JAPAN-HEADQUARTERED premium car maker Lexus rallied in May and June to pace the luxury car segment in sales for the period. In an exclusive interview with “Velocity,” Lexus Manila President Raymond Rodriguez said that the lone dealership of the brand (on 8th Avenue and 34th Street in Bonifacio Global City) was able to sell 30 and 69 units in May and June, respectively.

ONLINE MARKETPLACE Carousell holds its first-ever used-car sale in the Philippines. “Car-o-Sale” aims to help jump-start businesses of its automotive sellers, many of which are longtime listers since the platform’s days as OLX. It envisions to provide potential car buyers with “a wide selection of quality used vehicles from its list of trusted sellers, paired with great deals.” With public transportation limited due to restrictions, Carousell reports a surge in online searches and inquiries due to a need to find alternative ways of commuting.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS Philippines Corp. (MMPC) recently marked another milestone — rolling out the 200,000th L300. The iconic utility van known for its dependability, durability and affordability has sold more than 190,000 units.

WITH the scheduled local launch on Aug. 1 of the new Land Rover Defender — 37 years after the last all-new iteration — the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) brand continues to send a clear message about the commitment to its so-called “Destination Zero” mission. Through “autonomous, connected, electrified and shared future mobility, we are committed to a strategy of electrification across our model ranges,” stated the firm on its corporate website.

LAST OCTOBER, I joined the Nissan press contingent in attending the 46th Tokyo Motor Show (2019 TMS) held at the Tokyo Big Sight in Japan. It was there that Nissan unveiled its Ariya electric crossover and IMk urban commuter concept cars, which are both icons of Nissan’s latest design direction called “Timeless Japanese Futurism.”

ISUZU PHILIPPINES CORP. (IPC) held its first virtual groundbreaking event last Monday, as the renowned truck brand resumed the gradual implementation of the new Isuzu Outlet Standardization (IOS) on its dealerships throughout the country. This new design philosophy is centered on a more holistic approach toward creating an even more appealing dealership atmosphere that will cater to a more delightful overall customer experience and toward conducting smoother business operations. The new design is also meant to better communicate Isuzu’s corporate identity and its mantra of delivering only the most reliable, durable, robust and fuel-efficient vehicles. And the 11^th to transition into this new Isuzu Outlet Standardization is the Isuzu Davao dealership along MacArthur Highway in Matina, which is owned and operated by SMDI (Southern Motors of Davao, Inc.).

MITSUBISHI MOTORS Philippines Corp. (MMPC) flexes its muscles with the Strada Athlete, the sportiest iteration of its popular pickup nameplate. In a release, MMPC said the “powerful and durable truck now carries a tougher and sportier aesthetic design with its black dynamic shield, black front bumper garnish, 18-inch black alloy wheels, black roof, styling bar and side decal accents that are matched with a luxurious two-tone interior finish.”

PGA CARS, INC., official county importer and distributor of premium European brands Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, and Bentley, has leveled up its sanitization protocols to better prioritize the health and safety of its clients, guests and work force.

THE COUNTRY’s leading utility van nameplate, with a 66% market share, has veritably donned work clothes as Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) unveils the Hiace Cargo, which is a seat-less option to accommodate payload instead of passengers. It is predicated on the Hiace Commuter.

Based on the latest Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) and Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) reports, the Geely Coolray moved the most units (154) last June among five-seater subcompact crossovers.

FOR EVERY P1,000 worth of fuel purchase using the company’s recently launched contactless payment option, motorists can get free antibacterial car treatment at participating Phoenix stations.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE and truck specialist Foton strengthens its presence in Western Visayas with the opening of Foton Iloilo. The state-of-the-art new dealership is operated by Ang’s Automotive, Inc., a company under the ALA Group of Companies, which boasts 40 years of car dealership experience with various automotive brands.