Automotive
Elon Musk’s Tesla is investing $1.5B in Bitcoin
It would start accepting Bitcoin as a payment method
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Tesla said it bought Bitcoins for more flexibility to diversify further and maximize returns on cash. To be precise, the company has invested a whopping US$ 1.5 billion in the cryptocurrency and intends to accept it as legal tender soon.
Obviously, just like his tweets, the announcement skyrocketed Bitcoin’s value by as much as 15 percent. The price of one Bitcoin even exceeded US$ 44,000 for a few minutes. Tesla is among the first to recognize cryptocurrency’s potential and intends to ride the wave with an early heads-up.
Bitcoin has been in the news for the longest of time, and its perception is quite polarised. The Bitcoin investors are confident that future currencies would be deregulated and support the free market’s principles. However, its volatility is too high, making it not a very suitable candidate for regular transactions. Adding to this, the currency is increasingly exploited by criminals to launder money and fund illegal activities.
Although Tesla is said to be in a unique position as far as accepting Bitcoin payments is concerned. The company does not have dealerships and directly sells its vehicles. A car is a huge purchase, and one can try paying via Bitcoin since the amount won’t be too minuscule. We don’t have a timeline on when you’ll be able to buy a Tesla in exchange for Bitcoins, but it’ll happen soon.
In a December 20 tweet, Elon Musk said that “Bitcoin is almost as bs as fiat money,” suggesting his belief that it is perhaps less “bs” than traditional government-backed currencies.
The most wonderful and mind-boggling thing about Bitcoin is, it could be worth US$ 500,000 after a year or even US$ 0. It’s a risky investment, but Musk has always preferred walking on a thread.
Automotive
VinFast updates battery subscription policy for large upfront savings
Up to 20% upfront savings with a battery subscription model
VinFast has updated its battery subscription policy for the Philippine market, offering consumers up to 20% savings in upfront costs.
In addition to the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, customers can own a VinFast EV under a battery subscription model.
This option offers a more attractive initial investment, with upfront costs reduced by up to 20% — depending on the model.
Battery subscription fees are applied flexibly, starting from PhP 1,600 per month, based on actual distance.
For instance, the VinFast VF3 can be purchased at PhP 590,000 under the battery subscription model rather than PhP 745,000. The monthly subscription fee then starts at PhP 1,600.
Meanwhile, for the VF6 and above variants, the monthly costs start at PhP 2,350. Customers can also save more than PhP 1.5 million on the VF 9 Plus.
Flexible financial tool
Positioned as a “lifetime battery warranty” solution, the battery subscription policy is a flexible financial tool that optimizes cash flow. It is likewise a long-term commitment to consumers.
VinFast assumes full responsibility for battery performance throughout the subscription period. This includes maintenance, repairs, and free replacement when battery capacity drops below 70 percent.
In the event of battery damage caused by an accident, VinFast will handle the issue under the battery subscription policy. This helps minimize financial risks for customers.
The pioneering policy reinforces VinFast’s customer-centric commitment, advancing green mobility in the market.
Meanwhile, customers who opt for the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, VinFast can still offer comprehensive aftersales benefits. This includes a battery warranty of up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers.
The dual approach allows interested consumers to be in control of the ownership model that best suits their needs and personal financial capabilities.
BYD Group premium sub-brand DENZA is officially entering the Philippine market.
The move marks a strategic shift to capture the luxury “new energy vehicle” (NEV) segment, beyond the company’s existing mass-market offerings.
This expansion follows a period of rapid growth for BYD in the Philippines under its distributor, ACMobility.
By introducing DENZA, the group aims to offer a tiered ecosystem of electrified transport that ranges from budget-friendly options to high-output luxury ones.
The sub-brand’s initial lineup could possibly include the high-end MPV, DENZA D9.
It features a triple-motor system and high-capacity batteries that provide significant electric-only range before the gasoline generator engages.
Potentially, SUVs DENZA B5 and DENZA B8 will also be introduced locally, positioned as plug-in hybrid EVs.
Offerings under the DENZA sub-brand will be distributed locally by BYD Philippines Corp.
Advanced technology, comfort
DENZA’s entry focuses on “passenger-centric engineering” rather than traditional luxury excess.
The vehicles will feature two of BYD’s flagship technologies: the DiSus system and e3 platform.
The first is an intelligent body control system that manages vehicle motion to balance executive-level ride comfort with sharp handling.
Meanwhile, the e3 Platform is a high-performance architecture utilizing a three-motor drivetrain.
This setup lets drivers pull off advanced maneuvers such as “crab-walking” and “compass turns,” while enhancing stability during high-speed travel or emergency situations.
Strategic presence
DENZA will establish a dedicated retail network separate from standard BYD showrooms to support its positioning.
The sub-brand is planning four initial locations in Makati, Greenhills, Alabang, and Cebu.
Once it officially rolls out, DENZA expects to compete against luxury vans like the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.
Automotive
Ford Philippines kicks off the year with Drive Now, Pay Later
Get offers up to three months of free amortization!
Ford Philippines opens the year with a strong push for drivers ready to start fresh. Introducing Drive Now, Pay Later, the program is designed to make stepping into a new Ford feel lighter and more timely.
At the center of the offer are two of Ford’s most in-demand nameplates. Customers can take home the Ford Everest Trend today with three months of free amortization.
Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger lineup brings even more flexibility. The Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 comes with four months of free amortization, and the Ranger Sport 4×4 is offered with three months free.
These offers allow buyers to drive their new vehicle now and begin bank financing only after several months. This eases the transition into ownership at the start of the year.
More ways to save this January
Beyond deferred payments, Ford Philippines is extending a wide range of January offers that focus on value and flexibility.
The Ford Everest comes with cash savings of up to PhP 95,000 this month, alongside an all-in option priced at PhP 69,000 on select variants for customers seeking simpler entry costs.
Across the Ranger lineup, buyers can enjoy cash discounts reaching up to PhP 155,000 or opt for a PhP 69,000 all-in down payment on select variants.
The Ranger XLS AT remains one of the most accessible ways to enter the lineup, with a starting price of PhP 1,379,000.
Performance-focused customers can also take advantage of extended January offers for the Ford Raptor. Options include cash discounts or bundled savings with the 5-Star Care Package, depending on the variant.
Electrified and premium options
For drivers ready to explore electrified mobility, the Territory Hybrid Trend starts at PhP 1,399,000. This January, customers may choose between a PhP 20,000 discount or a complimentary three-year Scheduled Service Plan.
Ford’s larger SUVs are also part of the month’s offerings. The Ford Explorer is available with a PhP 99,000 all-in option or 0 percent interest with 20% down payment for 60 months. The Ford Bronco carries the same flexible choices, too.
Availability
The Drive Now, Pay Later program runs across all Ford dealerships nationwide until January 31, 2026. Customers can visit Ford Philippines’ official website or social media channels to explore the full details.
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