GAC Philippines has reached another significant milestone in the Philippines, surpassing 1,000 units in total retail sales for 2023 - a record achievement for the automaker since being under the global mobility company Astara. GAC Motor achieved year-to-date retail sales of 1,017 units as of August. The figures are likewise reflected on the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) database. The 1000+ sales is evidence of the brand’s growing popularity in the country. T

This year’s auto industry rigodon has new participants. Astara Philippines, the multinational mobility distributor that handles the local operations of Peugeot and GAC Motor, announced in an August 2023 press statement that it has appointed two well-renowned executives in key leadership positions. Timmy Naval-de Leon, who was formerly head of corporate communications of the Ayala Corporation’s automotive arm AC Motors for nine years, is now Astara Phiippines’ new marketing director. Naval-de Leo

Fledgling Chinese car brand JETOUR is growing its local dealer network at a rapid pace. The company announced in an August 2023 press statement that it has finalized and established its 16 dealerships for this year. “From the beginning, JETOUR Auto Philippines has envisioned making access to its model lineup and services as easy and hassle-free as possible,” said JETOUR Auto Philippines managing director Miguelito Jose. “Guided by our management team’s decades of experience in dealership operati

The Toyota Alphard has been a surprise hit in the Philippines. Even though it’s a gasoline-powered minivan, it’s boxy yet stately styling, combined with its vast and luxurious cabin, meant it was a hit for everyone from politicians to high-roller gamblers. Indeed, no five-star casino in Metro Manila is complete without its own fleet of black or white Alphards. Given its success, Toyota decided to make subtle but significant changes to the all-new Alphard and its sportier sibling, the Vellfire. T

GAC Motor Philippines is out for blood as it kicks off the New Year under new management. The Chinese carmaker debuted its Empow sedan and an all-new version of its GS8 sport-utility vehicle (SUV) on January 18, 2023. The two models are the first to come out following the December 2022 takeover of multinational mobility provider Astara, which also distributes GAC Motor in Chile and Peru. Astara Philippines has also been the official local distributor of Peugeot since January 2022. The French bra

(Images from Toyota PH) The Toyota Alphard is a monstrosity, in a good, alpha way. It has all the things you need to make travel comfortable and with class. Its luxury is defined not only by the number of chrome parts attached to its grille and body, or the vagrant disregard to the rising prices of gasoline through its 3.5L gasoline engine, but also through the space one has in the passenger cabin while cruising on in a road trip. There still are some points to nitpick. Here they are. Analog Das