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Nissan PH appoints Yoshinori Kanazawa as President, effective April 1

Nissan names Yoshinori Kanazawa as Philippines president, effective April 1, 2026.

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Photo: Nissan Motor Corp.

Nissan has announced the appointment of Yoshinori Kanazawa as President of Nissan Philippines, effective April 1, 2026, according to a statement from the company on March 17.

Kanazawa will report to the President of Nissan ASEAN and Thailand and will be based in Manila. He currently serves as Managing Director of the Nissan Importers Business Unit (NIBU), ASEAN, and Managing Director of Nissan Singapore Pte. Ltd., based in Thailand. In this role, he oversees Nissan’s importer business operations across Southeast Asia.

Kanazawa has nearly two decades of experience within Nissan, having held leadership roles in Japan, China, and other international markets. His background includes corporate planning, product planning, and dealer network development. Prior to his current role, he held senior positions within Nissan China and its joint ventures, where he worked on strategic planning and dealer network expansion.

He succeeds Masao Tsutsumi, who has been promoted to President of Nissan ASEAN and Thailand. Tsutsumi replaces Toshihiro Fujiki, who has been promoted to Corporate Executive, Global Aftersales, at Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.

During his tenure as President of Nissan Philippines, Tsutsumi led initiatives that strengthened the company’s market presence and sustained brand momentum. He also worked with the organization and dealer partners to reinforce the company’s network and enhance customer experience, according to Nissan.

Nissan Philippines expressed gratitude to Tsutsumi for his leadership and contributions to the company.

Kanazawa’s official inauguration will proceed following his qualification under Philippine laws and confirmation and election by the Nissan Philippines Board of Directors, the company said.

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Toyota adds two electrified crossovers to local lineup

Toyota launches 2026 RAV4 HEV and all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV.

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The all-new RAV4 Limited HEV (left) and Urban Cruiser BEV (right) Photo: Toyota Motor Philippines

Toyota Motor Philippines has introduced two new electrified crossovers for 2026: the all-new RAV4 HEV and the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV, the company announced on April 20.

The expansions are part of the automaker’s multi-pathway approach to electrification, which aims to offer both hybrid and battery electric options to suit different customer needs.

The all-new RAV4 Adventure HEV (Photo: Toyota Motor Philippines)  

All-new RAV4 HEV

The sixth-generation RAV4 arrives as a hybrid-only model in the Philippine market. It is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 239 PS. The system is paired with an e-CVT and Toyota’s E-Four electric all-wheel-drive system.

Fuel efficiency is rated between 17 to 28 kilometers per liter, depending on driving conditions.

Inside, the RAV4 HEV features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A nine-speaker JBL sound system and dual-zone climate control come standard. The Limited variant adds a panoramic moonroof.

The vehicle comes with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, which includes Pre-Collision System, Full Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Adaptive High Beam System. Intelligent Parking Assist is reserved for the top-spec variant.

Pricing is set at P2.183 million for the Adventure HEV and P2.499 million for the Limited HEV. The Limited variant in Platinum White Pearl is priced at P2.514 million.

The new Urban Cruiser BEV (Photo: Toyota Motor Philippines) 

All-new Urban Cruiser BEV

The Urban Cruiser BEV serves as Toyota’s more affordable entry into full electric mobility, positioned below the bZ4X. The subcompact crossover is aimed at urban users beginning to explore electric vehicle ownership.

It is offered with a 61 kWh battery and front-wheel drive, producing 174 PS. The estimated maximum driving range is 475 kilometers, based on testing under the UN Regulations No. 101 fuel consumption protocol. Actual range may vary depending on driving conditions and habits.

The cabin features a 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a nine-speaker JBL sound system. Active safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and a Pre-Collision System.

The Urban Cruiser BEV will be available in Grandeur Grey, Splendid Silver, Arctic White, Land Breeze Green, and Celestial Blue.

Both models are now available at Toyota dealerships nationwide.

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Honda Cars PH appoints Hidekazu Arai as President

Honda Philippines appoints Hidekazu Arai president, replacing Rie Miyake, effective April 1, 2026.

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Photo: Honda Philippines

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. has appointed Hidekazu Arai as its new president, effective April 1, 2026, succeeding Rie Miyake, who will assume a new post at Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Japan, the company announced on March 26.

Arai brings nearly two decades of global leadership experience to the role. He most recently served as Chief Administrator of the Business Planning Department at Honda’s global headquarters in Japan, following previous positions at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and the Saitama Factory.

According to HCPI, Arai has a background in business planning, finance, and electrification strategy. The company said his leadership will focus on advancing Honda’s commitment to sustainable mobility and strengthening the brand’s presence in the Philippine market through business practices aimed at ensuring product value and customer service.

Arai succeeds outgoing president Rie Miyake, who led HCPI before moving to a new role at Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Japan. No further details about Miyake’s new position were provided.

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Mazda updates CX-60 line-up with suspension, NVH changes

Mazda PH updates CX-60 SUV for smoother, quieter, refined driving.

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CX-60 (Photo: Mazda Philippines)

Mazda Philippines has introduced a series of updates to its CX-60 five-seater SUV, focusing on ride comfort, noise reduction, and drivetrain refinement.

The changes, announced January 14, apply to the premium hybrid model line that first launched in the country in 2023. According to the company, more than 800 CX-60 units have been sold locally, making the Philippines the model’s largest market in Asia outside Japan.

The revised suspension system features softer rear springs and new bump stops, alongside dampers with increased rebound rates to better control vertical motion. At the front, engineers fitted firmer compression rates and relocated the knuckle mounts, changes aimed at improving stability on rough roads. Steering and stability systems have also been recalibrated.

Mazda says the turning radius now stands at 5.4 meters, smaller than other SUVs of similar size.

The eight-speed automatic transmission receives updated clutch control and hydraulic valve components. The company states the changes produce smoother transitions between combustion-engine and electric-motor operation.

Power comes from a pair of 3.3-liter inline-six engines. The e-Skyactiv-G gasoline unit delivers 284 PS and 450 Nm of torque, while the e-Skyactiv-G diesel variant produces 254 PS and 550 Nm. Both use a 48-volt hybrid system with a lithium-ion battery pack.

Inside, Mazda added thicker sound insulator material to the dashboard, including the upper cowl area. Trunk side trim also receives additional sound insulation. A revised steering column joint and reinforced doors are intended to reduce unwanted vibrations.

The cabin retains three displays: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 10.4-inch head-up display. A driver personalization system uses facial recognition to store up to six user profiles, adjusting seat, steering wheel, mirrors, and climate settings automatically based on detected eye position.

Standard equipment across both variants includes front seat ventilation, wireless charging, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

The gasoline variant arrives with black Nappa leather seats and aluminum metallic accents. The diesel Sport model features tan Nappa leather with quilted Leganu suede inserts and graphite trim.

Exterior color options include three Takuminuri finishes—Rhodium White Premium, Soul Red Crystal, and Machine Gray—alongside Jet Black, Sonic Silver, Platinum Quartz, and Deep Crystal Blue.

Pricing is set at P2,890,000 for the 3.3L AWD HEV Turbo and P2,990,000 for the 3.3L AWD HEV Turbo-D Sport. Both include a five-year free service plan covering periodic maintenance at six-month or 10,000-kilometer intervals, whichever comes first, up to five years or 100,000 kilometers. A three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year hybrid battery warranty apply.

Mazda Philippines operates 13 dealerships across the country, including locations in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan De Oro, and Davao.

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