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

Toyota Motor Corp is testing out liquid hydrogen as an alternative fuel source for its next generation of vehicles. The Japanese automaker entered a race car powered by liquid hydrogen into a 24-hour endurance race in central Japan to test its new technology. It was also the first liquid hydrogen vehicle to participate in an official race anywhere in the world. Toyota thinks hydrogen will be a better alternative to fossil fuels amid tightening environmental regulations as hydrogen does not emit

The facelifted 2023 Nissan Almera is expected to launch in the Philippines sometime in June 2023. This is according to a source with intimate knowledge of the upcoming model but requested anonymity because of a lack of authority to speak on the matter. The updated Almera is also expected to launch in ASEAN on May 11, 2023, following the debut of the facelifted Nissan Versa, the Almera’s American sibling, last October 2022. Bigger grill, special paint The facelifted Almera is expected to carry ov

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.

Ford Philippines is heading south for the fourth leg of its Ford Island Conquest test-drive event. The carmaker said in a press statement that it will be held at the Annex Event Center of SM City Davao on Oct. 7-9, 2022. The previous leg was in Pampanga on Sept. 23-25, 2022. As before, visitors can experience the full capabilities of the next-generation Ford Ranger and Ford Everest in the water-wading course. They can also check the dynamic display and try out Ford’s latest vehicles in the on-ro

Toyota Motor Thailand has just launched what is believed to be the 2023 Toyota Vios this morning. Actually, this model is known as the 2023 Toyota Yaris Ativ in Thailand. While it was originally thought that the Toyota Vios and the Yaris Ativ will remain two distinct models, it is now confirmed that Toyota Thailand will cease production of the former. Underpinned by the same Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform also found in the Toyota Raize, Avanza and Veloz, the Yaris Ativ will cov