Zigwheels weekly wrap-up: Mar. 31- Apr. 4

MANILA: This week, the local automotive and motorcycle industries were abuzz. 

Many car manufacturers were eager to put out their newest offerings in time for the 20th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), while motorcycle companies were likewise in a race to launch their latest products for the 2025 Makina Moto Expo eventgoers. 

In case you missed it, here are some of the biggest news in the local auto and moto scene. 

MIAS buildup 

It’s not surprising that many car brands plan to launch new models at this year’s MIAS as the event draws thousands of attendees annually. 

On that note, here are some of the companies and the respective models they plan to showcase next week. 

BYD eMAX 7 

BYD Cars Philippines appears to have no plans of stopping its salvo of launches as the Ayala-led company will release the eMAX electric multi-purpose vehicle at MIAS 2025 after it rolled out the Shark 6 DMO sometime last month. 

Here is the full dispatch.

GWM Cannon, Haval H9 

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Philippines, on the other hand, will present two new cars at the highly anticipated annual car show. 

Earlier this week, the company previewed the latest iteration of the GWM Cannon and the Haval 9. The former will be launched at MIAS, while the latter is expected to hit the market in the middle of 2025. 

More of it, here.

Chery Tiggo Cross 

Chery Auto Philippines will spice up next week’s festivities by introducing the all-new Tiggo Cross. 

Per the brand (which is under the United Asia Automotive Group Incorporated distributorship), the soon-to-be launched crossover will be priced under P1 million. 

Check the article, here.

Other car launches 

New Isuzu mu-X 

Isuzu Philippines Corporation today launched the new mu-X. 

Its new features include the following: 

• New 360-degree around view monitor
• New digital video recorder 
• New wireless Apple Carplay, Android Auto 

The model retains the same 3.0-liter mill and 1.9-liter diesel engine options. The new Isuzu mu-X is priced from P1.715 million to P2.62 million. 

View the full story, here.

JMEV EV2, EV3

JMC Philippines will launch two electric vehicles from its JMEV (Jiangxi Jiangling Group New Energy Vehicle Company Limited) line. 

These cars, which are called EV2 and EV3, are poised to offer Filipino car buyers “advanced electric mobility.” Per the Astara-led brand, these will soon be available in all JMC dealerships nationwide. 

Read more about it, here.

Motorcycle launches 

Several motorcycle brands launched new models at the 2025 Makina Moto Expo. Below are some of the two-wheelers that were unveiled today. 

Suzuki DR-Z4S, DR-Z4SM

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated presented the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM dirt bikes today. 

While these are not yet for sale, retail of the new models are said to commence in the latter part of the year. 

Check out the news story, here.

Bristol Zontes line 

After the private preview of Bristol Motorcycles’ new Zontes line, the brand revealed its five new motorbikes to the public today. 

The lineup consists of the following: 

 

Bristol Zontes 400E	P368,800
Bristol Zontes 400D	P348,800
Bristol Zontes 400G	P398,800
Bristol Zontes 400M	P328,800
Bristol Zontes 703F	P518,800

 

Full dispatch, here.

Other news 

Aside from product launches, the local auto players were also busy opening new dealerships and offering enticing promos. 

Dealership openings 

Suzuki Auto Philippines Incorporated has opened the doors of its Tuguegarao dealership. The new automotive depot is ready to cater to the needs of the brand’s customers in Cagayan Valley. 

Here is the news article

Meanwhile, GWM Philippines revealed that it will open three new dealerships within the year. 

Full story, here.

Promos 

Subaru Philippines has rolled out a new promo allowing Crosstrek customers to enjoy free bodykits when they purchase a brand-new vehicle. A discount is offered to existing owners who wan to get the upgrade. 

You can read the story, here.

Morris Garages (MG) Philippines is also promoting its electric vehicle lineup  by partnering with Maybank.

More  of it, here.

Also read:

Suzuki to field sustainable GSX-R1000R bike for Suzuka 8 Hours

Renault Group gains full ownership of Nissan Magnite-producing RNAIPL

Kai Sotto gets a Toyota Super Grandia Elite