Zigwheels PH monthly wrap: January 2026

MANILA: The month of January turned out to be a good start for the local automotive scene, with no shortage of new model launches as well as announcements for future models. In addition, a new player enters the arena, looking to get a slice of the productive pie that is the Philippine auto industry. 

In addition, we get to see how manufacturers are doing with their respective year-end reports. 

So, without further ado, here are the biggest news in the Philippine automotive landscape this January.

Local car launches 

Mazda CX-60 

Earlier this month, Mazda Philippines —- under the stewardship of Bremaz Auto Philippines — gave the CX-60 sport utility vehicle (SUV) an update.

Per the local wing of the Japanese car manufacturer, the updates lean more towards performance and passenger comfort thanks to updates in the form of softer rear springs, new bump stops, and dampers, as well as firmer front suspensions, and relocated front knuckle mounts. 

Further, the Mazda CX-60 now packs recalibrated steering and stability systems to improve overall balance — as well as engine options that use gasoline or diesel fuel. 

Mitsubishi Triton

The Mitsubishi Triton earned a new variant that brings the entry price point for pickup enthusiasts down. 

Slotted just below the base variant, the Mitsubishi Triton GX 2WD AT variant packs notable features such as an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with a reverse camera, fabric upholstery, and the venerable 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. 

It is available in the following colors: 

• Blade Silver Metallic
• White Diamond
• Graphite Gray Metallic
• Jet Black Mica
• Red Soli

Changan CS15 

Changan too gave one of its mainstays an update. The CS15 crossover gets refreshed with a multi-dimensional rhombic grille and 17-inch alloy wheels in gunmetal. 

It also comes with automatic halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, a moonroof, functional satin silver-colored roof rails, and rear fog lamps.

Keeping passengers entertained is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Meanwhile, the driver can enjoy some level of comfort thanks to the multi-functional leather steering wheel. 

Other stories: Toyota Motor PH recalls select Alphard units Changan PH’s 3-car teaser could include Eado Plus, 4th-gen CS55 Plus Jaecoo J5 HEV enters PH; preview set for Q1

Motorcycle launches 

Honda ADV160 

The Philippine motorcycle industry also saw some movement, first, with the update done for the ADV160 adventure scooter. 

Now packing new technological upgrades and aerodynamic improvements, the off-road-oriented motorbike gets the Honda RoadSync, as well as a smart top box. 

Some familiarity is retained due to its 157 cubic-centimeter gasoline-fed engine mated to an automatic (V-Matic) transmission. 

Triumph Scrambler 400 XC 

In the area of big bikes, the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC becomes the latest addition to the roster that appeals to enthusiasts who prefer to hit the open road. 

The motorcycle is touted as a more hardcore, off-road-oriented version of the Scrambler 400 X, with more underbody protection, more adjustability, as well as taller ground clearance.  

Denza enters PH  auto arena 

A new brand launched in the Philippines in January. 

Denza, a sub-brand of BYD, has entered the upmarket electric vehicle scene. Its initial offerings consist of the D9, B5, and B8. 

Its first partners in distribution are ACMobility, Harmony New Energy Auto Service (Philippines) Limited Corporation, and E-Vantage Motors Incorporated. 

Announced nameplates 

Since it is only the beginning of the year, many brands have their respective announcements to keep car buyers on their toes. 

One of the most notable is the VinFast Limo Green, which looks to occupy the seven-seater electric car segment. While it has a strong potential for use as a partner in ride-hailing enterprises, it is reportedly going to be marketed, too, as a private passenger car. 

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Philippines is also poised to launch the Haval H9. The SUV will compete against segment staples such as the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Montero Sport. 

Pre-orders are underway and official unveiling will happen this week. 

Toyota Motor Philippines made a statement last week as it presented its upcoming cars for 2026. These are the Urban Cruiser, next-generation RAV4, LandCruiser 300 HEV, Land Cruiser FJ, next-generation Hilux, refreshed Lexus IS, and all-new ES. 

Lastly, Geely Motor Philippines will release the EX5 EM-i soon, while Jaecoo Philippines is slated to release the J5 hybrid to the local market. 

Other local news 

VinFast Philippines handed over 500 VF e34 units to Xentro Motors. The said turnover is a result of a partnership established between the two companies last year. 

On the other hand, Ford Philippines has reissued a recall for several 2000s and 2010s-era versions of the Everest, Ranger, and Mustang. The recall was due to defective Takata airbag inflators. 

As for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, the company expressed its sincere gratitude to the Philippine government for securing funding for the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy Program. The said initiative was vetoed by the head of the state. 

BYD Cars Philippines has shared that it has sold 26,122 units for 2026, while Dongfeng Motor Philippines announced plans to expand its dealership network by signing up two new partners: Central Auto Resources and TJ Motors Ventures. 

As for Suzuki Philippines Incorporated, the brand celebrated its first-ever third-place ranking in the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Incorporated’s automotive industry sales report for 2025. The latter, also, is now headed by a new figure in the form of Jose Maria Atienza. 

Finally, Tesla Philippines shared its plan to establish a new Supercharging station in Opus Mall and Kia Philippines reported that it sold 7,819 units for the entirety of 2025.

Also read:

Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: January 19-23

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Jan. 12-16

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Jan. 5-9

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/