Tesla has officially open its first store in the Philippines. Located in BGC, the company’s flagship store features a 1,900-square-meter showroom at the Uptown Parade mall.
Tesla Philippines will initially offer its Model 3 Sedan and their crossover with its iconic “falcon-wing doors” the Model Y. The price range from ₱2.1M for the base model of the Model 3, while the Model Y will be around ₱2.3M. The Cybertruck is listed among the “offered” EV in the country but no official price is available and there’s no option to ORDER. Tesla are competitively priced in the country, compare to the EVs that are already available in the Philippines.
Just like with other country, you will need to order your Tesla EV directly from them and you can order it either by going to the showroom or order online.
Suzuki has announced their first mass-production battery electric vehicle (BEV) model, the e VITARA, in Milan, Italy. Production for the eVITARA will start at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India this Spring 2025, and sales is expected to begin in Europe, India, Japan and in various countries, around summer 2025.
In their announcement, Suziki said that the e VITARA is based on the concept model “eVX,” that was first unveiled at the Auto Expo held in India in January 2023, and at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW in October of the same year.
“The e VITARA is our first BEV, developed through repeated trial and error to create an easy-to-use BEV for our customers. In order to realize a carbon-neutral society, we will provide a variety of options, including BEVs, hybrid vehicles, and CNG vehicles, tailored to specific regions. Introduction of the e VITARA represents a significant milestone in achieving carbon neutrality. Following the launch of the e VITARA, we will continue to expand our BEV line-up and propose mobility solutions tailored to the needs of specific countries and regions.”
You can checkout the main specifications (European) below;
Battery capacity
kWh
49
61
Drive system
2WD
2WD
4WD
DIMENSIONS
Overall length
mm
4,275
Overall width
mm
1,800
Overall height
mm
1,635
Wheelbase
mm
2,700
Tread
Front
mm
1,540
Rear
mm
1,545
Minimum turning radius
m
5.2
Minimum ground clearance
mm
180
Seating capacity
people
5
MOTOR
Maximum output
Total
kW
106
128
135
Front
kW
106
128
128
Rear
kW
–
–
48
Maximum torque
Nm
189
189
300
TRANSMISSION
Type
Single speed electric drive
CHASSIS
Brakes
Front
Ventilated disc
Rear
Ventilated disc
TIRES
Tires
225/55 R18
225/55 R18, 225/50 R19
WEIGHT
Curb weight
kg
1,702
1,760-1,799
1,860-1,899
Suzuki did not provide any pricing details but given its size, features, and target segment, we may be looking a price range of €40k to €45k in Europe.
Xiaomi launched the ultimate performance technology sedan — Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. As the high-performance flagship EV of Xiaomi, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is designed for high-performance driving by combining exceptional performance with cutting-edge technology to deliver an extraordinary driving experience. It is perfect for both daily driving and hitting the track.
Oversized front splitter and air dam, with “U-shaped” air curtains
Enlarged air intake grille
285kg maximum downforce
Interior
Sporty seats with Carbon fiber front-seat back panel
Carbon fiber sport steering wheel
Carbon fiber and Italian Alcantara®️ microfiber fabric interiror finish
40W external speaker
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is now available for pre-order, with official release scheduled for March 2025. The pre-order price is set at RHB 814,900, or around $114,302.95, to preorder, you will need to place a RHB10,000 intention deposit. Pre-orders receive priority delivery.
Hyundai announces KONA Mauna Loa, the rugged version of the Kona EV. Mauna Loa is the name of the world’s largest active volcano located in Hawaii. Feature-wise, the KONA Mauna Loa will have a feel and look of an off-road SUV. Hyundai said that the company will only manufacture 30 units of the KONA Mauna Loa and will only be sold in Japan.
KONA Mauna Loa will feature a scratch-resistant black paint for the entire front and rear bumper, and side stills. It will also have a front and rear mudguards, a black molding along the window door belt line and interior leather seats.
The KONA Mauna Loa will have a dimension (LxWxH) of 4,355 mm x 1,825 mm x 1,590 mm, identical to the Kona EV but just 5mm taller than because of the roof rack. It will use a 64.8 kwH battery with a range of 625 km on a single charge.
Click for a larger image.
The price of the KONA Mauna Loa will be ¥4,950,000, which in the current conversion rate will be around $32.5K.
At this year’s Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, BYD Philippines launches Seal, their latest luxury sport sedan.
In their announcement, BYD Philippines said that Seal is “One of the most powerful Performance Sedan EVs you can ever own.” It is a full electric all-wheel drive (AWD) sedan, that boast of 529 Ps and 670 Nm of torque, acceleration of 0-100km/h in 3.8 secs. Its 82.6 kWh battery enables BYD Seal to have a range of up to 580 km in a single full charge.
The BYD Seal has an advanced Cell-to-Body (CTB) chassis for extra rigidity, DiPilot Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Intelligent Cruise Control and a 360º-view Camera, among others. And access to this incredible tech is made easy with a 15.6” infotainment screen and the industry-leading HI BYD Voice Command System. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Available in 4 colors; Arctic Blue, Aurora White, Cosmos Black and Atlantis Grey. BYD Seal will have a dimension of 4800mm x 1875mm x 1460mm and a wheelbase of 2920 mm. The BYD Seal has a maximum luggage capacity of 450L with a kerb weight of 2185 KG. The BYD Seal will retail at ₱2.548M.
BYD is turning heads at the 2024 Paris Motor Show! We've more than doubled our European line-up since last time, bringing you even more choices and excitement!
Thrilling to unveil the BYD SEALION 7, the ideal SUV designed for European drivers. Additionally, French customers can… pic.twitter.com/D5UKN2PTkX
The Sealion 7 is the first model built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 Evo. It promises improved efficiency and performance, thanks in part to a “12-in-1” electric drive system. While BYD hasn’t released detailed specifications for the European version, the Chinese model offers two battery options: 72 kWh and 81 kWh, with the larger battery providing a CLTC range of 610 km. Fast charging goes up to 230 kW.
The interior features a minimalist aesthetic, with a large 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen dominating the center console. Premium materials like Nappa leather on the seats add a touch of luxury. The Sealion 7’s dimensions are 4,830 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall, making it comparable in size to the Tesla Model Y.
BYD Sealion 7 is already sold in China with a starting price of RMB 189,800 (approximately €24,040).
The country’s first autonomous bus powered by Japanese technology is now plying around New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone, and Clark International Airport, and commuters can ride the self-driving vehicle free of charge for now.
In a statement Tuesday, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Zenmov, Inc. and MC Metro Transport Operation, Inc. launched its smart autonomous bus service in New Clark City on Sept. 10.
Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) posted this announcement on their official Facebook Page;
SNEAK PEEK: Former #BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana tests the Philippines’ first publicly accessible, self-driving bus in New Clark City, Tarlac.
Being implemented by Japan-based Zenmov and its local partner MC Metro Transport, the autonomous bus service utilizes a transportation cloud system called Smart Mobility Operation Cloud (SMOC), which helps maximize operational availability while keeping the number of vehicles at a minimum.
Japan’s national research and development agency, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), had appointed Zenmov to implement the smart mobility demonstration program to be conducted until June 2025.
Toyota Motor Philippines quietly release the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024 in the country. No no launch event, no press release and no social media post, Toyota Ph just remove the old Toyota Land Cruiser Prado from its website then replace it with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024 in the Philippines features a different looking vertical grilles, which is different from the one being offered in Saudi and in the United States. Also, Toyota Philippines will only offer one variants of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024, which is the LAND CRUISER PRADO 2.4 TURBO A/T. This model features a 4-Cylinder, In-Line, 16-Valve DOHC, Chain Drive, Turbo Engine (Gasoline), with 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with 2b-inches lack alloy wheels (265/60 R20 Alloy) and it supports both Apple Carplay & Android Auto. Of course, the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024 offers all the bells and whistles of a modern SUV, you can checkout the specs here for more information on the specs.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024 starts at Php 4.8M and if you prefer the White Pearl Mica color, you will need to add another Php 15K.
After teasing motorist for the past months, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Toyota Saudi Arabia’s parent company, officially announce that the Toyota Prado 2024 now available in the Kingdom.
The Toyota Prado 2024 will have a starting price of SAR 193,775.00 (around Php 3,037,494.51) for its TX-1 model and could cost up to SAR 284,625.00 (Php 4,461,601.73) for its top of the line ADV FIRST EDITION. Toyota Prado 2024 with a diesel engine is also available.
First announced last August 2023 and here’s how Toyota describe the new Toyota Prado 2024;
Built on the TNGA-F global truck platform, the new Land Cruiser is designed, engineered, and tested to survive in the harshest of environments. For this new generation, Land Cruiser is exclusively available with the range-topping i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s slightly smaller and narrower than the outgoing 200 Series model, making it nimbler on the trails, and Land Cruiser features off-road tech that has debuted on the newest generation of Toyota trucks. Limited to 5,000 units for the first two months of production, Land Cruiser will be offered in a First Edition grade that includes two new two-tone paint colors and additional off-road equipment.
ميّز حضورك في البر والمدينة مع سيارة تقلب الموازين
BMW has officially launches the BMW i5, an all-electric luxury sedan.
In a report by Top Gear Philippines, the BMW i5 eDrive40 will have a price-tag of P5.79 million, that comes with a five-year comprehensive BMW warranty, an additional six-year BMW Service inclusive package, an eigh-year high-voltage battery warranty, and a BMW Wallbox charger to be installed in the customer’s home by a BMW i partner.
To know more about the new BMW i5 Series and BMW 5 Series, you can checkout the 17-min video below;
It’s official! The Jimny 5-door will be available in the Philippines, as Suzuki Philippines officially launch the New Jimny 5-door on January 25, 2024 at The Cove, Okada Manila.
The new Jimny 5-door is basically the 5-door version of the company 3-door Jinmy that we all know and love. The Jimny 5-door will have two variant; GL and the GLX, both have the same specs except that the GL will be sporting a 5-Speed Manual transmission, while the GLX will have 4-Speed Automatic transmission.
This is how Suzuki Philippines describe the new Jimny 5-door;
EXTERIOR
The New Jimny 5-door seamlessly incorporates all the practical and functional design elements of the Jimny. Its sturdy square body not only conveys off-road capability and durability but also contributes to the driver’s situational awareness. The upright A-pillars and flat clamshell bonnet improve visibility through the front windshield, while the dipped lines of the driver and passenger windows extend visibility from the side. The 5-door model boasts chrome accents on the front grille, a distinctive feature that accentuates the grille’s unique 5-slot design. Additionally, features such as the signature round headlamps and 15-inch dark-metallic alloy wheels further enhance the overall robust exterior styling.
INTERIOR
The theme of practicality and functionality extends seamlessly to the interior. Meticulously designed to balance aesthetics and functionality, the sleek black interior avoids unnecessary colors or decorations to minimize distractions, allowing the driver to focus on navigating the vehicle. Horizontal lines on the instrument panel and vertical lines in the meter cluster and center console panels assist the driver in gauging the vehicle’s angle, especially in challenging terrains such as rough or mountainous terrains.
The rear seat has undergone enhancements, featuring thicker seat cushions to provide better seating posture and comfortably accommodate two adults. Positioned directly above the rear passengers, the rear seat lamp ensures improved lighting, while the rear seat power window switches are conveniently located in both the rear doors and the front console box for easy control from both rows.
The extended wheelbase of the 5-door model has resulted in an expanded luggage area. Although the luggage box from the 3-door model has been removed, the lowered floor height and increased depth of the luggage area now offer a spacious 211L of luggage capacity (with the rear seatback raised). Enhancements include a luggage area lamp illuminating the entranceway for user-friendly access, and the removal of the toolbox for simplified loading and unloading of luggage. Similar to the 3-door model, the luggage area in the 5-door model comes equipped with an accessory socket.
SAFETY
Safety is paramount in the New Jimny 5-door GLX variant, featuring SRS front airbags for both the driver and seat passengers, as well as side airbag and curtain airbags for occupants in both the front and rear seats. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a reverse parking camera and sensors to enhance overall safety awareness.
PERFORMANCE
The Jimny 5-door features a powerful 1.5L engine, tuned for off-roading adventures. With a 340 mm longer wheelbase than the 3-door model, it maintains crucial off-roading features— ALLGRIP PRO, a sturdy ladder frame, exceptional approach, breakover, and departure angles, 3-link rigid axle suspension with coil spring and part-time 4WD with low-range transfer gear. Built for authentic off-road ruggedness and agile maneuverability, it serves as the ideal companion for global adventurers and wilderness professionals.
The New Jimny 5-door offers monotone color options for the GL and GLX variants, including Jungle Green, Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic, Arctic White Pearl, and Granite Gray Metallic. The GLX Two-Tone variant, on the other hand, is available in Sizzling Red Metallic – Bluish Black Pearl and Chiffon Ivory Metallic – Bluish Black Pearl.
Price
The New Jimny 5-door is available in all Suzuki Auto Dealerships nationwide with the following SRP:
Ahead of the CES 2024, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi announced the Xiaomi SU7 and Xiaomi SU7 Max, the company’s entrant to the EV market. The EV sedan looks like the Porsche’s Taycan and will be available in two model, the rear wheel drive SU7 and SU7 Max, which features a dual motor AWD.
Samsung and Hyundai just announced that signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 3 to develop solutions for future lifestyles that fully integrate the smart home and connected cars.
The two S.Korean-based company are developing “the next-generation smart home” to connect Samsung’s SmartThings with Hyundai and Kia’s connected cars, including EVs, to develop the “Home-to-Car” and “Car-to-Home” services as well as an integrated home energy management service.
This means that the “Home-to-Car” and “Car-to-Home” services connect the smart home with in-vehicle infotainment systems, allowing for remote control in both directions. Using Samsung’s SmartThings platform, users will be able to perform a variety of actions pertaining to their cars while at home, like remote starting them, controlling air conditioning, opening and closing windows and checking their battery charging status. And from EV cars, users can control of home appliances such as TVs, air conditioners and EV chargers will also be possible.
“This is an opportunity to make the connected car’s Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services more convenient in various fields,” said Haeyoung Kwon, Vice President of Hyundai and Kia’s Infotainment Development Center. “We plan to accelerate our technology development to continuously make global Hyundai and Kia customers’ journeys meaningful.”
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has introduced the new Hilux GR-Sport (GR-S), a more performance-oriented version of the country’s best-selling pickup. The Hilux GR-S is inspired by the Dakar-winning Hilux, and it features a number of upgrades that make it more capable on and off the road.
The Hilux GR-S has a wider track and a raised ride height, which gives it a more imposing stance and improved stability. The truck also comes with new 17-inch alloy GR design wheels with All-Terrain Tires, and the GR Aero sports bar.
Under the hood, the Hilux GR-S is powered by a 2.8L diesel engine that produces 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque. Additionally, the New Hilux GR-S includes GR front and rear disc brakes with GR brake calipers, and monotube shock absorbers, enhancing overall driving experience on or off the roads. These upgrades improve the truck’s handling and braking performance.
Inside, the Hilux GR-S features a sporty black interior with GR-S suede and leather seats, a leather steering wheel with a GR-S emblem, and leather door trims with technical mesh and red seatbelts for that sporty feel. 9-inch Display Audio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Wireless Charger add spirit to every adventure in the New Hilux GR-S, while functions such as Smart Entry and Push Start System offer convenience in each ride.
The Hilux GR-S will have Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) for additional safety features. It is also equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) and other safety features such as a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC).
The Toyota Hilux GR-S is now available at all Toyota dealerships nationwide. It is priced at P2,166,000 for the Attitude Black Mica colorway and P2,186,000 for the Emotional Red and Super White II / Attitude Black Mica (2-tone) colorways.
The new Toyota Hilux GR-Sport is a great choice for pickup truck buyers who are looking for a more performance-oriented vehicle. The truck is also a good choice for buyers who want a pickup truck with a more aggressive and sporty appearance.
The Hilux GR-S is also a good choice for buyers who want a pickup truck that is capable of handling both on-road and off-road driving conditions. The truck’s wider track, raised ride height, and all-terrain tires make it well-suited for driving on rough roads and trails.
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has officially announced the latest major update of its best-selling hatchback, the All-New Toyota Wigo.TMP launched the new Wigo at the Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City.
“This is a very exciting launch for us at Toyota Motor Philippines because we know that the Wigo is one of the favorite Toyota models of Filipinos. The Wigo has given many new car buyers their memorable first car experience. In fact, we have given thrill and joy to more than 149,000 Wigo owners since the model was introduced in the country in 2014,” said TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto.
The updates on the all-new Wigo are mostly on the exterior side, most notably the sporty design to have that aggressive feel and look. It will feature a bigger and wider body at 3.76M X 1.655M x 1.515M. The new Wigo will be available in three variants; G, E and J variants that comes in new CVT. A manual transmission option is will also be available.
Photos;
The SRP for the new Wigo are;
WIGO G
PHP 729,000.00
WIGO E
PHP 684,000.00
WIGO J
PHP 609,000.00
The all-new Wigo will be available 6 colors; Red Mica Metallic 2, Orange Metallic 3, Yellow SE, Silver Metallic 4, Gray Metallic and White 2 colors. The All-New Wigo’s retail sales starts on July 17, 2023 nationwide.
Nissan and New Balance just create a one of a kind car that both car-lovers and sneaker heads will surely like. It’s not uncommon for car manufacturer to partner with fashion and lifestyle brands to create a “new” product; like the Puma Ferrari shoes or the Porche Design Huawei Mate 40 RS, but with Nissan and New Balance collab it’s the other way around, instead of the car-inspired shoe design, they created a “shoe-inspired” car design. Both Nissan and New Balance literally created a Nisan Kicks, one that they’re calling Nissan Kicks 327 Edition.
Nissan Kicks 327 Edition is “Nissan Kicks e-POWER 4WD” wrapped with New Balance “327” specifications. The car was wrapped material to represent the suede fabric texture of the “327” shoes and the tongue part was carefully created from the reproduction of the shape to the texture of the shoe.
Nissan did not mention if they will mass product the Nissan Kicks 327 Edition but it was exhibited at NISSAN CROSSING (Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) starting last Tuesday, January 24th until this Wednesday, February 1st.
For reference, this is what the New Balance 327 looks like.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the launching of Ceer – “the first Saudi electric vehicle brand that will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s automotive manufacturing sector.” The announcement is part of PIR and Saudi’s plan to diversify the country’s economy, as it moves away from oil dependency.
Ceer will also contribute to Kingdom’s “efforts towards carbon emissions reduction and driving sustainability to address the impact of climate change.” In the official announcement published by Saudi Press Agency (SPA), his Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) said;
Saudi Arabia is not just building a new automotive brand, we are igniting a new industry and an ecosystem that attracts international and local investments, creates job opportunities for local talent, enables the private sector, and contributes to increasing Saudi Arabia’s GDP over the next decade, as part of PIF’s strategy to drive the economic growth in line with Vision 2030.
Ceer is the first Saudi automotive brand that will will design, manufacture and sell a range of electric vehicles for consumers in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. It is projected that Ceer will attract more than US$150 million of foreign direct investment, and create up to 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. Ceer is projected to directly contribute US$8 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2034.
Ceer motors, the company behind Ceer, is a joint venture between PIF and Foxconn, will be using technology from BMW for its vehicle development process. Foxconn will also develop the electrical architecture of the vehicle, to power its infotainment, connectivity and autonomous driving technologies. Each vehicle will be designed and manufactured in Saudi Arabia, and will be tested to the highest global automotive quality control and safety standards. Ceer vehicles are expected to be on the road by 2025.
On September 21, 2020, Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin announced they would be fielding a NASCAR team with Bubba Wallace driving, beginning competition in the 2021 season.[162] On October 22, the team’s name was confirmed to be 23XI Racing (pronounced twenty-three eleven) and that the team’s entry will bear the number 23.
Toyota is pleased to announce their support of the new NASCAR Cup Series team 23XI Racing, which is co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and current NASCAR Cup Series championship contender Denny Hamlin. 23XI Racing will make its debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 with Bubba Wallace behind the wheel of the No. 23 Toyota Camry.
The partnership with Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) includes support from Toyota Racing Development, U.S.A. (TRD), who will build the team’s engines and provide technology, data and technical assistance.
Nissan just revealed the design for its Z Proto, the successor to the fifth-generation Fairlady Z. The Z Proto is powered by a V-6, twin-turbocharged engine with 6-speed manual transmission.
Nissan also gave the Z Proto a modern twist with its a teardrop-shaped LED headlights, rectangular LED taillights and 19-inch alloy wheels, and dual exhausts.
Since this just a prototype, Nissan may still tweak the design and see a slightly different vehicle once its available.
Here are some photos and videos.
What do you think about the design of the Z Proto?
