Automotive

Sales narratives, EV adoption, supply-chain signals, and dealer-floor sentiment from the Philippine motoring beat.

Delivered Daily

Sample issue

Automotive

Daily intelligence on the Automotive beat

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Issue #29

LTO reshuffles NCR heads after fixer arrests; Hyundai launches Staria Hybrid; DOTr relocates 159 families for Mindanao Railway

The Land Transportation Office reassigns district heads in Metro Manila following the arrest of alleged fixers, while Hyundai Motor Philippines launches the Staria Hybrid and the DOTr begins relocating families for the Mindanao Railway project. Other notable stories include the LTO-7 'Road Heroes' program, Jetour Auto's new dealership, and the Denza Z9 GT EV listing.

By the MMI Automotive Desk

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced a region-wide reassignment of its district heads in the National Capital Region (NCR) following the arrest of three alleged fixers. LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the reshuffle is part of the agency's continuing reorganization and efforts to ensure accountability for anyone involved in illegal activities. "Arresting fixers alone is not enough. It is equally important to determine how they were able to operate and whether there were personnel who neglected their duties or provided them protection," Lacanilao said in a statement released by the LTO on its social media page. The move signals a crackdown on corruption within the agency, which handles vehicle registration and driver's license issuance.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) officially launched the electrified version of its Staria Premium Van on July 9, 2026, at the Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City. The 2026 Staria Hybrid joins Hyundai's growing electrified lineup in the country, which includes the Elantra Hybrid, Kona Hybrid, Tucson Hybrid, Santa Fe Hybrid, and Palisade Hybrid. HMPH president Jiho Son said in a press statement, "The Staria is one of the most iconic nameplates in our current lineup, completing our Hybrid range while carrying a legacy Filipinos trust." The Staria Hybrid is expected to compete with other electrified models like the BYD eMAX 9 and Toyota Alphard HEV, with average fuel economy expected to be above 17 kilometers per liter.

Keep reading or listen to the story →

More Automotive

Chinese auto brands surge 177% in PH as regional CKD policy tensions mount

Jetour Auto Philippines posts a 177% sales surge and seeks dealer partners, while Malaysian localization mandates and a BPI insurance complaint signal reputational and policy risks for the Philippine automotive sector.

DOE proposes amendments to Oil Deregulation Law; LTO revokes over 1,100 licenses

The Department of Energy recommends amendments to the Oil Deregulation Law to strengthen energy security, while the LTO reports revoking or suspending over 1,100 driver's licenses since October 2025. Crime rates drop 31% in June, and a pickup truck accident in Sulu kills two.

Auto sales rebound, enforcement dominates, and consumer trust wobbles

A daily snapshot of the Philippine automotive conversation covering May sales rebound, enforcement narratives, consumer skepticism on vehicle quality, and regulatory developments.

LTFRB and LTO crack down on reckless PUV drivers amid viral incidents and vlogging warnings

A weekend of viral dashcam videos showing reckless jeepney driving triggered swift enforcement actions from the LTO and LTFRB, including license suspensions, vehicle impoundment, and a new memorandum banning vlogging while driving. Meanwhile, a Reddit post about dealer registration waivers exposed consumer frustration with OR/CR delays.