Philippines

On October 2, 2025, ACMobility, Ayala’s mobility solutions division, and Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announced that their long-standing dealer network will transition starting January 1, 2026, reflecting both companies’ evolving strategies focused on growth and innovation.

The partnership began in 1990 with the launch of Honda Cars Makati, the Philippines’ first Honda dealership. Since then, ACMobility-operated Honda dealerships have sold over 220,000 vehicles as of August 2025.

Through its subsidiary Iconic Dealership, Inc. (IDI), Ayala will gradually transfer management and operations to new dealer principals. IDI will continue operations through December 31, 2025, ensuring that customers experience no interruption in sales, maintenance, or service appointments. HCPI will provide updates through official channels.

(From Honda Philippines press release dated October 2, 2025)

Reported on September 27, 2025, the all-new 6th-generation Subaru Forester compact SUV has officially been launched in the Philippines, priced from PHP 2.498 million.

The 2026 Forester is powered by a second-generation e-Boxer hybrid system that combines a 2.5-liter Boxer engine with dual electric motors for a total of 197 hp. The FB25 engine produces 164 hp and 209 Nm, while the motors contribute 122 hp and 276 Nm, allowing short-distance electric-only driving through a 1.1-kWh battery and EV mode. With its 63-liter fuel tank, the SUV can cover up to 1,000 km, the longest range of any Subaru to date.

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive remains at the heart of the Forester, with the engine, CVT, fuel tank, and battery aligned along the center for optimal balance. Built on a reinforced Subaru Global Platform featuring a full inner frame and expanded adhesive use, the SUV enjoys a 10% boost in torsional rigidity, while a dual-pinion steering setup inspired by the Subaru WRX enhances responsiveness.

The Forester accelerates from zero to 100 kph in 9.4 seconds, reaches a top speed of 182 kph, and delivers fuel efficiency of 14.49 km/L. It comes equipped with the latest driver assistance and safety technologies, including Subaru EyeSight 4.0, a driver monitoring system, blind-spot detection, reverse automatic braking, and a 360-degree camera. Its overall dimensions are (LWH) 4,655x 1,830x 1,730 mm with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm.

(From Subaru Philippines social media updates and an article of CarGuide.PH )

Announced on September 18, 2025, Ayala Group’s Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI) and Volkswagen AG have decided to end their vehicle distribution partnership in the Philippines. Volkswagen BGC will continue operating until September 30, and ACEI confirmed that service and support for Volkswagen vehicles will remain available at its local centers.

No official reason was given, but industry sources point to weak sales and a shift in consumer demand toward hybrid and electric vehicles. Within Ayala’s automotive portfolio, Chinese EV brand BYD has emerged as the fastest-growing segment.

The 13-year partnership, which began in October 2012, aimed to leverage Ayala’s local expertise to support Volkswagen’s global goal of becoming the world’s leading automaker by 2018.

(From Volkswagen Philippines social media updates and an article of Inquirer.net)