Cars
GAC Gets in the Game
GAC Philippines is expanding its local sports presence through a partnership with Cignal TV and TV5, linking the automotive brand with major basketball and volleyball broadcasts.
The agreement covers the PBA Governors’ Cup, Premier Volleyball League On Tour and Invitational Conference, and UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. Cignal TV and TV5 serve as the official broadcast homes of the competitions.
GAC will appear through broadcast integrations, player features and highlight segments built around key moments from the games. The campaign aims to introduce the brand and its vehicles to millions of sports viewers nationwide.
The company is using the phrase “Go Above Competition” for the campaign, drawing from the initials of GAC. It connects the competitive approach of athletes with the brand’s emphasis on performance and continued improvement.
“Bringing our global sports marketing tradition to the Philippines is an exciting step as we deepen our roots in the country,” GAC International Senior Vice President Steven Wang said.
Wang added that energy, endurance and determination associated with sports reflect the values behind the company’s vehicles and operations.
The partnership will also showcase models suited for different users. The all-electric AION V and AION UT are positioned for efficient everyday travel, while GAC’s MPVs provide additional room for families, teams and sports equipment.
GAC International has backed several sports programs in other markets. Its partnerships include Mexican football club Deportivo Toluca FC, Australia’s Sydney FC and the Global Super League cricket competition in the Caribbean.
The automaker has also supported the Rosa Challenge Tour golf event in Poland, the Bolivia Half Marathon and the official mobility fleet for China’s 15th National Games.
Its tie-up with Cignal TV and TV5 extends that sports marketing program to the Philippines while giving the brand regular exposure during some of the country’s most followed leagues.
Tesla emerged as the Philippines’ top-selling electric vehicle brand in June 2026, extending its lead after also taking the top spot in May.
The results, based on CAMPI-TMA sales data cited by Tesla Philippines, point to growing local demand as the automaker expands its ownership offers, charging network and software features.
Tesla is offering the Model 3 through financing packages starting at P29,990 per month. Eligible customers may also receive free Supercharging credits, one year of comprehensive insurance, purchase incentives and a complimentary home charger for a limited period.
The offers are aimed at lowering the initial and continuing costs of owning an electric vehicle. Drivers can manage charging, vehicle settings and software updates through the Tesla mobile app.
Owners may also join the Tesla Owners Club, which provides discounts and privileges from participating merchants. Tesla’s referral program gives rewards to existing owners and new buyers who purchase through a referral.
Charging support remains a major part of the brand’s local expansion. Tesla currently operates four Supercharger stalls in the Philippines and plans to open additional sites.
Its Destination Charger network has also grown with new locations in Bonifacio Global City and Southwoods Mall in Laguna. The facilities give owners more charging options in commercial areas and along frequently travelled routes.
Tesla continues to develop its vehicles through over-the-air software updates. The company introduced more than 300 new or revised features worldwide in 2025.
Its Summer 2026 update expands the functions of the Grok AI Assistant. Drivers can use the system to make phone calls, search for and play music, and adjust the vehicle’s climate controls.
Automatic navigation can also suggest destinations based on the driver’s habits and schedule instead of being limited to saved home and work locations.
Tesla said it more than doubled its onsite computing capacity in Texas during the first half of 2026. The additional capacity supports the development of autonomous driving software and humanoid robotics.
The automaker is also raising production of its 4680 battery cells to support higher vehicle output, including production of the Model Y.
Tesla’s back-to-back Philippine sales lead gives the company an early advantage as more brands enter the local electric vehicle market. Its next challenge will be maintaining that pace while expanding charging access and keeping ownership costs competitive.
BYD Cars Philippines has launched the all-new Atto 2, giving Filipino buyers a choice between a full battery-electric vehicle and two plug-in hybrid variants.
The compact SUV made its Philippine debut at the Trinoma Activity Center as the latest addition to BYD’s new energy vehicle lineup. It is offered as the Atto 2 EV, Atto 2 DM-i Premium and Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic.
The fully electric model delivers a claimed driving range of up to 380 kilometers. It also carries vehicle-to-load capability, allowing the battery to power external devices, appliances and equipment.
Both DM-i variants combine electric driving with a gasoline engine. They can travel up to 45 kilometers on electric power alone and have a claimed combined range of 1,340 kilometers based on an efficiency run conducted by BYD Cars Philippines with the Automobile Association of the Philippines. Actual range may vary depending on driving conditions, vehicle load and other factors.
All three versions use BYD’s Blade Battery. The DM-i Premium is the only variant equipped with the DiPilot advanced driver-assistance system. The EV receives a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the plug-in hybrid models use a 10.1-inch display. Smartphone connectivity is standard across the range.
Official prices take effect on 1 September 2026. The Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic starts at P1.048 million, followed by the DM-i Premium at P1.258 million. The Atto 2 EV is priced at P1.338 million. Special launch offers and BPI financing packages are available until 31 August.
Each unit comes with an eight-year drive-unit warranty, a six-year or 160,000-kilometer bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer Blade Battery warranty.
Available colors include Harbour Grey, Midnight Blue and Ski White. Breeze Green is exclusive to the EV, while Cosmos Black is reserved for the DM-i models.
The launch also opens the BYD Tech Tour at Trinoma, which runs until 2 August. The event gives visitors a closer look at the new SUV and BYD’s growing electrified lineup.
Toyota Motor Philippines has started retail sales of the all-new Land Cruiser FJ, giving the familiar nameplate a smaller and more maneuverable member designed for daily driving and trips away from paved routes.
The Land Cruiser FJ is available in TX and VX variants, with prices starting at P2.235 million. Both models retain the upright shape, rugged construction and four-wheel-drive hardware associated with the Land Cruiser family, but package them in a body measuring 4,610mm long and 1,855mm wide.
A 2,580mm wheelbase and 245mm of ground clearance support its compact yet capable positioning. The TX stands 1,890mm tall, while the VX measures 1,950mm.
Its squared body takes cues from earlier Land Cruiser models. Short overhangs, a wide stance, a rear-mounted spare tire and a side-hinged cargo door give the FJ a functional appearance. Buyers can also use the simple exterior as a base for accessories and outdoor-oriented builds.
Both variants use Toyota’s 2.7-liter 2TR-FE naturally aspirated gasoline engine, producing 166 horsepower and 245Nm of torque. Power is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission.
The part-time four-wheel-drive system operates in rear-wheel drive during regular road use. Drivers can engage four-wheel drive when more traction is required.
Underneath, the FJ uses a ladder-frame chassis with double-wishbone front suspension and a four-link rear suspension. Active Traction Control is standard across the range to help manage grip on changing surfaces.
The TX serves as the more straightforward version. It comes with 17-inch steel wheels, LED lighting, a 9-inch infotainment display and a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster. The cabin includes synthetic leather seats with manual adjustments, physical controls, a lever-type parking brake and a rotary selector for the four-wheel-drive modes.
The VX adds equipment for buyers looking for more comfort and driver assistance. It receives 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, side steps, a 12.3-inch infotainment display and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
A Panoramic View Monitor is also included, along with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The safety package covers Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Automatic High Beam.
The Land Cruiser FJ is offered in Smoky Blue, Oxide Bronze Mica, Ash, Attitude Black Mica and Platinum White Pearl Mica.
Prices start at P2,235,000 for the Land Cruiser FJ 2.7L TX A/T and P2,250,000 for the pearl-color version. The VX is priced at P2,575,000, while the pearl-color option costs P2,590,000.
The all-new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is now available at Toyota dealerships nationwide.
