Despite the problems that hounded 2021, vehicle manufacturers have managed to release numerous models to help entice buyers on choosing the best model to suit their needs.

And 2022—with the traction gained from last year’s events — will surely attract automakers to bring in more.

Here are some of the vehicles that will likely arrive or we wish to arrive in the country this year.

Audi

Audi Philippines (under PGA Cars) announced that three models wearing the e-tron badge are set to arrive in the country this month. These are the fully-electric Audi e-tron SUV, the e-tron GT four-door grand tourer, and the dynamic RS e-tron GT.

The announcement was in contrast to what was earlier shared to Carmudi Philippines that the vehicles will come in the country in the last quarter of the year.

Bentley

Although not giving the specifics on the scheduled arrival, PGA Cars — importer of Bentley vehicles in the country — broadcasted that the hybrid versions of the Flying Spur and Bentayga will be offered here this year. The official announcement was made last month.

Ford

The Blue Oval brand is not new in terms of immediately updating its offerings if the support from the local market would continue to grow. Look at what it did to its Ford Ranger lineup: it refreshed the full lineup in February 2021 after revamping the same badge in January 2020.

And with the global reveal of the latest Ranger recently, we would not be surprised if the American carmaker’s Philippines arm would suddenly declare that it would be available here (considering that neighboring country Thailand will officially start manufacturing the next-generation Ranger this year).

GAC Motor

Back in August 2021, Legado Motor Philippines (LMI) Product Director Brennan Lim announced that it is eyeing to add an electric vehicle (EV) in Guangzhou Automotive Company (GAC)’s local roster — should things be favorable in the sector.

Upon checking the mother company’s website, the company seems to offer only one model that falls under the category: the GE3. This sport utility vehicle (SUV) is powered by Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) that can deliver a maximum of 132kW (179hp) and 290Nm torque. Its Ternary Lithium Battery can be fully-charged in eight hours.

Hyundai

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. is one of the brands that immediately comes to mind when it comes to vans — thanks to the Starex. And following some sightings last year from other importers (Thailand and Malaysia already have it), Hyundai’s local importer could consider retailing the Staria here. After all, the current-generation Starex has been around for quite some time already.

Maxus

Back in May last year, we wrote a story about a Maxus commercial vehicle that has great potential should it reach the country: the SV62. This vehicle is a good option for those who want to start in the logistics business.

If offered locally, the Ayala-backed company need not to secure much additional parts for its inventory as the vehicle seems to be sharing the chassis with the V80 van—one of the other offerings of Maxus Philippines in the local market. This could probably mean that the two models have a lot of matching components.

In overseas markets where it is currently available, the Maxus SV62 is offered in two body options: the dropside cab and the chassis-only.

Nissan

Based on the information shared by a source in May 2021 (although the claiming immediately that the plan is not set in stone), Nissan Philippines was supposed to offer the Serena and Kicks.

Should the Nissan Kicks be sold in the country, it will give the Japanese automaker again an entry in the subcompact crossover maker, replacing the Juke left the market in 2019. Meanwhile, the Nissan Serena will likely fill the minivan category.

Subaru

The leadership of Motor Image Pilipinas — the exclusive distributor of Subaru models in the country — already revealed last month its incoming offers this 2022.

Tan Chong International Limited deputy chair and managing director Glenn Tan said that the first to arrive would be the spruced-up Subaru Forester, which is targeted to arrive in February 2022.

By April, the all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ will be showcased to the public at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show. Considered as the twin of the Toyota GR86, the incoming model — now available on pre-order — is offered in two trims, the manual (priced at P2.399 million) and automatic with Eyesight (P2.499 million).

Finally, by June, the sedan and wagon versions of the Subaru WRX nameplate will probably arrive on local shores.

Toyota

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has already produced numerous nameplates that displayed the Gazoo Racing nameplates: from the GR Supra, the GR Yaris, the GR-Sport versions of the Fortuner and the Hilux. And since these are all already available in the local market, the country’s leading automaker might as well bring GR 86 too.

The coming of this model this year is inevitable as its twin is set to arrive in April.

Photos from Yolysa Tabquero, Audi, Ford, Contributed photo, SAIC Maxus, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota

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