Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: December 15-19, 2025

MANILA: The third week of December 2025 marks the second-to-last week before the year ends. Even then, the automotive and motorcycle industry still had a few vehicle launches up its sleeves. 

Furthermore, several locally present car brands have opened new dealerships within the said timeframe. Government agencies relating to motoring likewise saw significant developments. 

Without further ado, here’s the Zigwheels Philippines weekly wrap covering December 15-19, 2025. 

Local car launches

Toyota GR Corolla

Toyota Motor Philippines has launched the all-new Gazoo Racing (GR) Corolla for the local market. The said model has a price ranging from P3.811 million-P3.955 million, across two different main variants. 

The Toyota GR Corolla is available with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Both trims, however, are propelled by a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-three engine with all-wheel drive. At maximum, the said powertrain can generate up to 296 horsepower (hp) and 400 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

More about the all-new Toyota GR Corolla here.

Other local launches

Kawasaki Brute Force 450

Kawasaki Philippines closes 2025 with the introduction of the Brute Force 450. The midsize all-terrain vehicle (ATV) bridges the gap between the Brute Force 300 and 700. 

Currently, the model retails at P458,000, and it uses a 443-cubic-centimeter (CC) liquid-cooled engine that can produce up to 32 hp and 33 Nm of torque. It was likewise equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Click here to learn more about the Kawasaki Brute Force 450. 

Global industry updates

In the third week of December 2025, the next-generation Toyota Hilux received a five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). Notably, it scored 84 percent in adult occupant protection and 89 percent in child occupant protection. 

In Indonesia, VinFast opened a new electric vehicle (EV) plant. It is located in Subang, West Java, and is said to be capable of producing up to 350,000 cars annually upon completion of the final phase of investments. 

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Local industry updates

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Incorporated (CAMPI) continues its fight against fake parts via a new partnership with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and e-commerce platforms. The aforementioned includes Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Zalora. 

Later on in the week, CAMPI and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) shared that its members have sold a total of 420,776 units from January-November 2025. The figure represents a one-percent decrease compared to the same period last year. 

Furthermore, CAMPI also brought in EVOxTerra as its latest member. For the unaware, the said company is the authorized local distributor of Hongqi. 

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated (SPI) held the 2025 National Aftersales Skills Competition, with Suzuki Auto Matina emerging as the champion. 

Kia Philippines, meanwhile, continues to support Filipino Olympian Ernest John (EJ) Obiena as he dons the country's colors in international pole vaulting competitions. The aforementioned initiative falls under Atletang Ayala, which provides athletes with access to world-class training, medical facilities, and flexible work arrangements. 

In the realm of the transportation industry, VinFast-backed Green GSM - the all-electric taxi service has officially entered Davao. 

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation also held the long-running “See Clearly, Drive Safely” program. This provided free optometric services to 71 bus drivers. 

Ford Philippines also reported that it had already sold over 1,000 Territory Hybrid units. According to the company, the said sales feat was achieved in just three months. 

The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) also announced that it will offer free tolls on its highway network on December 24, 2025, and December 31, 2025. This toll-free initiative is applicable to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

The Department of Public Works on Highways will likewise conduct this year’s round of rehabilitation works for EDSA. It is set to commence the said project on December 24, 2025, with a budget of P6 billion. 

As TMP reported, its two latest new energy vehicles (NEV), the bZ4X and the Ativ hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), will enable the company to advance Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality. 

Car dealership updates

The Philippines also saw a couple of dealership openings recently. 

For starters, Aito Philippines opened its newest “experience center” in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). This facility is situated at MJ Tower Fort, 20th Drive, corner 21st Drive, and it boasts a 330-square-meter showroom.

Aside from that, Lexus Philippines broke ground for its upcoming facility in Quezon City. The aforementioned is dubbed the Lexus Quezon City Gallery, and it is owned and operated by the Oben Group. 

BYD Cars Philippines also reported that it now has 64 dealerships across the country. This means that it just needs a few more to reach its goal of opening 79 outlets by the end of 2025. 

Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated also opened its newest outlet in Bohol. It is located at CPG North Avenue, Booy District, Tagbilaran City, and it is owned and operated by SmAc Motors Incorporated. 

Also read:

Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: Dec. 8-12

Zigwheels PH monthly wrap: Nov. 2025

Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: November 24-28, 2025

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