The weather is back to maelstrom-grade wind and rain this weekend, in light of two severe tropical storms that swung by the Philippines. The downpour (of hate) has also been relentless among Chinese carmakers, in light of Geely Philippines’ aftersales fiasco. Will there be sunshine after the rain for the car brands from the People’s Republic? This and many more are on this edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup. Here are your favorite stories from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, 2023. BYD Phili

Last night, July 19, 2023, SAIC Motor Philippines (SMP) formally introduced itself to its dealer principals, bankers, and stakeholders as the new distributor of MG vehicles in the country. After months of speculation, SMP, the fully-owned subsidiary of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, reportedly China’s largest car manufacturer, finally broke cover. The event officially confirmed its takeover of the MG brand and business starting today, July 20, 2023. As we reported in May, SMP replaces The Coven

The best-selling car in 2022 was the Toyota RAV4, with a total of 1,016,000 units sold worldwide. But if current trends continue, another crossover may take the top spot by the end of the year. On top of that, this new challenger is made in America, Germany, and China and uses absolutely no fossil fuels. The Tesla Model Y electric vehicle (EV) was the best-selling car from January to March 2023, according to a May 2023 Motor1 report that used data from global automotive market research firm JATO

The Suzuki Jimny is known to be a capable off-roader despite its small size. It has won many fans worldwide for its “cute” design and versatility as both an off-road machine and a daily vehicle. However, in Japan, someone has done something a little different with the small SUV by making it a capable time attack machine. A Road and Track magazine report and a video from the Youtube “Attack Official Movie Channel” shows us what this time-attack version of the Suzuki Jimny can do on a race track.

If you’re one of the people who miss the little Toyota MR-S, a revival may be in the works. A report from Japanese publication BestCarWeb said Toyota is teaming up with Daihatsu and Suzuki to develop a mid-engined sports car that may be launched in 2025. All three brands will likely have their own versions. The MR-S successor will likely use the same Toyota New Global Architecture platform on the Toyota GR Yaris, with the front end reportedly using the GR Yaris’ suspension. Meanwhile, Daihatsu a

Toyota Motor Philippines is expanding its portfolio of businesses in the country. In a launch ceremony last August 12th, TMP formally presented a new subsidiary which will provide mobility solutions to small businesses and individuals. Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines will offer a host of technology-driven "new mobility solutions" that will leverage the company's core product - cars. TMSPH will offer services such as fleet-connected service, on-demand shuttle booking app, car sharing or ren