The recent trade talks between the Philippines and US governments have yielded a zero-tariff grant on US-made products coming into the local market. Fortunately, this covers US-manufactured automobiles. While it’s not yet officially announced as to when this will take effect, US-made cars from such brands as Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, among others, could become cheaper.
If that happens, US-made will have more chances of competing against the more popular Asian car brands from China, Japan, Korean, and more.
We can all hope for the best regarding this matter. In fact, we’re already envisioning some American cars the local market has never (or rarely) had the chance of acquiring before. In this regard, here are 8 American cars we’d like to see on local roads when the zero-tariff on US-made items agreement takes effect.
Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZR1
The mid-engined ZR1 unleashes 1,064 hp and 1,122 Nm of torque from its 5.5-liter V8 engine and 8-speed DCT. Collectors would enjoy its 2.3-second 0-100 km/h sprint and 346 km/h top speed. However, even in tracks like Clark Speedway, it’d be hard to wring out the Corvette ZR1’s full potential.
Ford F-150 Raptor R
This beast is built for extreme terrain, perfect for off-roading, especially in places like the Mt. Pinatubo lahar fields. It moves with a 5.2-liter V8 that brings out 700 hp to all four wheels. Its advanced suspension performs best in places it’s most at home with.
Rivian R1T
As an EV pickup, the R1T’s lack of an engine and related mechanicals enables it to pack in more stuff. Aside from its bed, it’s got a storage tunnel behind the doors, ideal for storing recreational gear or installing a mobile kitchen. The R1T delivers over 640 km of range.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Cybertruck is already available at Tesla Philippines as per its official website. But when the zero-tariff takes effect, its price may go down even further, thanks to the EVIDA law. This could entice more buyers to enjoy its unique design, quirky features, and environment-conserving advantage as an EV.
Lucid Air Sapphire
This high-performance EV sedan boasts 1,234 hp and 1,938 Nm of torque, which enables it to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 2 seconds. Bringing it here after the zero-tariff could place it head-to-head and eventually beat the Porsche Taycan as its retail price could prove more attractive to buyers.
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
A 710 hp three-row SUV isn’t exactly needed on typical Philippine roads. But if the zero-tariff lowers its price, and if you have the money, then go. After all, many Filipinos would love to see its commanding presence and hear the roar of its 6.2-liter HEMI V8 American muscle.
Honda Ridgeline
A pickup entry from Honda Cars Philippines has long been dreamed of by many. In the US, the Ridgeline, made in Alabama, assumes that role. It’d be interesting to see how the Ridgeline would go along with local favorites like the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and the Ford Ranger after the zero-tariff.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Also made in Alabama, the Santa Cruz is Hyundai’s pickup competitor to fight such names as the Ford Ranger and the above-mentioned Honda Ridgeline. In the Philippines, Hyundai is thriving fast. A Hyundai pickup could stir the competition and bring some Korean-American twist to the scenario.
There are hundreds more American-made cars out there that could be granted a local entry under the zero-tariff. However, do note that the PH-US trade agreement may only marginally affect the car industry as US imports make up only a small portion of the segment, for now.
