It has only been 1.5 months in 2025, but we feel that the automotive industry is very much alive.
Honda Cars Philippines started by giving a preview of the new Honda HR-V plug-in hybrid during the media thanksgiving event in early January.
Luxury car distributor PGA Cars, Inc. also unveiled their latest SUV offerings- the Audi Q7 and Q8. These are large SUVs, a seven-seater and a five-seater. The event was held at the PGA Cars showroom along EDSA in San Juan City.
BMW, meantime, introduced their BMW X5 PHEV which promises to have the “best of both worlds” in driving- a powerful combination of a new electric motor and a latest generation six-cylinder in-line petrol engine. This results in a more powerful drive with improved fuel consumption.
Suzuki Philippines, Inc. kicked off their biggest test ride and drive event on January 28-29 at their plant in Canlubang, Laguna, the One Suzuki Kick-off Ride. This featured a test drive of Suzuki Jimny 5-door and XL 7 Hybrid and all their motorcycle models to Pico de Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas. It was highlighted by one-hour speed boat rides in Batangas Bay. The nine boats have powerful Suzuki marine engines which delighted the participants.
The country’s number one car company, Toyota Motor Philippines, further pushed their Next Generation Tamaraw with the theme, “Tuloy po kayo,” promoting travel to Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao using Toyota vehicles, especially the new Tamaraw. Their theme was further emphasized with costumes identified with Filipino icons. Filipino food was also served at the media thanksgiving party. Currently, Toyota is doing displays of the new Tamaraw in various malls nationwide.
On February 3, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. or CAMPI made a donation of P500,000 to the Angat Buhay Foundation at the Museo ng Pag-asa in Quezon City. The amount came from the proceeds of the Philippine International Motor Show or PIMS held in October last year. CAMPI said the donation will support the foundation’s environment and climate sustainability program.
The car organization has been helping orphanages and non-government organizations the past several years. CAMPI president Atty. Rommel Gutierrez handed the check to Raffy Magno, Angat Buhay executive director in a simple ceremony.
Mazda Philippines for its part staged the annual MSCC Miata Cup Spec Series Awards Night at Manila House at BGC, Taguig also last week. Mazda Philippines president Steven Tan expressed his satisfaction with the various races. Drivers Tyson Sy, Javier Toledo and Angie King were among the most awarded personalities.
Omoda Jaecoo had their test drive of their new vehicles at Batangas Racing Circuit last week but will launch them on February 18.
Geely Philippines also held the test drive of the new Geely GX5 EV at Filinvest in Muntinlupa City. The formal launch will be on February 12.
Kia Philippines unveiled the new Kia Sorento Hybrid at the Glorietta in Makati City last week. Prior to the public launch, a media preview was held at Evo City in Bacoor, Cavite.
Autohub led by Willy Tee Ten launched the new Mini Aceman full EV and the new Mini Cooper 5-door at their showroom at BGC Taguig last week.
Chevrolet Philippines is mounting their road show for the new Captiva this month starting with SM Baguio and in SM City Fairview, AGC Lifestyle Park, Robinsons Pangasinan, SM City Tarlac, Daet and Clark for the rest of this month.
BYD, meanwhile, goes on their media drive of the new Sealion 5 sedan today until February 13 in Zambales.
To cap February, the number 1 truck manufacturer in the country, Isuzu Philippines Corporation, is holding the 2025 Truckfest at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The exhibit will be on until March 2 with more than 25 big trucks, SUVs, AUVs and pick-ups on display. IPC president Tetsuya Fujita said the truckfest which is open free to the public will be their biggest in years.
These are the reasons why our schedules are full in the first quarter of the year.
