Cars
Volvo Safe Hands
Volvo spotlights a father’s trust in safety
Volvo Cars Philippines is putting the focus on family safety this Father’s Day through the story of first-time Volvo owner Patricio R. Nardo Jr., a chief engineer and seafarer whose choice of vehicle was guided by trust, reliability and protection.
Nardo, who has spent decades working at sea and traveling across Europe, said Volvo stood out among the brands he encountered because of its long record in automotive safety. His work, built around precision and risk management, also shaped how he chose a vehicle for his family.
For him, the Europe trip that came with his ownership experience was a welcome bonus. The bigger reward was knowing his family rides in a vehicle designed with safety as a priority.
“Volvo represented something deeper than luxury or performance,” Nardo said in the company statement. “It represented trust. As a father and as someone responsible for the safety of others in my profession, that matters tremendously.”
Volvo’s safety history includes the invention of the three-point seatbelt, along with continuing work on driver-assistance and collision avoidance systems. Its current safety suite includes collision avoidance, intelligent braking, pedestrian detection and emergency steering support.
Nardo said those features give him peace of mind, especially when he is away for work.
“Every time my family gets into the car, I know Volvo has designed it with our safety in mind,” he said. “That gives me confidence and peace of mind, especially when I’m away at work.”
HARI vice chairman, president and chief executive officer Maria Fe Perez-Agudo said safety remains the foundation of the Volvo brand.
“For nearly a century, Volvo has challenged itself to create innovations that protect people both inside and outside the vehicle,” Perez-Agudo said.
Volvo Cars Philippines said Nardo’s story reflects fathers who make decisions rooted in care and responsibility. For Nardo, the trip may be the prize, but the real win is knowing his family is protected on the road.
Toyota rolls out June savings across select models
Toyota Motor Philippines is offering cash discounts, service perks and ownership deals for selected models under its June promotional campaign.
The offers cover several Toyota nameplates, led by the Wigo 1.0 G CVT, Raize G CVT and Tamaraw Dropside Diesel M/T. Each model is available with straight cash savings of up to P40,000 within the promo period.
The Wigo 1.0 G CVT is positioned for city users and first-time car buyers. Toyota lists its fuel consumption at 18.2 km/L in city driving, 23.3 km/L in extra-urban use and 20.8 km/L combined under controlled testing.
The Raize G CVT gives buyers a larger and more versatile option. Toyota lists its fuel economy at 15.2 km/L in urban driving, 22.2 km/L in extra-urban conditions and 19.2 km/L combined.
Toyota is also extending the offer to the Tamaraw Dropside Diesel M/T, a workhorse model aimed at business and daily transport needs. The variant records 11.9 km/L in urban driving, 15.2 km/L in extra-urban use and 13.9 km/L combined under the same test protocol.
Other models are also covered by Toyota’s straight cash offers. The Avanza E CVT comes with savings of up to P50,000, while the Veloz V CVT, Fortuner 4×2 Q Diesel A/T, Fortuner 4×2 V and G Diesel A/T and ATIV HEV CVT come with savings of up to P30,000.
Toyota is also offering free periodic maintenance service for selected models, service discount vouchers, trade-in rebates of up to P30,000, free one-year comprehensive insurance for select models and a five-year warranty for all brand-new vehicles.
The promo runs from June 16 to 30, 2026, subject to terms, model availability and applicable approvals.
Gateway Group adds BAIC to its dealer network
BAIC Philippines has signed a dealership partnership with MG Gateway Mantrade Corp. as the brand expands its presence in more key markets.
The contract signing was held on June 8 at the BAIC flagship showroom in North EDSA. The agreement brings BAIC into Gateway Group’s automotive portfolio, adding another dealer group to BAIC Philippines’ growing network.
Gateway Group is set to open BAIC dealerships in Manila Bay, BGC Taguig and Matina, Davao. The new locations are expected to strengthen BAIC’s reach in Metro Manila and Mindanao while giving more customers access to the brand’s sales and aftersales services.
BAIC Philippines Brand Head Timothy Sytin said the entry of Gateway Group reflects growing demand for the brand.
“Gateway Group coming on board tells us the demand is real, and we’d rather grow where people are already asking for us than get ahead of ourselves,” Sytin said.
The partnership also supports BAIC’s push into electrified mobility. The brand’s new energy lineup includes the BAIC B30e Dune Hybrid, B40e Trailmaster rEV, B60 Beaumont Diesel Hybrid and B60e Beaumont rEV.
BAIC Philippines said the collaboration will help widen access to its SUVs, hybrids and electrified models as customer interest shifts toward more advanced mobility options.
The signing was attended by Timothy Sytin, BAIC Philippines brand head; Kenneth Sytin, UAAGI vice chairman; Markane Goho, MG Gateway Mantrade Corp. chairman and chief executive officer; and Alvin Lu, MG Gateway Mantrade Corp. general manager.
BAIC Philippines is distributed locally by UAAGI Auto Inc. Its current lineup includes the B30e Dune Hybrid Off-Roader, B40 Pro TrailMaster, B40e Trailmaster rEV, B40 Ragnar, B60 Beaumont diesel hybrid, B60e Beaumont rEV, B80 Wagon and X55 Verve.
Lexus brings electrified luxury closer to mallgoers with a three-day showcase in San Juan.
Lexus is bringing its electrified luxury lineup to Greenhills Mall for a three-day showcase aimed at giving guests a closer look at the brand’s hybrid models and lifestyle experience.
The display runs from June 19 to 21, 2026 at the South Wing of Greenhills Mall in San Juan, Metro Manila. The showcase features the RX 350h Executive, NX 350h Executive and LBX, highlighting Lexus’ focus on electrified performance, refined design and everyday luxury.
The RX 350h Executive leads the lineup as Lexus’ luxury electrified SUV. It features the brand’s spindle body design, a refined cabin and an advanced hybrid powertrain built for smooth and confident driving. Lexus positions the RX 350h Executive for individuals and families looking for premium comfort, intuitive technology and fuel-efficient performance.
Also on display is the NX 350h Executive, an electrified luxury crossover designed for professionals and families. It combines hybrid efficiency with a spacious cabin, quiet ride, advanced safety features and everyday practicality.
The LBX completes the showcase with a more compact take on Lexus luxury. The city-friendly crossover is aimed at young professionals, first-time luxury buyers and urban users looking for premium finishes, smart technology and a more agile package.
Lexus is offering complimentary custom embroidery for Lexus shirts. Owners and enthusiasts may bring their own Lexus apparel or purchase one at the venue and have it customized on-site.
The Greenhills showcase gives guests a closer view of Lexus’ approach to modern luxury, where electrified vehicles are paired with curated experiences and details built around the customer.
