Aside from the pending launch of the Toyota Yaris Cross, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) may have another vehicle waiting in the wings for its time in the spotlight. A 2024 Toyota Alphard unit was spotted in a parking complex in the southern part of Luzon, presumably in the Bauan port in Batangas. It indicates that the Japanese automaker wants to launch the all-new version of the luxury MPV soon but has yet to reveal any official launch dates. With that said, we can look to other markets where th

Disclaimer: Hyundai Philippines lent us a Hyundai Staria unit for a week with a full tank of gas and access to its RFID cards. Remember when Hyundai Philippines launched the Hyundai Starex? It was a hit for the South Korean automaker as it saw a second generation. However, Hyundai had to discontinue the Starex nameplate and replace it with the 2023 Hyundai Staria, its new replacement. We had on loan the family-oriented GLS+ version, which seats 11 passengers but has retained a row of captain sea

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 Toyota Alphard has been a surprising hit in the Philippines, particularly at high-end casinos. It may be a minivan, but it offers a level of panache, refinement and interior space that would put even the biggest luxury sedans to shame. And for those who want an Alphard that truly cossets, there’s the Lexus LM. Toyota’s luxury brand will debut the next-generation LM at the 2023 Auto Shanghai on April 18 to 27, 2023. It will be unveiled before the launch of the all-new Alphard in Japan sometim

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

In February 2023, rendered images of the next-generation Toyota Alphard (Specs | News) were posted online, showcasing a minivan with more futuristic styling and power. Reports also indicated that this new TNGA-based Alphard would launch as early as May 2023. However, more information has come up with actual photos available for the vehicle. Leaked footage from what appears to be a Toyota staff meeting in China has revealed images of the vehicle, albeit just for its rear and interior. And yes, it