TessDrive brings you the latest developments across luxury showcases, new model releases, dealer network expansions, financial partnerships, and sales milestones shaping the Philippine automotive business landscape.
Lexus debuts new ES; hosts Robinsons Magnolia showcase
Lexus Philippines announced the official launch of the new Lexus ES executive sedan alongside a dedicated luxury showcase event to be held Aug. 7 to 9, 2026, at the Main Atrium of Robinsons Magnolia.
Specs and pricing:
The latest-generation ES debuts Lexus’ next-generation design language with a fastback-inspired silhouette, measuring 5,140 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,555 mm high on a 2,950 mm wheelbase. The cabin integrates Omotenashi principles, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen display, a panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof, and Lexus Safety System+ 4.
ES 350h Executive (P4,108,000): Powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid engine producing 247 PS. Features 19-inch Aero alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, 10-speaker sound system, and Back Guide Monitor.
ES 350h Luxury (P4,308,000): Utilizes the 247 PS 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, adding 19-inch Aero wheels, perforated synthetic leather seats, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System, and a panoramic view monitor.
ES 350e battery electric vehicle (P5,688,000): The country’s first fully electric ES sedan, equipped with a 74.69-kWh lithium-ion battery delivering 224 PS and up to 493 km of range (WLTP). Features 21-inch Luxury alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather upholstery, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio, and dual Type 2 AC / CCS2 DC charging support.
Available exterior colors include Sou (debut shade), Sonic Copper, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Iridium, White Nova Glass Flake, and Graphite Black Glass Flake.
Robinsons Magnolia showcase
The three-day Robinsons Magnolia popup showcases the Lexus LM luxury mover alongside the Lexus RX Executive crossover. Visitors can enjoy custom shirt and cap embroidery, limited-edition dog collar charms, and personalized sales consultations.
Learn more at the Lexus Manila Gallery, download the MyLEXUS App, or visit lexus.com.ph.
GAC PH expands dealer network; partners with Cignal TV, TV5
GAC Philippines formalized agreements for 6 new 3S dealerships during its MPV Family launch, adding retail facilities in Alabang, Bacoor, Las Piñas, Marikina, Subic, and Zamboanga. The additions push GAC’s local retail footprint past 30 locations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, supported by a centralized parts distribution warehouse.
Internal combustion models are backed by a 5-year/150,000 km warranty, while EV models feature an 8-year/160,000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/200,000 km core electric system warranty.
Concurrently, GAC Philippines announced a sports media broadcast partnership with Cignal TV and TV5 under its “Go Above Competition” campaign. The deal integrates GAC’s vehicle lineup—including the AION V, AION UT, and MPV Family—into national broadcasts for the PBA Governors’ Cup, Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour and Invitational Conference, and UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball.
GAC Philippines general manager Calvin Cheng said: “The rapid expansion of our dealer network reflects our deep commitment to the Philippine market and our strong confidence in its growth. By partnering with experienced automotive groups across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, we are building a robust retail network focused on long-term, mutual success and ensuring our customers receive exceptional support at every touchpoint.”
GAC International senior vice president Steven Wang added: “Bringing our global sports marketing tradition to the Philippines is an exciting step as we deepen our roots in the country. Sports embody energy, endurance, and relentless determination, which are values that lie at the very core of GAC’s brand DNA. Through this partnership with Cignal TV and TV5, we aim to inspire Filipino sports enthusiasts by bringing together the dynamic spirit of competition and our commitment to world-class mobility.”
Locate dealerships or book test drives at gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines earns Red Cross Galloner Award
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp (MMPC) was honored by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Laguna Chapter with a Certificate of Recognition and Galloner Award during a ceremony at the Sta. Rosa Stadium.
The distinction recognizes MMPC’s voluntary blood donation drive organized by the MMPC safety and health team, which mobilized management and staff to collect 404 blood units between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025. The award highlights MMPC’s corporate social responsibility commitment to supporting national health and emergency medical infrastructure.
Kia PH partners with UnionBank for PayEasy financing
Kia Philippines, operating under Ayala Group’s ACMobility, established a financial partnership with UnionBank of the Philippines to integrate the UnionBank PayEasy program across 19 nationwide dealerships.
The program allows UnionBank credit cardholders to purchase any Kia model—including the new Kia Sportage Turbo Hybrid, EV models, and ICE vehicles—using flexible installment terms of 3, 6, 12, 24, or 36 months. Cardholders can also utilize PayEasy installments to settle down payments when applying for conventional UnionBank Auto Loans, maximizing credit card reward points while lowering upfront ownership barriers.
Kia Philippines managing director Jay Lopez stated: “Our focus at Kia Philippines remains rooted in delivering purposeful innovation and exceptional service that integrates into the lives of Filipino motorists. Offering installment via UnionBank PayEasy is a reflection of how seriously we take our responsibility to the Filipino motoring community. When the right partners come together with the same intentions, great things happen, and today is proof of that.”
UnionBank EVP and cards and consumer loans head Mukul Sukhani added: “Our collaboration with Kia Philippines comes at the perfect time as we continue empowering our UnionBank customers with more accessible and convenient financial solutions through UnionBank PayEasy and UnionBank Auto Loan. This partnership is all about enhancing the customer experience—making it easier for our cardholders to enjoy greater flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind when managing their purchases.”
Learn more about card terms at unionbankph.com/r/ubpayeasy or view Kia models at kiaphilippines.com.
Tesla tops Philippine EV sales for May and June 2026
Tesla Philippines confirmed leading domestic electric vehicle (EV) sales across both May and June 2026. To sustain growth, Tesla introduced local Model 3 financing plans starting from P29,990 per month, complemented by limited-time purchase packages offering free supercharging credits, one year of complimentary comprehensive insurance, and a free Tesla home charger.
Globally, Tesla expanded its Texas compute infrastructure (Cortex 2) to advance vehicle autonomy and pushed its Summer 2026 over-the-air (OTA) software update. The update enhances the in-car Grok AI Assistant, enabling voice control for phone calls, music playback, climate adjustments, and schedule-based automatic navigation. Tesla also added over 2,400 supercharger stalls worldwide, supplementing its local network of 4 supercharger stalls and destination chargers at Arthaland Century Pacific Tower in BGC and Southwoods Mall in Laguna.
View current promotional packages at tesla.com/en_ph/event/updatesandoffers.