Cars of the Philippines

Cars of the Philippines refers to the automobile marketing and its evolution in the Philippines, as well as a comprehensive list of every car currently sold with a short description of the car's manufacturer history in the country.

Philippine automotive marketing history

The auto Industry started since the Philippine American Occupation. With Americans introducing their cars and during the 60's, a lot of American vehicles have scattered in the roads. But during the 1973 Oil Crisis, President Ferdinand Marcos advised Filipinos to buy 4 cylinder engine vehicles. But during the Martial Law, some vehicle makes have withrawed their businesses. But in the term of President Corazon Aquino, some makes have returned. In the 90's, A lot of Car makes and models are introduced. But during the Asian Crisis, some makes have withrawned but during the slumping of the economy, car sales are down. But during the years 2006 - 2007, automobile sales are increasing with new models. As of June 2008, despite high fuel prices, automobile sales are strong.

uccessful cars in the Philippines

Some cars have been especially successful in the Philippines, including how it sells and cost of maintenance.

Toyota Tamaraw FX/Toyota Revo

The Toyota Tamaraw FX was introduced in 1991 with van and truck body configurations. It proved successful, not just having a lower price but its durability, and its versatility. It was the choice of business fleets and taxi companies. It had a 1.8 liter gas engine and a 2.0 liter Diesel engine.

In 1998, Toyota introduced its Revo, and proved successful. Its sales captured the AUV market, with 4000 units sold. The Tamaraw FX was sold alongside the Revo before it was dropped out of its lineup in 1999. The Revo got new variants and a freshening in 2002, with its Sport Runner variant being a best seller. It remained on its offered models up to 2004 but remained until January 2005, when it was discontinued when the Innova was introduced.

The Revo was offered in DLX, GL, GLX, GSX, SR (Sport Runner), and VX trims, plus three special versions--the LXV (special edition with gold-trimmed badges), SR 2.0 (Sport Runner with different livery and rims and a 2-liter engine), and the J-Spec Revos (VX-J and SR-J, members of the J-spec line of Toyota vehicles).

Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is available in the Philippines since 1983 and it proved successful. With 4 incarnations and a perennal choice of Filipinos. Currently, the Corolla wears the Altis badge. It is the choice of road tuners because of its reliability and value. The Corolla is the country's best selling Family Sedan. It is the choice of Taxi Fleets, Police Fleets, rental vehicle, and even Coupon taxis in Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The 2008 model was released in March 2008 and it is currently available in Toyota dealers.

Mitsubishi Adventure

This was Mitsubishi's response to the popularity of the Toyota Revo. It has taken the design of the Mitsubishi Freeca from Taiwan and manufactured it as the Adventure. It was also a best-seller.

Isuzu Hi-Lander

Another AUV in the Philippines was Isuzu's Hi-Lander, which later evolved into SUVs.

Honda Civic

The Civic is available in the market since 1992. It is served as an alternative to the Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, and the Nissan Sentra. During the years, the car grew bigger and features more creature comforts. In 2006, it captured the market with its redesign being Hondas best selling vehicle in the company's and in the Family Sedan Market. With 10,000 units sold since 2006. It offers a 1.8-liter engine with its 2.0-liter engine as the option. The trim lines offered includes the SiR (offered in 1997- 1999), LxI (offered in 1996-2000), Vti (offered in 1996- 2005), and Esi (offered in 1992-1995).

Toyota Vios

As the answer to the popularity of the Honda City, Toyota introduced its Vios in 2003. It proved successful, not just of its built image and quality, but it was affordable to maintain and of its low price. It received a freshening in 2005 and it appealed to Taxi fleets, rental fleets, and Police Fleets. It even grabbed the attention of media and thus, included in some TV shows, music videos, and even TV Commercials. Its 2007 redesign was significantly improved, it captured the passenger car sales with 8,000 units sold.

Toyota Innova

Replaced the Revo in 2005, the Innova was Toyota's and the Country's best selling vehicle. It proved successful not just of its image and value but of its versatility and quality. Currently, it has 4 trim lines that serves the consumers needs. The Innova is currently used as Police Cars and even offered in rental car companies.

Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer was the first truly futuristic car available in the Philippines, but sadly the most restricted in the 1980s, during the regime of President Marcos. When he was deposed, Mitsubishi released its updated models on a regular basis, and is a favorite alongside the Toyota Corolla.

List of makers and models

This is a list of every car currently sold in the Philippines and a brief history of the carmakers in this country. (*denotes if vehicle is discontinued for that market)

Mainstream car makers

=Honda Cars Philippines=

Honda entered the Philippine market in 1992, it inaugurated its factory in Santa Rosa, Laguna, It was well received by the people and having brisk sales. It had media attention, and the Ayala Corporation purchased some of its dealers in Metro Manila. The Civic, City and the CRV are included in the top 10 best selling vehicles.

Honda

*Accord
*Civic
*City
*CRV
*Jazz
*Pilot
*Odyssey*
*HRV*

Ford Philippines

Ford entered in the Philippine market in 1998, the company was the leading American make in the country. It was also well received by the market. It currently builds its vehicles in its plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna. The Escape, and Everest are receiving good sales. Some of its SUVs, like the Expedition, are considered to be status symbols.

Ford

*Focus
*Escape
*Everest
*Expedition
*Explorer
*E-Series
*Lynx*
*F150*

=Hyundai Asian Resources=

As an answer to the popularity of its Starex, Hyundai decided to enter the country in 1998, it is the leading Korean make in the country, and its Starex, Tucson, Getz, and Santa Fe are its best sellers. The Starex is considered to be a status symbol vehicle.

Hyundai Motor Company

*Getz
*Accent
*Elantra (1997- 2000) (2007-)
*Sonata
*Azera
*Tiburon
*Tucson
*Santa Fe
*Veracruz
*Starex
*Matrix*
*i10
*i20
*Genesis

Isuzu

Isuzu entered in 1997 in inauguration of its plant in Santa Rosa Laguna. Its Crosswind was extremely popular and well received in the market, it even received several awards in its class. The early Gemini cars were early favorites of the taxi business.
*Crosswind
*Alterra
*D-MAX
*Hilander*
*Fuego*
*Trooper*
*Gemini*

Kia

Kia entered in 1993, it was well received and inaugurated its plant in Paranaque City. It receives brisk sales against its Japanese Competition.
*Picanto
*Rio
*Carens
*Sedona
*Sportage
*Sorento
*Pregio*
*Besta* - The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office once utilized this make for the ambulances it distributes
*Pride* - once called "The People's Car"

Mazda Philippines

Mazda was introduced in 1993 by Columbian Motors Philippines, but withdrew in 2000. It returned in 2004 under the ownership of Ford, its lineup was simplified to 4, as of 2007.
*3
*6
*Tribute
*CX9
*Miata (1995-1999)(2008-)
*626*
*323* - including the sportier F trim
*B-Series*
*Familla*
*MPV*

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines

One of the oldest and one of the leaders in the market. It entered in 1986, it received good market sales and media attention. It builds its vehicles in its plant in Cainta, Rizal. The Adventure, and Lancer are its best sellers, while the Pajero was the first SUV in the Philippines to be tagged as a status symbol.
*Lancer
*Galant
*Adventure
*L300
*Grandis
*Pajero
*Outlander
*Endeavor
*Montero Sport
*Fuzion
*Strada
*Eclipse

=Chevrolet=

It entered in 1996 but through the years, it proved successful in the Philippine Market. The Optra and Aveo are good sellers in the country.
*Spark
*Aveo
*Optra
*Lumina
*Venture*
*Captiva
*Trailblazer
*Suburban
*Tahoe

Chery

This is the first Chinese manufacturer to enter the country. It entered in 2007 and currently having a large dealer network in Luzon.
*QQ
*A5
*Cowin
*V5
*Tiggo
*Eastar
*V2
*Karry

Nissan Motors Philippines

Nissan entered in 1987 and received good sales. It was also well received by the market and media. Its factory is located in Santa Rosa, Laguna. The Sentra, and Frontier are its perennial best sellers. The Sentra was the third most desirable car in the Philippines (after the Toyota Corolla and the Mitsubishi Lancer) when it was first launched in the late 80s. The Patrol, notably the Safari trim, is currently the epitome of a status symbol SUV in the Philippines, it being a preferred choice for politicians and VIPs.
*Sentra
*Teana
*Cefiro*
*Frontier
*X-Trail
*Patrol
*Murano
*Urvan
*Serena
*200SX
*350Z
*Vanette*
*Altima* - a variant of the Bluebird
*Terrano*
*Grand Livina
*Nissan Skyline GTR R50*

Subaru

Subaru entered in 1995 under the Columbian Motors Philippines ownership but withdrew in 2000. It returned in 2006 under a new ownership.
*Legacy
*Forester
*Impreza
*Outback
*Tribeca

Suzuki Motors Philippines

Entered in 1996, Suzuki is a brand for entry level buyers, its plant is located at Pasig City.
*Alto
*Swift
*APV
*Grand Vitara
*Jimny
*Esteem*
*SX4

=Toyota Motors Philippines=

Entered in 1989, Toyota is the leading manufacturer in the country. It is well received and grabbed media attention. Its plant is located at Santa Rosa Laguna. With its Innova, Vios, Fortuner, and Avanza being best sellers. Before Toyota Motors Philippines was established, it was Delta Motors Corporation who was responsible for assembling Toyota Vehicles in the Philippines.
*Vios
*Yaris
*Corolla
*Camry
*Corona*
*Innova
*Avanza
*RAV4
*Fortuner
*Hiace
*Previa
*Liteace*
*Revo*
*Tamaraw FX*
*Tamaraw Original* - assembled by Delta Motors
*Cressida* - imported/assembled by Delta Motors

Chrysler

Entered in 2005 under a new ownership.
*Chrysler 300
*Durango
*Caliber
*Grand Cherokee
*Commander
*Pacifica
*Town and Country
*Nitro
*Wrangler
*Journey

Geely Philipppines

Entered in 2008, with a dealership in Subic, Zambales.
*CK

Chana

Entered in 2008, with a dealership in Mandaluyong City
*Benni

Luxury

Luxury cars in the Philippines achieve good sales, in places such as Metro Manila, Cebu City and Davao City.

Audi

One of the German manufacturers available
*A3
*A4
*A6
*A8
*TT
*Q7

BMW

One of the well known luxury brands in the country.
*1-Series
*3-Series
*5-Series
*6-Series
*7-Series
*M3
*M5
*M6
*X3
*X5
*Z4
*X6

Jaguar

One of the luxury makes available
*X-Type
*S-Type
*XJ
*XK

Land Rover

This SUV make is also well known and receives brisk sales
*LR3
*LR2
*Range Rover
*Range Rover Sport

Mercedes-Benz

Also one of the well- known luxury brands in the country
* B-Class
* C-Class
* E-Class
* S-Class
* M-Class
* G-Class
* R-Class
*GL-Class
*CLK-Class
*CLS-Class
*CL-Class
*SL-Class
*SLK-Class

Porsche

This luxury Marque is popular in the country and receives good attention.
*911 Carrera
*911 Turbo
*911 GT2
*Cayman
*Boxster
*Cayenne

Volvo

The only Swedish brand in the country which also received good sales.
*C30
*S40
*S60
*S80
*V50
*C70
*XC90

Lexus

Expected to arrive at late 2008.

Ultra Luxury

Ferrari

*F430
*550 Maranello
*599 GTB Fiorano
*612 Scaglietti

Maserati

*3200 GT
*Quattroporte
*MC12 (Only 1 sold)

Discontinued makes

Daewoo

*Cielo
*Espero
*Racer
*Prince

Daihatsu

*Charade
*Feroza

Proton

*Wira

Volkswagen

*Beetle
*Touareg
*Polo
*Caravelle

Peugeot

*206
*306
*807

Opel

*Astra
*Tigra
*Omega
*Vectra

Imported Vehicles

Although banned in 2007, these represent a portion of automobile sales. These are Imported and converted from RHD to LHD in coversion bays and Freeport Zones in Subic, Santa Ana, Cagayan, and Toledo,Cebu

Chevrolet

*Astro

Ford

*Freda
*Explorer
*Taurus

Honda

*Stepwagon
*Cappa
*Odyssey

Isuzu

*Bighorn
*MU Wizard

Mazda

*Bongo Friendee
*MPV
*RX7

Mitsubishi

*Pajero
*Spacegear
*Delica
*RVR
*GTO

Nissan

*Mistral
*Serena
*Largo
*Skyline
*Silvia

Toyota

*Hilux Surf
*Land Cruiser
*Liteace
*Previa
*Estima, Emina, and Lucida
*Hiace
*Noah - a variant of the Liteace
*Regius
*Supra
*Sprinter Trueno (AE86)
*MR2
*Celicaand including some Fuso, and Isuzu Trucks and Buses.

Cars Entered Since 2007

* Chevrolet Captiva (entered since November 2007)
* Chery (entered in July 2007)
* Ford Everest revision (entered in April 2007)
* Honda CRV redesign (entered in March 2007)
* Kia Carens (entered since October 2007)
* Mazda CX9 (entered since December 2007)
* Mitsubishi Strada redesign (entered in July 2007)
* Nissan Teana (entered in April 2007)
* Toyota Camry redesign (entered in March 2007)
* Toyota Vios redesign (entered in August 2007)
* Nissan Serena refreshening (entered in December 2007)
* Mitsubishi Lancer redesign (entered in April 2008)
* Toyota Altis redesign (entered in March 2008)
* Honda Accord redesign (entered in March 2008)
* Mazda 6 redesign (entered in April 2008)
* Nissan Grand Livina (entered on June 2008)
* Mazda Miata (entered in June 2008)
* Suzuki SX4 (entered in June 2008)
* Subaru Impreza redesign (entered in March 2008)
* Subaru Forester redesign (entered in July 2008)
* Hyundai i10 (entered in August 2008)
* Hyundai i20 (entered in August 2008)
* Hyundai Genesis (entered in August 2008)
* BMW X6 (entered in August 2008)
* Chana (entered in July 2008)
* Mitsubishi Montero Sport redesign (entered in August 2008)
* Dodge Journey (entered in September 2008)

References

*CAMPI Report 2006/2007
*C! Magazine
*Top Gear Philippines

External links

* Audi Local Website [http://www.audi.ph]
* BMW Local Website [http://www.bmw.com.ph]
* Chevrolet Local Website [http://www.generalmotors.com.ph]
* Ford Local website [http://www.ford.com.ph]
* Honda Local Website [http://www.hondaphil.com]
* Hyundai Local Website [http://www.myhyundai.com.ph]
* Isuzu Local Website [http://www.isuzuphil.com]
* Mazda Local Website [http://www.mazda.com.ph]
* Mercedes Benz Local Website [http://www.cats.ph]
* Mitsubishi Local Website [http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ph]
* Nissan Local Website [http://www.nissan.com.ph]
* Subaru Local Website [http://www.motorimage.net]
* Suzuki Local Website [http://www.suzuki.com.ph]
* Toyota Local Website [http://www.toyota.com.ph]
* Volvo Local Website [http://www.volvocars.ph]
* AutoIndustriya.com [http://www.autoindustriya.com]
* C! Magazine Website [http://www.c-magazine.com]
* Top Gear Philippines Website [http://www.topgear.com.ph]
* Kia Local Website [http://www.kia.com.ph]
* Dodge Local Website [http://www.dodge.com.ph]

ee also

*Taxicabs of the Philippines
*C! Magazine
*Top Gear Philippines
*Manila International Auto Show
*Philippine International Motor Show