Zigwheels PH Monthly Wrap: May 2026

The Philippines automotive and motorcycle industry has seen plenty of activity in the fifth month of 2026. 

In May, brands are ramping up their hype engines in preparation for the upcoming Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). This was done through numerous teasers posted on various official social media channels. The organizers of PIMS 2026 themselves have also released the list of participating car brands. 

In between the aforementioned are vehicle launches conducted for a new high-performance all-electric crossover, an all-electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), and a new all-electric hatchback - among others. 

So, without further ado, let’s go over the biggest developments in the local and global scene through the May edition of the Zigwheels Philippines monthly wrap. 

Local vehicle launches

VinFast VF MPV 7

One of the first models to be introduced in May 2026 was the VinFast VF MPV 7 - a seven-seater MPV that was specced to be the plusher, better-equipped version of the fleet-oriented Limo Green. 

At maximum, this all-new MPV can produce up to 201 horsepower (hp) and 280 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. It also has a range of 450 kilometers (km), according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). 

Price-wise, the VinFast VF MPV 7 starts at P1.518 million, but it is also available at P1.239 million if bought with a battery subscription. 

Learn more about the all-new VinFast VF MPV 7 here.

Updated Lexus IS 

Lexus Philippines has rolled out the updated version of the IS five-seater executive sedan. The brand also highlighted the model at Sunshine Television’s recently concluded 2026 Auto Focus Multi-Brand Summer Test Drive Fest. 

As of 2026, the IS is available with a 2.5-liter hybrid gasoline mill that’s capable of outputting 178 hp and 221 Nm of torque. Its top-spec trim, meanwhile, comes with a 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 engine that can produce up to 310 hp and 380 Nm of torque. 

More about the 2026 Lexus IS here.

GAC Aion UT

GAC International Philippines has officially brought in the Aion UT as its entry into the local all-electric hatchback segment. The model has a suggested retail price of P1.068 million, but it has discounts which marks it down to just P998,000. 

The GAC Aion UT’s propulsion unit can produce up to 134 hp and 145 Nm of torque, while providing a range of 400 km, according to the NEDC. 

Read more about the all-new GAC Aion UT here. 

Dongfeng Vigo

Dongfeng Philippines, under the distributorship of Legado Motors Incorporated, has launched the all-new Vigo crossover EV with a suggested retail price of P1.458 million. 

For its powertrain, the Dongfeng Vigo uses a single permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) linked to a lithium-ion battery. With this setup, the EV offering can put out 160 hp and 230 Nm of torque. It also has a range of 471 km. 

More about the Dongfeng Vigo here.

BYD Sealion 7

BYD Cars Philippines, which operates under the umbrella of ACMobility, has launched the all-new Sealion 7 high-performance mid-size SUV-styled crossover.

At maximum, this wagon-like model produces 522 hp and 690 Nm of torque. It also boasts a range of 542 km. According to the brand’s local arm, the Sealion 7 can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in just 4.5 seconds. 

Price-wise, the BYD Sealion 7 retails at P2.588 million. More about this all-new high-performance EV here.

Other stories: 3 reasons to buy the BYD Sealion 7 EV Here are the Dongfeng Vigo’s strengths, weaknesses 3 reasons to be excited about the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

 

Global vehicle launches

Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric

At the beginning of the month, Porsche has released the new Cayenne Coupe Electric in China. Specifically, it debuted at the 2026 Auto China, which was held in Beijing. 

Notably, the said model is sold in three trims: the Coupe Electric, the S Coupe Electric, and the Turbo Coupe Electric. The one with the most range is the Cayenne Coupe Electric, which can cover up to 669 km from a single full charge. 

More on the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric here.

Lexus TZ

Lexus has debuted the all-new TZ as its first-ever all-electric three-row model. Notably, this nameplate comes with the Lexus Direct4 all-wheel-drive system, thus providing it with some off-road capability. 

Otherwise, the vehicle is touted to be a family-friendly ride with up to 530 km of range, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). 

Learn more about the Lexus TZ here.

Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster

Lamborghini has unleashed the limited-edition Fenomeno Roadster as its most powerful open-top offering to date. 

The said model, which will only see a 15-unit production run, uses a 6.5-liter V12 hybrid engine equipped with three electric motors. At maximum, this setup produces up to 1,065 hp, which enables the car to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in just 2.4 seconds. 

Read this story to learn more about the Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster.

Updated BYD Seagull

In its home country, the BYD Seagull has received a mid-cycle refresh that gives it more in the way of range and on-board technologies. 

For one thing, its output figures remain the same, but it can now cover up to 405 km. This is thanks to a larger 38.88-kilowatt-hour BYD Blade battery. 

Learn more about the updated BYD Seagull here.

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe

Mercedes-AMG has launched the GT 4-Door Coupe. Notably, this is the next-gen version of its famed GT nameplate, which once featured a big, burly V8. The new one, however, is now based on the 800-volt AMG Electric Architecture. 

In total, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe can dish out 1,153 hp and 1,800 Nm of torque. It also has a range of up to 700 km. With the said figures, this EV can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in two seconds flat. 

More on the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe here.

Kia Seltos

Kia Motor Corporation has launched the all-new Seltos in May 2026. The said nameplate received plenty of improvements, ranging from a heavily revamped exterior design, better performance and handling, as well as more on-board tech. 

Notably, the all-new Kia Seltos was likewise graced by a new hybrid variant. Certain trim, depending on the market, was also equipped with a mechanical all-wheel-drive system. 

Learn more about the all-new Kia Seltos here. 

Ferrari Luce

Ferrari has introduced its first-ever all-electric model. It is called the Luce and it utilizes a quad motor setup with one motor per wheel. 

At the most, the all-new all-electric model from the prancing horse brand can dish out 1,035 hp under “Launch Mode.” It also has a range of 530 km, according to the Italian marque. 

With its output figures, the Luce has a zero to 100 kph time of 2.5 seconds, as well as a top speed of 310 kph. 

In its home country, the Ferrari Luce retails at €550,000. That’s roughly around P39 million.

More on the Ferrari Luce here. 

Upcoming vehicles: PIMS

As of this publication, several local car brands have already released teasers for what they are bringing to PIMS 2026. A good majority of these have not directly confirmed the specific models to be showcases, but Zigwheels Philippines has already made educated guesses on what these could be. 

Toyota

Toyota will showcase a total of three models at PIMS 2026. Its teaser has predictably wrapped these cars in show, but their silhouettes suggest that these could be the next-generation Hilux, Land Cruiser FJ, and the Land Cruiser LC300 hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). 

Notably, documents from the Department of Energy (DOE) might support these guesses. 

For more information about Toyota Motor Philippines’ lineup of cars at PIMS 2026, click here.

Suzuki

Apart from its current offering of hybrids and off-roaders, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated (SPI) has teased that it is also displaying its “latest global electrified model” at PIMS 2026. 

Per our previous educated guess, this could be the Suzuki eVitara, which has already gained approval from the DOE. 

More about SPI’s upcoming appearance at PIMS 2026 here.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) might be displaying the all-new Outlander at the PIMS 2026. This is hinted at by its teaser, which was recently posted on the brand’s social media channels. 

Another one that could be bringing in the XForce Hybrid, which is already sold in markets abroad. MMPC has yet to confirm these, but their upcoming appearances in PIMS support the brand’s statement that its unveiling at the said autoshow will be limited to “an all-new electrified model.”

More on Mitsubishi’s PIMS 2026 teaser here. 

MG Motor 

Morris Garages (MG) Philippines is set to showcase three new electrified nameplates at PIMS 2026. Coincidentally, the DOE’s new energy vehicle site has three notably entries for the RX9 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), HS PHEV, and the next-generation 4 EV. 

Read more about MG Motor’s PIMS 2026 teaser here.

Nissan

Nissan Philippines Incorporated will showcase a total of three electrified nameplates at PIMS 2026. 

Based on its social media posts, these are the Fortier PHEV, X-Trail e-Power, the updated Kicks e-Power, and the N7 all-electric sedan. 

The brand has yet to indicate which of these are due for an actual product launch and which are merely previews, but all are part of Nissan’s RE:Nissan global strategy. 

More on Nissan’s car displays at PIMS 2026 here. 

Local industry updates

For the first quarter of the year, a bulk of Nissan Motor Philippines’ sales were driven by its turbodiesel models - the Terra sports utility vehicle (SUV) and the Navarra pickup truck. Specifically, the brand’s local arm sold 1,268 units of the Navarra and 1,250 units of the Terra within the aforementioned timeframe. 

Honda Motor Philippines concluded its “Grand Holidays Promo” by handing over a brand-new Santa Fe Calligraphy SUV to Erlinda Añonuevo, a public school teacher from Tanza, Cavite.

In the month of May, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has approved the start of toll collections for the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) C5 Link’s newly opened Segment 3B. This new section is touted to help reduce traffic congestion in southern Metro Manila by 50 percent.

Similarly, MPCALA Holdings Incorporated has also opened Subsection of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), which is a 26-km stretch of highway running from the Mamplasan Entry in Biñan, Laguna to General Trias, Cavite.

Lexus Philippines - the luxury arm of Toyota Motor Philippines, was chosen as the official luxury mobility partner of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) 2026 summit, held in Cebu last May 6-9, 2026. 

BMW was also picked as a mobility partner for ASEAN 2026, with a total of 125 vehicles deployed at the said summit held in Cebu. Its lineup consists of the 760i Protection, X3 30e XDrive, and the i5 eDrive40. 

Yamaha Philippines Racing Team’s McKinley Kyle Paz and April King Mascardo showed dominance at the second round of the Moto IR Championships. Both competed under the Expert Division. 

Gumande Tires Philippines has showcased its product lineup's capabilities at the recently concluded Makina Moto Tiangge. This was done through an exhilarating stunt show featuring high-speed maneuvers and controlled drifts. 

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Incorporated (CAMPI) has revealed the full roster of car brands that will be participating in the upcoming PIMS 2026. Moreover, Great Wall Motor Philippines has officially joined CAMPI.

But as CAMPI has gained new members, it has also seen a 12 percent decrease in sales in the first month of 2026. In total, CAMPI, including the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), has sold 132,867 units within the said timeframe. 

Petron’s local arm ended the first quarter of 2026 with a 56 percent decline in earnings. In total, the fuel provider saw a net income of P1.8 billion - a massive drop from the P4 billion it saw in the same period in 2025. 

The Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) has grown its portfolio of auto loans for electrified vehicles. It saw a 145 percent increase in e-vehicle financing compared to the previous year. 

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has reported that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) received the most complaints among national government agencies in the first quarter of 2026. However, most of these complaints against the LTO were already resolved. 

Honda Philippines Incorporated has sold 12 million motorcycles as of April 30, 2026. The aforementioned milestone reflects the brand’s sustained growth in the local market. Also, the Philippine-made Click 125 is now exported to Cambodia and Laos. 

Meanwhile, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated also reached the three-millionth motorcycle production milestone. The aforementioned was achieved after 41 years in the country, with the three-millionth unit being an Access Ride Connect Edition. 

Through a trip to Vietnam, Zigwheels Philippines saw firsthand how VinFast could set up its e-scooter dealership network in the local market. Of note, the brand’s Vietnam-based outlets are all 3S facilities that are equipped with a battery-swapping post. Additionally, VinFast has further expanded its aftersales network after establishing partnerships with 29 new aftersales providers. 

Additionally, VinFast Philippines’ e-scooter selection for the local market will comprise three distinct nameplates. These are the Feliz II, Evo, and Viper. 

Lexus Philippines has issued a recall for select GS-F and RC-F units over faulty fuel pumps. The models covered by the service campaign include Lexus GS-F units produced from November 4, 2015-January 22, 2016, and RC-F units made from September 24, 2014-October 13, 2020.

BYD Cars Philippines has officially turned over the proceeds from its sales of the limited-edition Seagull in Seashell Pink to the Cancer Care Hope Fund. Notably, the company has exceeded its initial target of 70 units. 

ACMobility, together with Iconic Dealership Incorporation, has donated a water tanker unit to the Philippine Red Cross. The Ayala-owned company has also set up new EV charging stations in Robinsons Land Properties. 

Eneos Holdings is due to take over Caltex’s local arm in 2027. This move is made pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement with various subsidiaries of Chevron Corporation. In total, the deal is worth P134.008 million. 

Global industry updates

Omoda and Jaecoo have officially surpassed the one-million-unit sales milestone. The said achievement was accomplished by the two brands in a mere three years since their founding in 2023 - an impressive feat. 

Also in May 2026, Omoda and Jaecoo highlighted the all-new Omoda 4 SHS-H via a collaboration with Valorant Champions Tour EMEA and Game Changers EMEA. 

GWM is developing new electrified powertrains that will offer the utmost in off-road capability. This will be the brand’s top-most in the hierarchy of powertrain systems, which currently consist of the Gen2 Urban (Hi4), General off-road (Hi4-Z), and Strong off-road (Hi4-T). 

Porsche has unveiled the 975 RSE as its latest Formula E contender. The said model replaces the old 99X Electric and the 99X Evo GEN 3 Formula E race cars. 

Toyota has officially started the sales period for the Land Cruiser FJ in Japan. This comes mere months after its first-ever public appearance at the Japan Mobility Show 2026. Notably, the model is promoted as a means for the public to gain easier access to the “Land Cruiser” car lineup.

Former Ducati and Lamborghini executive Andrea Baldi has stepped up as the new Chief Commercial Officer of Aston Martin. Baldi has 25 years of experience in the automotive industry and has held senior executive roles in a variety of worldwide markets. 

Mitsubishi will be reviving the Pajero nameplate in the fourth quarter of 2026. Interestingly, the model will remain a ladder-frame SUV and could serve as the basis for a next-generation Montero Sport for the local market. 

Also read:

ZW weekly wrap: May 18-22

Zigwheels PH Monthly Wrap: April 2026

ZW weekly wrap: Apr. 20-24

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