Up to this point, electric vehicles in the Philippines have predominantly been second cars for the rich. For those who can afford them, EVs usually function as a non-fuel-consuming alternative for taking kids to school, buying groceries, and doing errands. Because of their prohibitive pricing, only a few can consider buying one. And because the affordable ones are either too small or are range-limited, and given our country’s sparse charging station infrastructure, only a few would consider buyi

Kia Philippines Motor Corporation (KPMC), the official importer and distributor of Kia vehicles, has announced the leadership appointment of Brian Beundia as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) starting July 1, 2023. As a bit of history, Kia in the Philippines was relaunched in 2019 under Ayala Corporation (AC) Industrial’s automotive arm, AC Motors. It is one of the largest automotive distributors in the country, which includes global mobility brands such as Honda, Isuzu, Maxus, and Volkswage

Recent rumblings in the automotive industry talk about Chinese brands changing management hands. And from what we've heard, there will be a few. But why do the principals feel the sudden need to come in lock, stock, and barrel to take over the Filipino-run local distributorships? Haven't they done enough to promote the brand? Did the distributors fall short of sales targets? Or have the distributors failed in the perception game despite the uptick in Chinese-made cars' build, tech and quality in

When it comes to practical and affordable seven-seater MPVs, the most popular choices that come to mind are the all-new Honda BR-V and the soon-to-be-launched 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross. This will surely make it difficult for buyers to choose which of the two they should get. But suppose the local spec 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is close to being kitted out like the one launched during last year’s 29th GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show. In that case, there’s a lot to look forward

In the recently concluded 8th Philippine International Motor Show, Honda Cars Philippines treated exhibit guests to a preview of the all-new BR-V, which, they say, will be launched locally soon. Yet, with the ongoing semiconductor supply issue, Honda is still unable to give a definite answer as to when. Meanwhile, your money’s buying power gets weaker by the day, and your need for a more spacious family vehicle becomes more urgent, as the kids will be attending face-to-face classes soon…and they

Sleekier but also much sportier-looking cars seem quite likely the norm nowadays, especially in the robust global car marketplace that seems to exponentially grow to ever-changing complexity with each passing year. This in turn, perhaps better reflects the recently ongoing stiffer competition occurring among top corporate car giants whose collective willing hands just seem to can’t get enough of that much-coveted chunky slice of pie as car revenues from the US automotive aftermarket continue to