Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: August 18-22

The fourth week of August 2025 saw plenty of developments for both the local and global automotive industry. 

In total, the Philippines saw four car introductions within the said timeframe. In the same week, brands made a grand showing at the recently concluded Monterey Car Week. And of course, a Japanese brand’s big, burly pickup truck made a lot of waves when it won the Asia Cross Country Rally 2025. 

So, for those who missed the news, here’s Zigwheels Philippines’ weekly wrap for August 18-22, 2025. 

Local launches

Chery Tiggo Cross HEV

Chery Auto Philippines, under the management of the United Asia Automotive Group Incorporated (UAAGI), has rolled out the Tiggo Cross hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). 

Price-wise, the Tiggo Cross HEV starts at P1.198 million, and it offers a combined range of 1,200 kilometers (km). At maximum, the five-seater model’s hybrid powertrain can generate up to 201 horsepower (hp) and 310 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

Learn more about the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV’s launch here.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class with EQ Technology

Inchcape Philippines, the local distributor of Mercedes-Benz, has launched the G-Class with EQ Technology. The all-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) retails at P13.59 million, and it boasts a range of 473 km.

Read the launch story of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class with EQ Technology here. 

Upcoming cars PH

Updated Mitsubishi Xpander

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has previewed the updated Xpander multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) ahead of its launch on August 29, 2025. On the other hand, the brand’s local arm has yet to disclose its specifications and whether it received new features. 

Learn more about the preview of the updated Mitsubishi Xpander here.

Toyota Ativ HEV

A high-ranking executive from Toyota Motor Philippines has confirmed with Zigwheels Philippines that the Ativ Hybrid is coming to the local market. The aforementioned statement came after the launch of the said model in Thailand. 

Learn more about the Toyota Ativ HEV here.

Global car launches

Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition

Mahindra has rollout the BE 6 Batman Edition. It is inspired by Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy, and it was produced in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. As expected, the vehicle comes in all black. 

Learn more about the Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition here.

Porsche 911 Cup

In the fourth week of August, Porsche unveiled the latest version of its one-make 911 race car. Named the Porsche 911 Cup, it received plenty of race-oriented amenities, including a very aggressive exterior similar to the road-legal 911 GT3. 

More about the Porsche 911 Cup here. 

Lamborghini Fenomeno

Lamborghini has pulled the curtains off the Fenomeno at The Quail - a key event of the Monterey Car Week. 

As a special car, only 29 examples of the Lamborghini Fenomeno will be built. It comes fitted with plenty of carbon fiber bits, as well as a V12 engine. 

Click here to read the full story on the Lamborghini Fenomeno. 

Other stories: Colorful Filipino nicknames for iconic car models Here are the JMC Vigus' 2 options in PH Check out the Omoda C5's 3 trims

Nissan X-Trail NISMO

Nissan Motor Corporation has introduced the X-Trail NISMO in Japan. The said car is touted as a grand touring sport utility vehicle (SUV) with an aggressive exterior style and a more immersive driving experience. 

Sales of the said SUV will begin in Japan on September 24. 

Learn more about the Nissan X-Trail NISMO here.

Updated Geely EX5

Geely Auto has introduced several major updates for the all-electric global market EX5. It received battery safety gear, an improved infotainment system, and an expansion for its multi-language system.

Click here to read more about the updated Geely EX5. 

Concept cars

Within the week, two notable concept cars were unveiled. Specifically, their respective brands launched them at the Monterey Car Week’s Concours d’Elegance and The Quail, respectively. 

One is the Bentley EXP 15 concept, which is touted by the British marque as a representative of its future design direction. Another is the Lexus Sport Concept - a performance-oriented vehicle, which could form the basis of an eventual LFA successor. 

Global industry updates

With regard to global industry updates, Mitsubishi Motors made a huge statement when its Triton pickup truck gained the top spot at the 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally. 

Suzuki, together with its technology partner Tata Elxsi, also opened its new Cloud HIL Center in India to enable the “virtual development” of vehicle electronic control units and software. 

Toyota has also tapped Mazda in order to test the Sweep Energy Storage System - a way for the brand to recycle used-up electric vehicle batteries. 

Toyota in Australia also announced the discontinuation of the GR Supra in the said market. Toyota Motor Philippines, however, confirmed that its discontinuation in the local scene isn’t on the horizon for now. 

Local industry updates

For local industry news, a couple of brands have won awards within the week. VinFast Philippines has bagged two wins at the 2025 Legacy Awards for Business. MMPC was also honored by the Philippine Red Cross for its blood donation initiatives. 

Inchcape Philippines also disclosed its plan to establish a total of five new Changan dealerships across Luzon. The aforementioned will commence with new dealer partners. 

Toyota Motor Philippines likewise broke ground for its upcoming service center in Marilao, Bulacan. The aforementioned will be operated by Toyota Marilao, Bulacan Incorporated. 

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated (SPH), on the other hand, shared that the reservation period for its upcoming Fronx hybrid crossover has begun. 

Meanwhile, in the realm of motorsports, TMP and Toyota Gazoo Racing PH rolled out the list of winners for the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup. Among them is TMP President Masando Hashimoto, who achieved second place overall in the Novice class. 

Also read:

Zigwheels weekly wrap-up: August 11-15

Zigwheels weekly wrap-up: August 1-8, 2025

Zigwheels PH monthly wrap-up: May 2025

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/