2024 | CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

December 31, 2024

Mazda Details 2025 MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition

After its preview at the Mazda Fan Festa 2024 at Fuji Speedway, Mazda has released more details surrounding its Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition models.

Skyway Stage 3's Maria Clara (Quezon Avenue Extension) NB Exit Now Open

San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) infrastructure arm has opened the new Quezon Avenue extension (Maria Clara) northbound exit at Skyway Stage 3 in Quezon City. The exit, operational as of 6 AM on Saturday, December 28, is expected to ease congestion at the Quezon Avenue northbound exit, a key route for motorists accessing Quezon City.

The VinFast VF 3 is called the Tiny Titan for a reason. It is the perfect all-electric mini-SUV that combines affordability, eco-friendliness, and functionality into a neat and precise package. Designed for the stylish, on-the-go individual, it is as economical as it is reliable, making it great for supporting daily urban living, best for first time car owners, new drivers, and even as a second car for young families.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is in the Guinness World Records book for the Greatest Altitude Change by An Electric Car.

Top 5 Picks For 2024

Forty cars. Only five slots. Welcome to CarGuide.PH’s Top 5 Picks of 2024. As part of our annual tradition, we’re naming the five best cars we’ve test driven this year. And compared to how other publications do it, we make sure not everyone’s a winner.

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) celebrates the holiday season alongside its loyal customers through its Hyundai Service Holiday Giveaway promo. 100 exclusive prizes will be raffled off to Hyundai owners who bring in their vehicles for service at authorized Hyundai Service Centers until January 31, 2025.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co (CATL) unveiled a new vehicle chassis with an integrated battery strong enough to withstand fires or explosions from high-impact collisions.

Carlos Ghosn always has something to say when it comes to Nissan. The onetime Nissan leader may have been admired for his business acumen in the 90s and 2000s, but nowadays, he’s acting like a bitter uncle you can’t move on from a bad divorce. Sometimes though, he can’t help but give faint praise to his former employer.

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) partnered with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) for “Dream Green”, a tree-growing project where the brand aims to plant 5,000 mangroves in Brgy. Lumaniag, Lian, Batangas by the end of 2024. This is in line with Hyundai’s global vision, “Progress for Humanity”, which drives the brand to create meaningful change, not just through its vehicle line-up but also through initiatives that enrich lives and sustain the environment.

Still looking for a new Toyota this New Year? Toyota Motor Philippines is giving would-be buyers until December 31 to snag one of these deals on some of their popular models.

It's Official: Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Sign Memorandum Of Understanding To Merge

It’s official. After rumors and reports swirl on the fate of Nissan, Nissan and Honda have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to start the discussions to integrate the two companies through the establishment of a joint holding company by August 2026. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors has signed a separate MOU to explore the possibility of their participation, involvement, and synergy sharing.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) is following the lead of San Miguel Infrastructure in waiving toll fees on its expressways on select days and times during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Filipino racing driver Bianca Bustamante has taken a big step forward in her career by securing a place in the 2025 GB3 Championship, driving for UK-based Elite Motorsport. Her first race in the series is scheduled to take place in April 2025 at the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit.

PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (MMKI), the home of the Xpander and Xforce has reached a milestone by producing its one millionth vehicle.

ACMobility has acquired Evro, the electric vehicle (EV) charging network developed by Globe’s venture builder and tech innovation arm 917Ventures.

Mitsubishi Motors PH Conducts Medical Mission In Sta. Rosa, Laguna Community

Mitsubishi Philippines Corporation (MMPC), in partnership with its healthcare provider, SSMC Group of Hospitals and Clinics, conducted a medical mission in one of the underprivileged communities in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

NAIA Is Ready For Holiday Rush, Announces Raffle For A Brand-New BMW

New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is gearing up for what is expected to be the busiest holiday travel season at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this year, as passenger numbers and flights are projected to exceed those recorded during Undas and in the same period in 2023.

In the spirit of the Yuletide season, San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through SMC Infrastructure, is continuing its annual tradition of waiving the toll fees at expressways it operates on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to make holiday travel smoother for motorists.

Omoda and Jaecoo Motor Philippines marks the first step of (finally) doing retail sales as it opened its first dealership and showroom. Located at the GMall along A. Soriano Avenue in Cebu City, it’s operated by dealer partner, Eres Automotive, Inc.

Review: 2025 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T HEV GLS

When Hyundai Motor Philippines brought in the fourth-generation Tucson in 2023, there were high hopes for the compact SUV; after all, besides the Starex and Santa Fe, it’s managed to carve a name for itself in the Filipino car buyer psyche. Unfortunately, it was let down by a spec sheet that seemed to cater more to reducing its price tag rather than giving buyers the features that they want. Fast forward to 2024, and it’s finally time for some course correction. The refreshed Tucson is here and it now packs much more equipment than ever. It also gains a hybrid powertrain which, at, P 2,290,000 is pricey but ultimately worth every peso.

Toyota expands its Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) offering to include the Alphard luxury MPV. Launched in Japan, it coincides with minor changes to the standard HEV variant as well.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), in collaboration with Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan successfully concluded the “Start Your Impossible” National Coastal Cleanup and Mangrove Planting Day, held last December 14, 2024. The event, held in 33 locations across the Philippines, aimed to inspire communities to protect marine ecosystems and tackle coastal pollution, supporting Gawilan’s social commitment as a Global Team Toyota Athlete (GTTA).

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) concluded its second Hyundai Service and Parts Skills Championship with 37 candidates—27 from Service and 10 from Parts—from Hyundai dealer groups across the country.

At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, Mazda officially launched its motorsports brand, Mazda Spirit Racing with a pair of show cars. These two, a soft top MX-5 and a Mazda3, made the rounds including an appearance at the Mazda Fan Festa. At the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda is finally ready to offer it for commercial release as a special model.

BYD Cars Philippines caps off 2024 with the opening of their latest dealership located in Greenfield, Mandaluyong. Operated by ACMobility’s dealer arm, Iconic Dealership, Inc., it’s the New Energy Vehicle brand’s 25th dealership in the country and the second operated by ACMobility.

Just this weekend (December 20 to 22, 2024), Ford is offering exclusive offers and free merchandise when you test drive or reserve a Ford vehicle (except for the Ranger Raptor 3.0 V6).

Kia Expands SUV Line-Up With 2025 Syros

Kia is expanding its global SUV line-up with the introduction of the Syros. This latest SUV joining the likes of the Sonet and Seltos bridges an ever-smaller niche. This time, it’s marketed to individuals seeking a value-packed urban crossover with more practical rear seats.

The recently-launched VinFast VF 7 recently clinched the title of Best Compact SUV in its home market of Vietnam. Although you could chuck it to having a home court advantage, VinFast is adamant that its cutting-edge features, sleek design, and unmatched performance won jurors over. And this is something, they say, Filipinos can enjoy in equal measure.

Nissan accelerated its merger talks with Honda to prevent Taiwan-based Foxconn, the maker of iPhones, from taking a stake in the Japanese automaker. This is according to a report published by Bloomberg News.

Isuzu Motors Limited Japan (IML), in partnership with TESDA and World Vision, celebrated the graduation of Batch 22 scholars from the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project (IHSP) at the Isuzu-TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center. The 18 graduates successfully completed the rigorous two-year Automotive Servicing Course, achieving the NC IV certification, the highest qualification for the program.

Jetour Auto Philippines recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new dealership located in Iloilo. Jetour Auto Iloilo will be located at R4, Jaro, Iloilo City providing easy access for residents of Iloilo City and the surrounding areas to Jetour’s range of SUVs, crossovers, PHEVs, and EVs.

Is Honda Cars Philippines preparing for a possible local release of the all-new 2026 Prelude? Based on their recent activity on social media, that may be happening.

Can You Guess What Max Verstappen Drives Off The Race Track? An Audi RS 6 Avant

Max Verstappen may be accustomed to driving a 1,000-horsepower Formula 1 on the racetrack, but what is his choice when it comes to a daily driver? A decidedly more “family-friendly” Audi RS 6 Avant.

BYD Cars Philippines, in collaboration with ACMobility, is advancing Valenzuela City’s environmental goals after it signed a contract with the city to provide 41 BYD Dolphin electric vehicles (EVs). These units, to be supplied by BYD Greenfield, will be deployed to the city’s police force, making Valenzuela City the first LGU to have an EV police fleet and the largest one in the country.

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) closes the year with the inauguration of its 37th dealership, Hyundai Bacoor. Held last December 12, the opening of Hyundai Bacoor marks the brand’s first dealership in partnership with the Borromeo Motoring Group (BMG).

Cash strapped Nissan may have found its savior: Honda. According to a report published by Nikkei (via Reuters), the two Japanese automakers have entered talks for a possible merger.

Geely Motor Philippines announces the opening of its new parts center this month. This move marks a step forward in the brand’s commitment to enhance its aftersales service, and provide support to its customer base.

The most common criticism leveled against electrified vehicles in general is their lack of driver engagement. The culprit, most often, is the transmission. Honda wants to change that with their new S+ Shift technology which will come as standard on all its future e:HEV hybrid models starting with the 2026 Prelude.

When Honda pulled the wraps off the Prelude at the Japan Mobility Show, there was an assumption that it’ll simply be a sportier version of the current Civic Hybrid given that the show car had the compact sedan’s interior. That, however, won’t be the case as Honda confirms that the sixth-generation coupe will debut the brand’s next-generation e:HEV hybrid system and S+ Shift system.

Ford Philippines Confirms EVs Are Coming In 2025; Starts Dealer Preps, Training

Ford Philippines’ new managing director, Pedro Simoes, has declared “three big headlines” for 2025. The newly installed head of Ford in the Philippines made the announcement at a media year-end gathering.

Lexus Asia partners with AR Asia Production for the new gastronomy series, “The Maverick Academy” on Netflix. The Maverick Academy is an innovative culinary competition that champions gastronomic talent in craft, and entrepreneurial spirit of aspiring chefs from across Asia.

Mazda has once again won the top prize at the Auto Color Awards 2024 for its new shade, Melting Copper Metallic.

Nissan’s e-Power serial hybrid system is, on its own right, an innovation, but could the very same technology be responsible for the company’s current troubles? According to an article in Automotive News, that may be the case.

Subaru may be known for its World Rally Blue paintjob, but that doesn’t mean the carmaker is done experimenting with new shades. Now out on the WRX and Subaru BRZ (at least in markets like the U.S. and Japan) is Galaxy Purple Pearl.

GAC Motor Philippines has managed to breach 3,000-unit sales this 2024. The Chinese carmaker, distributed by Astara’s year-to-date performance of 3,060 units sold eclipses the 1,714 units sold last year representing a 79 percent year-on-year growth.

FUSO Philippines Awards Its Best Performing Dealers As Brand Outpaced Industry Growth

Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation (SFP) recognized the outstanding performance of its dealer partners at the recent 2024 National Dealer Conference.

Astara-distributed Chinese brand GAC may be starting 2025 with not one, but two HEV variants of existing nameplates. Revealed in documents filed with the Department of Energy, GAC is close to launching the Empow Hybrid and the GS8 Hybrid for the local market.

Nissan Philippines Goes Anime For Latest Kicks e-Power Campaign

Nissan Philippines launches its first-ever animated advertisement starring the Kicks e-Power. This marks the start to the brand’s new “Always Daring” campaign which will be used in its marketing efforts in the Philippines.

Sacrilegious or not? Nissan is transforming one 90s performance icon into a full-fledged battery electric vehicle for the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon.

SERES Opens EDSA Test Drive Center

Seres, the intelligent luxury EV brand distributed by QSJ Motors, opens its Test Drive Center located at Primex Tower, EDSA corner Connecticut Street in San Juan City.

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