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

The facelifted 2023 Nissan Almera is expected to launch in the Philippines sometime in June 2023. This is according to a source with intimate knowledge of the upcoming model but requested anonymity because of a lack of authority to speak on the matter. The updated Almera is also expected to launch in ASEAN on May 11, 2023, following the debut of the facelifted Nissan Versa, the Almera’s American sibling, last October 2022. Bigger grill, special paint The facelifted Almera is expected to carry ov

When Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) launched the 2023 Honda BR-V, it knew it had a hit on its hands and had to prepare for the eventual demand for the seven-seater. It's why the Japanese automaker brought in a large shipment of units to ensure all orders and reservations for the car were met. It was also a preemptive measure to ensure that customers get their cars and to prevent supply chain issues similar to the Honda HR-V, where there's a long waiting period developed to get your hands on a

(Image from Toyota PH) The Vios is the quintessential sedan in the country. It is so ubiquitous you probably must have lived on Mars for two decades and just got home yesterday if you don't know what it looks like. It is used as a private car, as a taxi cab, as a TNVS car, and even as a company car. Fleet purchases have made the Vios garden variety since its introduction in 2002. Recently, it has even been given a Gazoo Racing badge to hype its sporting credentials. And it even features its own

The Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Corporation has launched their 2022 version of the Nissan Almera via live virtual launch event. The Almera is the brand’s sedan entry offered in four variants. Prices lie from Php728,000 for the 1.0 EL Turbo MT entry-level variant, Php938,000 for the 1.0L Turbo MT, Php998,000 for its 1.0L VE Turbo CVT variant, up to Php1,098,000 for the 1.0L VL Turbo N-Sport. Sharp minimalist exterior for this year’s version. The Nissan Almera is one of the most popular newly

Electrification is the future and Toyota is well aware of that. The Japanese manufacturer is reportedly planning to electrify the next-generation Toyota Vios, codenamed D92A. A recent report from Philippines media AutoIndustriya mentioned that Toyota has plans to fit the Daihatsu-developed e:Smart Hybrid powertrain into the next-generation Toyota Vios, as well as the equally-new Toyota Avanza. Why Daihatsu’s e:Smart Hybrid and not Toyota’s THS? The next-gen Toyota Vios will adopt the simpler, le