Mobility PH, Makati (2026)

21/05/2026

MG PHILIPPINES AND EN TSUMUGI FORMALIZE SAFE AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE DISPOSAL OF FIRE-AFFECTED EV UNITS

MG Motor Philippines has formalized its partnership with En Tsumugi for the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of electric vehicle (EV) units affected by a fire incident that occurred on April 6, 2025.
The agreement underscores both organizations’ commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and responsible end-of-life management of EV components, particularly high-voltage (HV) batteries, which require specialized handling and disposal procedures in compliance with global environmental standards.
Through this initiative, MG Philippines and En Tsumugi ensure that all affected units are processed in a controlled and compliant manner, minimizing environmental impact while adhering to strict safety protocols. The collaboration reflects the shared responsibility of both parties in addressing incidents involving electrified mobility solutions with transparency and due diligence.
En Tsumugi ELV Dismantling Corporation, located in Mexico, Pampanga, is recognized as the Philippines’ first model End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) dismantling facility. The partnership also marks the first-ever implementation in the local automotive industry involving the proper disposal and dismantling of EV units affected by a fire incident—highlighting a significant step forward in responsible EV management and environmental compliance in the country.
The ceremonial signing also highlights MG Philippines’ ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), reinforcing its proactive approach in managing sensitive operational incidents while prioritizing environmental protection and public safety.
“Safety, responsibility, and sustainability remain at the core of MG’s operations,” said Mr. Wei Wei Zhang, President of MG Motor Philippines. “Through this partnership with En Tsumugi, we are ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to properly manage and dispose of affected EV units in a way that upholds the highest environmental and safety standards. This reflects our long-term commitment to responsible mobility in the Philippines.”
“As vehicle technologies evolve, proper recovery and treatment standards must evolve as well,” said Mr. John Hung, CFO and Marketing Director of En Tsumugi. “En Tsumugi remains committed to supporting safer, more sustainable end-of-life vehicle management aligned with emerging global environmental practices.”
By formalizing this agreement, MG Philippines continues to strengthen its sustainability framework within the automotive industry, demonstrating accountability in the handling of EV-related incidents and reinforcing best practices in responsible mobility.
MG Philippines remains committed to advancing sustainable mobility solutions in the Philippines while ensuring that safety, environmental responsibility, and operational integrity remain at the core of its operations.

21/05/2026

Just about two weeks to go before the show starts. Get ready for the latest offerings from the country's biggest brands!

21/05/2026

FILIPINO RACING CHAMPION JUHA TURALBA SET FOR FERRARI CHALLENGE EUROPE DEBUT AT LE MANS

LE MANS, France - Filipino racing driver Jose Antonio “Juha” Turalba is set to make his Ferrari Challenge Europe debut with Emil Frey Racing during Le Mans race week this June, marking one of the biggest international motorsport opportunities ever secured by a Filipino driver.
Turalba will compete in the Ferrari 296 Challenge, Ferrari’s latest purpose-built race car producing approximately 700 horsepower and capable of speeds exceeding 300 km/h on the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe at Le Mans.
Developed directly from the Ferrari 296 GTB platform, the 296 Challenge is one of the highest-performance cars currently used in international one-make racing and represents a major step toward professional GT racing.
Ferrari Challenge Europe is Ferrari’s official racing championship and is widely regarded as the most competitive regional Ferrari Challenge series in the world. The championship features professional teams, elite amateur drivers, and race weekends held alongside some of the most important events and circuits in global motorsport.
Turalba’s debut will take place during Le Mans week at the world-famous Circuit de la Sarthe in France, the same venue that hosts the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. While he will not compete in the 24-hour race itself, he will race in Ferrari Challenge support races during one of the biggest weeks in international motorsport, placing a Filipino driver on one of racing’s most visible global platforms.
The 2026 campaign will continue through Portugal, Hungary, and Ferrari Finali Mondiali in Barcelona, Ferrari’s annual world championship event that brings together Ferrari race teams and drivers from across the globe.
The move comes after a dominant local season. In 2025, Turalba was crowned SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines SR1 Champion and Rookie of the Year, winning nine out of eleven races during the season. Radical Challenge Philippines is currently regarded as the fastest racing series in the country, making the championship an important benchmark in his progression from Philippine motorsport to European competition.
Turalba’s rise has been built across multiple disciplines and formats. A former Asian karting champion, 2023 Mazda Miata Spec Series champion, and now Radical Challenge Philippines champion, he has steadily progressed through increasingly competitive levels of racing.
The opportunity to join Ferrari Challenge Europe followed strong international performances in Ferrari race cars, where his pace, technical feedback, and data-driven approach drew attention from instructors and Ferrari racing personnel. Combined with his Radical championship campaign in the Philippines, it helped open the door to a 2026 Ferrari Challenge Europe program with Swiss-based Emil Frey Racing, one of Europe’s most established racing organizations.
Having already reached the highest current level of Philippine circuit racing, Turalba now takes the next step onto the European stage.
Beyond the cockpit, Turalba brings a rare technical and professional profile to the grid. He is an aerospace and mechanical engineer, FAA-certified helicopter pilot, and serves as Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Active Group, a Philippine real estate developer known for creating vibrant environments and inspiring experiences. His engineering and aviation background has shaped a racing approach heavily focused on vehicle dynamics, telemetry, precision, and performance analysis.
Turalba’s 2026 Ferrari Challenge Europe campaign includes:
Round 4: Le Mans, France | 10–13 June 2026
Round 5: Portimão, Portugal | 16–19 July 2026
Round 6: Budapest, Hungary | 10–13 September 2026
Round 7: Barcelona Finali Mondiali, Spain | 18–22 November 2026
As Turalba joins Emil Frey Racing for Ferrari Challenge Europe, the campaign marks a major new chapter for Philippine motorsport: a national champion stepping beyond the local ceiling and onto one of the world’s premier international racing stages.
“Winning the Radical Challenge Philippines was important because it confirmed that I could compete consistently at the highest level currently available in Philippine circuit racing. I’ll be working with one of Europe’s top professional racing teams and competing in an environment that represents the global standard of motorsport. That exposure is incredibly valuable for me as a driver.
Ferrari Challenge Europe is a major step up, and there’s no bigger place to begin than Le Mans. I know the competition will be extremely strong, but I’ve prepared seriously for this opportunity and I’m proud to represent the Philippines on this stage."

20/05/2026

DEEPAL Philippines has opened its first flagship showroom, the Deepal Autohub Shaw, right in the heart of Mandaluyong. The first 12 unit owners received various models in a ceremonial rollout with another 56 units set to be released according to Deepal Philippines President W***y Tee Ten.

Video by Seph Javellana

19/05/2026

LOOK: FOTON Motor Philippines officially reintroduces its A. Bonifacio dealership as the brand's flagship FOTON EV dealership.

This signifies the company's commitment to advancing fully-electric commercial mobility solutions in the country.

The redesigned dealership is built to support the evolving operational needs of modern businesses, backed by strong aftersales services.

Since 2023, FOTON has steadily introduced fully electric models into its broad lineup of dependable commercial vehicles.

The FOTON electric vehicles are the followng: Transvan i7 EV Cargo Van,
Traveller Sierra EV 12-Seater Passenger Van, Harabas TM300 EV (Closed Van / MPV body configurations), Tornado Light Duty Truck Series (3.3 / 4.4), EST 6x4 EV 10-Wheeler Tractor Head, 33-Seater Coach Bus EV and Thunder EV Pickup.

18/05/2026

LOOK: Two brands, both BAIC and Chery Auto Philippines, under the strong arm of United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) recently opened a shared dealership along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

This endeavor is partnered with Wheels Inc., one of the country’s most respected and established automotive dealer groups.

“We want that Chery and BAIC share the same showroom here in Quezon Avenue. We will create stronger market visibility, better customer accessibility and improved operational synergy,” Wheels, Inc. chairman of the board Escorton “Gordon” Teng said.

UAAGI executive director/ BAIC brand head Timothy Sytin was elated with the partnership, saying they are honored to partner with one of the most well-respected business firms in the industry.

Chery Auto Philippines brand head Franz Decloedt, along with other UAAGI and Wheels, Inc. executives, was also there to grace the opening ceremonies.

(Video by Ronald de los Reyes)

17/05/2026

VIN THERE. VIN THAT. VIN DOING IT.

𝙑𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙣𝙖𝙢'𝙨 𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙀𝙑 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 to 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙚-𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙋𝙃 𝙙𝙚𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙅𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧

Text and photos by Ronald delos Reyes

VinFast is hellbent on bringing its electric scooters to our own shores by July this year. Together with them are 30,000 battery-swapping charging stations spread all over the country. And the thing is they're eyeing to put up all of them before the year ends. Sounds impossible? Perhaps.

But before we let any doubt cloud our minds.

This directive came from headquarters themselves.

Yes. VinFast. Or shall we say Vingroup, Vietnam's largest private conglomerate, founded and chaired by Vietnam's very first billionaire, Pham Nhat Vuong. To put this into perspective, Vingroup has an estimated net worth ranging from $27.7 billion to $35.9 billion, with market capitalization, as per New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) , of over $50 billion. This makes them far richer than our own richest, the Henry Sy Family with a combined net worth of about $13 billion.

Vuong is even dubbed as the “richest man” in the region, and is included in the world's top 100 richest.

For the uninitiated, Vuong started his entrepreneurial career in Ukraine in the 1990s by launching a popular instant noodle brand called Mivina, which he later sold to Nestlé.

Upon the tycoon's return to his home country he established Vinpearl (resort developments) and Vincom (commercial centers).

He later founded VinFast in 2017, shifting his focus to clean energy and technology as the flagship automotive arm of his business empire. He built his electric vehicle company in a record 21 months. Now, the company operates at a net loss as it rapidly scales globally. In 2025, its revenue reached $3.6 billion (VND 90.4 trillion).

Over the past three decades, the company has played a crucial role in Vietnam's development, reshaping the physical landscape and improving the lives of millions.

Today, Vingroup is recognized as a multi-industry leader, with a diverse range of businesses including industry, technology, commerce, services and social philanthropy.

Vin's why

If you look at it closely, Vingroup's business focus extends beyond building wealth. On our recent 50-delegate visit to Vietnam, consisting of the Philippine motoring media, influencers, motorcycle vloggers and key opinion leaders, we learned that the conglomerate's driving force transcends that of power and prestige.

With "Vin" being a prefix for Vietnam, while "Fast" means Phong cach (style), an toan (safety), sang tao (innovation) and tien phong (pioneer), the company's more deeply committed to contributing to the Vietnamese community, patriotism and elevating the country’s standing on the world stage.

Vingroup’s goal is "to create a better life for the people,” thus elevating the lives of the people in every place they touch.

One report even stated that Vuong, in one candid interview, divulged that he lived and worked abroad for over 22 years.

“But despite my considerable success and recognition, I’ve always keenly sensed that the world does not yet hold Vietnam in high esteem.”

“We’re dedicated to raising this ‘flag’ ever higher and further. Simply put, we aspire to leave a lasting legacy for the world,” he added.

Moreover, when VinFast decided to go public in the United States, the EV maker aimed to raise $1 billion in investments. But Vuong made it clear that the IPO (initial public offering) wasn’t just about piling up cash.

“It's about taking VinFast worldwide.”

This underscores Vuong’s focus on making his dream of “hoisting Vietnam’s flag on the world technology map” a reality.

One of the largest EV manufacturers in Southeast Asia

On our visit to Vietnam, we went to the Phong manufacturing plant, located in the Cat Hai Industrial Zone. The 335-hectare plant produces electric cars, scooters, and buses. The hub includes a press shop, paint shop, and assembly shop.

Inside, they have motorcycle plants, which can produce about 3.2 million units a year. While their four-wheeler plant, employing about 3,000 workers and 800 robots, can churn out 50 cars per hour.

VinFast has rapidly scaled its Southeast Asian presence, recording a 90-percent year-over-year growth in key ASEAN markets.

In Indonesia, the company is committing $1.2 billion for manufacturing facilities to supply local and regional demand.

The company heavily dominates its domestic Vietnamese market—where it is the best-selling brand—while aggressively expanding retail networks and capturing market share in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia.

By the end of 2025, VinFast sold 406,453 e-scooters in Vietnam alone. There, they have about 50,000 battery-swapping stations, which they're gunning to 180,000 soonest.

Now, the company is set to debut electric motorcycles in the Philippines with a force to reckon with. This power move, so unfathomable, that all of us who were there at the mini press conference were simply left dumbstruck.

All VinFast PH electric motorcycle head honcho, Niño Fabros said to us (or the things that were more or less reasonable) was that their batteries at their stations will be cheaper, more viable and more accessible compared to those that went before them.

“Magtiwala ka lang. Papatok ito (Just believe. It will sell),” he even averred to us, like a parent saying to a child, entrusting him with his future.

Until now, imagining how they will be able to pull this off seems to be all but a blur.

But one thing is certain. VinFast is backed by a company, so big, that has already done it. It has made the impossible possible. It has penetrated markets and has come out on top. In short, all they are banking on is that they have been there, done that and they have been carrying their flags behind their backs while doing it.

17/05/2026

LEXUS MANILA SHOWCASES MORIZO'S NURBURGRING 24H RACE STINT

By VJ Bacungan

Automotive executives often enjoy laid-back hobbies like going on long drives or playing golf.

But Toyota Motor Corporation chair Akio Toyoda, grandson of company founder Kiichiro Toyoda, prefers putting the pedal to the metal. He is once more donning his "Master Driver Morizo" persona as he takes on a grueling 24-hour endurance race in the world's most challenging track.

Morizo is one of the drivers of the factory-backed Toyota GAZOO ROOKIE Racing (TG-RR) contingent that will once again field an automatic Toyota GR Yaris at the 2026 ADAC 24h Nurburgring. He had first joined TG-RR last year when the Japanese carmaker returned to the "Green Hell" for the first time in six years.

Lexus Manila on Saturday hosted a live watch party at the Lexus Gallery in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) president Masando Hashimoto said in a speech that the event is one of the many ways that the brand is increasing the number of car lovers locally.

"Tonight, we will be witnessing Master Driver MORIZO once again take on the most punishing circuit in the world," he said. "As MORIZO, Akio has become a legend — with people from all over the world as witnesses to what he has done for the automotive world."

'Learning by doing'

Morizo has not only competed in numerous races, but has also served as a test driver for many of Toyota's high-performance models.

Hashimoto said Morizo first joined the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in 2007 using two, second-hand Toyota Altezzas. The Toyota chair then formed TG-RR in 2017.

"ROOKIE Racing aims to go back to its roots of ‘learning by doing’ – this is ROOKIE Racing’s motto," he said. "At its core, ROOKIE Racing is all about REVITALIZING the love for cars and motorsports. This ‘learning by doing’ is why ROOKIE Racing’s participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is very important."

Hashimoto likewise noted the close relationship between Morizo and TMP chair Alfred Ty, who have known each other since 1998.

"Some people say Akio is like a sumo wrestler in Japan, but Chairman Alfred calls him a ‘rock star’ because of his aura and ability to spread his love for cars wherever he goes," he said. "He has been to the Philippines several times and has seen how his fanbase continues to grow."

Hashimoto likewise recalled when Morizo joined the 2023 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival at the Quirino Grandstand, where he performed a drifting exhibition in front of Philippine fans who cheered loudly for the exuberant Japanese auto executive.

"This was also when I personally fell in love with cars and motorsports – and I thank Chairman Akio for helping me discover the joy of driving," said Hashimoto, a current driver in the Toyota GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup.

ROOKIE ambassadors

The TMP president likewise mentioned that GT Capital Inc., which is the parent company of TMP, is one of ROOKIE Racing's sponsors.

"GT Capital believes in the potential of ROOKIE Racing in making it to the global stage through this very love for cars and motorsports," Hashimoto said.

Hashimoto also introduced five women as the new ambassadors of ROOKIE Racing, having learned from the Morizo Academy and from factory tours in the Philippines and Japan.

"They’re stepping into something much bigger, carrying the spirit of challenge and Akio’s determination with them," he said. "Please join me in supporting Rica, Nicollet, Max, AJ, and Maricar as they join us at races and motor shows in Japan, sharing MORIZO’s vision and story in their own voices, and helping grow a global community of car and motorsport fans."

16/05/2026

DISCOVER THE MILD AND WILD SIDES OF THE HONDA CITY, BR-V THIS MAY 16-17

Text and photos by VJ Bacungan

The Honda City subcompact sedan and Honda BR-V multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) are examples of true stalwarts in the local automotive market.
As the consistent best-sellers of Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI), both these cars have something that many upstarts from China have yet to fully establish – years of proven, faithful and reliable service, along with ease of use and driving dynamics that remain unmatched in their respective segments.
But given the onslaught of highly advanced vehicles from The People’s Republic, where do these legacy Japanese cars stand? HCPI is out to prove that there is plenty more to discover with its City and BR-V Experiential Test Drive this May 16 to 17, 2026 at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City.
Members of the motoring media were able to experience this groundbreaking event ahead of time.
Drive like no other
The weekend exhibition is open to the public, who can truly beat the heat in an air-conditioned lounge and mini-showroom.
It also offers fun for the whole family because HCPI is including a kids’ play area, a claw machine and various carts for food and drinks. But where the City and BR-V Experiential Test Drive distinguishes itself from regular shows are the exciting driving exercises in the neighboring Parklinks Estate.
These include a hard-braking test with the right wheels on soapy linoleum to showcase the vehicle’s anti-lock brakes. There’s also a slalom course that lets you feel the perky yet predictable handling of the City and BR-V, while the Honda SENSING test shows you why the Japanese carmaker’s advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) is still the best in the business.
Finally, the racing professionals from Cutter and Ramirez will let you get a taste of Honda Cars’ motorsport pedigree by taking you along for the ride in the “moose test.” This high-speed emergency maneuver not only demonstrates both models’ sophisticated stability-control system, but also their superior handling in extreme conditions compared to heavy, electrified rivals.
Class-leading safety
Based on Inquirer Motoring’s comprehensive reviews of the entire City lineup, HCPI’s subcompact sedan remains the best in its class even after 30 years in the Philippines.
The Experiential Test Drive reinforced our previous findings – the City’s immense practicality, simple controls and sparkling handling allow it to compete even with highly advanced and electrified Chinese sedans with their needlessly complicated touchscreens and ponderous handling.
The City is also the only vehicle in its class with ADAS as standard across all its variants (something that is surprisingly absent in rivals like the BYD Seal 5 DM-i). Honda SENSING includes life-saving and convenient features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and collision-mitigation braking, all while retaining the simplicity of a traditional parking brake.
HCPI’s baby has the well-proven 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine pumping out 119 horsepower and 145 Newton-meters of torque that is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Our previous test of the City RS yielded a solid 10 to 13 kilometers per liter in the city and a hybrid-matching 21 to 24 kilometers per liter on the expressway.
As of press time, the range consists of the P998,000 City S, the P1,039,000 City S 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition, the P1,083,000 City V and the City RS at P1,138,000.
Safest MPV in the business
Meanwhile, the Honda BR-V once again proved why it is much more satisfying than many other small MPVs.
Although ride quality still isn’t as polished as its rivals, the big Honda makes up for this with its strong driving performance (especially compared to the painfully slow Mitsubishi Xpander Cross). This is thanks to the class-leading power from its 1.5-liter, inline-4 engine, which it shares with the City.
The BR-V likewise offers good space for seven passengers with useful amenities like a powerful air-conditioner with a blower for the second and third rows, along with an easy-to-operate touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our special test of the BR-V S proved its worth in hauling people and cargo with ease.
However, our pick of the range is the top-spec BR-V VX because it’s the only variant with Honda SENSING. Our previous test of this variant resulted in an excellent 10 to 13 kilometers per liter in city, while expressway consumption is a fantastic 21 to 24 kilometers per liter.
As of press time, the BR-V range starts off with the P1,090,000 S MT that comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Meanwhile, the CVT variants include the P1,165,000 BR-V S CVT, the P1,295,000 BR-V V and the P1,400,000 BR-V VX.
See why we like the City and BR-V so much by heading over to the City and BR-V Experiential Test Drive this weekend.

16/05/2026

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

Mobility PH

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