Recent rumblings in the automotive industry talk about Chinese brands changing management hands. And from what we've heard, there will be a few. But why do the principals feel the sudden need to come in lock, stock, and barrel to take over the Filipino-run local distributorships? Haven't they done enough to promote the brand? Did the distributors fall short of sales targets? Or have the distributors failed in the perception game despite the uptick in Chinese-made cars' build, tech and quality in

If you’re in the market for a five-seat crossover, almost every brand has one on offer. But if your budget can only stretch to around ₱1.4 million, then you need to look at Chinese-made crossovers. Given that Chinese car brands aren’t the laughing stocks that they once were, there are two interesting choices in the market. One is the familiar Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, coming in at ₱1,250,000. Gone are the days of the QQ hatchback – this five-seater packs a turbocharged engine and is fully loaded with t

Disclaimer: Jetour Auto Philippines paid for my airfare, transportation and accommodation for a week-long trip with other media practitioners to China, including a visit to Auto Shanghai 2023. Everybody in the Philippines is familiar with the Chery QQ from the mid to late 2000s. The dinky urban hatchback became the symbol of everything that was wrong with China-made cars. With shabby workmanship, questionable aftersales (if there were any) and non-existent warranties, the QQ was China’s first ma

And just like that, it’s the first week of April! As the Holy Week long weekend approaches, many of you are already finalizing your travel plans. Make sure that you and your car are in tip-top shape for a trouble-free journey. And because it’s Sunday, it’s time for another edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup! From last week’s focus on big sport-utility vehicles, this week is pretty much all about the beloved crossover. Here are our top five stories from March 27 to April 2, 2023.

The fastest-growing segment in the Philippines is arguably the one most confusing – the Subcompact Crossover SUV. What even is it? It’s a minuscule SUV based on an already tiny Hatchback. Think high-riding Toyota Yaris. So why is it in demand? Simple: It’s an SUV minus the size. It affords people the Adventurer lifestyle without sacrificing practicality, ease of drivability, and fuel consumption. No surprise, companies that cashed in on the trend mostly come from China, a country that’s effectiv

To say that the 8th edition of the country’s only industry-organized automotive fest, the Philippine International Motor Show is hotly anticipated is an understatement. With various manufacturers already seeding their hero cars on display at PIMS, and with the help of our friends from www.wapcar.my, we summarize what you can expect to see when you pay a visit to the World Trade Center in Pasay City this weekend. Nissan The big-spending Japanese brand isn’t holding back when marketing their wares