyundai Reunion—a platform by which the Korean automaker can start showcasing their brand’s heritage. And marking the start, they’ve restored the Pony Coupe Concept.

Subaru’s FA24DIT, used in the current-generation (VB) WRX, can be considered as motorsports proven as it managed to finish the 24 Nürburgring 24 Hours Race.

BMW shows that their design team still has the chops by coming up with this beautiful BMW Concept Touring Coupé at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2023. Technically, a one-off concept, BMW says the shooting brake may head to production if there’s a strong enough clamor for it.

Chery Auto Philippines Experience Stong Sales Growth In Q1 2023

Chery Auto Philippines reports that two of its key crossover models, the Tiggo 5X and the Tiggo 8 Pro were largely responsible for their sales growth for the first quarter of 2023.

Remember the scandal surrounding Daihatsu rigging the crash test of a couple of DNGA models such as the Toyota Vios and Wigo? Well, it’s more widespread than anyone first thought.

Geely Awards Brand-New Okavango To Araneta City Raffle Winner

Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation (SGAP), the local distributor of Geely vehicles in the country, held a handover ceremony to celebrate the grand prize winner of the “Dream Ride Like No Other” car promo in partnership with Araneta City.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces a special test drive campaign for the all-new BR-V and additional perks to those who will proceed with a purchase. Customers are invited to experience BR-V difference at Honda Cars Dealerships nationwide, for a chance to win one of four 10th generation Apple iPads or gift certificates worth P 2,000.00. Those who will purchase will enjoy the running special offers and an extra P 5,000 discount. The test drive campaign runs from May 25 to June 24, 2023.

It is not just the sales of four-wheeled vehicles that is experiencing strong growth. The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. or MDPPA also recorded a 16.7 percent increase in the country’s motorcycle sales this Q1 of 2023 among its four members—Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha.

This is the all-new Toyota Tacoma. On the surface, it doesn’t seem locally relevant; after all, it’s a pickup truck designed for the North American market. However, in reality this could be our first look at the all-new Hilux that’s due to arrive very soon.

If you’re watching Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, keep your eyes peeled not just for the various versions of spider people, but also of a couple of Hyundai’s vehicles.

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding), parent company of Geely Auto and China’s largest privately-owned automotive technology group, announced that it has increased its shareholding in Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc (Aston Martin) to 17percent as part of a new relationship agreement with the ultra-luxury British performance brand.

Review: 2023 GAC EMPOW 1.5T GE

Chinese carmakers often rely on two playbooks when marketing their cars in the Philippines. The first is to claim that you’re the custodian of a storied European brand, even if the cars you’re selling have nothing to do with said European brand. Second is to leverage all the technical partnerships you’ve gained throughout the years, down to whoever supplies the carpet. Either way, they make for good soundbites, but sadly, don’t often translate to cars which are actually respectable to drive.

After revealing its June 9 launch date, more information is starting to trickle from Mazda Philippines ahead of the first-ever CX-60’s launch. And this time, we just got a confirmation of its powertrain.

After some conflicting statements coming out of Thailand (see this and this), Nissan Philippines has finally acknowledged the Kicks e-Power AC cooling issue, identified the fault, and, more importantly, will be issuing a fix very soon.

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