Zigwheels PH monthly wrap: Mar. 2026

MANILA: The month of March brought us some of the biggest news in the automotive industry, especially with the oil crisis in the Middle East, which not only affected the local automotive landscape, but also other trades that rely on conventional fuel to transport and produce goods. 

Of course, we have the usual vehicle launches, new leader appointments, and other initiatives undertaken by local vehicle distributors. 

Skyrocketing petroleum prices 

Arguably the most pressing news story of the month is the skyrocketing fuel prices, affecting all petroleum products across the board. 

It started with the war in the Middle East, followed by numerous social media posts noting thet retail prices could go up due to the effects of the conflict, which quickly circulated and immediately went viral. 

Right after, the Department of Energy (DOE) downplayed the supposed big-time pump price increase and stated that the numbers did not come from them. 

Soon after, local oil players — together with the DOE — announced that they will implement huge price bumps in their products at the pump. 

Not long after, the Philippine government, as well as other companies, scurried to lay solutions to help ease the burden on the public. The House of Representatives worked to suspend the mandatory biofuel mixing under the Biofuels Act of 2006, while Grab and MoveIt provided “immediate support” to their partners. 

With fuel prices reaching their highest, the country’s figurehead declared the Philippines under “state of national energy emergency.” 

And as the oil crisis continues to affect Filipinos, DOE assured fuel security amid the global issue. 

At the time of writing, the hikes on gasoline, diesel, and kerosene are as follows: 

Company	Diesel	Gasoline	Kerosene
PetroGazz	P12.5	P2.5	-
Seaoil	P12.5	-	P2
Unioil	P12.5	P2.5	-
Petron	P11.9	P1.9	P1.4

Zigwheels Philippines is dedicated to keeping its readers updated on the latest developments in the ongoing fuel price hikes. You may check the newest developments, here. 

The Olympic farce 

First Filipino Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz appears to have been caught in the crossfire as social media posts about her supposed “free gas for life” resurfaced. 

Apparently, she only enjoyed two years of free fuel after Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Incorporated cut the perk due to changed circumstances. 

New car launches 

Lynk & Co. 06 Origin SE Sport 

One of the newest vehicles to add to the country’s growing roster is the Lynk & Co. 06 Origin SE Sport, which is a limited-run version of the sport utility vehicle (SUV). 

It comes with a sharper exterior with orange accents, blacked-out side mirror caps, and 18-inch alloy wheels. 

The Lynk & Co. 06 Origin SE Sport retails for P1.134 million. 

Toyota RAV4 

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) rolled out the all-new RAV4 and shows competitors that its multi-pathway approach to decarbonization works, slowly — but surely. 

It is powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid engine and is offered in two trims, with prices starting at P2.189 million. 

Likewise, TMP also spruced up the Corolla Cross GR-S. The crossover now sports an upgraded fascia, updated door and rocker moldings, and red seatbelts for an even sportier appeal. 

It will set car buyers back some P1.942 million. 

As part of its 2026 salvo, the company also released the Toyota Urban Cruiser. The rebadged Suzuki e-Vitara uses a single motor in the front wheel axle that produces 171 horses, and 193 Nm. 

The pricing of the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser is currently at P2.135 million.

Land Rover Defender 

In the luxury SUV segment, Land Rover Philippines proved that it still dominates the category after launching the updated Defender. 

It was endowed with subtle exterior changes and a larger infotainment screen while maintaining mechanical and technological features that help define what separates it from the crowd. 

The company also released the limited Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition, which boasts exterior and interior appointments that hark back to the nameplate’s historic achievements. 

The 2026 Land Rover Defender starts at P6.23 million, while the Trophy edition model has a base price of P9.49 million. 

Changan Eado Plus 

Changan Philippines, under the stewardship of Inchcape Philippines, has launched the latest iteration of the Eado Plus sedan. 

It uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produces up to 105 horsepower (hp) and 145 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

The author was able to see it first in China, prior to its release in the Philippines, noting that it could be one of the three-car release the company planned for the year. 

For more reading, check out the articles below: 

• Inchcape PH to launch Changan Eado Plus
• Changan PH to likely bolster electrified offerings in 2026
• First drive: Changan Eado Plus
• Changan PH’s 3-car teaser could include Eado Plus, 4th-gen CS55 Plus 

Geely EX5 EM-i 

Loking too get back on its momentum, Geely Motor Philippines rolled out the EX5 EM-i. 

It relies on an electric motor and a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that makes 97 hp and has a total combined range of 943 kilometers. 

The all-new plug-in hybrid electric model starts at P1.288 million. 

Motorcycle launches 

Suzuki DR-Z series 

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated has unleashed the highly anticipated DR-Z series. 

Both use a 398 cubic-centimeter engine paired with a five-speed constant mesh transmission and has the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System. 

They are priced at P589,000. 

Upcoming models 

Various brands were eager to showcase what they have in store for their customers. 

For example, Kia Philippines previewed the EV5 at the recent Kia Movement at Alabang Town Center. It is expected to be launched sometime in April. 

Geely, too, will bring the EX2 to the Philippines and confirmed its arrival. 

On the other hand, Tesla Philippines previewed the upcoming Model Y L, which the company said will launch in the second quarter of 2026. 

Other stories 

In other news, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines has found its new leader in Autohub Group big boss Willy Tee Ten. Meanwhile, GWM Philippines gets Michael John del Pilar to serve as its new Sales Director.

Further, Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated also named its new President, Hidekazu Arai and Nissan Philippines welcomes Yoshinori Kanazawa to his new leadership role.  

For those hunting for promos, GWM Philippines rolled out a 10-year or 1-million-kilometer (km) powertrain (whichever comes first) warranty for select variants of the GWM Cannon and the GWM Haval H9 4x4. 

Meanwhile, Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated introduced the “Dash and Drive” promo that gives buyers a P20,000 discount on top of ongoing promos. 

As for Lynk & Co. Philippines, the company’s “Energize Your Upgrade” allowed customers to get discounts and raffle prizes. 

Ford Motor Company Philippines, too, joined in by cutting the price of the Bronco by as much as P1.37 million. 

Finally, VinFast Philippines rolled out its “Trade Gas for Electric” program, which makes it easier for owners of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to buy a brand-new all-electric ride. 

Monthly wrap video: 

The Zigwheels Philippines editorial team is also doing a monthly wrap on the publication’s YouTube channel. You may check out our March clip below: 

Also read: 

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Feb. 16-20

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Feb. 9-13

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Mar. 9-13

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