This year’s auto industry rigodon has new participants. Astara Philippines, the multinational mobility distributor that handles the local operations of Peugeot and GAC Motor, announced in an August 2023 press statement that it has appointed two well-renowned executives in key leadership positions. Timmy Naval-de Leon, who was formerly head of corporate communications of the Ayala Corporation’s automotive arm AC Motors for nine years, is now Astara Phiippines’ new marketing director. Naval-de Leo

Hybrid vehicles are becoming popular in the Philippine market, with more and more automakers bringing their examples to the car-buying public. We have recent entries into the segment from the Chinese such as the Haval Jolion (Specs | News) and Haval H6, and even more from the Japanese, such as the Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, RAV4, Zenix, Yaris Cross, and Nissan Kicks, each trying to get a piece of the lucrative pie, especially with the ever-increasing fuel prices. While many are curious about

The all-new Toyota Innova will now be called the Toyota Zenix, and it will be available starting this Thursday, June 22nd, at Toyota showrooms nationwide. As reported previously, the next-generation MPV will feature a hybrid powertrain to headline the brand's push toward carbon neutrality. This will be the same 5th-generation Toyota Hybrid System found in the all-new Toyota Prius. It features a new power control unit and transaxle designs, lighter components, a more powerful lithium-ion battery,

It’s Sunday again, which means it’s time for the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup! You read this the day before Independence Day, which is the date when the Philippines was freed from the shackles of over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule (that was then followed by decades of additional colonial rule under the Americans and the Japanese). It’s also the rainy season now – strong showers are now hitting various parts of the country as a counterbalance to the searing heat in the first ha

The Internet has been set ablaze with the confirmation that Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) would return the Tamaraw nameplate to the country. The Japanese automaker has even been quoted saying that it is ready to invest ₱4.4 billion to bring it back. However, this got us wondering why a brand would invest so much money just to bring back a famous model for a specific market. Also read: Tamaraw nameplate to make PH comeback? Not just for the Philippines While the hype is great for a returning nam

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