Cars
FJ Returns Ready to Roam
Toyota has revealed the Land Cruiser FJ, a compact, back-to-basics off-roader aimed at making the Land Cruiser family more accessible. The prototype premiered ahead of Japan Mobility Show 2025, with the Japan launch targeted around mid-2026.
The FJ slots beside the 300, 70, and 250 Series and leans into simple, sturdy hardware. It rides on an IMV-series platform with added under-floor bracing, a wheelbase shorter than the 250 by 270 mm, and a tight 5.5 m turning radius for easy maneuvering on trails and in town. Toyota says wheel articulation is on par with the 70 Series. Power comes from a 2.7-liter 2TR-FE gasoline engine matched to a 6-speed automatic and part-time 4WD.
The body plays up utility. Both front and rear corner bumpers are segmented and removable, so damaged sections can be swapped out. The squared-off cabin, low cowl, and low beltline improve visibility. Inside, the horizontal dash and grouped controls keep eyes up on rough ground. Toyota Safety Sense adds driver-assist features, including a pre-collision system.
Size-wise, the prototype measures 4,575 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,960 mm high, with two rows for five passengers. Toyota plans accessories that invite personalization, including retro-style round headlights, MOLLE panels for gear, and exterior add-ons that match the FJ’s trail look. Toyota also previewed the Land Hopper, a stowable electric personal mobility device meant to extend adventures beyond where the FJ can go.
The FJ carries the Land Cruiser mission of reliability, durability, and off-road performance into a smaller package. Toyota notes the name stands for Freedom & Joy, aiming to widen the Land Cruiser audience while keeping the brand’s go-anywhere spirit. The reveal ties into a broader Land Cruiser story that now spans more than 70 years and about 12.15 million vehicles sold worldwide, including Lexus LX and GX.
Hariphil Asia Resources Inc. will deploy roadside assistance stations across key Luzon routes for the Holy Week rush, offering support to Chevrolet owners during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The company confirmed the rollout of its Chevrolet Road Care Program on April 2, 4, and 5, 2026. Service hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A total of 11 dealerships will take part, with teams positioned along major highways and travel corridors.
The program covers minor repairs, basic adjustments, maintenance checks, and emergency roadside assistance. Chevrolet said the setup allows motorists to address issues early and avoid delays during long drives.
Stations are divided across North Luzon, Metro Manila, and South Luzon. Locations include Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Dagupan, Baguio, Pampanga, Commonwealth, Makati, Alabang, Cainta, Las Piñas, and Camarines Sur. Each site operates on specific dates within the program window.
The assistance is free for Chevrolet owners. The company said the goal is to keep vehicles in safe running condition during peak travel days when highways see heavier traffic.
HARI President and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo said the initiative focuses on customer safety during long-distance trips. She added that the company will provide timely service and support along key routes.
Chevrolet advised owners to stop by any Road Care station before or during their trip to check their vehicles and address any concerns before they worsen.
Ford Philippines has brought back its annual “March Madness” promotion, offering a week of discounts, trade-in support, and service deals for customers across its vehicle lineup and aftersales network. The limited-time campaign runs from March 9 to March 15 at Ford dealerships nationwide.
Ford describes the program as one of its most anticipated retail campaigns of the year. The company says the return of March Madness expands beyond vehicle offers and now includes savings on maintenance services and accessories.
Ryan Lorenzo, Retail Product Marketing and Business Growth Director of Ford Philippines, said the campaign aims to make Ford ownership easier for both new buyers and existing customers. He said the program now includes after-sales offers to improve the ownership experience alongside vehicle promotions.
Customers who reserve a vehicle during the March 9 to 15 promo period can receive discounts of up to P200,000 on select Ranger Sport variants. Ford is also offering a P30,000 trade in subsidy for customers who plan to replace their current vehicle with a new Ford model. An additional P20,000 discount applies to the Everest, Territory Hybrid, and other Ranger variants during the same period.
The promotion also covers service appointments. Customers who schedule a periodic maintenance service during the campaign can receive a 10 percent discount on Ford parts and labor. Genuine Ford accessories are also offered with a 10 percent discount.
Ford added a raffle incentive for service customers. Those who spend at least P10,000 on parts or services during the promo period can join a draw for service vouchers worth up to P10,000 or a Ford dashcam.
Beyond the one week campaign, Ford continues its month long offers across several models. The Ranger Sport 4×2 comes with an all in deal starting at P59,000, while the Ranger XLS is available with a P99,000 all in financing package.
SUV buyers also receive financing options for the Territory Hybrid Titanium X with a P99,000 all in offer. The Everest Trend is available with a P79,000 all in package, while Everest Titanium 4×2 and 4×4 variants carry P99,000 all in financing deals.
Ford also introduced a new service bundle for Everest owners called the 5 Star Care Package. The package includes a five year scheduled service plan, five year warranty, and five year emergency roadside assistance. Ford estimates the benefits represent around P50,000 in savings. Buyers who select the package can receive a P60,000 discount on the Everest Titanium 4×4 or a P45,000 discount depending on variant availability.
The brand’s premium models also receive promotional offers. The Mustang Mach E electric SUV is available with a P500,000 discount or zero percent interest with a 50 percent down payment for 60 months. The Explorer 2.3L Limited EcoBoost carries a P1,000,000 discount or zero percent interest with a 20 percent down payment for 60 months. The Bronco Outer Banks with Sasquatch Package is offered with a P1,370,000 discount or zero percent interest under the same financing terms.
Ford Philippines said the offers run throughout March, with additional dealer specific promotions available during the March Madness week. Financing programs are available through partner banks BPI and EastWest Bank, subject to standard approval and dealership conditions.
Ford Mustang Mach-E tops JD Power EV ownership study in the US
The Ford Mustang Mach‑E has earned the highest owner satisfaction score in the 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study conducted by J.D. Power.
In the latest EVX Ownership Study, the Mustang Mach-E posted a score of 760 out of 1,000. The figure placed it ahead of other battery electric vehicles in the U.S. market, including the Hyundai IONIQ 6, which scored 748, and the Kia EV9, which received 745.
The study gathers feedback from EV owners after their first year of use. It looks at day to day driving experience, range accuracy, charging convenience, cost of ownership, vehicle quality and reliability, and the level of guidance customers receive when transitioning to electric mobility.
Results show that satisfaction is not based on specifications alone. Owners rate their vehicles on how well they fit into daily routines, how simple charging is, and how confident they feel behind the wheel.
Pedro Simoes, President and Managing Director of Ford Philippines, said the recognition reflects how owners experience the vehicle in real conditions. He added that the Mustang Mach-E represents Ford’s effort to deliver an electric vehicle that remains engaging to drive while offering practical usability and strong customer support.
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s all electric SUV that carries the performance character associated with the Mustang nameplate. It delivers quick acceleration, a spacious cabin layout, and a digital interface designed for everyday use. The model combines performance styling with SUV practicality.
The EVX study also highlights a broader trend. As electric vehicle adoption grows, customer experience plays a bigger role in ownership satisfaction. Ease of charging, clarity of information, and overall reliability now influence purchase decisions as much as power and range figures.
Ford said the ranking supports its global electrification push and reinforces its focus on building EVs that integrate smoothly into modern lifestyles. For markets like the Philippines, where interest in electric mobility continues to rise, such global recognition strengthens the brand’s position in the growing EV segment.
