Category: News

The latest automotive news from the Philippines and around the world, including vehicle launches, industry developments, product announcements, and mobility trends.

UNITY Car Meet & Track Day Returns to Clark This July 19

Second Skin Industries celebrates its 7th anniversary with one of the country’s biggest enthusiast gatherings.

Philippine automotive enthusiasts are in for an exciting weekend as Second Skin Industries, together with One Way Autohaus and Classic Speed, gears up for the UNITY Car Meet & Track Day happening on July 19, 2026, at Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. The event also serves as the celebration of Second Skin Industries’ 7th anniversary, bringing together car culture, motorsport, and the aftermarket community under one roof.

Running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the event promises a full day of premium automotive displays, spirited track sessions, and an opportunity for enthusiasts to experience high-performance machines in a safe, controlled environment. According to the organizers, visitors can expect everything from modified JDM icons and European sports cars to classic restorations and exotic supercars filling the paddock.

Unlike a traditional static car meet, UNITY also gives participating drivers the chance to stretch their cars’ legs around the Clark International Speedway, one of the country’s premier racing circuits. The venue has long been known as a favorite destination for track day enthusiasts and motorsport events, making it the perfect backdrop for a gathering centered around performance driving.

Another highlight of this year’s event is the participation of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which will deploy its mobile service bus at the venue. Attendees will be able to access selected government services such as driver’s license renewals, vehicle registration renewals, and other transactions without leaving the event grounds.

Several automotive brands and industry partners are also backing the event, including BYD, Motul, Shell V-Power, Nissan, Mazda, GWM, Mitsubishi Motors, and Zeekr, among many others. Their presence is expected to add even more attractions throughout the day, alongside sponsor booths and lifestyle displays.

Admission is priced at ₱200 per person, making it an accessible weekend destination for enthusiasts, photographers, and families looking to experience the local automotive scene.

July 17, 2026
Hyundai PH to Supply 50 Santa Fe SUVs for 2026 ASEAN Summit Operations

MANILA, Philippines — Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) has signed an agreement with the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC) to provide 50 Hyundai Santa Fe units that will serve as official protocol vehicles for the 2026 ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in the Philippines.

The ceremonial signing was held on July 10, with representatives from Hyundai Motor Group, Hyundai Motor Philippines, the ASEAN NOC, and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in attendance.

According to Hyundai, the fleet will be used to support operational personnel during the summit, which is expected to gather delegates from across the region and the world at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) later this year.

Beyond transportation duties, the partnership also highlights Hyundai’s continued involvement in national and regional initiatives focused on mobility, connectivity, and sustainability.

Hyundai Motor Group Senior Vice President for Global Policy Office Dong Jo Kim said the company hopes the vehicle support will contribute to a successful hosting of the ASEAN Summit while supporting ASEAN’s goals of innovation and sustainable mobility.

For HMPH President Jiho Son, the agreement reflects the trust placed in the brand and its commitment to supporting the Philippines on the regional stage.

“We are honored by the trust and confidence placed in Hyundai Motor Philippines. It is with great pride that we support the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit as we strengthen our commitment to advance meaningful mobility.”
Mr. Jiho Son, HMPH President

< L-R (2nd row, standing): MGen. Potenciano Camba (ASEC. Head of Operations, ASEAN National Organizing Council), H.E. Sang-Hwa Lee (Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of the Philippines), Dong Jo Kim (HMG Senior Vice President for Global Policy Office); L-R (1st row, seated): Undersecretary Ma. Hellen Dela Vega (Director-General of the ASEAN NOC) and Jiho Son (President, Hyundai Motor Philippines) >

The signing ceremony was attended by several key officials, including ASEAN NOC Director-General Undersecretary Ma. Hellen Dela Vega, ASEAN NOC Head of Operations MGen. Potenciano Camba (Ret.), Hyundai Motor Group executives, HMPH management, and Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa.

Hyundai clarified that the 50 Santa Fe units are being provided as in-kind support and will be returned to HMPH after the country’s ASEAN 2026 hosting period concludes.

Why the Santa Fe?

While Hyundai did not specify the exact variant mix, the Santa Fe’s combination of passenger space, comfort, safety features, and long-distance touring capability makes it a fitting choice for protocol and logistics duties during a major international event.

The move also gives the latest-generation Santa Fe additional visibility as one of Hyundai’s flagship SUVs in the Philippine market.

As preparations for the 2026 ASEAN Summit continue, the partnership places Hyundai among the automotive brands directly supporting one of the country’s most significant international gatherings in recent years.

July 16, 2026
Nissan PH Launches Change Oil Promo and Official Nissan Wear Merchandise
MANILA, Philippines – Nissan Philippines is giving owners more reasons to visit its dealerships with the launch of a nationwide Change Oil Promo, while also introducing Nissan Wear, the brand’s first official lifestyle merchandise collection in the country.

Running until October 15, 2026, the aftersales promotion is designed to make scheduled maintenance more affordable for eligible Nissan owners. Vehicles released from 2016 to 2026 can take advantage of the following offers:

10% discount on Change Oil Service (engine oil, oil filter, and drain plug washer)

10% discount on miscellaneous service fees

FREE labor on the covered service package

“Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to keep a vehicle performing safely and reliably for years to come. Through this promotion, we aim to make expert Nissan service more accessible and rewarding, helping customers maximize value while enjoying the reliability and assurance that come with every visit to a Nissan dealership.”
Yoshinori Kanazawa, Nissan Philippines President

Timely for the Rainy Season

Nissan also highlighted that the campaign comes at an ideal time, as the rainy season often puts additional stress on vehicles. Using genuine Nissan parts and manufacturer-recommended engine oils helps maintain engine performance, fuel efficiency, and long-term reliability—especially for owners planning long drives during unpredictable weather.

Nissan Wear Comes to the Philippines

Beyond vehicle servicing, Nissan is also expanding its lifestyle offerings with the launch of Nissan Wear, giving enthusiasts another way to show their passion for the brand.

Inspired by Nissan’s “Always Daring” philosophy, the collection features a range of official merchandise including:

T-shirts

Caps

Bucket hats

Tote bags

Tumblers

Other lifestyle accessories

The merchandise will be available at Nissan dealerships nationwide, allowing customers to browse the collection whether they’re visiting for vehicle servicing or simply dropping by the showroom. Nissan says the initiative is intended to strengthen its connection with owners and fans beyond the vehicles themselves.
July 13, 2026

Spec Check: New Hyundai STARIA HEV Launched in the Philippines

July 9, 2026 – Hyundai Motor Philippines has officially expanded its electrified lineup with the launch of the new Hyundai STARIA Hybrid, bringing hybrid power to one of the brand’s most distinctive people movers.

Unveiled at Alabang Town Center, the STARIA Hybrid added a new layer of efficiency and refinement to Hyundai’s large MPV offering. More importantly, it gave Filipino buyers a hybrid alternative without losing the space, comfort, and futuristic design that made the STARIA stand out in the first place.

For families, executives, shuttle users, and buyers who want a more premium way to move people, the STARIA Hybrid arrived as a smarter take on Hyundai’s already familiar MPV formula.

Same STARIA character, now with hybrid power

The biggest change in the new STARIA is found under the hood.

Instead of relying purely on a conventional diesel setup for the Philippines, the new STARIA Hybrid lineup uses Hyundai’s 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain. This paired a gasoline engine with an electric motor, allowing the vehicle to deliver improved efficiency while retaining the smooth and easygoing character expected from a large MPV.

Large MPVs, or Vans, are often chosen for comfort, space, and convenience, but fuel efficiency is always part of the ownership conversation. With the STARIA Hybrid, Hyundai gave buyers a way to enjoy the STARIA’s premium passenger experience with the added advantage of hybrid assistance.

The new Hybrid variants bring better efficiency and hybrid tech, with its best-in-class fuel efficiency of 17.7 km/L, new 1.6 Turbo Gasoline Hybrid engine with 245 PS combined output, Euro 5 emission standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Seamless Connectivity Anywhere with Bluelink

The STARIA Hybrid is the first in Hyundai’s lineup to feature Bluelink, the brand’s advanced Connected Car Service platform that keeps drivers seamlessly connected to their vehicle. Through Hyundai Live Services, owners can access real-time traffic and weather updates directly via the infotainment system without the need to tether a smartphone. With data refreshed every two minutes, every journey becomes safer and more efficient.

The Bluelink system also supports online voice recognition, supporting users to send and receive text messages while keeping their focus on the road. Beyond the drive, it keeps owners informed with vehicle status, diagnostics, and health reports, while enabling remote control of climate settings, door locks, horn, and lights for effortless access even before entering the vehicle.

New 9-seater and 11-seater HEV options broaden the range

The STARIA has never been just about moving people from one point to another. Its main strength has always been how it makes the journey feel.

Inside, the STARIA Hybrid continued to offer the kind of open, airy cabin that made the model popular among buyers who prioritize passenger comfort. Its large glass area, spacious seating arrangement, and modern dashboard layout gave the cabin a more premium atmosphere than the usual utility-focused van.

With the new STARIA variant lineup we now have 5 HEVs and 1 Diesel Cargo variant.

Variants	Powertrain	Seating	Price
2.2 Diesel Cargo 6MT	Diesel	Cargo	₱1,499,000
1.6T HEV GL 6AT	Hybrid	9-Seater	₱1,999,000
1.6T HEV GL 6AT	Hybrid	11-Seater	₱2,079,000
1.6T HEV GLS 6AT	Hybrid	9-Seater	₱2,389,000
1.6T HEV Premium 6AT	Hybrid	9-Seater	₱2,999,000
1.6T HEV Premium Plus 6AT	Hybrid	7-Seater	₱3,199,000

The HEV GL, HEV GLS, and HEV Premium have 9-seater configurations while the HEV Premium Plus has the 7-seater configuration with captain’s chairs on the second row. The HEV GL also has an 11-seater configuration as well for more room for passengers.

Enhanced Driving Confidence

The New STARIA Hybrid is also equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, an array of advanced safety technologies, engineered with customer safety in mind. These include new features such as the Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Side Parking Distance Warning, helping drivers navigate with heightened awareness and delivering confidence when on the road. Supporting this is a set of six airbags strategically integrated throughout the cabin.

Collectively, all these features embody the New STARIA’s promise of safety, space, and smart mobility for all occupants.

With the launch of the new Hyundai STARIA Hybrid, Hyundai Motor Philippines has clearly signaled where the future of its premium people mover is headed.

The biggest takeaway is simple: the STARIA’s passenger lineup has officially gone hybrid. Aside from the lone 2.2-liter Diesel Cargo variant, every passenger model is now powered by Hyundai’s new 1.6-liter Turbo Hybrid system. Buyers also have more choices than before, with the lineup expanding from five variants to six, adding greater flexibility for families, businesses, and executive transport operators.

Of course, the move to hybrid power comes with a price increase across most passenger variants. Buyers moving from the outgoing diesel models will notice the higher sticker prices, and those who preferred the previous AWD Premium+ variants will also have to accept the shift to front-wheel drive on the new HEV lineup.

However, these changes shouldn’t simply be viewed as compromises because all in all, the STARIA has always stood out for its design and comfort and now with hybrid technology, Hyundai has made it smarter, more efficient, and more relevant for today’s Filipino buyers.

For buyers who are in the market for a new family van or premium MPV, the new STARIA Hybrid deserves serious consideration. While the initial investment is higher than the outgoing diesel models, the potential savings at the fuel pump—combined with the convenience of a self-charging hybrid that requires no external charging infrastructure—could make it a worthwhile long-term proposition.

Photos from Hyundai Motor Philippines Facebook page

About the Author

Kevin Peters

Kevin, or Kev, is the Founder & Editor of Road Spec PH, a passion project born from a lifelong love of cars and automotive culture.

Long before working in the Philippine automotive industry, Kevin was already the kid who collected toy cars, spent countless hours playing Gran Turismo, and proudly told anyone who would listen that he wanted to be a race car driver when he grew up. While that racing career never quite happened, the passion for cars never went away.

When he’s not writing for Road Spec PH, you’ll probably find him playing racing simulators, adding to his die-cast car collection, or spending time with his 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer EX.

July 9, 2026

Hyundai PH Launches Fuel Your Drive Promo to Reward PMS and Oil Change Customers
Shell Fuel Vouchers, Other Service Perks Available Under Hyundai’s ‘Fuel Your Drive’ Promo

Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH) is encouraging customers to prioritize regular vehicle maintenance through its “Fuel Your Drive” Promo. Rewards are in store for participating customers who avail of Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) or oil change, regardless of their vehicle’s year model, at authorized Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Until July 15, 2026, Hyundai customers who avail of PMS and Change Oil services using Shell lubricant products will receive:

PHP 800 Shell Fuel Voucher

Free Vehicle Health Check

Free Global Diagnostic Scan (GDS)

Free Car Wash

“We at HMPH believe that consistent maintenance is key to keeping every journey safe and enjoyable. We would like to reward our customers who make it a point to return toour dealerships to care for their vehicles, while reaffirming our commitment to support them every step of the way.”
Mr. Cecil Capacete, HMPH Managing Director

The promo is open to all Hyundai customers at all authorized service centers nationwide until July 15, 2026.

To learn more, visit https://www.hyundai.com/ph/en/build-a-car/promotion/fuel-your-drive. Stay updated with Hyundai through @HyundaiMotorPhilippines on Facebook and Instagram.
June 19, 2026
Hyundai Palisade, Santa Fe and IONIQ 5 Named to Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 Best Family Cars List

The 2026 Hyundai SANTA FE is photographed near California City, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2025.

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is photographed in Palm Springs, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2025.

2026 PALISADE, SANTA FE, and IONIQ 5 recognized for delivering where it matters most to families, from safety to everyday usability

Hyundai continues to stand out with family buyers, with three models, PALISADE, SANTA FE, and IONIQ 5, named to Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 Best Family Cars list, an annual recognition of vehicles that deliver for families. Evaluated against factors such as safety, reliability, efficiency and overall value, the recognition underscores Hyundai’s focus on building vehicles around what families prioritize every day, from peace of mind to real-world usability. The three Hyundai models represent a quarter of the vehicles recognized by KBB as the best for families.

“At Hyundai, families do not have to choose between flexibility, technology and efficiency, whether it is the ease of managing a full day in a three-row SUV or the quiet simplicity of driving an all-electric IONIQ 5, our vehicles are designed to support the way families move through real life, without compromise.”
Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America.

Vehicles Designed for Family Life

Recognized for delivering on the everyday needs of families, PALISADE, SANTA FE, and IONIQ 5 each bring a unique combination of space, comfort, safety and flexibility. From PALISADE’s spacious three-row interior and thoughtfully designed storage to SANTA FE’s versatile layout that adapts between passenger and cargo needs, and IONIQ 5’s open, tech-forward cabin that makes daily driving easier, each vehicle is designed to simplify family life. Together, they reflect Hyundai’s focus on creating vehicles that support everything from daily routines to longer road trips with confidence and ease.

The 2026 Hyundai PALISADE is photographed in Sonoma County, Calif., on Aug. 5, 2025.

June 16, 2026