Vans have always been part of the elite lifestyle, with V8-powered conversion vans once ruling the roost for celebrities and politicians alike. But that all changed when the Toyota Alphard rolled into town, offering super-smooth and relatively fuel-efficient powerplants, along with a road presence that was truly a class of its own. Just a month after the launch of the all-new Alphard, GAC Motor Philippines is getting into the game with its eye-catching M8. The Chinese carmaker announced in a Sep

The Toyota Alphard has been a surprise hit in the Philippines. Even though it’s a gasoline-powered minivan, it’s boxy yet stately styling, combined with its vast and luxurious cabin, meant it was a hit for everyone from politicians to high-roller gamblers. Indeed, no five-star casino in Metro Manila is complete without its own fleet of black or white Alphards. Given its success, Toyota decided to make subtle but significant changes to the all-new Alphard and its sportier sibling, the Vellfire. T

The styling looks familiar, right? The Weiao BOMA EV, China's latest mini electric vehicle (EV), was launched recently and features an exterior design similar to a certain Toyota luxury van. It has three variants, each offering something unique to the model lineup. Weiao is a new EV brand under the Hongri Electric Vehicle Group, with BOMA EV being manufactured by ZX Auto. ZX Auto is a long-time player in the Chinese automotive market, specializing in building passenger cars, commercial vehicles

Can a typical man on the street afford a Toyota Alphard? Starting at Php 4,095,000, and you have to add about Php 15,000 if you like the pearl white color, the Alphard is priced like a suburban house for a typical middle-income family. This is not an insult to the man on the street though. This is a reality check. And reality says the Toyota Alphard's clientele can be on the affluent side. Or as those who live in Pasay would say, "in the POGO business." Regardless of the background, you have to

(Images from Toyota PH) The Toyota Alphard is luxury defined. It is one of the most expensive Toyotas you can buy in the country, and for good measure. The looks, the comfort, safety and security, and the luxury as defined in little things such as wood and leather trimmings, and the huge things like how spacious the passenger cabin is. Under the hood, the Alphard shows its luxurious side, showing how incoherent gas prices are as long as you can reach your destination in a comfortable and luxurio

No doubt about it, the family car can be likened to one magic carpet ride transporting a bunch load of people from point A to B in a matter of seconds. While this metaphor sounds greatly exaggerated, it’s a known fact, however, that family or commercial vehicles (CV) truly do a wonderful job not only of hauling up families on long trips but they can also become reliable work fleets for storing up supplies or other loads as well. So far, Toyota, KIA, Ford, Suzuki, and Honda are the big-name car g