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

One look at the landscape changes that have happened to our roads makes it clear that Chinese cars are here to stay, regardless of how many Filipinos try to resist. They’re affordable, powerful, well-equipped, and in many cases, quite stylish. But have you ever noticed how many seem so similar under the skin? Eagle-eyed buyers will note that many cars sourced from China have engines that rarely exceed 1500cc, whether in turbocharged or naturally aspirated guise. That’s not for convenience’s sake

The Honda BR-V is the Japanese brand’s answer to the affordable seven-seater SUV segment in the Philippines. It brings the latest design language from Honda, giving the vehicle a bold new exciting SUV look. The Honda BR-V has a broader front fascia with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a new grille. On the inside, the Honda BR-V has a cabin layout similar to its Honda City sibling, with a minimalist look and a floating dashboard design. It also has a 7-inch infotainment system wit

A hybrid Toyota Vios? It’s in the works. That’s according to Toyota Motor Asia Pacific chief executive officer Hao Tien. "From the business perspective, we do have plans for hybrid A/B segment,” Tien told our colleagues at WapCar Malaysia at the sidelines of the Idemitsu Super 1500 Endurance race in Thailand. “I can't tell you the date yet, but it's coming soon,” he added. Toyota is fielding two cars in the endurance race: a hydrogen-powered Toyota GR Corolla and a Toyota GR86 running on carbon-

For many, vehicle safety isn’t that big of a deal. Most car buyers look at space, practicality, convenience features, and, of course, price. But how well a car performs in a road crash becomes extremely vital the moment you and your loved ones actually get into a crash. The money you may have saved by getting a less safe model may result in you paying the ultimate price – your life or the lives of the people you care about. That’s why organizations like the non-profit ASEAN New Car Assessment Pr

When it comes to small, seven-seater multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), you have as many choices in the market as there are stars. The segment remains highly popular in the Philippines because it combines the utility and practicality of seven seats with the size and ease of a compact sedan. There are established Japanese stalwarts like the Toyota Avanza (and its luxurious Veloz sibling), the Mitsubishi Xpander (and its rebadged Nissan Livina sibling), the Suzuki Ertiga, and the upcoming all-new Honda