Cars
Fronx and Furious
Suzuki’s bold new compact SUV, the Fronx, just crossed a major milestone, it’s now officially approved by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for use in the Philippines.
Based on LTO’s recently released memorandum circular (MC-GGP-2025-4565), the approved model is listed as the Suzuki Fronx GLX AT AD. This variant features a 1462cc gasoline engine, likely the K15B version, and sits on 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/60 tires. Measuring 3,995mm long, 1,765mm wide, and 1,550mm tall, it fits neatly into the subcompact SUV category. It also boasts a 2,520mm wheelbase and a ground clearance of 170mm — ideal for urban use and the occasional rough road.
The Fronx is being positioned to compete against the Toyota Raize and Kia Sonet. Now that it has received its LTO green light, the Fronx is one step closer to hitting local showrooms.
The Fronx brings coupe-inspired styling into the mix, combining SUV proportions with a sleek sloping roofline and bold double fenders. Inside, expect a sporty Black and Bordeaux-themed cabin with tech perks like wireless charging, smartphone-linked navigation, and an electric parking brake. Suzuki also boasts improved sound insulation and rear legroom.
If Suzuki Philippines opts to introduce both engine variants, buyers might get more options in terms of pricing and performance. But with LTO approval now confirmed, it’s only a matter of time before the Fronx rolls into showrooms across the country.
Although the full specs for the Philippine version haven’t been officially released, the GLX badging suggests that this could be the top-of-the-line model. Internationally, Suzuki offers the Fronx with two engines: the K15B and the newer K15C paired with its SHVS mild-hybrid system and a 6-speed automatic. However, it’s unclear whether local units will get the hybrid setup or stick with the standard 1.5L engine and possibly a 4-speed automatic transmission.
With its mix of style, practicality, and a likely competitive price tag, the Fronx could be Suzuki’s next breakout hit in the local crossover segment.
Pasay City is bringing back free shuttle rides, and this time, the service gets a tech boost. Starting August 12, 2025, residents can hop on Toyota Lite Ace community shuttles for another year at no cost, with routes and seats managed through Toyota’s mobility apps. The move aims to cut commute stress, make trips more predictable, and move Pasay closer to its “smart city” goals.
Instead of the usual “ride wherever there’s a vacant seat,” passengers can plan trips and reserve seats via the myTOYOTA Shuttle PH app, while city administrators get real-time vehicle data and driver behavior insights through Toyota Fleet Connected Service. It’s a small fleet of five Toyota Lite Ace units donated in March 2025, but a big step toward cleaner, safer, and more efficient city mobility. Think barangay-to-City Hall errands, school runs, or quick hospital trips made smoother with digital tools.
Free rides cushion households from rising transportation costs, and app-based booking reduces “come what may” commutes. If the system works in Pasay, other local governments could copy the model, especially for first- and last-mile routes where jeepneys or buses aren’t practical. It’s also a test of public trust: will commuters actually use the app? Can the city keep the shuttles on schedule and the data secure?
The program builds on the Toyota Community Shuttle pilot that ran from December 2023 to January 2025, which proved that connected, shared transport can improve access without needing major new infrastructure. The relaunch, led by Pasay City officials with Toyota executives, signals tighter public–private teamwork to modernize mobility at the city level.
Headed to the mall this weekend? You might bump into Ford’s newest electrified duo—one for practical daily drives, the other a head‑turning EV pony. Which one fits your Manila traffic life better?
Ford Philippines is taking the New Territory Hybrid and the all‑electric Mustang Mach‑E on a nationwide show-and-tell through October, bringing them to high‑footfall malls and select dealerships so shoppers can check the tech and the design up close.
Where to see them first:
- Territory Hybrid (Aug 15–17): Over 20 mall spots from SM Southmall, V Mall Greenhills, SM Bicutan, SM Marikina, Robinsons Place Manila to SM City Batangas, SM Sta. Rosa, SM San Pablo, SM Taytay, SM Legazpi, plus North Luzon stops like SM Cabanatuan, SM Rosales, Harbor Point Subic, SM Tarlac, SM Tuguegarao, SM Ilocos Norte, SM Baguio, then SM Seaside Cebu, Island City Mall Bohol, and Mindanao with SM City Davao, Robinsons Place Pagadian. If you reserve at these sites, you get a free 3‑year Scheduled Service Plan (SSP).
- Mustang Mach‑E Roadshow (Dealerships):
Ford Alabang (Aug 13–17), Global City (Aug 20–25), Balintawak (Aug 27–Sep 1), EDSA (Sep 3–8), Libis (Sep 3–8), Marikina (Sep 10–14), Cebu (Sep 30–Oct 5). Retail starts September at those same dealerships.
Hybrid practicality, EV excitement. One aims for lower fuel use in stop‑and‑go EDSA crawls; the other shows what a Filipino EV garage could look like—if your condo or barangay has charging sorted.
Perks that soften ownership costs. The free 3‑year SSP for Territory Hybrid reservations at mall stops is a real saver, especially with rising maintenance costs. Fair deal or marketing fluff? You tell us.
Access, not just hype. This isn’t a one‑city launch. The tour reaches Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao so more families can test cabin space, infotainment, and driver aids without flying to Manila.
Fresh from the public reveal, Ford wants more Filipinos to experience the brand’s electrified push—“from mall displays to dealerships,” says MD Pedro Simoes. Translation: they’re betting you’ll choose with your eyes and a quick sit‑in. Agree? Or do you still want hard data like charging costs vs. gas?
- Would you daily a hybrid for school runs and groceries, or go full‑EV for the torque and quiet rides?
- Which stop is nearest you—Southmall, Greenhills, Cebu, Davao? Planning to drop by?
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.
