Zigwheels PH weekly wrap-up: March 10-14

This week proved to be yet another busy five days for the local automotive and motorcycle scene.

We’ve seen new executive appointments and important brand initiatives as well as a line of new two-wheelers (and a promising motorcycle comms alternative) and new rider who will carry the Philippine flag in the international racing scene. 

So, here are some of the biggest news that happened this week. 

Executive appointments 

Some changes to the leadership of a local brand and a global name were announced this week, here are the stories.

GWM signs industry vet 

Great Wall Motors (GWM) Philippines has signed industry veteran Dax Avenido to lead the company not too long ago.

Avenido — who previously worked for Morris Garages Philippines, Nissan Philippines, and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) — has assumed the role of brand head and marketing director. 

You may read the full story, here.

Nissan announces new leader

Nissan also had an executive appointment on the global level. Per the Japanese carmaker, the marque will be under the leadership of Ivan Espinosa starting next month. This means that Makoto Uchida, who sits as the company’s current President and Chief Executive Officer, will step down come April 1. 

In addition, a shakedown of Nissan’s executive committee will be executed. 

Full story available, here. 

Important initiatives 

Local automotive brands also rolled out some important initiatives, which reinforce their commitment to their customers. 

TMP extends warranty 

TMP has prolonged its warranty period from three years to five. The new warranty coverage will be available to customers who purchased their rides from January 1, 2025. In addition, those who are under contract with Kinto One or Kinto One Business at the start of the year will get the extended warranty. 

You can check out the article, here. 

Ford PH launches MSV

On the other hand, Ford Motor Company Philippines — led by its new boss Pedo Simoes — rolled out the Mobile Service Vehicle (MSV). 

Per the American manufacturer’s local subsidiary, MSV is like an extension of its dealership’s service bays and can perform more than 70 percent of vehicle repairs. Aside from making vehicle servicing more convenient for private passenger car owners, the new program can also potentially make life easier for fleet managers. 

Customers can book appointments online, where they will be presented with a quote of the service they selected. 

You may read the story, here. 

BMW PH rolls out promo for March 

BMW Philippines, on the other hand, slashed the prices of its offerings for the month of March. 

Under the said campaign, customers can enjoy as much as P1.9 million in savings. 

Here are the nameplates with their respective discounts: 

Model	Discount	Price after discount
BMW 318i Business	P400,000	P3.19 million
BMW 520i	P400,000	P4.69 million
BMW X1 sDrive18d XLine	P350,000	P3.54 million
BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport	P500,000	P4.49 million
BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport	P1.9 million	P6.99 million
BMW i4 eDrive35	P600,000	P3.89 million
BMW i5 eDrive40	P800,000	P5.09 million
BMW iX3 M Sport	P1 million	P3.99 million
BMW iX XDrive40	P1 million	P5.29 million
BMW M3 CS	P1.5 million	P15.39 million
BMW XM Label	P1.5 million	P17.39 million

 

Find out more by checking the article, here. 

Suzuki PH supports Jimnyfest 2025

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated recently supported Jimnyfest 2025, which is a Jimny Hub-organized overlanding event. 

The affair saw some 180 Suzuki Jimny small sport utility vehicles (SUV)  participate, which are comprised of various three-door and five-door models. Joiners came from all over the world, including countries like United States, Japan, and Thailand.

Lasting the days, the event featured curated activities for the whole family, including test drives, a do-it-yourself pizza-making demonstration, and fun games and treats for the young Suzuki Safety Scouts. 

More information in the story, here. 

MIAS teasers 

Next month, car brands will be flocking to the country’s premiere motoring expo — the Manila International Auto Show. And as early as now, several brands have teased what models they will bring to the event. 

Changan Cars PH teases four-car presentation

Changan Cars Philippines announced that it will electrify the automotive spectacle with a four-car presentation, all of which are powered by new-energy vehicle technologies, which we have listed below: 

• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
• Range-extended electric vehicle
• Battery-electric vehicle

In addition, the Inchcape Philippines-led brand stated that three of the four vehicles will be donning the Changan 101 logo — a family of mid-range electric vehicles defined defined by characteristics namely simple, friendly, intelligent, and futuristic. 

Our thoughts about the upcoming lineup in the story, here. 

Jetour Auto PH previews T2 Panda 

Meanwhile, Jetour Auto Philippines previewed the T2 Panda earlier this week. 

The Jetour T2 Panda SUV come with the below notable features: 

• Terminator grille 
• Nitto Terra Grappler tires 
• Touch-activated four-eye top light 
• Side protectors
• Rear spoiler 
• Side ladder 

More of the T2 Panda (which was presented during the inauguration of Jetour Auto Quezon Avenue), here. 

And while we’re on the topic of dealership openings… 

Omoda, Jaecoo opens Santa Rosa dealership

Omoda and Jaecoo just opened its dealership in Santa Rosa, Laguna.  

It is their largest joint dealership to date, which offers  3S (sales, spare parts, services) solutions. 

Read more about it, here. 

VinFast earns international nod 

VinFast has been recognized by Time Magazine in its best companies in Asia Pacific for 2025. 

Out of the 200 brands, the Vietnamese marque was ranked 101st. 

Find out more about the story, here. 

Motorcycle buzz

The local motorcycle industry also had several engagements this week. Here are the top stories. 

Bristol Motorcycles brings Zontes line 

Bristol Motorcycles bolstered its offerings by adding the Zontes nameplate. 

Previewed in an event was a range of expressway-legal maxi scoots and a new adventure bike. We have listed the said models here: 

Maxi scoots

• Zontes 400E
• Zontes 400D
• Zontes 400G
• Zontes 400M

Adventure bike 

• Zontes 703F

Below are their respective price tags:

Model	Pricing (in Pesos)
Bristol Zontes 400E	P368,8000
Bristol Zontes 400D	P348,8000
Bristol Zontes 400G	P398,800
Bristol Zontes 400M	P328,800
Bristol Zontes 703F	P518,800

 

Read more about the new lineup, here. 

Yamaha Racing Philippines Team signs new rider 

The factory racing outfit of Yamaha Motor Philippines has found its new rider in the form of Eane Jay Sobretodo. 

Sobretodo will compete in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship Underbone 150 category alongside April King Mascardo. 

He took part in the Yamaha Challenge Camp, where he proved his mettle and showed his determination to be a part of the team. 

You can read more about the article, here. 

Reso challenges local premium moto comms market

A new motorcycle communications system has entered the local market. Reso will make its debut next month at the Makina Moto Expo and will offer the Reso Pilot Pro as its initial product. 

It will go toe-to-toe with the likes of Cardo Packtalk Pro and Sena 50S. 

Here is the full story.

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