Mobility PH, Makati (2026)

20/10/2026

UBE EXPRESS RELAUNCHES NAIA–NUVALI ROUTE, STRENGTHENS AIRPORT CONNECTIVITY IN SOUTHERN LUZON

Airport Transport Express by UBE Express, in partnership with Ayala Land, officially relaunched its NAIA–Nuvali route on Monday, expanding airport transportation options for commuters and travelers from Southern Luzon.
Held at the Nuvali Transport Terminal, the relaunch featured an inaugural bus send-off, a ceremonial boarding pass presentation, and the turnover of brand-new buses dedicated to the route. The initiative reinforces both organizations’ commitment to improving accessibility, mobility, and connectivity between key destinations.
During the program, Mr. Gilbert Ramos, Senior Division Manager at Ayala Land Inc., highlighted Nuvali’s vision of integrating sustainability, mobility, and accessibility into everyday life. He emphasized the importance of convenient public transportation in supporting the needs of the growing community.
UBE Express President Dr. Garrie David also expressed his gratitude for the partnership and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to addressing transportation challenges.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako on behalf of UBE Express. We will be here and we will continue to serve, and this is our way of answering the problem of transport and traffic,” David said.
Lina Group of Companies Chairman Ms. Sheila Lina echoed this commitment, emphasizing the role of sustainable public transportation in improving urban mobility.
“We at UBE Express are very committed to promoting sustainable transport in our country. Slowly but surely, we can bring about the change that we want to see in our metro, and we're looking forward to the community to enjoy the benefits of having us as their transport partner,” Lina said.
A key highlight of the event was the ceremonial turnover of brand-new Ashok Leyland buses by Mr. Don Ramos, Sales Manager of BJM Mercantile, Inc. The additional fleet, designated for the Nuvali–NAIA route, strengthens UBE Express’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable airport transportation.
Beyond improving airport access, the relaunched service offers commuters an alternative to private vehicle travel, supporting more efficient journeys and contributing to efforts to ease road congestion.
Through its partnership with Ayala Land, UBE Express continues to strengthen connections between communities and major transportation hubs, making airport travel more accessible and convenient for passengers in Nuvali and surrounding areas.
The NAIA–Nuvali route reflects UBE Express’s continuing commitment to delivering dependable public transportation while supporting the development of more connected and sustainable communities.

20/10/2026

AUTO SALES BOUNCES BACK IN SEPTEMBER, UP 20.6 PER CENT FROM PREVIOUS MONTH

By Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta, Philippine Daily Inquirer Business

The Philippine automotive market showed signs of a fightback in September, with sales jumping 20.6 percent from the previous month, although they remained below year-ago levels as consumers continued to feel the pinch from the war in the Middle East.
A total of 35,722 vehicles were sold in September, down 5.8 percent from 37,915 units in the same month last year, according to joint data released on Tuesday by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).
Despite the year-on-year decline, September sales marked a significant rebound from August, when sales fell below the 30,000-unit mark as weather-related disruptions weighed on the industry. Campi president Jose Maria Atienza said the latest performance put the Philippine automotive industry back on its “recovery path,” raising hopes of a “strong” finish to 2026.
However, he did not say whether the rebound would be enough for the industry to at least match its record-high sales of 473,842 units in 2025.
“Sales of ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles posted a strong 19% rebound in September, while xEV sales also recorded a solid 14% increase. This continued growth across both segments reflects healthy consumer demand and reinforces our confidence in the market,” Atienza said.
“Based on annual sales trends heading into the final months of the year, we believe the industry is well-positioned to sustain its momentum and deliver a strong overall performance in 2026,” he added.
Still, sales of internal combustion engine vehicles continued to sputter compared with year-ago levels, as they have in the months since the war in Iran broke out.

19/10/2026

Thinking about going electric? Get behind the wheel before you decide.

At the 14th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, you can test drive the latest EV models and ask the brands and experts your questions in person. Join us October 22–24, 2026, 9AM to 7PM, at SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City.

Save your spot: www.evap.com.ph

18/10/2026

HUNTING COWARDS DOWN WITH A.I.

By VJ Bacungan

From streamlining online research to creating deepfake videos, artificial intelligence (A.I.) has almost boundless potential and is definitely here to stay, despite its seemingly endless controversies.
But for Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, A.I. is a powerful tool in helping keep people in motorsports safe, especially online.
“One of our biggest problems now in the FIA is this toxic social media – abusing drivers, abusing staff, abusing even journalists,” he told Inquirer Mobility in an exclusive interview at the sidelines of the 2026 FIA Asia-Pacific Congress last Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, 2026 in Boracay.
“A.I. fits in something called the trusted flagger,” he added. “You cannot go on and just allow these people to abuse your sport. These people are cowards – they have no courage to show their faces because they are wrong.”
Under the Digital Services Act of the European Union (EU), trusted flaggers are designated entities that are experts in detecting potentially illegal content, such as hate speech and terrorist content, and alerting online platforms.
Bringing them to justice
This is in line with FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign, which was founded by Sulayem in 2023 and is supported by major organizations like the FIA Foundation and the EU.
It was prompted by the “horrific online abuse and harassment” against an FIA Steward following the 2022 U.S. Grand Prix. Through the UAOA, the FIA is taking a leadership role in addressing hate speech and online abuse against athletes, officials, journalists, fans and other stakeholders of sport.
Sulayem said the FIA intends to use A.I. to track down perpetrators of online abuse.
“They go throw stones and threaten because they cannot face them,” he said. “And these people are hiding in their garages, in their basements and family houses. But when you have A.I., you can trace this and bring at least one of them to justice. It will send a very strong message that new technology is helping define this cowardice.”
Information center
Sulayem said the FIA can also use A.I. to help with motorsport stewarding.
“Some of the mistakes and some of the accidents have repeatedly been done, you can just use A.I,” he said. “When you put all that information in and you have someone press that issue, it is going to help you in saying this is the best solution or penalty.”
Sulayem said integrating technology would allow for more clear-cut decision-making, especially in highly contentious calls.
“It’s so important for us because some of the penalties or decisions that are taken by the Stewards, you minimize the criticism and you minimize the mistakes,” he said. “Human error will always be there, I’m sorry. But with A.I., you can minimize it.”
‘Stupid’
Sulayem admitted that although the fight against online abuse won’t be easy, it’s something worth backing.
“Now we have 30 countries and federations joining,” he added. “We have a lot of people supporting us, but this is a marathon. My voice and the FIA’s voice are good, but we need everybody with us.”
According to its official website, the UAOA global coalition has over 70 members that are “dedicated to creating an online environment where sport can be celebrated as a positive, inclusive and empowering force of good.” And for critics who believe that this campaign harms freedom of speech, Sulayem has a very clear message.
“When you tell a certain person that ‘I will kill you and r**e your family,’ is that freedom of speech?” he said. “That’s illegal! Whoever said that is freedom of speech is the most stupid thing I have ever heard. People are afraid to go out. People are afraid for their lives.”
In the Philippines, cyberbullying is covered by various acts under Republic Act 10175 or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.” If found guilty, perpetrators face jail time and fines.
Ever-advancing A.I. combined with the ferocity of big international figures like FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem – cyberbullies beware!

18/10/2026

HOW TECH TRANSFORMED THE PINOY FAMILY VEHICLE HONDA BR-V

By VJ Bacungan

When I was around 7 years old, my Dad bought a brand-new Isuzu Hi-Lander.
Back then, there wasn’t really such a thing as a crossover – the Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) ruled our roads. The genre was defined by the likes of the Hi-Lander with their clattery diesel engines, ladder-frame chassis, leaf-spring suspension and those side-facing jumpseats in the cargo area that could miraculously (or barely) squeeze in four adults.
For many middle-class Filipino families, this was the next step up from the traditional family sedan. And it sold like hotcakes because it allowed many owners to carry their family, their extended family and/or heavy cargo all in one highly versatile and immensely durable package.
AUVs suddenly came to mind as I was driving the 2026 Honda BR-V VX, which I borrowed recently to help me carry people and gear around for one of my Gymkhana Pilipinas events.
𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩
AUVs were effectively pick-up trucks with a wagon-style body and a much nicer interior.
But multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) like the BR-V follow a more modern engineering philosophy – unibody chassis, front-wheel drive and three rows of forward-facing seats (far safer than the jumpseats of yore). The result is a car that replicates the size and practicality of an AUV, but retains the light driving feel of a sedan.
In my case, I was able to haul 50 traffic cones, a large folding table, flags, tarpaulins and a large plastic box filled with sophisticated electronic equipment by simply folding the third-row seats. There remained plenty of space for me and my marshals to sit comfortably on this top-spec VX model’s soft leather seats.
And because MPVs are much lighter than AUVs, these could be fitted with smaller engines. In the case of the BR-V, it’s the well-proven 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve, inline-4 gasoline engine that has also seen reliable service in the City and HR-V.
Even with plenty of people and cargo, the BR-V offered far superior acceleration, handling and fuel economy compared to any AUV from my youth. I consistently got 10 to 13 kilometers per liter in the city and 20 to 23 kilometers per liter on the expressway, thanks to the well-tuned continuously variable transmission.
𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝
But where the BR-V VX truly exceeds itself is its inclusion of the sensational Honda SENSING adaptive-driver assistance system (ADAS).
Having inherited our old Hi-Lander in college, I still remember doing long trips for hours on end with a manual gearbox and no cruise control. But in the BR-V, I had adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist that greatly reduced my workload on the expressway trip to and from Laguna, while autonomous emergency braking adds another layer of protection on our wild roads.
In fact, the BR-V VX not only beats AUVs of the past, but even MPVs of the present that don’t offer ADAS. The latter is particularly puzzling because this is exactly the sort of life-saving technology that is absolutely essential in a family car.
𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙜𝙚𝙖𝙧
Besides cutting-edge features that prevent a road crash in the first place, the BR-V VX likewise has the sort of safety equipment that seemed like a pipe dream back in the “Y2K.”
My dear, old Isuzu relied on its sheer size and weight to keep us protected – crumple zones and airbags weren’t mandatory, while three-point seatbelts were only for some of the front passengers (no belts at all in those jumpseats). But the Honda gets three-point belts and head restraints for all seven passengers, as well as front, side and curtain airbags.
The BR-V also got five out of five stars in the ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme, thanks in large part to the inclusion of Honda SENSING in the test vehicle. Other useful safety gear includes anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist and ISOFIX child-restraint anchors.
Combining peppy performance, immense practicality and unmatched safety credentials, the Honda BR-V VX remains one of the top MPVs in its class. Although it could do with better soundproofing, a smoother ride and sharper driving dynamics, this seven-seater shows how two decades of automotive technology have made the Filipino family car better than ever.
Kids and families today are so lucky.

18/10/2026

BUILT BY PINOYS, BACKED BY JAPAN: THE TAMARAW MPUV IS READY TO ROLL

Road Talk by Tessa R. Salazar

A brother of mine has worked as an aircraft engineer in several foreign countries for the past 34 years. His work ethic in the aviation industry has always been impeccable. He handles the Airbus 330, Airbus 350, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 in the Middle East, the United States, United Kingdom, and currently in Australia, where he is based with his family.

He always told me that Filipino aircraft mechanics are some of the most meticulous he has worked with. He said there’s peace of mind knowing Filipinos are part of the team.

I can sense it’s the same with Filipino automobile mechanics, as they are skilled and sought-after. So, it’s not surprising to read stories of Filipinos winning in regional or global skills Olympics.

If Pinoys can do wonders abroad, imagine what they can do in their home court. As expected, that’s what I saw last Tuesday when I visited the Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) manufacturing plant and headquarters in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, for a sneak peek of the modern public utility vehicle (MPUV) variant of the Tamaraw.

We were ushered in by TMP executives, along with guests from the Embassy of Japan, national and local government officials of Santa Rosa, Laguna, and transport group leaders for an exclusive preview of the brand-new conversion of the next-generation Toyota Tamaraw. Back in 2023, the first-ever prototype for the Toyota Tamaraw PUV was unveiled by Toyota Motor Corp Chairman Akio Toyoda. Three years on, the Toyota Tamaraw MPUV is set to hit the country’s roads. Earlier this year, the Tamaraw was granted “Modern PUV” certification by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). TMP said it listened closely to the voices of local government units (LGUs), transport cooperatives, operators, and government agencies; their collective feedback led to the creation of this next-generation MPUV.

There was a brief tour of the plant. We were taken inside a facility where the Tamaraw is constructed, or a specific portion of the unit is assembled. One of the advantages of being produced inside the Toyota facility in Santa Rosa is the fact that Filipino workers are able to leverage their knowledge and skills in vehicle mass production. Producing the Tamaraw locally also helps protect the domestic auto industry and ensure job security.

We were also told that through local conversion, the Tamaraw honors its legacy and is positioned to be a true national car—one promised to be durable and cost-competitive. The initial, introductory monthly production target for the MPUV is set at 15 units (though it’s worth noting there are several other Tamaraw configurations, and TMP’s total conversion factory capacity for the entire lineup stands at 100 units).

Because the Tamaraw is mass-produced, it is accessible to independent owners, transport operators, and commuting businesses alike. At the plant, we learned that the Tamaraw boasts several historic milestones. This is the first time TMP has performed vehicle conversion in the Philippines. It is also a global first for Toyota: Having an affiliate with in-house conversion capabilities. As one of my sources told me, “the rest of the world is having it outsourced.”

So, hats off to TMP, as this has never been done in any other affiliate. The manufacturing plant team told us this was the first time they handled vehicle development and design in-house. It marks a TMP-led new model project, a first-time local production preparation, a first-time collaboration with new mass-production suppliers, and a first-time optimization of quality for a Philippines-only model.

The next-generation Toyota Tamaraw was first launched in 2024. Since then, it has become a staple for many businesses across the country. Backed by Toyota’s proven QDR (quality, durability, and reliability) and after-sales service, customers have found countless uses for the vehicle beyond its intended role as a workhorse.

TMP president Masando Hashimoto told the crowd: “The Tamaraw is a workhorse—and a racehorse. It supports livelihoods, serves communities, and gives people something to cheer for. Today, we add an important missing piece: A jeepney. By becoming part of everyday public transportation, the Tamaraw becomes a true national car—a vehicle for all Filipinos. Through the Tamaraw MPUV, let us bring our strengths together to make everyday life better—for commuters, transport operators, and communities. That is how we want to contribute to the Philippines: By delivering something people can use, depend on, and truly value in their daily lives.”

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Katsuro Kitagawa said in his speech: “Since 2024, Toyota has been producing the Tamaraw here in the Philippines. The name ‘Tamaraw’ resonates with many as a symbol of Filipino strength and resilience. Today is an important day as the jeepney-style Tamaraw is being launched. The jeepney is more than a vehicle. Across generations, it has been indispensable to the daily mobility of the Filipino people, carrying workers to their workplaces, students to their schools, and families to their loved ones. And it is a part of the nation’s cultural identity. This year, we mark the 70th anniversary of the normalization of Japan–Philippines relations. In this commemorative year, I’m truly pleased to witness a Japanese company producing a vehicle so emblematic of the Philippines, and to see that it will continue to contribute to this country’s mobility and inclusive growth. This embodies the spirit of our partnership: Mutual respect and the joint creation of solutions that improve people’s lives.”

Mark Steven Pastor, Senior Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure of the Department of Transportation, said: “Secretary Giovanni ‘Bong’ Lopez has ordered us at the department to partner with the private sector and invest in projects such as the modernization of land transportation systems that will move more people and alleviate traffic in urban areas. Today, we have proven once again our commitment to modernizing mobility as we officially launch the new Tamaraw Modern PUV. This event was not made overnight. It took a few years for the department to appreciate the need for a new modern vehicle that will provide support to our public transportation system. In fact, I told Chairman Ty earlier that we met during the pandemic and precisely discussed this particular mode of transportation, and particularly the development of the Tamaraw not only for the market, but also to manufacture the same in the country. With its official certification as a Modern PUV, the public can be confident that it fully meets every standard required to serve our commuters safely and efficiently. The DOTr hopes that we can replicate this to encourage our PUV operators, such as Ka Obet Martin, and drivers to modernize their vehicles to ensure the efficiency of service and safety of our commuters.”

Transport leader Obet Martin, national president of Pasang Masda, told the crowd: “A lot of providers from China gave our colleagues in the livelihood a great disappointment. The downtime on the units they ordered—there are no service centers. That is one major issue affecting our cooperative members and corporations. Unlike Toyota—direct. Anywhere in the Philippines, there’s a service center. Parts availability. As I said, it feels like even pharmacies sell Toyota parts! Even neighborhood sari-sari stores seem to carry them. Look beside you, they’re everywhere. That’s why with this launch of Toyota, I commend it because the services are here: after-sales service, parts availability, and a well-built vehicle that truly, as the name implies, is a Toyota. We know that brand well. We’ve been using it since the 1970s. We all used Toyota FXs back then.”

Following the preview at Toyota’s manufacturing plant, the Tamaraw MPUV is set for its public debut at the upcoming 2026 Philippine International Truck Show (PITS) on Oct. 22–24 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The Tamaraw MPUV will be on display alongside many other Tamaraw conversion units, giving the public a chance to see and test-drive the different configurations firsthand.

18/10/2026

Today's Motoring Section in the Philippine Daily Inquirer print version

17/10/2026

Honda Cars Philippines launches the latest Honda City at the Glorietta Activity Center with three distinct variants (RS, V and S variants) for the sedan while the hatchback gets a sole variant in the RS.

📸 Botchi Santos

17/10/2026

Check out this flying car from Tesla.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CTxTNugAx/

15/10/2026

Head off to the Nuvali Activity Center in Sta. Rosa, Laguna from Friday to Sunday (October 16-18) and check out the offerings from the Multiply Greatness Tour of MG.

Mobility PH

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