AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: Chinese carmakers under fire, Geely says sorry

The weather is back to maelstrom-grade wind and rain this weekend, in light of two severe tropical storms that swung by the Philippines.

The downpour (of hate) has also been relentless among Chinese carmakers, in light of Geely Philippines’ aftersales fiasco. Will there be sunshine after the rain for the car brands from the People’s Republic?

This and many more are on this edition of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup. Here are your favorite stories from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, 2023.

BYD Philippines’ new era

Chinese carmaker BYD Philippines has been in the news for an entirely more positive reason.

The company, now under the administration of the Ayala Corporation’s automotive AC Motors, opened its flagship showroom on Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. BYD is the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, particularly renowned for its “Blade” battery technology.

Will BYD Philippines’ contribution to the electric revolution be even more charged under AC Motors?

READ: New, electrifying chapter: BYD Philippines opens flagship showroom in Quezon Avenue

A CR-V for more than 5

The all-new 2024 Honda CR-V has gone significantly upmarket, with its ₱2-million-plus pricing for all its variants aiming squarely at its long-time rival, the Toyota RAV4.

But for those who still want a new CR-V, here’s a compelling reason to pay the higher pricetag – all non-hybrid variants will come with seven seats in the Philippines.

This exclusive story comes courtesy of AutoFun Philippines’ highly reputable sources, who are obviously anonymous because they lack the authority to speak on these matters.

Have you put your name down for the 2024 CR-V ahead of its Sept. 13, 2023 launch?

READ: SCOOP: Philippine-market 2024 Honda CR-V gets 7 seats in all non-hybrid variants

Chinese Toyotas

Despite all the hate that Chinese carmakers have been getting, Toyota certainly trusts companies like GAC Motor to produce their cars.

AutoFun Philippines Junior Writer Joey Deriquito lists the various models that GAC Motor produces for the Japanese car manufacturer, which is also world-renowned for its exceedingly stringent quality-control measures.

If even Toyota can trust China to build a car, maybe we should, too?

READ: China-made Toyotas? Check out the Toyota models that GAC Motor helps produce

Battle of the hybrid crossovers

The Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid is Toyota Motor Philippines’ second entry in the subcompact crossover stakes, following the highly popular Raize.

It takes on the likes of the Honda HR-V Turbo and the GAC GS3 Emzoom with proven hybrid technology and Toyota brand cache, which is worth its own weight in gold. But when faced with Nissan’s surprise hit, the Kick e-POWER, can it hold up?

Which of these electrified baby crossovers would you get?

READ: SPEC SHOWDOWN: 2023 Nissan Kicks e-POWER VL vs. 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

Geely Philippines speaks up (finally)

Geely Philippines, which has been at the eye of the Chinese car firestorm, has finally broken its silence on the aftersales issues it has been facing.

The company apologized for the mess, acknowledging lapses in how it has been handling customer concerns. This has ranged from shoddy paintwork on a new car to the meddling of a so-called “influencer” that supposedly isn’t affiliated with the brand.

The Chinese carmaker has also set up a customer email hotline, promising a response within two working days.

Do you think Geely Philippines can dig itself out of this hole?

READ: Geely Philippines releases official statement over customer service and after-sales concerns

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