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

Mitsubishi will launch a hybrid version of the Mitsubishi Xpander, as mentioned during the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton launch. The mention of the Xpander hybrid was seen earlier on during the launch program for the Triton as Mitsubishi President Takao Kato quickly glossed over the brand’s plans for upcoming vehicles in the ASEAN region. He mentioned that aside from the Triton, Mitsubishi would launch a new compact SUV, which will likely be the Mitsubishi XForce, and that the automaker will also launc

The 2023 Ford Territory is set to launch in the Philippines at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show this coming April. In its latest iteration, the next-generation crossover brings brand-new looks, slightly larger dimensions and more power. For context, the current version of the 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve, inline-4 EcoBoost gasoline engine in the Territory makes 143 PS and 225 Nm of torque. The 2023 version of the motor now produces 160 PS and 248 Nm of torque. This represents a 17 PS and

Chinese electric-vehicle (EV) maker BYD seems to be going for the jugular with its YangWang U8, which was launched on January 2023. The all-electric sport-utility vehicle (SUV) is poised to take on established luxury marques like Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz with its ladder-frame chassis and four electric motors. Each motor powers one wheel for a combined output of 1,115 PS and over 1,627 Nm of torque. This means the enormous U8 can do 0 to 100 km/h in just three seconds. YangWang said the SUV a

The car that helped spark the hybrid-electric vehicle revolution 25 years ago is now entering its fifth generation. Toyota will launch the all-new 2023 Prius on Nov. 16, 2022 in Japan. Although details remain scarce, the next-generation hybrid will likely carry styling cues from the Toyota Crown hybrid crossover that debuted on July 2022. The front end ditches the pointed headlights of the current model for larger and more traditional units with C-shaped Daytime Running Lights. The side profile,

Rare and riveting is the roadster constructed for those that revere Mazda's two-seater performance runner. This is what transpired at Mazda's presentation during the opening day of the 2022 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). Mazda released a limited edition variant of the MX-5 sports car, to commemorate the 25th year of the Miata/MX-5 worshippers known as Miata Club Philippines (MCP). Priced at Php 2.3 million (six-speed automatic transmission) and Php 2.25 million (six-speed manual tra