Industry News/Updates
Government to roll out transport subsidies, fuel discounts starting April 15
Government will launch fuel subsidies and fare discounts starting April 15 to help commuters and drivers.
The national government will begin implementing a transport assistance package on April 15, which includes subsidized fares for commuters and fuel discounts for public utility vehicle operators and drivers, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday, April 9.
The measures come in response to rising fuel prices, which the government has linked to recent developments in the Middle East. The President convened the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee to assess the impact of the price increases and discuss possible interventions.
Under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Service Contracting Program, drivers and operators will receive payments ranging from PhP40 to PhP100 per kilometer. The payments are intended to supplement fare income, according to Marcos, who spoke following the committee meeting.
The program will be implemented nationwide and will cover approximately 50,000 public utility vehicles (PUVs), 1,000 operators, and an estimated 15 million passengers, the President said.
For commuters, the government will provide at least a 20 percent fare discount. Routes under the program are designed to connect with train lines and major bus corridors. The service will operate during off-peak hours, with participating vehicles required to have GPS monitoring to track actual trips.
In addition to the service contracting program, the government will offer a PhP10-per-liter fuel discount for PUVs, with a maximum of 150 liters per week for a period of three months.
The fuel subsidy will be available only at gasoline stations accredited and monitored by the Department of Energy, according to Marcos, who said the restriction is intended to prevent misuse.
The rollout will begin in the National Capital Region next week, starting along Commonwealth Avenue before expanding to Quezon Avenue, España, Zapote, A. Bonifacio, Rizal Avenue, and Marcos Highway. Officials said the program is planned for nationwide implementation.
Marcos said the government’s objective is to maintain stability for Filipinos amid ongoing economic pressures.
Industry News/Updates
CAMPI launches 10th Philippine International Motor Show
CAMPI launches 10th PIMS scheduled on June 4-7, 2026, at the World Trade Center in Manila.
(Photo) L-R: Victor Vinarao of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.; Atty. Rhys Alexei Murillo of Nissan Philippines, Inc.; Jing Atienza of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI); Robert Carlos of Isuzu Philippines Corp.; and Atty. Louie Soriano of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.
The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) has officially launched the 10th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), scheduled for June 4-7, 2026, at the World Trade Center in Metro Manila.
The biennial event carries the theme “Forward in Every Drive.” During the launch on May 7, CAMPI President Jose Maria Atienza said the 10th edition underscores the industry’s aim to foster a competitive auto industry while addressing evolving mobility demands, including challenges related to the ongoing fuel crisis.
Seventeen automotive brands will participate: BAIC, Chery, Foton, Geely, Honda, Isuzu, Jetour, Kia, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Omoda and Jaecoo, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota, and VinFast.
The show will feature over 150 vehicle models, including approximately 75 electrified models, or about 50 percent of the lineup. Activities include product launches, previews, driving experiences, and displays on energy efficiency and mobility technologies.
First staged in 2007, PIMS is a biennial event organized by CAMPI.
Industry News/Updates
Mazda CX-8: Quiet moment on the road matters for moms juggling it all
Mazda posted a video feautring Bianca King as CX-8 offers moms space, comfort, and ease.
Mazda Philippines, on May 6, posted a video of actress Bianca King as part of its Mother’s Day message. The video highlights the idea that for mothers who drive the Mazda CX-8, the vehicle offers space, comfort, and a ride that doesn’t demand constant attention.
The video captures how motherhood is rarely picture-perfect. There are beautiful days, there are overwhelming ones, and there are those moments when you’re folding laundry while helping with homework, planning dinner while stuck in traffic, and struggling to remember the last time you had five minutes to yourself.
In between daily routines, school runs, weekend errands, and the occasional quiet drive alone, finding balance isn’t just nice to have. It matters.
For some mothers, that’s enough. Less noise behind the wheel means more room to be present, not just for the kids in the backseat, but for themselves.
“To every mom showing up with love every single day, Happy Mother’s Day,” Mazda Philippines wrote.
No grand claims. Just an acknowledgment that the daily drive, much like motherhood itself, goes a little better when it’s not a struggle.
Industry News/Updates
VinFast launches VF MPV 7 electric vehicle in PH
VinFast launches the VF MPV 7 electric vehicle in the Philippines.
VinFast has officially launched the VF MPV 7 electric vehicle in the Philippines, marking the third international market to receive the model, the company announced on May 4.
The VF MPV 7 is priced at P1,518,000 for the battery-included version and P1,239,000 under the battery subscription model. The monthly subscription fee is P2,700 for distances up to 2,000 kilometers and P4,150 for distances exceeding 2,000 kilometers.
Starting May 5, customers can place orders through VinFast dealerships nationwide. Until May 31, the first 1,000 customers will receive one year of free battery subscription for usage up to 2,000 kilometers per month. Those who purchase the vehicle with the battery included will get a direct discount of P27,200.
The VF MPV 7 is a seven-seater electric MPV targeting families. According to VinFast, the MPV segment accounts for nearly 20 percent of total automotive sales in the Philippines.
The vehicle measures 4,740 mm in length, 1,872 mm in width, and 1,734 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,840 mm. Cargo capacity reaches up to 1,240 liters.
The electric motor delivers 150 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, paired with a 60.13 kWh battery. VinFast claims a driving range of up to 450 kilometers on a full charge under NEDC standards. Fast-charging from 10 to 70 percent takes approximately 30 minutes.
Owners receive free charging at V-Green stations in the Philippines through March 2029, along with a seven-year or 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty and a 10-year or 200,000-kilometer battery warranty.
VinFast Southeast Asia CEO Antonio Zara said the VF MPV 7 is intended as an upgrade for Filipino families.
CAMPI launches 10th Philippine International Motor Show
Mazda CX-8: Quiet moment on the road matters for moms juggling it all
VinFast launches VF MPV 7 electric vehicle in PH
DENZA launches B5, B8 plug-in hybrid SUVs
Hyundai updates software on 123 Palisade Hybrid units in PH
VinFast forum: PH at ‘turning point’ as fuel prices drive BEV adoption
Ford brings mobile showroom to Antique as part of Visayas roadshow
VinFast EV rental model offers ride-hailing drivers alternative to rising fuel costs
Toyota adds two electrified crossovers to local lineup
Vinfast hands VF6 keys to motoring media for full-day test drive
