Last night, July 19, 2023, SAIC Motor Philippines (SMP) formally introduced itself to its dealer principals, bankers, and stakeholders as the new distributor of MG vehicles in the country. After months of speculation, SMP, the fully-owned subsidiary of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, reportedly China’s largest car manufacturer, finally broke cover. The event officially confirmed its takeover of the MG brand and business starting today, July 20, 2023. As we reported in May, SMP replaces The Coven

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

Astara Philippines, the country's exclusive distributor of Peugeot and GAC Motor vehicles, has announced three new senior leadership appointments to handle its automotive brands. These three key appointments begin with Franz Decloedt as Marketing Director for Astara Philippines, handling Peugeot and GAC Motor; Michael John del Pilar as Sales Director for Peugeot Philippines; and Ryan Bermudez as Sales Director for GAC Motor Philippines. “I am thrilled to welcome Franz, MJ, and Ryan to Astara Phi

Expect more expensive vehicles as car brands update their prices for 2023. It's the first month of the new year and four manufacturers – Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Suzuki – have already updated their prices as of press time. While some may only have minor changes, others have more dramatic hikes. However, we expect more brands to follow, especially those that have yet to implement changes since 2022. Honda Cars Philippines Honda Cars Philippines announced in 2022 that it would increase the pr

What seemed like a mundane press statement from Mazda’s press office turned out to have a little white gem. In a November 2022 update on the Japanese carmaker’s management plans until 2030, there were photos of a swoopy and sleek coupe called the “Vision Study Model.” From its thin headlights to its curvaceous wheel arches, the concept car looks like a futuristic MX-5 or a potential RX-7 successor. Although Mazda made absolutely no mention of the Vision Study Model in its press statement, it mig

MG Philippines has expanded its nationwide dealer network with a new showroom in Cebu Province. The Chinese carmaker said in a November 2022 press statement that MG Cebu South is now open for business in the Plaza Margarita commercial complex, located in the town of Minglanilla. The 210-square-meter dealership is located near Cebu South Road and can accommodate three display units. It also has a service bay for pre-scheduled repairs and maintenance. “The Covenant Car Company, Inc. and MG continu