Zigwheels PH Monthly Wrap: April 2026

MANILA: April 2026 saw numerous developments in the local automotive and motorcycle industries.

In the fourth month of 2026, the 2026 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) commenced. Within the same week, the 2026 Makina Moto Expo also kicked off with launches and previews for the motorcycle market. 

A Japanese brand announced its intention to locally produce hybrids, while a global auto show also electrified crowds in the far east. 

Sounds busy right? So, without further ado, here is Zigwheels Philippines’ wrap-up of the biggest automotive and motorcycle news for April 2026. 

Other stories: GWM developing Super Off-Road Grade model Diesel-powered models drive Nissan PH Q1 2026 sales Honda Cars PH formally opens Tacloban dealership

 

MIAS 2026

MIAS 2026, held at the World Trade Center Manila and the Philippines Trade Training Center from April 9-12, 2026, drew a whopping 180,600 visitors over its four-day run. According to its organizer, Worldbex International Services, the figure is a certified record-breaker and a huge milestone for the local auto show. 

During the MIAS 2026 Mobility Marathon, many brands showcased their latest offerings or displayed their lineups of upcoming rides. For reference, here is the list of car brands that participated at MIAS 2026: 

• 212 
• Aito
• BAIC
• Bestune
• BYD
• Changan
• Chery
• Denza
• Deepal
• DFSK
• Foton
• GAC Motor
• Geely
• GWM
• Jetour
• Kia
• Lotus
• Lynk & Co
• Mini
• Morris Garages
• Omoda and Jaecoo
• Radar
• Rox
• JAC Motors
• Tata Motors

For the full list of car launches and previews at MIAS 2026, check out this summary of this year’s Mobility Marathon.

Makina Moto Expo 2026

The Makina Moto Expo 2026 also commenced from April 10-12 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. This three-day event likewise saw product launches and previews from the biggest motorcycle marques and aftermarket brands in the local market. 

Some brand showcases that Zigwheels Philippines managed to cover from the event include: 

• Bristol Motorcycles launches Zontest 150X and 703RR
• Kawasaki ‘Art of Power’ line
• Honda Philippines Incorporated’s three new models
• Suzuki Philippines Incorporated’s trail-ready lineup
• BSB Junrose’s Brembo motorcycle brake line
• Gumande Tires Philippines launch

Local vehicle launches

In April, a couple of brands also rolled out several cars and motorcycles, in addition to those at MIAS 2026 and Makina Moto Expo 2026. 

BMW X1 xDrive25e XLine

First off is the BMW X1 xDrive25e XLine plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which retails for P3.398 million. At maximum, this nameplate can produce up to 245 horsepower (hp) and 477 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. It also has an electric-only range of 102 kilometers (km). 

More on the BMW X1 xDrive25e XLine here.

BAIC B40e rEV Trailmaster

In the same month, BAIC Philippines rolled out the B40e rEV Trailmaster - the PHEV version of the B40 nameplate retailing at P2.888 million. On paper, the five-seater off-road sport utility vehicle (SUV) can cover up to 1,200 km, and run on pure electric power for 152 km. 

Learn more about the BAIC B40e rEV Trailmaster here.

Deepal brand launch

Ahead of its public debut at MIAS 2026, Deepal, through the distributorship of Autohub Group, held an exclusive brand launch for the local market. At the said event, the brand showcased the S05 battery electric vehicle (BEV) and range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) versions, as well as the G318 REEV.

More on Deepal Philippines here.

Ford Mustang Mach-E RWD

Ford Philippines has brought in the rear-wheel-drive version of the Mustang Mach-E with a starting price of P2.599 million. The said model is introduced locally as a limited-edition trim, with a peak output of 272 hp and 525 Nm of torque. It also has a range of 615 km. 

Read more about the Ford Mustang Mach-E RWD here.

Tesla Model Y L

Tesla’s local arm brought in the three-row variant of the Model Y. Known fully as the Tesla Model Y L, which offers seating for up to six. It also has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup that can accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in just five seconds and can cover up to 681 km on a single full charge. Pricing for the Tesla Model Y L starts at P2.849 million.

More on the all-new Tesla Model Y L here.

Honda Prelude

Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated formally launched the all-new Prelude hybrid two-door coupe. It retails at P3.498 million and is powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with the Honda e:HEV full-hybrid system.

Learn more about the Honda Prelude here.

Triumph Trident 800

Triumph Philippines has launched the Trident 800 with a suggested retail price of P649,000. The 798-cubic-centimeter (cc) motorcycle can dish out 113 hp and 84 Nm of torque. It also features a modern classic look and high-performance components. 

Read more about the Triumph Trident 800 here.

Denza B5, B8

Denza Philippines has officially launched the B5 mid-size SUV and the B8 full-size SUV for the Philippine market. Both are off-road-capable rides, with the B5 sporting a five-seater layout, while the B8 can seat up to seven. 

The two use a PHEV powertrain, but only the B8 comes with the DiSus-P intelligent hydraulic suspension system. 

Pricing for the Denza B5 starts at P3.798 million, while the larger B8 has a price ranging from P4.998 million-P5.398 million. 

Read about the Denza B5 here, and about the B8 here.

Upcoming local launches

For the month of April, Zigwheels Philippines reported on a bunch of potential and confirmed upcoming launches aside from the ones previewed at the recently concluded MIAS 2026. 

As indicated by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), MG Philippines could be bringing in the D90 Rakan this year. Notably, the model was displayed at last year’s MIAS, and it is a seven-seater mid-size SUV. 

The said agency could also bring in the updated version of the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete. Via LTO’s published homologation papers, the update may come in the form of cosmetic changes made through additional black accents. 

Likewise, the Suzuki eVitara has received approval from the LTO. No launch date was disclosed by Suzuki’s automotive arm just yet, but its papers indicate that it is an all-electric crossover capable of covering up to 426 kilometers from a single full charge. 

In the luxury segment, Mercedes-Benz Philippines might be updating its all-electric lineup with the CLA 300L sedan. Again, the details for this come from the LTO, which indicated that it has a range of 866 km and a maximum output of 268 hp. 

Local industry updates

The biggest news in April 2026 is the continuous instability of fossil fuel prices in the local market. Notably, the aforementioned was caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran, specifically the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. However, prices have begun to simmer down with the latest major price reduction reported as of April 20. 

In connection with the above, the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) has temporarily suspended all motorsports permits in the country. This follows the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency. The said suspension, which has since been lifted, covers a handful of major events, including the 2026 Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup.

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) also announced its new Board of Directors roster. Per the group, this change in leadership comes amid a “pivotal moment for the Philippine automotive industry."

SM Supermalls’ EV charging network is now 160-station strong as of April 2026. Per the company, the expansion of its EV charging network is indicative of its efforts to push sustainable mobility. 

In the same month, a team of athletes backed by BYD Cars Philippines completed the Ironman 70.3 Davao. The celebrity team is made up of Wil Dasovich (Swim), Alden Richards (Bike), and Nico Bolzico (Run). The company also fielded a pro athlete team consisting of Jasmine Alkhaldi, Jennifer Uy, and Jens Jacobsen.

Also a big development for April 2026 is Mitsubishi’s intention of starting hybrid electric vehicle production in the local setting. This will start sometime in the middle of 2028 and will be commenced at Santa Rosa, Laguna. 

Linglong tires also entered the local market through Team Ridemax's distributorship. With the aforementioned, the tire brand is now present in 173 countries. 

To alleviate the difficulties caused by rising fuel prices, the government rolled out fuel discounts for public utility vehicles. This went together with fare subsidies and a service contracting program (SCP) spearheaded by the Department of Transportation. 

The LTO also rolled out a cease-and-desist order against the BOSS (BMW Owners Society of Safe Riders) Ironman Challenge. Specifically, the organization is no longer permitted to conduct similar activities. This was decided as dictated by the agency’s “strict enforcement of traffic laws.”

Additionally, the LTO also declared the temporary suspension of the issuance of special plates. The said suspension is indefinite. 

In April, VinFast rolled out its car rental program, covering both the Philippine and Indonesian markets. Called the Green Vehicle Rental Program, it offers an easier alternative method for those wanting to shift to all-electric mobility. Within the same month, the company also announced its upcoming e-scooter dealerships for the Philippines.

Relatedly, VinFast also made a bold prediction that it will rise as the top BEV brand in the country by the end of 2026. The statement was made publicly by VinFast Philippines and Southeast Asia Chief Executive Officer, Antonio Zara, during the VinFast x Maybank From Fuel to Future electric vehicle symposium.

Hino’s Philippine arm also appointed its new president - Maki Yamazaki. She replaces Singo Sakai, who has served as Hino Motors Philippines Corporation’s president from January 2023-December 2025. 

During its launch month, the Honda Prelude’s first-ever buyer was internet personality Macoy Dubs. The said model was purchased from Honda Greenhills and will receive choice upgrades from Mugen and Honda Access.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Incorporated (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) also released their Q1 2026 report in April. As shown by the report, the local car industry slid by nearly 10 percent in the first three months of the year, but electrified vehicle sales rose by 36 percent on a year-to-date basis. 

Auto China 2026

The biggest global events in the Automotive industry for April is Auto China 2026, where major Chinese manufacturers showcased their latest vehicles and other related innovations.

 

Some of the notable car launches at the said event, as reported by Zigwheels Philippines, include: 

• Nissan Terrano concept
• GWM Ora 5 HEV
• Wey V9X
• Hyundai Ioniq V
• Omoda 4 SHS-H
• Toyota Boshoku Lounze+
• Cherry Tiggo V
• Geely Auto Group multi-car showcase
• Next-gen BYD Atto 3
• Updated MG4

Other Global industry updates

Apart from Auto China 2026, the automotive industry also saw, for the first time, Isuzu’s level-4 autonomous driving bus. This is based on the ERGA platform, which is underpinned by NVIDIA’s Thor AI Compute. 

Toyota also declared its intention to sell a “gaijin” truck and SUV model in Japan. This means it will bring in models made in the United States, specifically the Highlander and Tundra. 

Hyundai Motor Group, meanwhile, hauled a total of 16 TSP+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The aforementioned includes six Hyundai vehicles, five Genesis models, and four from Kia. 

Hino Motors Limited also gained a new logo in April. Per the company, its refreshed logo represents its continuous transformation and willingness to “take on new challenges.” Notably, the company has not changed its logo in 32 years. 

PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) also announced plans to expand its EV charging network in Thailand. Known as the EV Station PluZ, it is OR’s response to the growing demand for EVs in Southeast Asia. 

Next month, Honda will start retailing the Super-One compact EV in Japan. The model is a sporty-looking kei-class vehicle propelled by a 93.8 hp electric motor. It also has a range of 274 km. Apart from the Super-One, Honda also began to sell the Insight EV in Japan - a larger crossover model with a range of 535 km. 

MG announced its plan to mass-produce semi-solid-state batteries. Per the brand, it will be the first manufacturer to do so. The SAIC-owned company says this type of battery offers faster charging, improved range, and enhanced safety. 

Nissan made waves when it unveiled the latest iterations of the X-Trail, Juke, XTerra, and Skyline. The aforementioned are all part of its global restructuring plan, which will trim down its overall model lineup to just 45 nameplates. 

Ahead of Auto China 2026, Dongfeng Nissan globally debuted the NX8 mid-size SUV. The said five-seater is designed for the Chinese market and features the brand’s 800-volt EV architecture. It also has a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) variant. 

In Thailand, Nissan also started the production of the all-new Kicks e-Power. The said model was previously unveiled at the 47th Bangkok International Motor Show and it wears a sharper exterior coupled with the latest version of Nissan’s ProPILOT advanced driver-assist system. 

Last but not least, Kia Corporation is targeting to sell 4.13 million vehicles globally by 2030. The stated goal gives the company a global market share of 4.5 percent. 

Also read:

Zigwheels PH monthly wrap: Mar. 2026

Zigwheels PH monthly wrap: January 2026

Zigwheels PH monthly wrap: December 2025

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