Zigwheels weekly wrap: Jun. 29-Jul. 3

MANILA: As one month closes and another opens, we saw a mix of both model-centric stories and brands looking to expand their reach with dealership openings. 

Further, several marques also rolled out their respective initiatives. 

On that note, here is an abridged version of the biggest news that transpired last week. 

Other stories: Yamaha bags 6th Red Dot Award with new MOTOROiD: Λ Mitsubishi Mirage G4 receives new face in Thailand, is PH next? Isuzu’s ‘The EARTH lab.’ commences operations

Model-centric news 

Hyundai Staria 

Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated will be launching the latest iteration of the Staria multi-purpose vehicle on Thursday. Not only will it be the newest version of the nameplate, but it will also likely use a hybrid powertrain. 

While confirmation of the vehicle’s specifications will be done upon launch, the speculation about its electrified powertrain is supported by a document from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in early 2025. 

GAC E8 

From the South Korean carmaker, we move on to Chinese manufacturer GAC, which will sell the E8 in two variants. 

Like the abovementioned Hyundai Staria, details about the GAC E8 are also supported by LTO homologation papers. 

Of note, the multi-purpose vehicle was previewed at this year’s Manila International Auto Show.  

GWM Haval H7 

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Philippines has commenced deliveries for the Haval H7. On June 27, a mass release of the units was held in its Santa Rosa, Laguna facility. 

To note, the GWM Haval H7 was officially launched on June 15. 

Dealership openings 

As mentioned, several brands continue with their expansion by covering new areas and fortifying their foothold in their respective areas. 

To begin with, Omoda and Jaecoo have opened new showrooms in Cavite. Situated in Kawit and Dasmariñas, the new facilities have been inaugurated in preparation for the Jaecoo J5 EV (electric vehicle), which will be launched this month. 

Similar to the previously mentioned GAC E8, the Jaecoo J5 EV was also previewed at a major auto expo, which is the Philippine International Auto Show. 

Operated in partnership with Evision Auto, Omoda and Jaecoo Kawit can be found in Mana Town Center, Kawit, Cavite. Meanwhile, Omoda and Jaecoo Dasmariñas, which is run in partnership with Central Auto Resources Incorporated, is inside Vista Mall Dasmariñas, Cavite. 

Next on the list is Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated, which opened a new dealership in Parañaque. 

Operated by 1Dynamix Automotive Incorporated, it is located at 8244 Dr. Arcadio Santos, Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque. 

As proper as dealerships go, it has a showroom that can highlight six vehicles and a sales-releasing area, as well as 11 work bays and nine support bay areas equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for general repairs, spare parts, light compact body and paint, and preventive maintenance. 

Now, Inchcape Philippines did not open a new dealership, but turned over its Mazda C5 Pasig facility to Bermaz Auto Philippines Incorporated. 

The latter will start managing the building effectively in August. The former, on the other hand, cited “strategic portfolio management initiatives” as to why the business is being turned over. 

While it is not exactly a dealer opening, Ford Philippines’ move to open its Ford Learning Center in Calamba, Laguna, will also benefit its dealer partners. 

To serve as the central hub for technical and non-technical training among Ford dealer personnel nationwide, it is equipped with seven mechanical bays, four classrooms, a dedicated Ford showroom, meeting rooms, office spaces, and a cafeteria. 

Other news 

For our other notable stories, BAIC Philippines noted that seven out of 10 vehicles sold by the company for 2026 so far were B30e Dune sport utility vehicles. The company credits the shifting preference of Filipino car buyers and its robust lineup of new-energy models. 

Meanwhile, Kia Philippines has reached a 10,000-unit sales milestone for the Sonet crossover. From January to October 2025, a total of 5,040 units were sold in the Philippines, placing the model second in the segment with a 23-percent market share. 

In addition, internet personality Macoy Dubs adds a Toyota Yaris to his sports car stable. 

Lastly, Isuzu Philippines Corporation extended a helping hand to quake-affected families in Barangay Burias, Sarangani. The relief exercise benefited some 250 families severely affected by the massive earthquakes that struck the province. 

Global buzz 

Our list of notable news includes Hyundai and Kia unveiling their first-ever in-vehicle ultraviolet sanitization technology. Per the manufacturers, the device can eliminate odors and bacteria while the vehicle is occupied. 

The Honda Prelude HRC Concept will make runs at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, in Sussex, England. The said lap runs could prove just how well the HRC bodykits could improve the performance of the two-door coupe and could show the carmaker if the public has interest in such aftermarket upgrades. 

As for Mitsubishi, the brand teases the arrival of the Pajero nameplate anew with a digital multi-meter, which serves as a nod to the old-generation version’s triple gauge pod. These include the first- and second-generation Pajero models, as well as the Pajero Evolution, all of which won titles in the grueling yet prestigious Dakar Rally. 

Sales-wise, companies also shared achievements, with Toyota delivering nearly 2.3 million new-energy vehicles from January to May of 2026. Its biggest market to date is North America with 645,507 electrified cars sold.

Not to be outdone, fellow Japanese marque Suzuki sold over 1.5 million cars globally in the first five months of the year. Per the company, it reflected a year-on-year increase in global sales of around 109.9 percent. 

Finally, motorcycle firm Yamaha earned its sixth Red Dot Award in the Design Concept category thanks to the MOTOROiD: Λ (Lambda). This is the third iteration of the concept motorcycle wiith the previous two being the Yamaha MOTOROiD and MOTOROiD 2. 

Zigwheels PH monthly wrap

Zigwheels Philippines is also doing a monthly version of our news roundup, you can check it via the article: Zigwheels PH monthly wrap: June 2026. 

Or in video format via the clip here: 

Also read:

ZW weekly wrap: May 18-22

Zigwheels PH Monthly Wrap: April 2026

ZW weekly wrap: Apr. 20-24

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