Industry News
Ayala Bids Goodbye to Maxus After 7 Years
MANILA | After seven years, Ayala Corporation’s AC Industrials has officially ended its distributorship of Maxus vehicles in the Philippines, closing a chapter that started with the brand’s local launch in 2019. The decision, made jointly with China’s SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, was described as a “strategic step” for both companies to refocus on their core strengths amid shifting market dynamics.
Maxus entered the Philippine market under Ayala with vans like the G10 and V80, later adding the G50 MPV, D60 and D90 SUVs, and the T60 pickup. Some models have since evolved under SAIC’s other brand, MG, such as the G50 morphing into the G50 Plus and the upcoming re-entry of the D90. The T90 pickup is also set for a local debut as the TRQ.
For existing Maxus owners, it’s not the end of the road. Aftersales support will continue, with service bookings available via maxus.ph, and contact channels kept open for customer concerns.
Dana Uson, Head of Strategy at AC Industrials Mobility Group, said the company is proud to have contributed to Maxus’ local growth and reaffirmed its commitment to “innovative and sustainable mobility solutions” in the country. Meanwhile, SAIC’s Frank Wu thanked AC Industrials for laying a “strong foundation” for the brand in the Philippines.
Industry watchers weren’t entirely surprised. SAIC took direct control of MG’s Philippine operations in 2023, hinting that Maxus could eventually follow a similar path. For now, AC Industrials will focus on its other motoring brands, BYD, Kia, and Volkswagen, while SAIC continues to grow MG and possibly, one day, revive Maxus locally.
The announcement is rare in the auto industry, where most distributor shake-ups happen quietly, noticed only through shuttered dealerships and disappearing ads. This time, both parties went public—perhaps signaling a more open and competitive landscape ahead.
Lamborghini is in a legal showdown with one of its U.S. dealers, accusing it of selling high-end supercars to unauthorized middlemen — and in some cases, to individuals linked to “drug dealers and pimps.”
At the center of the dispute is Gold Coast Exotic Imports in Chicago, Illinois. The Italian carmaker claims the dealership breached its contract by selling at least 32 vehicles in 2023 to brokers instead of directly to retail buyers or other authorized dealers.
Court filings allege that some buyers had no intention of keeping the cars, flipping them instead for hefty profits. In one example, Lamborghini says a car went to someone previously convicted of fraud tied to laundering money through luxury car sales to criminal networks.
The brand also accuses Gold Coast of demanding off-the-books kickbacks worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for access to limited-edition models. Since 2019, Lamborghini claims to have paid the dealership over $4 million in incentive bonuses.
Gold Coast denies the allegations, countering that Lamborghini has withheld funds for showroom upgrades, failed to cover marketing costs, and is trying to push out its president, 81-year-old Joseph Perillo Sr. The dealership has taken its grievances to the Illinois Motor Vehicle Review Board.
Despite the heated exchanges, both sides told U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer they are in talks for an out-of-court settlement. If that fails, a trial could take place in December 2026.
This dispute follows another high-profile scandal involving Ferrari’s German dealer Mertel Italo Cars, accused of fraud and swiftly cut off by the brand. For Italy’s supercar makers, the twin controversies highlight the ongoing challenge of keeping their exclusive cars out of speculative or criminal hands — and protecting their carefully crafted image.
Suzuki Philippines has stepped in to help communities hit hard by recent floods caused by Typhoons Dante and Emong, especially in low-lying areas of Laguna. Many neighborhoods near the company’s head office in Calamba were left underwater and cut off from essential supplies.
Through its Marine Department, Suzuki worked with local governments and rescue teams to deliver help where it was needed most. The company deployed an inflatable boat with a 6HP Suzuki outboard motor to Biñan and a poly boat with a 15HP motor to Sta. Rosa. These boats made it possible to reach areas inaccessible to regular vehicles or manual boats, bringing much-needed relief goods to stranded families, particularly in Sikatville where waters reached chest level.
Local leaders and volunteers praised the effort, saying the equipment helped them cover more ground and reach people faster.
Suzuki also launched a Flood Support Program for owners of non-insured Suzuki vehicles damaged by the floods. The program offers a 30% discount on key parts often affected by floodwater—Engine Control Module (ECM), ABS Control Module, Body Control Module (BCM), and SRS Control Unit—helping customers repair their vehicles safely and affordably.
The company said these efforts reflect its belief that mobility is more than transportation—it’s a way to care, connect, and uplift people, especially during disasters.
For more details, customers can visit authorized Suzuki Auto dealerships or check Suzuki Auto Philippines’ official social media channels.
Mercedes-Benz is starting a new chapter in Cebu. Effective August 1, 2025, Autowelt Inc. under the Gateway Group has taken over as the brand’s official dealer in the city, replacing Global Star Motors (GSM) after a 10-year run.
GSM closed its Cebu sales and aftersales operations on July 31. Mercedes-Benz Philippines thanked GSM for helping build the brand’s name in the Visayas and Mindanao, crediting them for delivering premium service and strengthening the marque’s image in the region.
During the transition, aftersales services will temporarily be handled from Vicente Rama Avenue corner Dr. Pablo U. Abella Street in Cebu City. Sales will continue through a pop-up showroom at NUSTAR Resort & Casino starting August 5.
Customers can reach the temporary contacts below:
- Sales: +63 921 935 8574 (Monday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- Aftersales: +63 921 935 8577 (Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
The big reveal comes in early 2026, when Mercedes-Benz Gateway Cebu opens its new full-service dealership at Ouano Avenue, North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City. The new facility will feature the brand’s latest retail concept, offering a more immersive and personalized customer experience—from the first inquiry to vehicle delivery and aftersales care.
Gateway Group is a well-established automotive dealer with more than 20 years in the business and a strong nationwide network. Known for its expansion drive and customer service, the group is expected to help Mercedes-Benz grow its reach in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Mercedes-Benz Philippines says the move aligns with its plans to launch new models and expand its network through 2026. Current dealerships in Metro Manila—Mercedes-Benz Greenhills, Bonifacio Global City, and Alabang—will continue operations as usual.
