Zigwheels weekly wrap: Jan. 5-9

MANILA: This week, the local auto industry remained abuzz with several announcements from different car brands. 

Globally, the industry also saw some big news with presentations from various car companies at the Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) 2026. 

On that note, here is the summary of what transpired during the second week of the month. 

Local buzz 

Last week, Jetour Auto Philippines Incorporated partnered with Araneta City to launch the “Dashing Through the Glow” campaign. The said promo — which will run until February 1, 2026 — will allow shoppers to get raffle tickets for every single P1,500 receipt at the following malls: 

• Gateway Mall 1 & 2 
• Ali Mall 
• Farmers Plaza 

On the other hand, Geely Motor Philippines appears to be poised to launch EX-5 EM-i this year. Zigwheels Philippines’ hunch came from two separate teaser clips posted by the carmaker on its official Facebook page.

MG Philippines donated P1 million to support the Bayani Scholarship Program. Per the SAIC-owned marque, the said grant will allow deserving scholars of the Fort Bonifacio Development Foundation Incorporated-led program access to funds to address their daily expenses throughout college.

And while we’re on the topic of donations, Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated, in partnership with Knowell, also donated bags to local communities, specifically in Cebu, Taguig, and Zambales. 

Likewise, Department of Social Welfare and Development Residential Care Facilities from Marillac Hills, Heaven for Children, and Nayon ng Kabataan received bags via the “Hope in a Bag” project. 

VinFast’s Green GSM could be looking to get into the country’s seven-seater ride-hailing segment with the Limo Green. 

The editorial team’s speculation stems from the Memorandum Circular MVL-2025-4841 of the Land Transportation Office, which indirectly indicates the possible entry of the full-electric seven-seater in the ride-hailing app lineup.

Meanwhile, Toyota and Lexus issued recall orders in the country for faulty parking assist electronic control units. 

The latest special service campaign involves 11,760 units equipped with Panoramic View Monitor that display the rearview image.

Finally, the Department of Energy has released the full list of vehicles that participated in its latest eco-run. 

Other stories: PH-spec Tesla Model 3’s starting price drops to P1.838M Subaru e-Outback makes appearance in Singapore Motorshow 2026, presented alongside Solterra XT Toyota puts spotlight on prototype GR Yaris Morizo RR Edition at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026

Global news 

Honda has presented an HRC Concept of the all-new Prelude. Showcased alongside it was the HRC Concept of the Civic Type R, and other models. 

In the similar auto show, Toyota placed the spotlight on a prototype GR Yaris Morizo RR Edition. The hot hatch will be released in Japan and Europe, limited to 100 samples each. 

Not to be outdone, Subaru too unveiled the WRX STI Sport prototype at TAS 2026. 

In Australia, Isuzu recalled a total of 372 F-Series trucks over damaged power steering pump O-ring seals, while Jetour Auto and Tesla, celebrated reaching their respective milestones.  

Finally, Nissan will create the next-generation ProPilot with Wayve, while Ford disclosed its new strategy favoring more flexible, smaller all-electric platforms, internal combustion models, range-extended vehicles, and hybrids.

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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