Based on data from Statista, 1,013 EVs were sold locally in 2022—higher than 843 in 2021 and 378 in 2020. This could mainly be attributed to the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) or the Republic Act No. 11697. EVIDA implementation, however, is still a work in progress. In the recent pre-event press conference on the upcoming 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS), Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) President Edmund Araga shared, “

It looks like Suzuki Auto Philippines isn’t done electrifying its lineup. An anonymous source from the Japanese carmaker initmated at the Jan. 16, 2023 launch of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid that the company is evaluating plans to bring in a mild-hybrid version of the Suzuki XL7. However, it did not mention a launch date or final specifications. The Ertiga and the XL7 are almost identical, with the latter sporting a more off-roader aesthetic. The XL7 gets a massive front grill and generous amounts o

The Suzuki Jimny is a bit of an anachronism. In a world where big and small unibody crossovers rule the roost, this little, three-door sport-utility vehicle (SUV) of the old school soldiers on and garners fans from young and old buyers. Old school because the Jimny has more in common with seven-seat SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Montero Sport than its cute and chunky looks suggest. Under its boxy exterior lays an even tougher ladder-frame chassis, with stiff suspension and tiny ov

Buying an electrified vehicle is going to be a whole lot easier, at least in Indonesia. Our friends from AutoFun Indonesia reported that the Indonesian government is finalizing a host of financial incentives for people looking to buy a hybrid-electric or fully electric vehicle (EV). As of press time, an estimated 80 million rupiah (₱283,000) discount may be given to full EV buyers, while hybrid owners may get 40 million (₱141,000) rupiah off. However, these will only be offered to models that ar

Suzuki Philippines made waves at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show last September 2022 with the unveiling of its Ertiga Hybrid. It is the first compact, seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in the country with a hybrid powertrain. The carmaker has yet to disclose the date of the model's local release. However, if you want to know what it's like on the road, our friend Prasetyo from AutoFun Indonesia got a chance to drive the Ertiga Hybrid following its launch there on June 2022. Here

Since its 2019 arrival, the Suzuki Ertiga was a fairly reasonable decision for personal transport for starting families or those looking for affordable utility. A sub-Php one million (actually, Php 728,000-Php 978,000) tag at launch, seating for six or seven, and value-for-money creature comforts made the vehicle a good pick. But is it still a considerable choice in projected hard times for the Philippine economy? The case for "No" That started with the rise in the price of entry, as the 2022 va