Zigwheels PH weekly wrap-up

MANILA: This week, some players in the local automotive market boasted improved sales. Likewise, the top car brand in the country made a bold projection about the industry in 2025.

We also saw some model launches (which are sure to excite their respective segments), a teased hybrid truck, and a Japanese company’s subsidiary who just turned 50.  

Join us as we revisit some of the biggest news in the Philippine auto industry this week. 

Brand sales, industry outlook

Growth for Jetour, GAC 

On Monday, Jetour Auto Philippines Incorporated (JAPI) posted a 67-percent growth in its 2024 annual sales. 

Per the Chery-owned Chinese brand, it sold 1,702 units in the Philippines last year, which reflected a 67-percent growth rate. 

Its best-seller — JAPI noted — was the Jetour T2, with a contribution of 32.01 percent. 

You can check out the full story, here. 

Meanwhile, GAC Motor Philipines revealed that the brand sold a total of 3,207 units in 2024. The said number translated to a 65-percent year-on-year improvement (versus 1,943 units sold in 2023). 

Below are its top three sales drivers: 

Models	Units sold
GAC GS3 Emzoom	2,089
GAC M6 Pro	301
GAC M8	225

 

Find out more about it, here. 

Leader in NEVs 

Ayala-led BYD Cars Philippines also shared some good news on Monday when it reported an annual sale of 4,780 examples in 2024. 

Taking up more than half of the abovementioned number is the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, which sold some 2,669 units last year. Following behind is the Atto 3 (1,062 units sold) and the Seagull (411 units sold). 

The company revealed that it now commands an 82-percent share of the country’s new-energy vehicle segment. 

Read the story, here. 

TMP predicts improved industry sales in 2025 

Looking ahead into the future, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) believes that the country’s automotive sector will enjoy improved sales this year. 

The brand’s Chairman, Alfred Ty, said that more than half a million cars (512,000 units) could be handed over to customers in 2025. Some of the factors he cited are listed below:

• Expected increase in gross domestic product by six percent
• Growing consumer loan portfolio
• Expanding overseas Filipino workers’ remittance

Here is the link to the news article. 

Model launches 

Mini delivers 1-2 punch

On Wednesday, Mini Philippines delivered a one-two punch when it launched the all-new Aceman and the new Cooper 5-door. 

The all-new Mini Aceman looks to compete in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) arena while the new Cooper 5-door will reinforce the company’s foothold in the internal combustion engine-equipped hatchback category. 

You can read the stories, here (Mini Aceman) and (Mini Cooper 5-door). 

Kia Sorento now with hybrid powertrain 

Kia Philippines is taking strides to build its sustainable lineup. The brand ditched the diesel powerplant of the Sorento in place of a hybrid engine. 

Here are its powertrain specifications: 

Engine	1.6-liter gasoline engine with permanent magnet synchronous motor, a lithium-ion battery
Transmission	Six-speed automatic transmission

 

Per Kia Philippines, the internal combustion engine makes some 177 horsepower (hp) with 265 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Meanwhile, the electric motor dishes out 59 hp with 264 Nm. 

It is offered in three variants with a price range of P2.188 million to P2.888 million. 

Check out the article, here. 

BYD Shark arrival in PH confirmed 

Not too long ago, BYD Cars Philippines asked its customers what they would do right after buying a pickup truck. The said social media post hinted at the arrival of the BYD Shark in the market. 

Soon after, records from the Land Transportation Office confirmed the arrival of the plug-in hybrid pickup truck, which would be introduced apparently in two variants. 

Here are its engine specs: 

• 1.5-liter gasoline engine
• Two electric motors 
• Lithium iron phosphate battery

Find out more, here. 

Brand launches

Omoda, Jaecoo PH to make official debut 

Nearly two years after it was announced, Omoda and Jaecoo Philippines are finally taking off. 

The Chinese car brands will officially enter the Philippine automotive landscape on February 18 and put forward their initial offerings, which we have listed below: 

• Omoda C5
• Omoda E5 
• Jaecoo EJ6 

Read more about it, here. 

Geely to relaunch brand

On the other hand, Geely Philippines will relaunch the brand, which is now under the management of its global office. It is set to make its debut on February 12. 

Ahead of the said comeback, the company has revealed a new logo reflecting its renewed commitment to its customers. 

Read the full story, here. 

Other news 

JAPI, Flowerstore.PH to raffle Ice Cream EV 

JAPI and Flowerstore.PH will raffle off an Ice Cream EV. 

The draw will take place on February 13, a day before Valentine’s Day. 

Here is the link to the story. 

Suzuki turns 50 

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated is celebrating its 50th anniversary. 

The company has staged an event to showcase its offerings, which cover two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and even marine products. 

During the said affair, the brand’s president noted that the marque’s automotive division enjoyed a 10-percent growth in 2024. 

You can read more, here.

Global buzz 

Honda Civic named best bang-for-buck car in US 

The Honda Civic has received the “Best Car for the Money” award in the United States (US). from American media company News and World Report. 

It was praised for having the best value for its quality in the country’s compact car segment. 

More to read, here. 

US-spec Gold Wing gets updated 

Honda’s motorcycle arm in the US has updated the Gold Wing touring motorcycle. 

The said upgrades were done in celebration of the nameplate’s 50th anniversary. Below are its two new special-edition variants: 

• 50th Anniversary Gold Wing
• 50th Anniversary Gold Wing dual-clutch transmission (DCT) 

They will be available in North America next month. 

Read the full story, here. 

Ford to make Le Mans comeback

Ford announced that it will be returning to Le Mans. 

While no race car has been revealed, the Blue Oval brand noted in a press release that it will come back to the endurance race with “a full factory team.” 

More details are expected to be announced soon. 

Check out the news story, here. 

Suzuki halts Jimny 5-door pre-orders in Japan 

Suzuki is poised to launch the Jimny 5-door in Japan, but the company is afraid it might not be able to keep up with the demands. 

Currently, the manufacturer has received 50,000 pre-orders of the small off-roader. Nevertheless, it gave its customers assurance that the pre-ordered vehicles will be delivered to their would-be owners. 

Here is the link to the news article.

BYD EVP makes history 

BYD’s Executive Vice President Stella Li is the first woman to be awarded the 2025 Word Car Person of the Year.

In addition, her achievement also saw the first time the honor was given to a Chinese automaker. 

Read more about it, here.

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