Philippines

Reported on April 26, 2025, Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, is preparing to introduce Subaru hybrid models to the local market in 2025. This development was revealed in the 2024 Annual Report of its parent company, Tan Chong International Limited.

In the Philippines, the preferential tax regime on electrified vehicles has impacted the group’s performance, contributing to a 48% YoY decline in sales volume in 2024. However, with the planned introduction of Subaru hybrid models, Tan Chong expressed optimism about its prospects in 2025.

The Crosstrek and Forester are expected to be the first Subaru models in the Philippines to feature hybrid powertrains. The launch of the all-new, 6th-generation Forester was originally scheduled for 2024. However, Subaru was forced to revise its regional strategy following the closure of its assembly operations in Thailand, which had been the intended production source for the new model. As a result, the Forester will now be imported from Japan.

(From Tan Chong International release and an article of CarGuide.PH on April 26, 2025)

Reported on April 28, 2025, Toyota’s assembly plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, the Philippines, recorded a robust 52.9% YoY increase in production for March 2025, reaching 5,762 units. The sharp uptick was driven by strong demand for the newly introduced Tamaraw light commercial vehicle, alongside interest in the Innova and Vios models.

For the first quarter of 2025, the Laguna plant’s output rose 7.9% YoY, totaling 15,824 units. The increase reflects the positive market reception of the Tamaraw.

Regionally, Toyota’s production across ASEAN markets also delivered notable results. In March, Indonesia reported 21,423 units, while Thailand led the group with 48,445 units. Malaysia followed with 6,110 units, and Vietnam posted an output of 2,283 units. Smaller markets such as Myanmar and Cambodia produced 135 and 233 units, respectively.

(From Toyota press release and an article of CarGuide.PH on April 28, 2025)

Reported on April 24, 2025, United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) has added Geely’s Radar to its expanding distribution portfolio in the Philippines, further broadening its range of cutting-edge new energy mobility options. 

This addition reinforces UAAGI’s commitment to the growing NEV market in the Philippines.

Geely’s Radar, a leader in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) pickup segment (also known as Riddara), has captured over 50% of the Chinese market share since 2023. With a presence in over 50 countries, Radar aims to achieve 30,000 units in global sales by 2025.

The brand’s flagship model is the RD6, which blends the features of an electric SUV and a pickup truck.

(From an article of CarGuide.PH on April 24, 2025)