Zigwheels PH weekly wrap-up

MANILA: The local automotive industry has seen a lot of movement this week with the introduction of new models, the opening of new facilities, and a brand whose local subsidiary has taken over its business operations in the country. 

Let’s take a look at what transpired in the past few days with the first edition of our weekly wrap-up. 

Launches, previews

Honda PH previews hybrid HR-V

Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated (HCPI) previewed the newest addition to its HR-V lineup — a hybrid iteration of the crossover, which will also debut with a beige finish. 

Per the brand, it uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors and an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission. 

Here are its performance figures: 

Combustion engine output (in hp)	104
Combustion engine torque (in Nm)	127
Electric engine output (in hp)	129
Electric engine output (in Nm)	253

Dealers are now accepting pre-orders of the Honda HR-V e:HEV. 

Read the story, here.

BYD Cars PH updates Atto 3, adds Advanced variant to Seal lineup

BYD Cars Philippines gave its electric crossover offering — the Atto 3 — some significant updates. 

According to the Ayala-led Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand, the upgrades bestowed to the BYD Atto 3 are as follows: 

• Gloss black accent on D-pillar garnish, window trims
• New BYD elmblem on tailgate 
• Power tailgate (for Premium variant only)
• Wider tires (235/50/R18 Continental)
• New ambient lighting 
• PM 2.5 air filter
• Larger 15.6-inch touchscreen display
• New interior colors
• New NFC card 

The BYD atto 3 retains its all-electric powertrain which are the following: 

49.9 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery	410 kilometers (km) of range
60.5 kWh battery	480 km of range

 

Check out the full story, here.

BYD Cars PH also expanded the Seal’s range by introducing a new Advanced variant. 

Here are some of its notable features: 

• Rear-wheel drive configuration
• Electric motor with 200 horsepower (hp), 310 Newton-meters (Nm)
• 61.40 kWh battery
• Estimated range at 510 km
• 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster
• 15.6-inch intelligent rotating infotainment system
• Wireless charging
• 360-degree view camera with see-through mode

The new BYD Seal Advanced variant is priced at P1.998 million. 

Read the full story, here.

BMW PH launches 'electrified' X5

Dubbed the BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport, the newest member of the marque’s family in the country is said to guarantee “more power, efficiency, and emissions-free range.” 

Below are its hybrid powertrain specifications: 

Engine	3.0-liter gasoline engine
Transmission	Eight-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission
Battery (in kWh)	25.7 kWh
Range (in km)	100-118

 

Read the story, here.

GAC Motor PH add Black color for GS3 Emzoom R Style’s palette options

GAC Motor Philippines has launched the GS3 Emzoom R Style Black Edition, effectively expanding the nameplate’s palette. 

This brings the available color for the GS3 Emzoom R Style to six. Below are the other color options customers can choose from: 

• Salt Lake Blue
• Graphene Grey
• Moonlight Grey
• Superstar Silver
• Ivory White

Find out more about it, here.

JMC Grand Avenue gets new hue

The JMC Grand Avenue was given a new paintwork boosting the pickup trucks aesthetic appeal.

Dubbed Green Mica Metallic, the new color looks to elevate the looks of the range-topping model while still retaining an attainable price tag. 

Check out the full story, here.

Porsche Macan Electric introduction this week

Porsche’s Philippine arm is set to release the electric variant of the Macan this weekend. 

While fans await the official specifications, the Porsche Macan Electric sold overseas get electric motors slapped on both the front and rear wheel axles. Mated to a single-speed gearbox, they produce the following numbers: 

Maximum power (in hp)	355
Maximum torque (in Nm)	563

 

Read the story, here.

Possible arrival of Lamborghini Temerario 

The Lamborghini Temerario was launched not too long ago in Taiwan. On that note, speculations about its possible arrival in Philippine soil surfaced.

Considered the successor of the Lamborghini Huracan, the Temerario packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a 3.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and three electric motors. 

It makes some 907 horses with 730 Nm of pulling power. 

Check out the full story, here.

Honda Philippines to launch Giorno retro scoot?

Over the two-wheeler segment, Honda Philippines Incorporated is poised to release a new classic model, which the author believes will be the Giorno. 

The small displacement motorcycle is currently available in Thailand with the below specifications: 

Engine (in cc)	125
Transmission	CVT
Other tech	ABS, CBS

 

Read more about it, here.

Dealerships, facilities 

Tesla Center Philippines opens 

Tesla Philippines has opened the doors of its newest facility in the country. 

Called the Tesla Center Philippines, the building consists of a head office, experience center, delivery hub, and after-sales service support department. 

It is located at Uptown Parade in Taguig City and aims to provide customers with a comprehensive and one-stop experience. 

More about it, here.

Honda Cars PH to open 4 dealerships in 2025 

HCPI announced that it is bolstering its dealership network by opening four more locations in 2025. 

Per HCPI President Rie Miyake, the dealerships are as follows:  

• Honda Cars Talisay
• Honda Cars Manila Bay
• Honda Cars Tacloban
• Honda Cars Paranaque

To date, the company has 38 dealerships across the country. 

Check out the full story, here.

Brand news, tours

Geely Motor PH takes reins from distributors

Geely Motor Philippines, the brand’s newly-formed subsidiary in the country has officially taken over the carmaker’s local business operations. 

This marks the brand’s transition from a general distributor model to direct operations.

Below are some of the cited advantages of this move: 

• Closer alignment with market demand will enable GMP to better understand and respond to the specific requirements of the Philippine market — guaranteeing products and services that are more appropriate with consumer expectations.
• Faster response to market changes will be possible with streamlined decision-making processes, allowing for more agile and efficient operations.
• Enhanced customer engagement will be achieved through direct interaction with customers, providing a more welcoming and personalized service experience.
• Quality service will be delivered by taking full control of the customer journey. Finally, the new structure will support more effective business strategies, allowing for better adaptation to local policies and market conditions.

Find out more by checking the link, here.

Nissan heads to Cebu

Nissan Philippines is taking its select nameplates to Cebu for display and test drives.

The local wing of the Japanese carmaker is visiting SM Seaside Cebu, and will stay there until Sunday. Discounts and prizes await visitors.

Know more about it, here.

Also read:

BAIC PH expands reach with newly-opened Cavite dealership

Lexus, Revo team up, launch exclusive eyewear collection

Jetour Auto PH, Midori Clark to raffle off 12 X50 following renewed collaboration