Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: December 29, 2025-January 2, 2026

MANILA: As 2025 transitions to 2026, the local and automotive industry marches on with significant developments ranging from expressway toll price hikes, record-breaking feats, and the highly anticipated ban of specific vehicles in Metro Manila. 

So, for those who have missed the news, here’s Zigwheels Philippines’ weekly wrap of the hottest industry news from December 29, 2025-January 2, 2026. 

Local industry updates

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has declared that it will offer a temporary waiver of driver’s license suspensions for those who committed violations from September 1-December 31, 2025. 

At the same time period, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will be raising the toll fees on the South Luzon Expressway and the STAR Tollways starting early 2026. 

On January 2, 2025, the LTO officially started the implementation of the ban on electric tricycles and electric bicycles on major Metro Manila roads. This will include Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and the stretch from Quirino Avenue to Magallanes - South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). 

The Department of Energy has also posted the specs of the next-generation Honda Prelude that’s bound for the Philippine market. No pricing details have been announced yet, but the model was confirmed to use a 2.0-liter e:hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) engine with an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT). 

Other stories: New year, new ride: all-new Honda Prelude New year, new ride: next-gen Toyota Hilux Zigwheels PH most viewed for 2025: Toyota Fortuner

 

Global industry updates

In the transitioning week between 2025 and 2026, Geely Auto secures a Guinness World Record title for the ‘lowest fuel consumption driven in Sydney–Melbourne Coastal Drive by a PHEV production SUV.’ The aforementioned was achieved with the EM-i (plug-in hybrid) trim of the EX-5 sport utility vehicle. 

Earlier in the week, the Aston Martin Valhalla made its maiden appearance in the popular online game Fortnite. The same vehicle model also made its return to Rocket League - a fast-paced video game that uses cars to play a football-like sport. 

Porsche announced that it will roll out the ultra-limited 911 GT3 90 F.A. to celebrate the birthday of its founder - Ferdinand Alexander (F.A.) Porsche. Only 90 units of the said model will be produced. 

In the realm of safety testing, the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) has granted a five-star rating for the Dongfeng Forthing Friday. The said model received a total score of 87.18 points. 

Also read:

Zigwheels PH wrap: vehicles we’re excited to see this 2026

Zigwheels PH monthly wrap: December 2025

Zigwheels PH wrap: local vehicle launches that defined 2025

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