MANILA: The automotive and motorcycle industries have gone full throttle in the first week of November 2026. Last week saw interesting local and global introductions, the kickoff of one of the biggest global motorcycle-centric events, and huge shakeups in the leadership rosters of Philippine-based brands. 

So, without further ado, here’s what happened from November 1-6, 2026. 

Local launches, upcoming models

Mazda CX-80

Mazda’s local arm has officially launched the all-new CX-80. The said model is the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for the Philippine market, and it retails at P4.18 million. 

Propelling the model is a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline mill mated to an electric motor. Together, this system can put out 322.5 horsepower (hp) and 500 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

More on the newly introduced Mazda CX-80 here.

Chery QEV preview drive

Ahead of its official introduction for the local market, Chery Auto Philippines, a brand under United Asia Automotive Group Incorporated (UAAGI), has put the QEV through its paces via an exclusive media drive. The brand has also reduced the suggested retail price of the upcoming model to P1.068 million. 

More on the Chery QEV here.

Other stories: Is the new Honda City, City Hatchback worth the money? 3 reasons why the Kia PV5 might be the future of commercial vehicles in PH Honda City: old vs. new

Suzuki e-Access

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated has confirmed that it will enter the electrified two-wheeler segment soon. No exact model was stated, but it could be the Suzuki e-Access. 

In other markets, the Suzuki e-Access stands as the brand’s first-ever global e-motorcycle nameplate. It has a fixed-type lithium iron phosphate battery, regenerative braking, a reverse driving mode, and a drive mode selector, among others. 

More on the Suzuki e-Access here.

Global introductions

Isuzu D-Max 2.2 Ddi Maxforce bi-turbo

Isuzu has launched the all-new D-Max 2.2 Ddi Maxforce bi-turbo in Thailand. Notably, the new variant comes with a new “genius injector” high-pressure nozzle, a bi-turbo air compressor system, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

In total, the Isuzu D-Max 2.2 Ddi Maxforce bi-turbo can produce up to 201 horsepower and 500 Newton-meters of torque. 

More about the Isuzu D-Max 2.2 Ddi Maxforce bi-turbo here.

Royal Enfield at EICMA

Royal Enfield has introduced the Himalayan 750, Continental GT 750, Himalayan 750, and Shotgun 650 ‘Son of A Gun’ models at the EICMA 2026 (Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori). 

Likewise presented at the event is the Flying Flea S6 - an all-electric scrambler built on the FF C6’s chassis. 

More on Royal Enfield at EICMA here.

Yamaha Nmax E

Yamaha showcased the Nmax E at EICMA 2026, which is equipped with a 3.5-kilowatt fixed lithium-ion battery. It comes with a range of 104 kilometers. The powertrain also has three ride modes and a reverse mode. 

Click here to learn more about the Yamaha Nmax E.

Local updates

In the first week of November 2026, two brands saw major changes in their leadership. For Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated (HCPI), Atty. Louie Soriano is set to vacate his position as senior vice president by the end of 2026. Soriano has worked with HCPI for the better part of two decades. 

Toyota Motor Corporation President Masando Hashimoto, meanwhile, is set to become the Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor Asia - the brand’s regional arm. Per the brand, this will take effect on January 1, 2027.

According to a new study by Differential Singapore, Filipino vehicle buyers are enjoying a better ownership experience this year. This comes from the group’s 2026 Philippines Customer eXperience Index (CXI) Study, which saw an overall customer experience index of 864. 

Isuzu has also turned over three custom-built NLR77H shuttle units to the Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Company (UNAHCO). These units will be used to support the company’s Seminar on Wheels project. Furthermore, the company also turned over Traviz and NPR85K units to EEI Carga Digital Logistics Corporation (eCarga). 

The organizers of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines Cup 2026 have published its roster of this season’s winners. The overall champion title for Super Sporting Class went to Alain Gabriel Alzona, Sporting Class to Bern Zaragoza, and the Toyota Tamaraw OMR Class to Iñigo Anton. 

Shell Pilipinas Corporation has renewed its partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP) to promote their ongoing PET bottle collection and recycling. 

Rookie Racing Garage Manila is also scheduled to open its local headquarters in Pasay City on December 16, 2026. The said facility will become a new hub for car enthusiasts and is inspired by the Japan-based Team Rookie Racing. 

Global updates

At the 2026 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, Ford showcased its new Megazilla 2.0-liter crate engine via its new Frostwarden build. The said off-road vehicle is based on the Bronco and is developed for Arctic search-and-rescue operations. 

Honda, on the other hand, unveils the Passport Baja Spec trophy truck, which is set to compete in upcoming events organized by the SCORE World Desert Championship. 

Yamaha also unveiled its plan to use recycled aluminum alloy to produce its DiASil cylinders. 

Toyota also partnered with Waymo for its autonomous driving push. Next year, the two firms will be fielding a fleet of self-driving bZ4X units in Japan. 

Also read:

ZW weekly wrap: Sep. 26-30

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Oct. 12-16

ZW PH weekly wrap: Oct 5-9

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