Since the first-ever gas-powered vehicle made newspaper headlines in July 1886, history has bore witness to man’s uncanny ability to craft “automotive greatness” out of literally nothing.
The world has been mesmerized by the by-product of the process ignited by his sheer imagination. This known ingenuity innate to mankind has shaped the automotive landscape we have come to know today.
Year in and year out, new vehicle models have been introduced in the market; and consumer demand has driven these models by the volumes. In the US market alone, its automotive sector is one of the primary drivers of its ever-thriving economy, the biggest in the world.
This is then trickled down to our own local turf, which, in turn, makes our market more competitive than ever.
For this year, the Philippine market has been the cradle for countless new models, particularly for the new energy vehicle sector.
Brands from China, Japan, US and Europe have been busy eagerly unveiling their vehicles left and right. These vehicles have been out there in the fray the past year. They have not only helped shape our own local automotive landscape, but also our economy.
These vehicles would be part and parcel of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers Philippines, Inc. ‘s estimated sales forecast of 423,000 units by year-end.
January
As early as January of 2023, Toyota Motor Philippines has been flaunting its hybrid electric vehicle lineup kicking off the year with the “Go Electrified” tour. This would serve as a prequel to the more consequential models the carmaker would release at the latter part of the year.
Speaking of electrification, Toyota’s premium brand, Lexus, launched its first-ever battery electric vehicle in the country with the 2023 Lexus RZ450e, which is inline with the brand’s carbon goal of offering 100-percent BEVs globally come 2035.
Suzuki Philippines likewise kick-started 2023 with the introduction of its hybrid version of the Ertiga. The lovable MPV now has enhanced fuel-rating of up to 20.3 km/l with its combined lithium-ion battery and 1.5-liter engine powertrain system.
At about the same time, BMW, meantime, introduced the iX3 full electric crossover, the first in its segment to offer such.
February
Come February, China auto giant Foton brandished its lineup of commercial vehicles during a three-day spectacle at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, “The Foton Big Show”. The event was highlighted by unveiling the country’s first electric light-duty truck, the Foton Tornado 3.6 EV. Along with it were the 16-seater Traveller 2.0 and the Harabas 1.9 Miler.
This was also the month the P33.5-million Aston Martin DBX 707 five-seater SUV rolled out.
March
By March, the Kia EV6 compact crossover, the Korean brand’s first-ever electric vehicle, finally arrived on our shores. The sleek-looking stunner is offering the EV6 GT-Line Long Range variant. It has an output of 226 hp and 350 N-m of torque and a large 77.4-kWh battery, which allows it to reach up to 528 km in range.
At about the same month, a new automaker was introduced in the local market, Chinese luxury vehicle, Hongqi, China’s oldest luxury car brand with its inception in 1958. It is offering both electric vehicles and internal combustion engines, with its flagship SUV being the E-HS9 EV SUV, tagged at P4.9M.
Jeep, meanwhile, introduced the Fifth-generation Grand Cherokee.
April
This month is probably the most-anticipated time of the year for gearheads as the annual Manila International Auto Show falls around this time. Now in its 18th year, with a theme of “Shaping Mobility”, MIAS pitted 16 brands to participate. With an estimated turnout of an average of 100,000 spectators, it was the perfect venue to hold car launches to obviously take advantage of the foot traffic in the area for four full days.
The next-generation Ford Territory was–in fact–debuted here. The American stunner continues its captivating design, superb ergonomics and performance, together with its cutting-edge technology that go along with its premium comfort. These attributes won the hearts of Filipinos, making it popular among young professionals and families alike.
MG Philippines GT ZS Nite Edition was also launched, while Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle was likewise unveiled to a crowd of thousands.
Meanwhile, Great Wall Motor (GWM) also made a spectacular public debut, showcasing three new vehicles. The Haval H6 hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV), Haval Jolion and GWM Cannon were launched at the GWM pavilion to tens of thousands of visitors on the opening day of the show.
At the latter part of April, Porsche presented its new Cayenne. While Isuzu Philippines Corporation unveiled the latest D-Max and Mu-X.
May
May, meanwhile, saw the launch of Ford Philippines’ “King of the off-road jungle”, Next-Generation Ranger Raptor. It has lorded over the local competition—particularly the 4×4 segment—for several years. Now, it raised the bar even higher with its unveiling at Arca South in Taguig City. Just like its predecessor, this Next-Gen Raptor, designed and engineered by Ford Performance, is one badass machine in a complete package— but this time, much meaner.
Suzuki Philippines likewise launched, that time, the new S-Presso AGS variant at Okada Manila in Parañaque City.
On the other hand, Chevrolet Philippines rolled out its current lineup of North American models: Tahoe, Suburban, Camaro and the 2023 Corvette at its Makati dealership along Chino Roces, hence, making a statement that the American carmaker now has a more secured local supply of these models.
In May, Jetour Auto Philippines also entered the local market.
June
On Father’s Day weekend at the Newport Mall, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) publicly previewed the Mitsubishi XFC Concept.
Following the World Premiere of the Mitsubishi XFC Concept last October 2022 in Vietnam, MMPC displayed for the first time the Mitsubishi XFC Concept, a compact five-seater SUV concept car.
Mazda, meantime, unveiled its first-ever hybrid vehicle locally, the Mazda CX-60. It features outstanding aesthetics, both outside and inside; superb driving performance and fine Japanese craftsmanship, and ofcourse its hybrid powertrain.
The Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid, likewise, made its debut.
Also, during this month, TMP officially introduced its first seven-seater, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) – the All-New Toyota Zenix. It was poised to bring the electrified mobility experience to modern Filipino families. It features a versatile vehicle with a self-charging hybrid system, combining the comfort, spaciousness, and reliability of a Toyota family carrier with more efficient emissions.
July
On this month, Chevrolet Philippines launched the allnew Trax compact SUV, raising the levels of style, comfort and performance from its predecessor.
By this time, SAIC Motor Philippines, Inc. (SMP) announced it has assumed the role of importer and distributor of Morris Garages (MG) products and services in the country, in an event held at The Fifth at Rockwell in Makati. Here, it previewed three new electric vehicles, namely the MG 4, MG ZS EV, and MG Marvel R.
July was also the time Honda Cars Philippines, Inc introduced the new City and Brio at the Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall. Both were updated in style and safety features.
At a news conference at the Manila Golf Club, Diamond Auto EV Corp., the distributor of Dongfeng Commercial Electric Vehicles in the Philippines, launched seven game-changers.
Presented first were the Rich 6 EV pickup truck and EV 30 panel van, with a passenger van, another panel van, a small truck cab and chassis, and two six-wheeler light trucks.
Meanwhile, in a launch event at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, the all-new Toyota Wigo was introduced. It was made available in three variants – the top-of-the-line G CVT, priced at P 729,000, the E CVT at P 684,000 and the J M/T, at P 609,000.
August
By August, Chery Auto Philippines re-launched its brand with a new man at its helm, industry-veteran, Froilan Dytianquin. At the same venue at City of Dreams in Parañaque, the Chinese carmaker also unveiled the all-new Chery Tiggo 5x Pro and new Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid vehicles.
As a continuation of its drive for electrified vehicles, TMP also unveiled its new crossover SUV, Yaris, both available in gas and hybrid variants. It is said to be Toyota’s “best-packaged electrified vehicle yet” as customers yearn for a more sustainable mobility option that’s fit for their needs, passions and lifestyle. The hybrid tier is priced at P1,598,000.00.
Porsche Philippines, meantime, unleashes the new 911 GT3 RS and the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS 50 Years Porsche Design Edition, just in time for its 75th year celebration.
Also, GAC Philippines held the Discovery Drive Fest, wherein the all-new GS8 4WD seven-seater SUV, the brand’s flagship SUV was previewed.
This month also saw AC Motors taking over the Chinese brand, BYD. In a joint venture with Solar Transport and Automotive Resources, the Ayala-owned company and the Chinese brand opened a 4,000-square-meter flagship multilevel dealership along Quezon Avenue. They plan to expand their dealership network to 12 within just a couple of years, starting with the said flagship facility.
Meantime, Velocita Motors, another subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation, officially became the country’s sole authorized importer and dealer for Ferrari. During its ceremony event in its temporary showroom along EDSA, it launched two vehicles.
September
When September arrived, Nissan Philippines officially launched two of its most iconic models – the all-new Nissan Z and the new GT-R. These latest iterations showcase the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, performance, and technology, while paying homage to the brand’s rich motorsports heritage.
Other than its HEVs, TMP further beefed up the lineup of the country’s number one pickup with its introduction of the new Hilux GR Sport (GR-S). Taking cues from the Dakar-winning GR Hilux, the New Hilux GR-S now comes with a tougher design through a wide-tread body, matte black GR-S overfenders, 17-inch alloy GR design wheels with All-Terrain Tires, and the GR Aero sports bar.
October
Around this time, SAIC Motor Philippines, Inc. officially unveiled the MG4 and MG Marvel R.
Volkswagen, meantime, introduced the compact sport utility vehicle, Tharu.
This month was when the annual Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit was held. Various EVs were presented here. These vehicles were the BYD Atto3, the award-winning Hyundai Ioniq 6, Chery EQ7 and EQ1, Dongfeng Forthing and many more.
The Japan Mobility Show (formerly known as Tokyo Motor Show) was also held during this month. Some of the vehicles showed there would soon arrive in the country in the not-so distant future.
For example, the all-new Mitsubishi Triton (formerly Strada), one of the vehicles showcased there, will officially set foot on our local soil come January 2024.
November and December
Kia Philippines recently unveiled the new Seltos, while KG Mobility, a South Korean marque known for its nearly 70 years of expertise in SUV manufacturing and production, finally arrived in our local turf.
To close the year, MG Philippines had a few cars up its sleeve and GAC previewed the M6 Pro and M8. While Hyundai teased the 2024 Santa Fe.
