Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) have introduced free 24/7 roadside assistance for eligible Toyota owners nationwide.

The program covers new Toyota Tamaraw and Lite Ace units sold beginning August 2026. Membership is valid for one year from the vehicle release date.

Customers must activate their membership through the QR code included with their membership card.

The package covers flat tire replacement, battery boosting, minor mechanical repairs at the breakdown site and emergency fuel delivery. Towing assistance is also included for one intervention or up to 25 kilometers to the nearest Toyota dealership.

The service gives Tamaraw and Lite Ace owners access to roadside help at any hour. Both models are commonly used by entrepreneurs, small businesses and families, which makes an unexpected breakdown more than a minor inconvenience.

The Tamaraw is locally assembled at Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna. The Lite Ace, meanwhile, is available in several body configurations for commercial and personal use.

“AAP has been recognized for its commitment to road safety, a mission that Toyota deeply shares,” TMP President Masando Hashimoto said during the ceremonial contract signing on July 20.

“Through this program, we want our customers to know that help is available whenever they need it,” he added.

AAP President Augustus Ferreria said the partnership also supports the organization’s work in driver education and road discipline.

“It is our hope that every Toyota Tamaraw and Lite Ace owner will not only have peace of mind through AAP’s roadside assistance, but also become better and more disciplined drivers,” Ferreria said.

Toyota and AAP have previously worked together on road safety programs and the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup. The roadside assistance program extends that partnership directly to vehicle owners.

Eligible customers may contact an authorized Toyota dealership for registration and complete program details.

XPENG will enter the Philippine market in September with two electric vehicles that form part of a wider technology ecosystem built around artificial intelligence.

The Chinese automaker will introduce the X9, its flagship seven-seat model, and the L03 SUV coupé. Philippine specifications, variants, prices and availability will be announced during the official launch.

The X9 is positioned for families, executives and professionals who want a spacious cabin with intelligent features. The L03 offers a sportier design and is aimed at customers looking for a more contemporary daily vehicle.

Both models will carry XPENG’s approach to what it calls AI Mobility. The company wants to distinguish itself from other electric vehicle brands through technology that helps a vehicle understand its surroundings and respond to the needs of its occupants.

“XPENG’s arrival in the Philippines is not simply about introducing another electric vehicle brand,” XPENG Southeast Asia General Manager Sam Chu said.

“We want to help establish AI Mobility as a category in its own right and show Filipino motorists how artificial intelligence can make every journey safer, more intuitive and more responsive to their needs,” he added.

XPENG develops its advanced driver assistance technology, in-car operating system, powertrain and electrical architecture in-house. At the end of 2025, the company employed 8,845 people in research and development, which accounted for more than 40 percent of its workforce.

Its research covers AI, software, robotics, vehicle engineering and other mobility technologies. This work also supports products outside its passenger vehicle range.

Among them is IRON, a humanoid robot designed to move, communicate and interact with people. XPENG plans to deploy the robot as a guide in its retail locations as development moves toward mass production.

The company is also involved in low-altitude mobility through ARIDGE. Its Land Aircraft Carrier pairs a road vehicle with a detachable electric aircraft. The technology remains under development and will still depend on supporting infrastructure and regulation.

XPENG also uses automation, connected production systems and AI-supported quality controls in its factories to improve consistency and manufacturing precision.

Founded in 2014, XPENG is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Its Philippine debut comes as more Chinese brands compete locally on range, equipment, design and price. The company is betting that software and artificial intelligence will give the X9 and L03 a clearer identity in an increasingly crowded market.

Nissan Philippines will launch the all-new Kicks e-POWER on August 28 at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City.

The electrified crossover will headline a three-day public event where visitors can inspect the vehicle and take it for a test drive. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The launch follows the Kicks e-POWER’s public preview at the Philippine International Motor Show. Nissan also opened reservations for the new model last month.

The latest Kicks receives a redesigned exterior, new cabin technology and updates to its electrified powertrain. Nissan has yet to release the complete Philippine specifications, variant lineup and prices. These are expected to be announced during the launch.

Its e-POWER system uses a gasoline engine to generate electricity for the battery. An electric motor drives the wheels, which gives the Kicks acceleration and response similar to a battery electric vehicle without the need for external charging.

“At Nissan, our current focus is on expanding our powertrain lineup to provide options that fit the different lifestyles of our customers,” Nissan Philippines President Yoshinori Kanazawa said.

“Following its public debut at the Philippine International Motor Show, we are excited to give even more customers the opportunity to experience it up close and discover its features, technology and electrified driving experience for themselves.”

The new Kicks will appear as part of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour. The event will also feature the Patrol, Terra, Navara and X-Trail e-POWER.

Visitors may test-drive the participating models, including the recently introduced X-Trail e-POWER. Nissan will also offer event-exclusive deals, although details will be announced at the venue.

The Kicks e-POWER entered the Philippine market in 2022 and became one of Nissan’s main electrified models in the country. Unlike a conventional hybrid, its gasoline engine does not directly power the wheels.

Prices and final specifications for the new model will be among the main details to watch when Nissan formally unveils it on August 28.