Zigwheels PH monthly wrap: Oct. 2025

MANILA: The previous month was a productive one for local automotive and motorcycle industry players thanks to several launches and a handful of dealership openings. Likewise, companies are gearing for the holiday season with tempting promos as many Filipinos are empowered to purchase new vehicles this time of the year. 

Major brands too were eager to showcase their latest prototypes at the highly-anticipated Japan Mobility Show (JMS) 2025. Speaking of which, the month also saw the 13th edition of the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit. 

Vehicle launches 

Kicking off the month’s first few launches were the Hyundai Venue and the facelifted Stargazer. The former returned to the market eyeing to meet the needs of local compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) buyers with a more affordable pricing, while the latter plans to draw more customers to the South Korean car brand with a more athletic look. 

Meanwhile, Radar EV has officially entered the Philippine auto industry and unleashed the RD6 Econ and RD6 EM-P. These models are eyeing to disrupt the country’s pickup truck segment with modern looks and an electrified powertrain. 

And while we are on the topic of new-energy models, Changan Philippines has formally launched the NEVO A05 PHEV. The nameplate bolsters the company’s sustainably-oriented stable. 

Toyota Motor Philippines also introduced a new hybrid model in the form of the Ativ. It complements the ever-popular Vios sedan and injects some new looks and a more eco-friendly powertrain to the nameplate. 

Sometime this month, Jetour Auto Philippines also rolled out the T1 i-DM, an electrified SUV that shares the same platform as the larger T2. 

As for BYD Cars Philippines, it launched the hybrid eMAX 9 DM-i. It arrives as a good pick for those on the market for a seven-seater family vehicle, but are still not sold about going full electric. As the name suggests, it uses the same Dual Mode-intelligent system that power many of the brand’s automobiles. 

MG Philippines, too, launched a new model. But unlike many of its competitors, the said model introduction did not jump on the new-energy vehicle (NEV) bandwagon and instead stuck to traditional diesel-fed, combustion engine-powered pickup trucks. Its newest vehicle is the TRQ-L. 

Stepping back into the NEV realm, we take a look at the vehicles presented at the recently held PEVS, which were the GAC Aion V and Hyptec HT. These models are aimed at urbanites who are looking for vehicles with plenty of technologies. 

On the other hand, motorcycle brands Suzuki and Harley-Davidson launched the Access and Pan America 1250 ST, respectively. 

Other stories: VinFast launches 'PiliPinas' to let them choose future car designs Toyota to launch 10 xEV models in Asia by 2028 Toyota bZ4X BEV gets approval from LTO

Promotional offerings 

Several brands have launched promotional campaigns to help draw more customers to their marque. 

Starting off with Honda Cars Philippines. The company is pushing the sale of models such as the BR-V, HR-V, and City with appealing discounts. Further, the local wing of the Japanese manufacturer is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, so Honda’s automobile division is offering a P35 downpayment plan for select models. 

As for Subaru Philippines, the brand has kicked off the Kansha Festival for 2025, allowing customers to enjoy various discounts and aftersales deals. Featured are nameplates such as the Evoltis, WRX Wagon, and Crosstrek. 

Geely Philippines, on the other hand, is offering price cuts for the Coolray and Okavango Elite; while Morris Garages Philippines has offered a P10,000 discount for buyers who signed up for test drives. 

Ford Motor Company Philippines revived its “Employee Pricing Program” to help buyers enjoy appealing price discounts; while BMW Philippines rolled out its “Seasons of Joy Promo,” which significantly reduces the sticker price of many of its models. 

Mall displays 

Mallgoers were in for a treat this month as Lexus Philippines took the GX, RX F Sport, and NX Sport to the Powerplant Mall in Makati; while the LBX, NXh, and RXh, were brought to Ayala Malls Solenad in Santa Rosa, Laguna. 

Ford highlighted the Everest Wildtrak — alongside the Bronco and Territory — for its eight Ford Island Conquest at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Dealership openings 

An indicator that the local automotive industry continues to grow is the consecutive dealership openings done by several players just this month. 

Suzuki has opened its Iligan, Otis, and Tagum facilities; while Changan opened a new dealer in Plaridel, Bulacan. 

Nissan and Hino respectively opened their Carmona and Bacoor dealerships in Cavite. 

Travel 

In travel-related news, North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation has upgraded its Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway section. The said updates reportedly costed P200 million. 

Those using NLEX, as well as the South Luzon Expressway, can now save themselves of the hassle of using two separate cards and accounts. Under the “One RFID, All Tollways” program, motorists can choose which account to keep and use it for both expressways. 

Finally, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has revealed its plans to mitigate the expected heavy traffic situations for the holidays. 

JMS 2025

For our JMS coverage, Zigwheels Philippines reported the below news as they unfolded: 

• Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
• Mitsubishi Fuso H2IC, H2FC concept
• Honda 0 α
• Toyota Hiace prototype
• Lexus LS concept
• Mitsubishi Fuso ‘Cobodi’ 
• BYD T35

Also read: 

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Sep. 29-Oct. 3

Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: Sept. 15-19

Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: September 8-12

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