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.
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.
Ford Philippines secured two major segment wins in 2025, with the Ford Everest leading the 4×4 midsize SUV class and the Ford Mustang topping the sports car category, based on data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines.
Ford Everest
The Everest Titanium+ 4×4 claimed the top spot in the 4×4 midsize SUV segment, taking a 40 percent market share in 2025.
Ford positions the Everest as a blend of durability and comfort. The Titanium+ 4×4 variant comes with a terrain management system that offers six drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. Drivers can switch modes through a Drive Mode Selector, while an electronic shifter supports optimized performance across varying road conditions.
Safety and driver-assist technologies are standard across the lineup. These include seven airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Lane Centering, Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Evasive Steer Assist, and Reverse Brake Assist.
Ford Philippines said customer feedback played a key role in shaping the latest Everest, which targets buyers who need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain without sacrificing daily comfort.
Ford Mustang
In the sports car segment, the Mustang held the number one position with a 32 percent market share in 2025.
Ford Philippines introduced the seventh-generation Mustang in 2024. The model is available locally in two variants: the 5.0L GT Premium Fastback and the 2.3L EcoBoost Premium Fastback.
Both variants now come with the MagneRide damping system. The setup adjusts suspension performance to balance ride comfort and handling. The Mustang also features Brembo brakes, a quad chrome tip exhaust with active valve functionality, and 19-inch aluminum wheels with distinct designs per variant.
Inside, the sports coupe gets RECARO leather-trimmed sport seats and soft-touch materials. The GT Premium Fastback runs on a 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. It produces 493 PS and 567 Nm of torque. The EcoBoost Premium Fastback uses a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, also mated to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic, delivering 319 PS and 475 Nm of torque.
Pedro Simoes, managing director of Ford Philippines, said the performance of both nameplates reflects strong customer demand in their respective segments.
With the Everest leading among 4×4 midsize SUVs and the Mustang maintaining its hold on the sports car market, Ford Philippines closes 2025 with two category leaders in its lineup.
