Honda Cars Philippines said Wednesday it expects to sell 300 units of the 6th generation CRV each month, with the first CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT full hybrid variant representing 30 percent of the projected sales.

The all-new CR-V debuted Wednesday at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. “We are looking at growing the brand faster than the market. And with the launch of the All-New CR-V and the best-selling BR-V, we are optimistic we will see improved sales by the end of the year,” said company general manager for sales Louie Soriano.

Honda said pre-selling numbers showed more than 200 units were pre-ordered for both the new CR-V petrol and hybrid variants.

Honda’s venture into the electrified cars platform stems from the goal of realizing carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050.

“We want our hybrid line-up to be distinguished as full hybrid as it built to perform three driving modes –electric, petrol and engine,” Soriano said.

<h1>Honda PH launches hybrid variant of CR-V</h1>Honda Cars Philippines said Wednesday it expects to sell 300 units of the 6th generation CRV each month, with the first CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT full hybrid variant representing 30 percent of the projected sales.The all-new CR-V debuted Wednesday at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. “We are looking at growing the brand faster than the market. And with the launch of the All-New CR-V and the best-selling BR-V, we are optimistic we will see improved sales by the end of the year,” said company general manager for sales Louie Soriano.Honda said pre-selling numbers showed more than 200 units were pre-ordered for both the new CR-V petrol and hybrid variants.Honda’s venture into the electrified cars platform stems from the goal of realizing carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050.“We want our hybrid line-up to be distinguished as full hybrid as it built to perform three driving modes –electric, petrol and engine,” Soriano said.

Car / Car Supplies

Green technology

Honda PH launches hybrid variant of CR-V

The company did a forestation project and a scholarship program

<a href="https://philkotse.com/mitsubishi-philippines-price-list">Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation</a>&nbsp;(MMPC) announced the rolling out of not just one but two corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaigns – a forestation project and a scholarship program.

The forestation project is made possible thanks to a partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It is a three-phased project that planted various species of trees on a 100-hectare land in different provinces of Luzon – Bangui, Ilocos Norte; Siniloan, Laguna; and Infanta, Quezon Province.

Along with the tree planting effort, the company also donated a lighthouse by the Agos River to assist fishermen and farmers.

“For 60 years, it’s been MMPC’s commitment to make life better for Filipinos not just through our vehicles, but also through our services and CSR efforts. And today, we are about to nurture this community’s future, one seed at a time. I hope that the seeds we plant today will flourish for generations to come,” said MMPC Chairman Noriaki Hirakata.

Meanwhile, the Balik-Baterya Scholarship Program help fund scholarships for 20 senior high school students of Don Jose Integrated High School and Biñan City Senior High School – Timbao Campus. The program is funded by the proceeds from the recycling and disposal of used hazardous lead-acid batteries generated in the&nbsp;<a href="https://philkotse.com/market-news/200000-mitsubishi-l300-production-milestone-7310">MMPC plant</a>.

“I am grateful that this collaboration has led us to contribute not just to the preservation of our environment, but also to giving back to the community by raising funds to support scholarships for students. By investing in the education of the youth, we provide opportunities for the younger generations to realize their full potential and to create a difference in the world,” said MMPC Executive Vice President for Corporate Divison Takehisa Usami.

&nbsp; Apart from MMPC, automakers like Honda and Hyundai have also been rolling out&nbsp;<a href="https://philkotse.com/market-news/honda-philippines-cars-dost-contest-14977">efforts to empower the youth</a>. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) recently recognized and awarded young innovators for their environmental projects during the Youth Innovation Award held at Crimson Hotel, Alabang.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h1>Mitsubishi PH champions two causes in environment, education</h1>

Foundations / Associations

Mitsubishi PH champions two causes in environment, education

SHANGHAI, China - Electric car giant Tesla is set to realise fully autonomous vehicles "later this year", CEO Elon Musk said Thursday, in the billionaire's latest forecast for the long-anticipated milestone.

"In terms of where Tesla is at this stage, I think we are very close to achieving full self-driving without human supervision," Musk said via video link at the opening ceremony of an artificial intelligence conference in Shanghai.

"This is only speculation, but I think we'll achieve full self-driving, maybe what you would call four or five, I think later this year," the billionaire added, referring to two of the most advanced levels of autonomous driving technology.

The mercurial entrepreneur and Twitter owner admitted that he had been wrong in previous predictions on this timeline, but added: "I feel like we're closer to it than we ever have been."

Musk has missed his own deadlines for a fully autonomous vehicle -- and Tesla's driver-assistance technology has provoked regulatory probes in the United States.

China is the world's biggest electric vehicle market and Tesla announced in April it would build a second massive factory in Shanghai.

His appearance at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai marks his latest effort to maintain close links to China, following a visit to the country in May.

Electric vehicles make up a quarter of car sales in China, the world's largest car market, and dozens of new models from domestic and Western brands were unveiled in April at the country's first auto show since Covid restrictions were lifted.

Tesla reported a drop in first-quarter earnings this year, with the company undertaking a series of price cuts in the face of competition from other automakers.

<h1>Musk predicts Tesla self-driving cars 'later this year'</h1>SHANGHAI, China - Electric car giant Tesla is set to realise fully autonomous vehicles "later this year", CEO Elon Musk said Thursday, in the billionaire's latest forecast for the long-anticipated milestone."In terms of where Tesla is at this stage, I think we are very close to achieving full self-driving without human supervision," Musk said via video link at the opening ceremony of an artificial intelligence conference in Shanghai."This is only speculation, but I think we'll achieve full self-driving, maybe what you would call four or five, I think later this year," the billionaire added, referring to two of the most advanced levels of autonomous driving technology.The mercurial entrepreneur and Twitter owner admitted that he had been wrong in previous predictions on this timeline, but added: "I feel like we're closer to it than we ever have been."Musk has missed his own deadlines for a fully autonomous vehicle -- and Tesla's driver-assistance technology has provoked regulatory probes in the United States.China is the world's biggest electric vehicle market and Tesla announced in April it would build a second massive factory in Shanghai.His appearance at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai marks his latest effort to maintain close links to China, following a visit to the country in May.Electric vehicles make up a quarter of car sales in China, the world's largest car market, and dozens of new models from domestic and Western brands were unveiled in April at the country's first auto show since Covid restrictions were lifted.Tesla reported a drop in first-quarter earnings this year, with the company undertaking a series of price cuts in the face of competition from other automakers.

Musk predicts Tesla self-driving cars 'later this year'

BEIJING/SHANGHAI&nbsp; -U.S. automaker&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;and its chief Chinese rival&nbsp;BYD&nbsp;achieved record deliveries of their China-made vehicles in the second-quarter, China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data showed, as a fight for market share heats up.

Tesla&nbsp;sold 93,680 China-made electric vehicles (EVs) in June, up 18.72 percent from a year earlier, when&nbsp;Tesla‘s factory in Shanghai delivered 78,906 China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles after the city ended a two-month COVID-19 lockdown. 

The U.S. automaker sold 247,217 China-made cars over April-June, the most since it started delivering vehicles from Shanghai in early 2020, the data also showed.&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;reported record deliveries of 466,140 globally for the second quarter.

Chinese rival&nbsp;BYD, with its Dynasty and Ocean series of EVs and petrol-electric hybrid vehicles, saw June sales surge 88.16 percent year-on-year to 251,685 vehicles, according to CPCA data.

This was also the first time&nbsp;BYD‘s monthly sales surpassed 250,000 units and meant that between April to June,&nbsp;BYD&nbsp;delivered 700,244 vehicles, the data showed.

CPCA estimated total sales of new energy passenger vehicles – both at home and for export, and including pure electric and plug-in hybrids – at 740,000 units in June, up 30 percent from a year earlier. It did not separate domestic sales and exports.

The companies’ sales surge point to how they are so far managing to stay ahead of their competition even as overall auto sales slow in China amid a softening economy.

Tesla&nbsp;slashed prices for its two ageing models at the beginning of the year to boost sales and started a price war, prompting competitors – including&nbsp;BYD&nbsp;– to offer discounts or new lower-priced models.

The EV sector is also being given additional support from the Chinese government, which wants to drive sales to shore up a faltering economic recovery.

&nbsp; In June, Beijing announced 520 billion yuan ($71.67 billion) worth of purchase tax breaks on new-energy vehicles through the end of 2027. Caps on the tax exemption, however, may help drive sales growth of cheaper models that are mainly produced by domestic firms rather than premium vehicles from foreign makers, analysts said.

<h1>Tesla, BYD’s China deliveries hit record high in Q2 </h1>BEIJING/SHANGHAI&nbsp; -U.S. automaker&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;and its chief Chinese rival&nbsp;BYD&nbsp;achieved record deliveries of their China-made vehicles in the second-quarter, China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data showed, as a fight for market share heats up.Tesla&nbsp;sold 93,680 China-made electric vehicles (EVs) in June, up 18.72 percent from a year earlier, when&nbsp;Tesla‘s factory in Shanghai delivered 78,906 China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles after the city ended a two-month COVID-19 lockdown. The U.S. automaker sold 247,217 China-made cars over April-June, the most since it started delivering vehicles from Shanghai in early 2020, the data also showed.&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;reported record deliveries of 466,140 globally for the second quarter.Chinese rival&nbsp;BYD, with its Dynasty and Ocean series of EVs and petrol-electric hybrid vehicles, saw June sales surge 88.16 percent year-on-year to 251,685 vehicles, according to CPCA data.This was also the first time&nbsp;BYD‘s monthly sales surpassed 250,000 units and meant that between April to June,&nbsp;BYD&nbsp;delivered 700,244 vehicles, the data showed.CPCA estimated total sales of new energy passenger vehicles – both at home and for export, and including pure electric and plug-in hybrids – at 740,000 units in June, up 30 percent from a year earlier. It did not separate domestic sales and exports.The companies’ sales surge point to how they are so far managing to stay ahead of their competition even as overall auto sales slow in China amid a softening economy.Tesla&nbsp;slashed prices for its two ageing models at the beginning of the year to boost sales and started a price war, prompting competitors – including&nbsp;BYD&nbsp;– to offer discounts or new lower-priced models.The EV sector is also being given additional support from the Chinese government, which wants to drive sales to shore up a faltering economic recovery.&nbsp; In June, Beijing announced 520 billion yuan ($71.67 billion) worth of purchase tax breaks on new-energy vehicles through the end of 2027. Caps on the tax exemption, however, may help drive sales growth of cheaper models that are mainly produced by domestic firms rather than premium vehicles from foreign makers, analysts said.

Tesla, BYD’s China deliveries hit record high in Q2  

&nbsp; Brian Buendia is a man on a mission.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carguide.ph/2023/06/kia-philippines-announces-management.html" target="_blank">Taking over the leadership role over at Kia Philippines from the retiring Manny Aligada</a>, the new Chief Operating Officer is pivoting the Korean brand to become a local New Energy Vehicle leader with more BEV and even HEV offerings.“Dynamic, innovative, and inspiring. These are the pillars upon which my vision for Kia Philippines is based,” says Buendia. “We will refine the Kia buying and ownership experience by bringing our corporate identity and culture to the fore. [We will] establish Kia as a major player in the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market through our EV6 and future new energy vehicle (NEV) models,” said Buendia, a 25-year AC Motors veteran.Aila Peñaflor, Kia Philippines Product Planning Officer, has confirmed the arrival of two electrified models by 2024 in the Philippines. One is confirmed to be yet another Battery Electric Vehicle (likely the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carguide.ph/search/label/Kia%20EV9" target="_blank">EV9</a>), while the other is a HEV (likely the Sorento HEV or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gaYdooxMzk" target="_blank">Sportage HEV</a>).In the same time frame, Kia will also launch two traditional Internal Combustion Engine models in “key and competitive segments.” Peñaflor said that one is a refresh of a current model (likely the Picanto or Seltos), while the other is an all-new model.AC Motor’s move to offer more electrified vehicles is aligned with Kia’s global strategy. By 2027, the automaker plans to have 15 EVs in its line-up. By 2030, they have set a 4.3-million global sales target, out of which, 2.3 million are electrified vehicles.For his part, Antonio “Toti” Zara III, President for Automobile Group of AC Motors says they’re ready to carve out an even larger share in the local EV segment.Despite supply constraints, Kia Philippines has already managed to sell six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carguide.ph/search/label/Kia%20EV6" target="_blank">EV6 BEV</a>crossovers so far. Building on that momentum, the brand will continue to take advantage of the current incentives for EVs. The EVIDA law offers exemption from excise taxes until early 2028; a 30 percent discount on MV users’ charges on registration, inspection, and renewal; and more infrastructure dedicated to EV parking and charging slots.By 2027, AC Motors projects that the new car sales in the Philippines will hit 519,000 units based on the planned growth rates applied this year. Out of this number, 82,425 or 15.8 percent will be electrified. Broken down further, 71,013 or 13.6 percent will be BEVs, while only 11,412 or 2.19 percent will be HEV.Zara attributes the high growth rate for EVs locally down to a price parity happening between BEVs and ICE vehicles. This will also render the “price advantage” of HEVs moot as well. This is especially true as BEV offerings start rolling out in the compact (C-segment) and sub-compact (B-segment) passenger car and commercial vehicle segments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h1>Kia PH's New Boss Aims To Electrify Line-Up With More BEV, HEV Offerings</h1>&nbsp; Brian Buendia is a man on a mission.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carguide.ph/2023/06/kia-philippines-announces-management.html" target="_blank">Taking over the leadership role over at Kia Philippines from the retiring Manny Aligada</a>, the new Chief Operating Officer is pivoting the Korean brand to become a local New Energy Vehicle leader with more BEV and even HEV offerings.“Dynamic, innovative, and inspiring. These are the pillars upon which my vision for Kia Philippines is based,” says Buendia. “We will refine the Kia buying and ownership experience by bringing our corporate identity and culture to the fore. [We will] establish Kia as a major player in the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market through our EV6 and future new energy vehicle (NEV) models,” said Buendia, a 25-year AC Motors veteran.Aila Peñaflor, Kia Philippines Product Planning Officer, has confirmed the arrival of two electrified models by 2024 in the Philippines. One is confirmed to be yet another Battery Electric Vehicle (likely the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carguide.ph/search/label/Kia%20EV9" target="_blank">EV9</a>), while the other is a HEV (likely the Sorento HEV or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gaYdooxMzk" target="_blank">Sportage HEV</a>).In the same time frame, Kia will also launch two traditional Internal Combustion Engine models in “key and competitive segments.” Peñaflor said that one is a refresh of a current model (likely the Picanto or Seltos), while the other is an all-new model.AC Motor’s move to offer more electrified vehicles is aligned with Kia’s global strategy. By 2027, the automaker plans to have 15 EVs in its line-up. By 2030, they have set a 4.3-million global sales target, out of which, 2.3 million are electrified vehicles.For his part, Antonio “Toti” Zara III, President for Automobile Group of AC Motors says they’re ready to carve out an even larger share in the local EV segment.Despite supply constraints, Kia Philippines has already managed to sell six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carguide.ph/search/label/Kia%20EV6" target="_blank">EV6 BEV</a>crossovers so far. Building on that momentum, the brand will continue to take advantage of the current incentives for EVs. The EVIDA law offers exemption from excise taxes until early 2028; a 30 percent discount on MV users’ charges on registration, inspection, and renewal; and more infrastructure dedicated to EV parking and charging slots.By 2027, AC Motors projects that the new car sales in the Philippines will hit 519,000 units based on the planned growth rates applied this year. Out of this number, 82,425 or 15.8 percent will be electrified. Broken down further, 71,013 or 13.6 percent will be BEVs, while only 11,412 or 2.19 percent will be HEV.Zara attributes the high growth rate for EVs locally down to a price parity happening between BEVs and ICE vehicles. This will also render the “price advantage” of HEVs moot as well. This is especially true as BEV offerings start rolling out in the compact (C-segment) and sub-compact (B-segment) passenger car and commercial vehicle segments.&nbsp;&nbsp;