The Philippine automotive industry is renewing its push for a performance-based incentive program similar to the discontinued Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS), arguing that both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electrified vehicle production will be necessary to sustain local manufacturing and meet evolving market demand.
The decision to scrap the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) program has drawn a measured response from Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP), the country’s largest vehicle assembler, which had been preparing for the initiative’s rollout as early as last year.
The Philippine government has scrapped its long-planned Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) program, opting instead to fast-track a new incentive framework focused on electric vehicles, a senior investment official said.
The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) has urged the government to immediately release long-delayed incentives under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program and to fast-track the rollout of its successor, the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) program.
VinFast has introduced its updated VF 8 electric SUV in the Philippines, pricing the five-seater from P1.55 million with a battery subscription or P1.79 million with the battery included.
US consumer prices rose more than expected in October, strengthening expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next month, lifting yields and pressuring equities.
The Philippines remains hopeful of signing the master agreement for the proposed Pax Silica advanced manufacturing hub before yearend, with negotiations progressing and no major substantive issues threatening a deal, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Philippines recorded a net inflow of $4.8 billion during the first eight months of 2026, dropping from the $5.9 billion registered in the same period last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Tuesday reported.