The Philippine market is no stranger to this strategy, especially we have seen numerous Japanese brands selling both the old and new models side by side which caters the different target markets. If there is one market who does this one, travel to China and see older models of Volkswagen (in fact, all generations of a certain model are sold together) and Hyundai sold together.
In this article, we shall identify the vehicles whose old and new generations of the same model are sold side by side in our humble market. Old generation models that are sold alongside its newer counterpart due to reason of selling the remaining stocks aren't included in this list. And before misinterpreting this one which warrants a different story, we will not be counting vehicles whose replacement (new nameplate, by the way) are sold alongside the older one nor the remaining stocks are sold.
So let's identify them one by one.
Daewoo Racer-Daewoo Cielo (1996-1998)
The Racer was Daewoo's first vehicle to be sold in the Philippines in 1994. Supplanting the Racer as the low cost option is the Cielo, which is basically the second generation model sold elsewhere since 1994.
The Set-Up: Racer (low-cost), Cielo (high cost)
The Lifespan: Racer (1994-1998), Cielo (1996-1999)
Foton View first generation-Foton View second generation (2013- )
Our most unique entry in this list, the View is sold in two versions but for different purposes. The first generation model is still sold until now but as an ambulance complete with equipment. On the other hand, the second generation View is marketed for the general public in they can use it for private or public functions. Nothing escapes this one thing: it is still a Hiace doppelganger.
The Set-Up: View first generation (ambulance), View second generation (general market)
The Lifespan: View first generation (2010- ), View second generation (2013- )
Hyundai i10-Hyundai Grand i10 (2014-2015)
This Indian made hatchback had the two generation models sold side by side locally, a strategy that is being implemented in its home country until now. The first generation i10 is sold alongside the second generation model, dubbed as the Grand i10. The older model was discontinued at the end of 2015 while the Grand can be had through an indent order basis by February 2016.
The Set-Up: i10 (low-cost), Grand i10 (high cost)
The Lifespan: i10 (2008-2015), Grand i10 (2014- )
Kia Besta/Ceres-Kia Pregio/K2700 (1996-2000)
What you don't know is that the Besta (and that includes its commercial sibling the Ceres) and Pregio (and its K series models) are essentially the second and third generation van versions of the Bongo truck sold in Korea. With the Besta arriving first in 1995 and the Pregio a year later, the two have different markets. Later on, the Pregio had basic variants that the Besta used to occupy during the early 2000s. While the K2700 is still sold until today, the Pregio is discontinued for 2006.
The Set-Up: Besta (low-cost), Pregio (high cost)
The Lifespan: Besta (1995-2000), Pregio (1996-2005), Ceres (1990-1999), KC2700/K2700 (2000- )
Mazda 323/Astina-Mazda 323 Familia/Lantis (1996-1998)
In what could be the most mind boggling entry here, Columbian Autocar Corporation had sold two versions of the BG 323 (sixth generation worldwide, first here) in both sedan and Astina liftback in 1993/1994. Two to three years later, the BH 323 (seventh internationally, second in the country) in Familia sedan and Lantis liftback were introduced and the four models were sold alongside one another. The introduction of the BH had the older BG sedan lose the 1.6 engine until the former gains the lower engine sometime in 1998/1999. This set-up had the older 323 be relegated for the taxi market while the Familia gets the upscale one.
The Set-Up: 323 (low-cost), 323 Familia (high cost)
The Lifespan: 323 sedan (1993-1998), 323 Familia (1996-2000), Astina (1993-1998), Lantis (1996-1998)
Mitsubishi Lancer sixth generation-Mitsubishi Lancer seventh generation (1996-1999)
In September 1996, the seventh generation Lancer (known as the Pizza by enthusiasts) was introduced which carried most of the line-up of its older model. The sixth generation model is sold alongside the newer model through the EX variant which targets the taxi crowd and is basically the EL of old (although both models carry the same 1.3 engine). This set-up would stop in 1999 with the introduction of an updated Lancer in that year. Nine years later, another scenario was done with this model.
The Set-Up: Lancer sixth generation (low-cost), Lancer seventh generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: Lancer sixth generation (1993-1999), Lancer seventh generation (1996-2002)
Mitsubishi Lancer eighth generation-Mitsubishi Lancer ninth generation (2008-2012)
May of 2008 we had witnessed a new generation of the Lancer, this time with an EX moniker. With its imported status and the newer model having 2.0 engines during its time, the eighth generation (called the Cedia) was sold as a low cost option with two variants available fitted with a 1.6 engine as opposed to the EX's four. Nine years later after its original launch, the Cedia was killed and replaced by the EX models fitted with the lowly engine while the GT-A is the only surviving original EX model.
The Set-Up: Lancer eighth generation (low-cost), Lancer ninth generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: Lancer eighth generation (2003-2012), Lancer ninth generation (2008- )
Mitsubishi Pajero second generation-Mitsubishi Pajero third/fourth generation (2003-2008)
The third generation Pajero, known as the CK, was first released in 1999 in Japan but we had to wait until November 2003 to arrive in our local shores. While a new model was made available in its home country, the second generation Pajero got updated which made way to its Field Master moniker and got produced alongside its pricier sibling. 2007 saw the launch of the BK body and the FM stayed until 2008, which we suppose the second generation Montero Sport replaced it. As a low cost model, it was only available in 2WD configuration.
The Set-Up: Pajero second generation (low-cost), Pajero third/fourth generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: Pajero second generation (1995-2008), Pajero third generation (2003-2007), Pajero fourth generation (2007- )
Mitsubishi L300 second generation-Mitsubishi L300 third/fourth generation (1997-2007)
In the case for this popular van, the L300 had three different generation models sold together for ten years. The second generation model is the basis of the Versa Van (which was a victim of its own success) and the FB body (that will be discontinued later this year) with the third generation being the Exceed model and the fourth generation called the Space Gear. Among the three models, it was the older one that stayed strong and sold well with the Exceed removed in 2004 and the Space Gear discontinued in 2007. While the second and third generation models were locally assembled, the fourth is imported.
The Set-Up: L300 second generation (low-cost), L300 third/fourth generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: L300 second generation (1983- ), L300 third generation (1997-2004), L300 fourth generation (1997-2007)
Nissan Sentra third generation-Nissan Sentra fourth generation (1995-1999)
Nissan has a knack of selling older models alongside its newer counterparts in the Philippines and we shall start with this example. The B14 Sentra was introduced in March 1995 that made the B13 Sentra demoted to taxicab status through its LEC model. Although an update for the 1998 model year had bore a base FE model for the B14 (which carried the same 1.3 engine), the two were sold side by side until the end of the century. By 2000, the base model for the fleet market would be the FE.
The Set-Up: Sentra third generation (low-cost), Sentra fourth generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: Sentra third generation (1991-1999), Sentra fourth generation (1995-2001)
Nissan Sentra first generation (Bluebird Sylphy based)-Nissan Sentra sixth generation (2010-2014)
The biggest question was when will Nissan replace the aging N16 Sentra, which was first introduced in 2001 and got an update in 2004. Well, Nissan Motor Philippines Inc. refused to listen (that model was relegated to the taxi market) and they've complemented it with the Mexican made B16 model called the 200 whose price tag costs a million bucks. A new management (where NMPI and Universal Motors have stakes on it) caused both models to be replaced by the modern Sylphy, which is called as the Sentra in certain markets.
The Set-Up: Sentra first generation (Bluebird Sylphy based, low-cost), Sentra sixth generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: Sentra first generation (2001-2014), Sentra sixth generation (2010-2014)
Nissan X-Trail first generation-Nissan X-Trail second generation (2010-2014)
When it was introduced to the market in 2003, the first generation X-Trail was a success. So successful that NMPI (again) didn't bother to bring the second generation model which was made available in 2007 but released an updated model called the Tokyo Edition. In 2010, the newer model arrived in the form of an update with the older one being sold in 2WD guise. March 2014 saw the discontinuation of the older model while the second generation was replaced in September of that year.
The Set-Up: X-Trail first generation (low-cost), X-Trail second generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: X-Trail first generation (2003-2014), X-Trail second generation (2010-2014)
Nissan Patrol fifth generation-Nissan Patrol sixth generation (2010- )
Bet you didn't know that the Y61 Patrol is still sold in certain countries such as in Africa, Middle East, and ours. The Y62 Patrol, dubbed as the Royale in the Philippines, was brought here to rival the Toyota Land Cruiser and several luxury SUVs from Europe. This strategy keeps both camps satisfied but when it comes to sales, the Super Safari sells more.
The Set-Up: Patrol fifth generation (low-cost), Patrol sixth generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: Patrol fifth generation (2000- ), Patrol sixth generation (2010- )
Nissan Frontier first generation-Nissan Frontier second generation (2007-2014)
Another victim of a late arrival, certain countries have the Frontier Navara a bit early as it was made available elsewhere since 2005. In late 2007, while the Navara took care of what the Titanium models left the void, the Bravado (old model) targets the fleet market whose clientele include media companies. The latter was killed in March 2014, due to the merger of two Nissan distributors.
The Set-Up: Frontier first generation (low-cost), Frontier second generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: Frontier first generation (1999-2014), Frontier second generation (2007-2015)
Nissan Urvan fourth generation-Nissan Urvan fifth generation (2002-2014)
What you don't know about the E25 Urvan, which was released as the Estate in the Philippines, is that it is basically the fifth generation model with the E24 being the bare bones models sold at a cheaper price. In March 2014, the E25 was killed first with the older one discontinued a year later in favor of the NV350 Urvan.
The Set-Up: Urvan fourth generation (low-cost), Urvan fifth generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: Urvan fourth generation (1988-2015), Urvan fifth generation (2002-2014)
Suzuki Alto-Suzuki Celerio (2009-2013)
Our Altos are sourced from India, which is from Maruti Suzuki. In that market, both the old and new Altos are sold side by side, with the Celerio being the newer model. For the Philippine market, the Alto is marketed as a low cost alternative (which rivals the Chery QQ in price) while the Celerio battles the with the i10 and Picanto. While the two are packaged differently towards a specific demographic, both of them are fuel friendly and that's for sure.
The Set-Up: Alto (low-cost), Celerio (high cost)
The Lifespan: Alto (2007-2013), Celerio (2009-2015)
Suzuki Vitara-Suzuki Grand Vitara (2000-2004)
While not a bestseller, the first generation Vitara is a niche model and had defined Suzuki throughout the years. Year 2000 saw the arrival of the second generation Vitara, now wearing a Grand prefix which was a huge leap in all aspects from its predecessor including a huge jump in price. In that case, both old and new models were sold side-by-side, which meant the former enjoyed a long stay in the market.
The Set-Up: Vitara (low-cost), Grand Vitara (high cost)
The Lifespan: Vitara (1994-2004), Grand Vitara (2000- )
Toyota Corolla-Toyota Corolla Altis (2001-2005)
We all know that during the late 90s to early 00s, the Revo was Toyota's cash cow. To keep a competitive edge on the passenger car market as well to prevent the newer Altis to be utilized as a taxicab, the older Corolla lovelife was instead offered to them. While the Altis enjoyed latest technologies (at that time) such as EFI engines and airbags, the fleet friendly lovelife had to make do with carburetor engines and a virtually basic interior. At the end of 2005, the love has ended production.
The Set-Up: Corolla (low-cost), Corolla Altis (high cost)
The Lifespan: Corolla (1997-2005), Corolla Altis (2001-2007)
Toyota Tamaraw-Toyota Revo (1998-2002)
Between 1999 to 2004, the Revo was the country's best selling car. Just like the strategy with the Corolla, both the Tamaraw and Revo are sold together with the former being marketed for the fleet market. Interestingly enough, the Revo had a Tamaraw FX badge until it was dropped in a 2003 update. Sure, these two models went to car heaven and were replaced by the equally superior Innova in 2005, they have left an impact in our market.
The Set-Up: Tamaraw (low-cost), Revo (high cost)
The Lifespan: Tamaraw (1991-2002), Revo (1998-2005)
Bet you didn't know that the Y61 Patrol is still sold in certain countries such as in Africa, Middle East, and ours. The Y62 Patrol, dubbed as the Royale in the Philippines, was brought here to rival the Toyota Land Cruiser and several luxury SUVs from Europe. This strategy keeps both camps satisfied but when it comes to sales, the Super Safari sells more.
The Set-Up: Patrol fifth generation (low-cost), Patrol sixth generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: Patrol fifth generation (2000- ), Patrol sixth generation (2010- )
Nissan Frontier first generation-Nissan Frontier second generation (2007-2014)
Another victim of a late arrival, certain countries have the Frontier Navara a bit early as it was made available elsewhere since 2005. In late 2007, while the Navara took care of what the Titanium models left the void, the Bravado (old model) targets the fleet market whose clientele include media companies. The latter was killed in March 2014, due to the merger of two Nissan distributors.
The Set-Up: Frontier first generation (low-cost), Frontier second generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: Frontier first generation (1999-2014), Frontier second generation (2007-2015)
Nissan Urvan fourth generation-Nissan Urvan fifth generation (2002-2014)
What you don't know about the E25 Urvan, which was released as the Estate in the Philippines, is that it is basically the fifth generation model with the E24 being the bare bones models sold at a cheaper price. In March 2014, the E25 was killed first with the older one discontinued a year later in favor of the NV350 Urvan.
The Set-Up: Urvan fourth generation (low-cost), Urvan fifth generation (high cost)
The Lifespan: Urvan fourth generation (1988-2015), Urvan fifth generation (2002-2014)
Suzuki Alto-Suzuki Celerio (2009-2013)
Our Altos are sourced from India, which is from Maruti Suzuki. In that market, both the old and new Altos are sold side by side, with the Celerio being the newer model. For the Philippine market, the Alto is marketed as a low cost alternative (which rivals the Chery QQ in price) while the Celerio battles the with the i10 and Picanto. While the two are packaged differently towards a specific demographic, both of them are fuel friendly and that's for sure.
The Set-Up: Alto (low-cost), Celerio (high cost)
The Lifespan: Alto (2007-2013), Celerio (2009-2015)
Suzuki Vitara-Suzuki Grand Vitara (2000-2004)
While not a bestseller, the first generation Vitara is a niche model and had defined Suzuki throughout the years. Year 2000 saw the arrival of the second generation Vitara, now wearing a Grand prefix which was a huge leap in all aspects from its predecessor including a huge jump in price. In that case, both old and new models were sold side-by-side, which meant the former enjoyed a long stay in the market.
The Set-Up: Vitara (low-cost), Grand Vitara (high cost)
The Lifespan: Vitara (1994-2004), Grand Vitara (2000- )
Toyota Corolla-Toyota Corolla Altis (2001-2005)
We all know that during the late 90s to early 00s, the Revo was Toyota's cash cow. To keep a competitive edge on the passenger car market as well to prevent the newer Altis to be utilized as a taxicab, the older Corolla lovelife was instead offered to them. While the Altis enjoyed latest technologies (at that time) such as EFI engines and airbags, the fleet friendly lovelife had to make do with carburetor engines and a virtually basic interior. At the end of 2005, the love has ended production.
The Set-Up: Corolla (low-cost), Corolla Altis (high cost)
The Lifespan: Corolla (1997-2005), Corolla Altis (2001-2007)
Toyota Tamaraw-Toyota Revo (1998-2002)
Between 1999 to 2004, the Revo was the country's best selling car. Just like the strategy with the Corolla, both the Tamaraw and Revo are sold together with the former being marketed for the fleet market. Interestingly enough, the Revo had a Tamaraw FX badge until it was dropped in a 2003 update. Sure, these two models went to car heaven and were replaced by the equally superior Innova in 2005, they have left an impact in our market.
The Set-Up: Tamaraw (low-cost), Revo (high cost)
The Lifespan: Tamaraw (1991-2002), Revo (1998-2005)