Cars
MX-5 Keeps Top Spot as World’s Favorite Convertible
The Mazda MX-5 has once again proven its timeless appeal, holding on to the crown as the world’s best-selling convertible. The two-seater roadster first earned its Guinness World Record back in 2000 and, 25 years later, remains unmatched. Global cumulative sales have topped 1.25 million units since its 1989 debut, all built at Mazda’s Ujina plant in Hiroshima.
In a shrinking market for drop-top sports cars, the MX-5 stands out even more. Data from Jato shows that in 2024 it outsold every other cabriolet worldwide, with 27,669 units delivered. The momentum continues into 2025.
UK and Global Appeal
In Britain, the MX-5 is the best-selling two-seater roadster and ranks second among all convertibles. More than 135,000 units have been sold there since 1990, including nearly 30,000 from the current fourth-generation model. So far in 2025, 859 units have been delivered in the UK, placing it ahead of mainstream rivals and just behind luxury badges like Porsche.
To mark the car’s impact, Mazda UK is displaying its 30th Anniversary MX-5 from the Heritage Fleet at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) headquarters in London until September 24. It’s a nod to the British roadsters of the 1960s that originally inspired Mazda’s open-top icon.
Philippine Market Strength
The Philippines has also become one of the strongest markets for the MX-5 in Asia outside Japan. As of June 2025, 1,563 fourth-generation ND models have been sold locally. Demand is split nearly evenly between the soft-top and retractable fastback variants, with 40 percent of buyers choosing the six-speed manual transmission.
The MX-5 set a new Philippine record in 2023 with 205 units sold, and current figures suggest 2025 could match or exceed that. To celebrate both the model’s popularity and the ND’s 10th anniversary, Mazda Philippines is hosting an exhibit at Power Plant Mall’s South Court until August 31. Limited-edition commemorative merchandise is also on offer for fans.
Still Driver’s Choice
Available as a fabric-roof Roadster or RF Retractable Fastback, today’s MX-5 continues to emphasize lightweight construction and sharp handling. UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson described it as “one of the most exciting and satisfying cars money can buy,” adding that Mazda’s dedication to constant refinement over 35 years has kept the MX-5 engaging and accessible.
The current lineup offers eight variants split between Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line, and Homura trims, powered by either the 132ps 1.5-liter or the 184ps 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine. All units registered from September 1, 2025, will also carry Mazda’s new six-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
Over three decades, the MX-5 has collected countless awards, inspired passionate owner clubs worldwide, and become a fixture in grassroots motorsport. With its enduring mix of affordability, fun, and driver focus, it remains not just the world’s best-selling convertible but one of the most beloved sports cars of all time.
VinFast became the first car brand in Vietnam to sell more than 100,000 vehicles in just the first three quarters of 2025, posting 103,884 units from January to September and 13,914 units in September alone.
The micro-SUV VF 3 led the pack with 31,386 units in nine months, including 2,682 in September. The VF 5 followed with 30,956 units, while its service-focused Herio Green version added 8,604 units, 2,173 of which were in September.
The VF 6 reached 14,425, and the VF 7 totaled 5,877 in the same period, with 778 in September. A seven-seat MPV tuned for Limo Green services delivered a September surge with 2,120 units.
Company executives credited rising market share and 11 straight months as Vietnam’s top seller. They also pointed to expanded capacity at the Hai Phong and Ha Tinh plants as demand builds into the fourth-quarter peak season.
VinFast said the milestone reflects growing local preference for homegrown brands and signals that electric vehicles have become mainstream in Vietnam. The company added it will keep pushing customer benefits to speed up the country’s shift to cleaner mobility.
Geely Motors Philippines (GMP) has achieved a 95 percent first-time fulfillment rate (FTFR) across its nationwide dealership network, signaling major progress in improving its aftersales operations. The milestone follows a series of system upgrades and a strengthened logistics partnership with SF Philippines, which now oversees the automaker’s nationwide parts deliveries.
According to GMP CEO Sylva Yu, the collaboration reflects Geely’s broader strategy to build a “smarter, more connected ecosystem for mobility” in the Philippines. “We are not just expanding our network; we are investing in logistics, sustainability, and partnerships that enhance the customer experience,” Yu said.
Since teaming up with SF Philippines, Geely’s spare parts system has become more responsive, allowing most dealership requests to be fulfilled on the first attempt. The improved flow of parts from Geely’s central warehouse to its dealerships nationwide has reduced waiting times and improved repair turnaround for customers.
The Geely Spare Parts Center in Cabuyao, Laguna, plays a crucial role in the new logistics setup. The 4,700-square-meter facility supports 12 delivery routes and carries an inventory worth around USD 5 million (about P291 million). Managed under the SF Philippines network, the warehouse handles thousands of components ranging from routine maintenance items to body repair and paint parts, lubricants, accessories, and tools.
The results are most visible at Geely Santa Rosa in Laguna, the brand’s first dealership under direct operations. With stronger parts availability and faster delivery times, the dealership has seen more efficient service turnaround—proof that the new logistics model is working as intended.
As part of the partnership, SF Philippines also integrated Geely vehicles into its own operations, acquiring Okavango Elite, Coolray, and EX5 units for its corporate fleet. These include hybrid and fully electric models, aligning with both companies’ sustainability goals and push for cleaner mobility.
With improved logistics, better stock management, and a growing nationwide network, Geely aims to maintain its aftersales momentum as it continues to strengthen its presence in the Philippine automotive market.
Ford Philippines brought back its Employee Pricing program for October, giving buyers of the Everest, Explorer, and Bronco access to the same prices and financing terms employees get. The offer is live nationwide and runs until October 31, 2025.
This year’s run expands beyond the Everest. The Explorer and Bronco now join with some of the biggest savings on Ford’s lineup. The Explorer is offered with up to P700,000 cash savings or 0% interest at 20% downpayment for 60 months. The Bronco gets up to P600,000 cash savings or 0% interest at 50% downpayment for 60 months.
For families eyeing the Everest, Ford lists up to P130,000 cash discount, an all-in low downpayment starting at P79,000, or a low monthly fee from P19,303. Variant-level guides show the Trend 4×2 starting at a P79,000 all-in DP or P19,303 monthly, the Sport 4×2 listed at P22,539 monthly, and the Titanium+ 4×2 at P23,792 monthly. The new Wildtrak trims also appear with updated DPs and monthly plans.
Beyond the three SUVs, Ford is stacking more October offers. Ranger buyers can get as much as P100,000 cash savings, with the Raptor 3.0L V6 tagged at a P50,000 discount or P20,000 off bundled with a 5-Star Care Package that includes a 5-year warranty, 5-year scheduled service plan, and 5-year roadside assistance. Territory deals continue, topping out at P220,000 cash savings or an all-in low downpayment from P69,000. The Everest Wildtrak also gets a P40,000 cash discount or a P20,000 discount with free 3-year SSP, or a low monthly from P39,737.
Ford first ran Employee Pricing in 2018 with the Everest. This year’s wider coverage aims to help more buyers move into well-equipped SUVs as the holiday season nears, according to the brand’s retail product marketing lead. Customers can inquire at any Ford dealer or check Ford Philippines’ official channels for details and final computations.
