Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: Sept. 15-19

MANILA: From September 15-19, 2025, the automotive and motorcycle industry continued to see significant developments. Brands marched on to launch their latest offerings in both the local and global scenes. One in the Philippines, however, has been let go by its longtime local distributor.  

Those are just a few of what transpired in the fourth week of September. So, for those who missed them, here is a recap of the biggest industry news as reported by Zigwheels Philippines. 

Local launches

Suzuki XL7 Hybrid Black Edition

Along with the Fronx, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated introduced the XL7 Hybrid Black Edition. Per its name, it received a more striking exterior design. It is also set to replace the existing version of the XL7 Hybrid soon. 

Read more about the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid Black Edition here. 

BYD Tang DM-i

BYD Cars Philippines has launched the all-new Tang Dual Mode-intelligent (DM-i) plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sport utility vehicle. It offers a roomy, three-row interior, and a peak output of 267 horsepower (hp) and 315 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

Learn more about the all-new BYD Tang DM-i here.

Ready to buy a brand new BYD Tang DM-i? Click here for exclusive offers from Zigwheels Philippines.

 

Harley-Davidson Cruiser 117 lineup

Harley-Davidson Asia introduces the Cruiser 117 lineup for the Philippines, which boasts numerous updates, including improved engine performance and more safety equipment.

The said lineup consists of a total of six models, which include the following: 

• Heritage Classic
• Street Bob
• Fat Boy
• Breakout
• Low Rider S
• Low Rider ST

Read the full story about the new Harley-Davidson 117 Cruiser lineup here.

Upcoming cars PH

Mercedes-Benz Philippines is poised to expand its GLC lineup this September. No further details were shared by the German marqu’s local arm, but it might be a PHEV nameplate. 

Click here to learn more about Mercedes-Benz Philippines’ upcoming GLC model.

Global launches

Toyota e-Palette BEV

Toyota has started selling the all-new e-Palette battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Japan. The said model is designed as a sustainable transportation platform for cities. It can also fit in as a mobile store for various goods. 

Learn more about the Toyota e-Palette BEV here.

Mitsubishi Delica Mini, Eclipse Cross EV

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has unveiled the updated Delica Mini van-style kei car. The aforementioned model received a more distinctive exterior design, as well as additional safety equipment. The sales period for the model will start in the Japanese market by the end of October 2025. 

The company also unveiled the all-new Eclipse Cross electric vehicle (EV) for the European market. It is a rebadged version of the Renault Scenic E-Tech, and it will be produced at the Ampere Douai facility in France. 

Click here for the full story on the Mitsubishi Delica Mini, and here for the Eclipse Cross EV.

Other stories: Ford Everest Sport Special Edition: ‘tough’-tier SUV Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV: sporty yet sustainable ELECTRIA: JMC EV3 - cutesy city slicker

 

Local industry updates

In the local automotive scene, brands continued to ramp up their activities with promotional events, dealership openings, new partnerships, and corporate social responsibility activities. 

First off, Jetour Auto Philippines brand ambassador Camille Prats is set to become the first-ever owner of the upcoming Lighting i-DM with Boss interior in the country.

Meanwhile, Coco Martin - the ambassador of the all-new Toyota Tamaraw- met up with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) in Cagayan de Oro city. 

In the realm of public transport, the iconic Love Bus is now back in Valenzuela City. For the unaware, the said buses aim to provide the public with free rides in Metro Manila. 

Honda Philippines Incorporated has stepped up as one of the sponsors of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships. 

Early in the week, Astara Philippines established two new JMC dealerships. One is located in Las Piñas, while the other is situated in Valenzuela City. 

The Toyota Mobility Foundation and Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation have turned over three Tamaraw units to the Philippine General Hospital. The aforementioned will serve as safe and reliable transport for the medical facility’s employees. 

Toyota Motor Philippines’ Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines eSports GT Championship 2025 saw an extension for its qualifying rounds. The opening salvo for the said sim racing tourney will now go on until September 28, 2025. 

VinFast Philippines, V-Green, and Green GSM have established a partnership with BDO Unibank Incorporated in order to drive electric mobility in the country. 

Porsche Design Manila also held the first-ever ‘Treffen der Ikonen’ (Gathering of Icons) at the Auto Complex in Quezon City. The said event managed to gather around 100 examples of Porsche nameplates under one roof. 

The BSB Junrose Corporation also had a festive week as it celebrated its 57th anniversary. To note, the said aftermarket parts distributor was founded in 1968. 

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) was likewise hailed as the country’s top vehicle importer for the first half of 2025. 

Meanwhile, Omoda and Jaecoo announced their plan to open a new sales and service facility in Makati City. The aforementioned will be located at the Allegro Center, and its target opening date is October 2025. 

After roughly 12 years, Automobile Central Enterprise Incorporated has concluded its distributorship of Volkswagen in the Philippines. The final VW dealership will close by the end of the month. 

In the fourth week of September 2025, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Incorporated (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) also disclosed the sales performance of their members for August 2025. The said report indicated that the two organizations retailed 36,174 units last month. 

At the ‘Meeting With the Experts’ conference organized by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), it was likewise disclosed that the country saw 19,950 road accidents from January-August 2025. 

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) also announced a new memorandum circular that will require its offices and vehicle dealerships to release license plates and OR/CR of brand-new vehicles the same day a unit is turned over to a client. The said policy will be enacted nationwide on October 25, 2025. 

Global industry updates

Kicking off September 15-19 for the global automotive scene is Audi and Adidas’ new multi-year Formula One partnership. 

The organizers of the upcoming Japan Mobility Show (JMS), the Japan Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, have started ticket sales for the event. A detailed program for the said mobility show was also put up on its official website. 

Also in Japan, Nissan Motor Company has decided to cancel this year’s NISMO Festival. The company canned it to reassess its future direction and make the experience better for fans. 

Audi also announced that it will bring in its “Vorsprung durch Technik” philosophy to Formula One when it debuts at the motorsport event next year. 

Meanwhile, Ford will be upgrading its global headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. The completion of the new Ford World Headquarters will take roughly 18 months. 

Lotus, on the other hand, has unveiled its “Theory 1” concept car. The 1,000-horsepower all-electric vehicle boasts an aggressive exterior that’s mostly made out of recycled materials. 

Last but not least, Vingroup, the parent company of VinFast, has been included in Time Magazine’s “World’s Best Companies” for 2025. 

Also read:

Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: September 8-12

Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: August 18-22

Zigwheels PH monthly wrap: August 2025

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