ZW Weekly wrap: May 25-29

MANILA: The local auto industry was abuzz last week thanks to several local launches, dealership openings, and promo rollouts for Filipino carmakers. 

Further, members of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Incorporated (CAMPI) have released their respective teasers, giving customers and event-goers a glimpse of what to expect for the 10th edition of the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). 

Other stories: Mitsubishi Motors PH to unveil all-new Outlander at PIMS 2026? Subaru PH to bring Crosstrek e-Boxer Hybrid Geely Motor PH rolls out ‘Your Next Phone Could Be Your Next Ride’ raffle

On that note, here is the abridged version of the biggest auto news that happened in the past seven days. 

Local vehicle launches 

Dongfeng Vigo EV 

Dongfeng Motors Philippines released the Vigo EV (electric vehicle) sometime last week. 

The crossover is propelled by a permanent magnet synchronous motor situated at the front wheel axle powered by a lithium iron phosphate 51.87-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. 

Designed to be a capable city car and more, the nameplate is able to generate some 160 horsepower (hp) and 230 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

Range-wise, the Dongfeng Vigo EV can run up to 471 kilometers (km) in a single charge. 

It is priced at P1.458 million. 

BYD Sealion 7 

Leaning into performance models, BYD Cars Philippines has launched the Sealion 7 not too long ago. 

Dubbed as the brand’s flagship EV, the electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) uses two electric motors — on both front and rear axles — juiced by a BYD Blade battery rated at 82.56 kWh. 

Power is at 522 horses and 690 Nm, while range clocks in at 542 km. 

The BYD Sealion 7 stickers for P2.588 million. 

Yamaha Mio Gear S 

Not much of a brand-new launch and more of a model refresh, Yamaha Motor Philippines Incorporated has unleashed the Mio Gear S. 

Power comes from a 125 cubic-centimeter Blue Core hybrid engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. 

The motorcycle now sports a more modern fascia, and retains its practical features that make it an ideal choice for an everyday city scoot. 

It will set motorcycle buyers back some P81,900. 

Promos 

For the month of May, two brands launched promos not only to drive sales but also to help hopeful buyers land the ride of their dreams. 

Geely Motor Philippines partnered with Nubia Philippines to give tech-savvy Filipinos a chance to win a brand-new GX3 Pro S for every purchase of the Nubia Neo S Series gaming smartphone. 

As for Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), the local subsidiary of the Japanese car brand is offering hot deals on select models for the month of May. 

The brand is pushing for its Pay Low, Pay Light, and Straight Cash options as a suitable, flexible way for buyers to tailor their amortizations based on their capabilities. 

Dealer openings 

Expanding their reach, two brands opened the doors of their new showrooms to welcome buyers who are eyeing models from their lineup. 

First is VinFast Philippines, which has been aggressive in its pursuit to dominate the local electric car segment. The local wing of the Vietnamese manufacturer has established a new facility in Cebu South. 

VinFast Cebu South Il Corso is run by TJ Motors Corporation. 

On the other hand, United Asia Automotive Group Incorporated-led Jetour Auto Philippines boosted its presence in Pangasinan by opening a new dealership in Calasiao. 

Operated in partnership with the Laus Group, it aims to strengthen the brand’s reach in the region. 

PIMS: what to expect? 

Last week, too, we talked about what customers and enthusiasts can expect from PIMS 2026. 

The show promises to be a big one with plenty of car launches and presentations from both the so-called legacy brands and new players. 

Kicking things off is TMP, who promised to unveil three models at the bi-annual motor show.  The company’s teaser hints at the local arrival of the and Cruiser FJ, All-new Hilux, and LandCruiser 300 Hybrid. 

Following the leading car brand in the Philippines is Morris Garages (MG) Philippines, which also teased three models. Although it has not yet been confirmed, silhouettes of the vehicles shown in photos appear to be the RX9 PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), next-gen 4 EV, and the HS PHEV. 

As for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, the Japanese company appears to be poised to roll out the all-new Outlander at PIMS 2026. Likewise, the brand has a high possibility of releasing the Xforce HEV at the show, too.  

Not to be outdone, Subaru Philippines is gearing up to release its second hybrid vehicle — in the form of the Crosstrek e-Boxer Hybrid. Its participation in PIMS 2026 marks the brands maiden year as a member of CAMPI. 

Lastly, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated will finally enter the electric vehicle market by rolling out the e-Vitara. Its Toyota-badged counterpart —  the Urban Cruiser — was released before it. 

Other news 

In other news, the Cavitex C5 Link Segment 3B was praised for helping local logistics services and businesses reduce operational costs and losses by providing a predictable, efficient route. 

Meanwhile, fuel prices in the Philippines climbed by more than P1 for diesel, gasoline, and kerosene. 

Further, VinFast’s V-Green is set to advance its large-scale EV charging infrastructure by partnering with the Provincial Government of Bataan and Cleanfuel. 

Lastly, Inchcape Philippines was honored by Changan Auto Group in its recent Global Partner Conference. 

Also read: 

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Feb. 16-20

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Feb. 9-13

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Mar. 9-13

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