Zigwheels weekly wrap-up: March 17-21

MANILA: This week in motoring, many carmakers revealed their plans for the year. Zigwheels Philippines also reported upcoming models, which will make their way into the country anytime soon. 

We also got to see updates on the local motorsport scene and a peek at what to expect from this year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). 

So, without further ado, here’s our weekly wrap-up story. 

2025 goals 

Much like their customers, automotive brands also set goals, which they project to achieve for the year. Whether they’re aiming at a sales figure or working on a planned expansion, here are some targets set by local automotive players. 

Fuso looks to hit 1.5K sales mark 

Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation (SFP) revealed not too long ago that the truck brand wants to sell some 1,500 units this year. In 2024, the brand sold some 1,351 commercial vehicles. 

Further, SPF wants to capture 15 percent of the truck market shared by members of the Truck Manufacturer’s Association. 

You can check the full story, here. 

Hongqi hints at aggressive expansion 

This year, luxury Chinese car brand Hongqi hinted at aggressive expansion initiatives. 

Although no detailed plan was laid out, Zigwheels Philippines Managing Editor noted that it could point to “more dealerships” and the expansion of its local roster. 

Find out more about his article, here. 

MG Motor PH wants to double 2024 output 

Morris Garages (MG) Philippines wants to double its 2024 sales output by selling some 18,000 units this year. 

To do so, the SAIC-owned brand will rely on the strength of its existing dealership network and its upcoming local offerings, which allow the company to compete in the midsize sport utility vehicle and pickup truck segments. 

Here is the link to the full story. 

Omoda, Jaecoo to open 30 dealerships 

Omoda and Jaecoo revealed that the twin companies will open 30 dealerships in 2025. 

During their official launch last month, the Chery Auto-owned marques revealed that they currently have dealerships in Manila, Pasig, Alabang, Santa Rosa, Cebu City, and Tagum City, and are planning to establish their presence in the below areas: 

• Quezon
• Makati
• Bonifacio Global City
• Las Pinas 
• Manila Bay
• Marikina 
• Carmona 
• Dasmarinas 
• Ilocos
• Calamba 
• Pampanga
• Bulacan 
• Clark
• Tarlac 
• Zambales
• Pangasinan 
• Isabela
• Cagayan de Oro
• Bicol
• Cagayan 
• General Santos 
• Tacloban 
• Zamboanga 
• Palawan 

You may learn more about it, here. 

Dongfeng Motors launches roadshow initiative 

To tap more customers, Dongfeng Motors has launched a roadshow program at strategic locations in Luzon. 

Display and test drives await those who will check out the brand at the following places: 

SM North Edsa	March 20-26
SM Mall of Asia	March 27-April 2

Read the full story, here. 

Chevrolet PH boosts dealer network 

Chevrolet is working on improving its reach by boosting its dealer network in the country. 

Distributor Hariphil Asia Resources Incorporated opened a new location in Las Pinas while it upgraded its existing facility in Makati. 

You can read the article, here. 

And while we’re on the topic of opening new dealerships…

Jetour Auto PH opens Taytay dealership 

Hot on the heels of its Quezon Avenue dealer inauguration, Jetour Auto Philippines opened the doors of its outlet in  Taytay, Rizal. 

Through it, the Chery Auto-owned manufacturer aims to reach more customers who are interested in purchasing their vehicles. 

Link to the article, here. 

Upcoming models 

Many brands are gearing up for the tough competition as a handful of automotive brands have penetrated the market in the past few years. 

By checking the homologation papers released by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Zigwheels Philippines is able to snoop out some nameplates approved by the agency. 

Here are the said models: 

• Denza D9 DM-i (link to story, here)
• Updated Nissan Kicks e-Power (more, here)
• Updated Geely GX3 Pro (full article, here)

The below models are also expected to enter the Philippine market soon: 

• Royal Enfield Classic 350 (story link, here) 
• Nissan Magnite (link to article, here) 

Philippine motorsports 

The local motorsports also appeared to be busy this week with both track and rally races creating buzz. 

2025 Toyota GR PH Cup to begin this weekend

The 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup is set to commence this weekend. 

Per the leading car brand in the country, its one-make race will be more exciting thanks to the addition of a “Legacy Class,” which will include former Toyota Vios Cup winners. 

Here is the link to the article. 

PHRX, PNRC to expand 2025 calendar 

Organizers of the Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) and Philippine National Rally Championship (PNRC) noted that the series’ calendar will be expanded in 2025. 

They said that the move aims to grow the race series’ fanbase as well as give new and season drivers more competition grounds. 

You can find out more about it, here. 

Philippine motor shows 

With just a few weeks to go, the buzz surrounding the upcoming MIAS continues to grow. Here’s what you can expect with one of the country’s premiere motoring events. 

27 participating brands 

A total of 27 brands will participate in MIAS 2025. These will be made up of both passenger car marques and manufacturers of commercial vehicles, promising an exciting time for eventgoers. 

Here is where you can read the full story. 

Also read:

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