EVER SINCE the launch of the new-generation Toyota Tamaraw, I had been dying to get behind its wheel. I’ve always felt that the Tamaraw is something inherently Filipino, a vehicle born out of necessity that eventually became part of countless families and memories — not to mention a reliable business partner as well.

HYUNDAI MOTOR PHILIPPINES, INC. (HMPH) recently marked two milestones: The celebration of the group’s third anniversary in the Philippines and the launch of the second-generation Kona subcompact crossover SUV.

BYD CARS Philippines officially introduced its latest electrified offering to the market: the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i subcompact sport utility vehicle (SUV). Targeting to fill the mobility requirements of first-time buyers, the crossover is ideal for both daily urban drives and out-of-town journeys, according to the brand.

IF YOU’RE ONE who takes off-road performance as seriously as you value luxury, then the Defender Octa may just be for you. Let’s start with the asking price — from P24.59 million for the standard-issue Octa to a hefty P26.59 million for the Octa Edition One, said to be available through the first year of production. The name alone, derived from the “octahedron” shape of a diamond, suggests the rarity and premium nature of the vehicle.

THIS YEAR, the Mobil Delvac brand celebrates its 100th anniversary in diesel engine lubrication. The brand is globally recognized for continually pushing the limits...

For the first time ever, the Porsche 911 is, gasp, electrified WHEN YOU HAVE such an iconic car in your stable, to engineer its evolution...

Auto execs reveal their ‘best drives ever’ THE AUTOMOBILE is surely one of man’s greatest marvels. I believe that it is in our nature to...

THE TOYOTA Insure program of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) recently formalized partnerships with leading insurance providers Pioneer Insurance & Surety Corp. and MAAGAP Insurance,...

FOLLOWING A PROPER debut in the Philippines in 2022, Hyundai’s compact crossover Creta now gets a makeover with a “bolder” look that reflects the company’s design language, “Sensuous Sportiness.”

MITSUBISHI MOTORS Philippines Corp. (MMPC) recently rolled out the refreshed version of the popular subcompact sedan, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. In a release, MMPC said that the “proven reliability” of the Mirage G4 has been demonstrated by its hefty contribution to the company’s annual sales volume. The model accounted for 26,313 units sold out of a total sales output of 89,124 units for MMPC. The first-quarter sales in 2025 marked a 13.4% increase from the same period last year with 6,785 vehicles sold.

SAY WHAT you will about the electrification of mobility in the Philippines and its attendant speed bumps and all. It’s still happening. That’s not soot you’re smelling; it’s an air of inevitability. In whatever form — from traditional hybrids to plug-ins to battery electrics — the internal combustion engine is losing its once-exclusive place in your engine bay in favor of a hybrid one or, sometimes, even a frunk (front trunk). Even a cursory look around an average mall parking lot will show a growing number of electrified options.

LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR Autohub Group recently relaunched the Zhejiang, China-headquartered new energy vehicle marque Zeekr with the introduction of the Zeekr 009, a fully electric, luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MVP) — said to be the first of its kind in the Philippines.