Zigwheels weekly wrap-up: May 19-23

MANILA: From May 19-23, 2025, the fourth week of the month, the local, as well as international automotive industry, saw a lot of developments. The aforementioned ranges from significant vehicle launches, local dealership openings, and many more. 

It was a jam-packed week; as such, let’s take stock of what transpired in the past five days through the Zigwheels Philippines’ weekly roundup. 

Local launches

Next-generation Honda PCX160

Honda has launched the all-new PCX160 for the Philippine market. The next-gen model is being retailed for P134,400-P154,900 with two different variants. 

Notable improvements for the 2025 model include cast wheels, a passing light switch, a USB type-C charging port, smart key system, 30-liter underseat compartment, and a new rear suspension system equipped with a sub-tank. 

Learn more about the next-generation Honda PCX160 here. 

All-new Zeekr 009 

Autohub Group, the distributor of Zeekr vehicles in the Philippines, has rolled out the all-new 009 all-electric luxury multi-purpose vehicle. 

The model, which is underpinned by an 800-volt electric vehicle architecture, boasts a range of 702 kilometers. Its dual electric motor setup can also dish out up to 777 horsepower (hp), allowing the luxurious and tech-heavy ride to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.9 seconds. 

Read about the all-new Zeekr 009 here.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two, Defender Octa 

Inchcape Philippines, the local distributor of Land Rover vehicles, has launched the pinnacle of the Range Rover Sport and Defender 110. 

The two are called the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two and the Defender Octa, and both are propelled by a 4.4-liter mild-hybrid twin-turbo V8 capable of producing 626 hp and 750 Newton-meters (Nm) torque. 

Learn more about the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two here, and the Defender Octa here.

Ford Ranger XL+

Ford Philippines has introduced a new trim for the Ranger pickup truck. Dubbed the XL+, it is priced at P1.279 million - a mere P10,000 more compared to the entry-level XL trim. 

It largely carries over the same mechanical bits and features as the Ranger XL, but it comes with the following additional features:

• Bed liner
• Side steps
• Retractable cup holders

For more information about the Ford Ranger XL+, click here.

Global launches

All-new Toyota RAV4

Toyota has unveiled the all-new RAV4, which now boasts an improved hybrid powertrain that can dish out up to 320 hp (GR Sport). It was also kitted out with a sharper exterior design, better handling, and more onboard technologies. 

Initial stocks for the next-generation Toyota RAV4 will be sold in Japan, with the rest of the world to follow. 

Read about the all-new Toyota RAV4 here.

Updated Mitsubishi Xpander, Xpander Cross in Indonesia

Mitsubishi has updated the Xpander and Xpander Cross in Indonesia. The two models were provided with revamped exteriors, larger infotainment systems, and an improved safety kit. A good majority of their mechanical specs, however, were carried over from the older version. 

Click here for more details about the updated Mitsubishi Xpander and Xpander Cross in Indonesia. 

Upcoming cars

Zeekr 7X

The Autohub Group has previewed the upcoming Zeekr 7X for the local market. The company has yet to declare a launch date for the model, but its global specs indicate that it could be a worthy competitor to the Tesla Model Y. 

Click here to learn more about the upcoming Zeekr 7X. 

MG ZS Hybrid

Morris Garages (MG) Motor Philippines is launching the ZS Hybrid next month. Based on the invitation received by Zigwheels Philippines, the event is scheduled to take place on July 3. 

To note, the MG ZS Hybrid was previously displayed at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show, and it boasts a slick exterior design, plenty of interior amenities, and 193-horsepower 1.5-liter hybrid mill. 

Learn more about the upcoming MG ZS Hybrid here.

Dealership openings

Omoda, Jaecoo Tagum City

Omoda and Jaecoo have opened their latest dealership in Tagum City.

The new dealership, which is operated by Carlux Premium Holdings OPC, is the two brands’ first-ever outlet in Mindanao, and it is located at the Tressmart Building situated along Tionko Avenue corner Araullo Street, Poblacion, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte.

Click here to learn more about Omoda and Jaecoo’s new dealership in Tagum City. 

Li Auto BGC 

Li Auto Philippines has opened its first showroom in the country at the Sennett Corporate Center in Tagum City. It is also the brand’s first-ever dealership in Southeast Asia. 

In total, the new showroom can display up to four vehicles at the same time. Currently, the brand’s lineup of models includes the Li L7 and L9. 

Read this story to learn more about the Li Auto BGC showroom.

Other industry developments

Honda PH new president

Honda Philippines Incorporated now has a new president: Takeshi Kobayashi. He replaced Sayaka Arai (who served as the company’s leader since 2023) after assuming office last April.

Click here for the full story.

CAMPI-TMA April 2025 sales report

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Incorporated (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) have reported that their member brands have sold 33,480 vehicles in April 2025 alone. 

The aforementioned, as CAMPI and TMA noted, is 10 percent less than their brand’s sales performance last March. 

Click here to view the full report.  

Shell Helix Flagship Auto Workshop 

Shell Philippines has opened the first-ever Helix Flagship Auto Workshop in the Philippines. Per the company, it is also the first of its kind in the world. 

Unlike the usual gas station-based Shell service center, the new standalone shop located in Fairview, Quezon City is capable of providing more car-related services. It also boasts the full lineup of Shell’s lubricant products. 

View this page to learn more about the Shell Helix Flagship Auto Workshop. 

VinFast “Vivi” in-car tech

VinFast is set to introduce its “Vivi” in-car tech for the Philippine market. Per the brand’s local arm, it will be made available locally in the third quarter of the year. 

For the unaware, VinFast’s ViVi is a voice command feature that can handle a variety of tasks such as calling, navigation, in-car functions, reading news, and playing music - among others. 

Learn more about VinFast’s upcoming in-car tech here.

Toyota Yaris Cross HEV recall

Toyota Motor Philippines has issued a recall for the Yaris Cross hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The aforementioned has to do with the vehicle’s glass roof, which is reportedly at risk of detaching while driving. 

Per the company, the recall covers units produced from May 29, 2023, to November 18, 2024. The recall covers a total of 5,086 units. 

Read this story to learn more about the Toyota Yaris Cross HEV recall. 

JMC PH partnership with C&D Motors

Astara-led JMC Philippines has inked a partnership with C&D Motors - a subsidiary of the Producers Savings Bank Corporation. 

Through the partnership, the two companies will work towards increasing JMC’s presence in Nueva Ecija. 

Click here to read the full story.

Toyota Gazoo Racing PH exclusive discounts

Toyota Motor Philippines will be offering a lineup of exclusive car discounts at the second race weekend of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup.  Plus, event-goers also have a chance to win P100,000 in cash. 

For the unaware, the second leg of the TGR PH Cup is set to commence until May 25 at Villar City, Bacoor, Cavite. 

Click here for more details on the TGR PH exclusive offers. 

Also read:

Zigwheels weekly wrap-up: May 12-16

Zigwheels weekly wrap-up: May 5-9

Zigwheels PH weekly wrap-up: May 1-2

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