After seven years of partnership
by Dinzo Tabamo
Handled directly by Chinese executives
2024 was the year that Chinese brands really entered the market, either as new arrivals or by intensifying their efforts to gain market share. Naturally the existing Japanese and Korean brands also defended their turf with more active campaigns and sales efforts.
by Dinzo Tabamo
Of course it's a subcompact crossover
It's March and the heat is literally on. For those of us covering the automotive industry, this means motor show season is upon us. This month we'll be covering the Bangkok International Motor Show, and next month the Manila International
by Dinzo Tabamo
The turnover will be formalized in July 2023
The Philippine automotive industry continues to evolve in the post-pandemic era. New players come in, some brands fade quietly, and some marques are changing owners. Such is the buzz in the industry lately about MG Philippines, one of the leading China-
by Dinzo Tabamo
Brands like Jetour have made quite a big splash
My father, a man born during the Quezon administration, always espoused three things: Be upfront about who you are and what you have to offer, lost time is lost forever, and there's nothing quite like an American car.Never mind that
by Jason Tulio
The Chinese carmaker has big plans in store
Great Wall Motor is a brand with a short but storied history locally, having entered in the 2000s and undergoing several changes in distributorship before quietly fading away a few years ago. How many changes depends on who you ask and whether
by Niky Tamayo
Chinese designs have come a long way
Remember when Chinese car designs left a lot to be desired? These days, this is no longer the case-and the 2023 Changan CS55 Plus is proof.If you're a fan of the vehicle's look, you'll be glad to
by Drei Laurel
Another Chinese brand to consider
The Philippine market is set to take in yet another Chinese car manufacturer in the coming weeks. This time, it's Great Wall Motor (GWM), which has formally named the Luxuriant Automotive Group-the SQM Group's automobile division-as its official
by Drei Laurel
Think we’ll live to see these used as ride-hailing options?
While nowhere near being ready for public use, flying cars are no longer something out of science fiction. Plenty of companies are already busy trying to become the first to make the technology viable. Still, it's quite the sight to see
by Drei Laurel
Ready to serve down south
How many dealerships a car manufacturer has in a country isn't the only barometer for its brand's reach. You need to take into account where these facilities are located, too.Geely Philippines is now ready to cater to car buyers
by Drei Laurel
Is it really, though?
This cool-looking thing? Oh, it's just SAIC's latest concept car, the R RYZR. There's quite a backstory to this, but it's one that we feel might leave most readers scratching their heads rather than imagine a cyberpunk
by Drei Laurel
Pretty good considering the price
This? Oh, it's the GAC GN6. This is just the most affordable vehicle equipped with captain's chairs I've ever had the pleasure of driving here at Top Gear Philippines. No biggie, unless, of course, you're like me and
by Drei Laurel
What do you think of the name?
We've got to be honest here: We aren't exactly digging the name. The proposition, though? We're all for it.Zeekr is the Geely Auto Group's new electric car brand, and the Chinese auto giant wants its new baby
by Drei Laurel
More than 112,000 units sold
Remember the Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV? You know, the ultra-compact electric China car that, at just 28,800 Chinese yuan (slightly over P200,000), costs a fraction of what anything else on the market goes for? Well, it's selling.
by Drei Laurel
That’s one way to ring in the Year of the Ox
So, how did you celebrate Chinese New Year last week? Opened up a box of tikoy, or perhaps lit up a few firecrackers? That's nice. If, however, you're one of the world's largest Chinese carmakers, chances are a snack
by Drei Laurel
A promising new entry
Last year, Geely had one foot inside the Philippine market's door with the launch of the Coolray subcompact crossover. Now, the Chinese car manufacturer may have just solidified its local presence by bringing in the all-new Azkarra.As a compact
by Drei Laurel
Better safe than sorry
The coronavirus has claimed another victim in the global auto industry. This time, it isn't a car manufacturer's operations in the People's Republic, but China's largest car show.Yes, the Beijing Motor Show (also known as Auto China)
by Drei Laurel
Including a seven-seater SUV
If you mentioned the car brand MG in 2018, people might have looked at you funny and wondered what you're talking about, such was its scarcity. But by the end of 2019, the brand was a common sight on Metro Manila
by Dinzo Tabamo
Another Chinese entry
It looks like there's no stopping the surge of new Chinese-made entries in the Philippine car market. This time, entering the fray is the GAC GS3, a subcompact crossover featuring modern styling and a relatively cozy interior vibe.Outside, the
by Drei Laurel
Have you heard of these guys?
Human Horizons wants big things for its new car. The Chinese start-up says it wants to "change human mobility" with the HiPhi 1-the first of a "new breed" of machine that "realizes the true meaning of smart vehicles." Hmmm.The
by Tom Harrison
A change of scenery for the Chinese carmaker
The Philippines has seen an increasing number of Chinese vehicles plying local roads in the last decade, courtesy of the arrival of more Chinese manufacturers in the local market. One such carmaker is Geely Auto.Upon recently acquiring the local distributorship of
