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

December 31, 2023

Suzuki PH Confirms January 25 For Jimny 5-Door Release

The much-anticipated Suzuki Jimny 5-door may come with a more practical package, but that doesn’t seem to have affected its off-road prowess. Snapped undergoing final testing in Tanay, Rizal, the launch of the 5-door Jimny is getting very close.

Top 5 Picks For 2023

After driving 49 different vehicles this 2023, from A-segment mini hatchbacks to full electric luxury SUVs, it’s time for our Top 5 Picks of 2023.

Daihatsu, the Japanese automaker owned by Toyota, has admitted to forging the results of safety tests for its vehicles for more than 30 years.

To slow the advancement of Chinese carmakers’ influence in Southeast Asia, Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have vowed to work together to create a competitive and green automotive industry.

The full-size, seven-seat Audi Q7 is the latest Audi SUV model to be awarded with the Top Safety Pick+ rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the USA’s foremost organization dedicated to evaluating vehicles’ safety features and standards.

The Women’s World Car of the Year is changing its name in 2024, reflecting its new aim. Starting next year, they will be known as the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (same WWCOTY acronym remains).

Foton Motor Philippines Inc. (FMPI) broke ground for their newest dealership in Northeastern Luzon: Foton Tuguegarao. Operated by Di San Motors Corporation, the Tuguegarao showroom and service center will be situated in Leonarda, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley.

Kia opens its newest dealership in the Philippines in Bacoor, Cavite. A testament to the brand’s commitment to deliver a modern and customer-centric environment, Kia Bacoor boasts of an expansive 750-square meter building set atop a 1,500-square meter lot area.

Is Mazda PH Finally Launching The Updated CX-5 In 2024?

Better late than never. It seems Mazda is poised to upgrade the entire CX-5 line-up three years after other markets, including North America and Japan received it.

Honor Partners With Porsche Design For Upcoming Range

Giant technology brand Honor, and luxury lifestyle brand Porsche Design have announced a strategic partnership to create cutting-edge smart devices that combine exceptional design and advanced technology. The collaboration aims to deliver a range of high-end products, offering consumers a sophisticated and luxurious electronic experience that embodies the best of both brands.

Toyota Motor PH Consolidates Vios Line-Up For 2024

Toyota Motor Philippines has used its scheduled Christmas shutdown of its Santa Rosa, Laguna assembly plant to rationalize the Vios line-up.

Ferrari has chosen to partner with an unlikely ally to study ways in which they could cut the carbon footprint of their factories in Italy.

After announcing that it will run a trio of carbon neutral race cars at the Idemitsu Super Endurance Southeast Asia Trophy 2023 (Thailand 10-hour Endurance Race), all three Toyota vehicles run by the ORC Rookie Racing Team and CP Rookie Racing team managed to complete the race.

Subaru is using the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon to launch the WRX STI Sport# (Sport Sharp). Not to be confused with the all-out WRX STI, the WRX STI Sport# is basically a STI Lite—similar to BMW’s M Sport and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG Line models.

Jetour Auto Philippines and Autoflare Corporation officially announce the opening of Jetour Auto Alabang, the brand’s newest showroom location at Filinvest, Alabang.

Almost a week after Toyota and its small car unit, Daihatsu, were rocked by the discovery of safety irregularities in its vehicles, PT Toyota-Astra Motor (TAM) and PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), have been cleared by Indonesian authorities to resume delivery and export of models made in the country.

BYD Is Set To Be First Chinese Carmaker To Manufacture In Europe

BYD will be the first Chinese automotive company to have a manufacturing footprint in Europe. Considered as one of the most competitive auto markets, BYD has announced that it will start the construction of a brand-new manufacturing and production center in Szeged, Hungary.

SMC To Waive Toll Fees On Christmas, New Year's Eve

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced it will again waive toll fees at all its expressways on the eves of Christmas and New Year’s Day, an annual tradition the company’s infrastructure unit fulfills in the spirit of the holidays, and to show its appreciation for motorists’ continued patronage.

Chery Auto Philippines celebrates its anniversary reinforcing its commitment to give back to the community by donating used billboard tarpaulins and distributing food to over 1,000 individuals.

Lynk & Co, the Chinese-Swedish car brand co-owned by Geely and Volvo, will enter the Philippines in 2024. This was confirmed in a statement from the brand as they set foot in Southeast Asia through Vietnam.

The Hilux isn’t the only one enjoying an update this 2024 as Toyota Motor Philippines has quietly launched an updated version of its mid-sized 7-seater SUV, the Fortuner as well. These updates, first introduced in Thailand last August, don’t come with any changes to the price.

BSB Junrose Adds Schaeffler TruPower To Its Philippine Line-Up

BSB Junrose Corporation has welcomed another addition to its lineup of global parts supply brands it distributes: Schaeffler TruPower. A sub-brand of 75-year old German automotive supplies manufacturer, Schaeffler.

In its mission to strengthen its electrification efforts through the Blue Switch program, Nissan Philippines has partnered with consumer electronics brand Realme Philippines to provide a day of fun activities for the children of Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines. The event was the second leg of realme Philippines’ Holiday-themed CSR caravan.

The Petron Loyalty Craze continues to reward thousands of winners by giving away prizes every day to lucky Petron Value Card (PVC) members.

New car sales slowed down last November, down 1.2 percent to 37,683 units compared to October’s 38,128 units. This is according to the latest CAMPI-TMA joint report. The slowdown can be attributed to buyers’ anticipation of year-end promotions that typically close the year. In addition, carmakers themselves have started to focus their attention to Q1 2024 activities.

Toyota Raize, Wigo, Avanza, Yaris Cross Affected By Safety Irregularity

Toyota is once again embroiled in safety test irregularities because of Daihatsu. The carmaker issued a statement that in an investigation, they have found irregularities in 174 items in 25 test categories. These are in addition to the door lining irregularity and side collision test irregularity found early this year.

Chery is showing MG how to ace safety tests as its Tiggo 7 Pro managed to bag a perfect 5-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) score. This is the second 5-star vehicle from Chery after its T1X platform mate, the Omoda 5, received the same rating.

Lexus’ first purpose-built battery electric vehicle, the RZ, gets some tweaks for 2024, including a new variant that offers 20 percent range.

Toyota Is Racing The Prius For The First Time

Toyota Motor Corporation is participating in the Idemitsu Super Endurance Southeast Asia Trophy 2023 which will be held from December 22 to 23 at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit.

Holding out on that brand-new Subaru? Well, this might be the bargain you’re looking for. This December, Motor Image Pilipinas, the brand’s exclusive distributor is offering various deals thanks to its financing partners: Maybank, BPI, and BDO. These offers come as straight cash discounts, free amortization, zero percent interest, and balloon payment schemes.

MG Philippines is introducing the MG 365+ Free Safety Check, a month-long initiative that will enhance the overall ownership experience for MG vehicle owners.

The country’s number one carmaker, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is closing off the holiday season by raffling off five Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) this month.

Wheel Gallery is now the official distributor of ROH wheels for the Philippine market. Australia’s leading brand for alloy and steel wheels, ROH is known for being the intersection of style, performance, and innovation.

Lexus has launched an updated version of its compact crossover, the UX. Sporting a new designation, UX 300h, it gets a more powerful gasoline-electric hybrid system and improved safety performance.

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) officially handed over three Hyundai Staria commuter units to the Department of Science and Technology – Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII). The fleet will be utilized particularly for DOST-STII’s pioneering project, the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS), and its award-winning broadcast platform, DOSTv: Science for the People.

Toyota Motor Philippines has announced the champions for this year’s Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Vios Cup.

Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines says they’ve managed to outpace the growth of the local auto industry in 2023. They have also revealed their new product and dealer expansion plans for 2024.

Nissan Commemorates Its 90th Anniversary With These Special Edition Models

In case you missed it, Nissan is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and we don’t blame you for not noticing. The automaker (at least in the Philippines) isn’t making a big fuss over it, but as a reminder, Nissan was founded exactly on December 26, 1933.

Recent news of the MG 5 / MG GT’s dismal crash test results may have some questioning the overall durability and build quality of MG cars, but make no mistake: they can still make quality vehicles. Case in point is the highly-anticipated Cyberster which is currently on its way from Europe to China.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Traveled 3,197 Kilometers On Just P 6,480 Of Charge

Hyundai has proven the capability and range of its Ioniq 5 by completing a five-country, 3,197-kilometer journey across Southeast Asia.

Honda e:N1 EV SUV Rolls Off Production Line In Thailand

After announcing that it will be launching its first battery electric vehicle in ASEAN by next year, Honda has announced that the e:N1 has finally rolled off the assembly line in Thailand. The e:N1 will go on sale in the first quarter of 2024.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is beefing up its production base in Indonesia by announcing that production of its 100 percent electric light commercial truck, the Minicab EV and the Pajero Sport (aka Montero Sport) have started at PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (MMKI).

In its bid towards carbon neutrality, the country’s number car brand and leading manufacturer, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) will be switching to 100 percent renewable energy (RE) for its manufacturing needs.

Jetour Auto Philippines and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls are making your Christmas shopping all the more delightful by having a brand new Jetour Ice Cream Electric Vehicle up for grabs at the Megaworld 12 Gifts of Christmas promo.

While most modern Chinese cars seem to ace global safety tests such as the ASEAN NCAP, ANCAP, and the Euro NCAP, that standard doesn’t seem to apply to the MG 5 (MG GT in the Philippines).

Luxuriant Auto Group, Inc. (LAGI) the exclusive distributor of GWM (Great Wall Motor) vehicles adds the Tank brand to its local portfolio and the first product to be launched is the Tank 300.

GAC Motor PH Previews All-New M8 Luxury MPV And M6 Pro MPV

GAC Motor Philippines is growing its MPV line-up with the arrival of the M8 and M6 Pro. These two MPVs are part of their extensive new model refresh which will see them unveil an additional four models and 15 additional dealerships in 2024.

It’s the end of a chapter in the history of the Chrysler 300C as the last one powered by the legendary Hemi V8 has just rolled off the production line. The Velvet Red unit, built off the Brampton, Ontario assembly plant is the last example of the 2,000-unit run special-edition 300C.

FordPass, Ford’s mobile application that lets customers access vehicle-specific content and support, has marked its first year since it was launched in the Philippines in December 2022.

Hyundai Motor Philippines is adding the all-new, fifth-generation Santa Fe to its line-up by the first quarter of 2024. This has been confirmed via an official media preview.

Quick Links

December 31, 2023

December 29, 2023

December 28, 2023

December 27, 2023

December 26, 2023

December 24, 2023

December 22, 2023

December 21, 2023

December 20, 2023

December 19, 2023

December 18, 2023

December 16, 2023

December 15, 2023

December 13, 2023