Automotive

BYD’s high-end brand Denza launches in the Philippines

The debut starts with the Denza D9, a full-size MPV.

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The BYD family in the Philippines just got bigger. After testing the waters and succeeding gracefully with the main brand, the Chinese automotive company is bringing in a new brand to the country: Denza.

Denza started off as a brand co-owned by both BYD and Mercedes-Benz (then known as Daimler). BYD’s meteoric success eventually led to Denza’s concurrent rise as well. Eventually, Mercedes-Benz relinquished all but 10 percent of the brand’s total shares to BYD in 2021. Then, in 2024, the German company withdrew entirely, leading to Denza being completely owned by BYD today.

The brand is known for delivering high-end PHEVs to several markets, which now includes the Philippines. The stint will start off with its ever-popular full-size MPV, the Denza D9.

Introducing the Denza D9

Prior to today’s launch, I already saw the Denza D9 plowing through the streets. The sizable MPV already made quite an impression, to say the least.

Up close, the Denza D9 has a bold front fascia, exuding modern elegance and sleek body lines.

Inside, the car prioritizes comfort for all passengers with luxurious captain seats. Those seats feature a ten-way electric adjustment six-way adjustable headrests, and leg rests. They also come with seat ventilation to get through an intensely sunny day. Finally, each seat comes its own LED panel for maximum control.

The DiSus system keeps the car balanced throughout any situation. The drive will remain comfortable even during high-speed cornering, full-throttle acceleration, and sudden braking. It will also come with nine airbags to keep all passengers protected.

Price, availability

The Denza D9 is available now in Cosmos Black, Arctic White, Whale Sea Blue, and Starry Sky Grey. It will cost PhP 4,298,000.

Additionally, the MPV will have an exclusive premiere price of PhP 3,998,000 for the first 300 customers.

Automotive

The Changan Eado Plus officially lands in the Philippines

Its aggressive launch pricing challenges the compact sedan status quo.

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Inchcape Philippines is officially shaking up the compact sedan segment.

The Changan Eado Plus has arrived on local shores, and it’s gunning for the top spot in your driveway.

Available in two trims — Luxe and Lite — the Eado Plus offers the Filipino driver a car that looks like a million bucks without the massive price tag.

Modern aesthetic inside and out

On the outside, the Eado Plus makes a bold statement with its prominent three-dimensional grille and streamlined body lines.

This polished, premium look relies on LED lighting to command a strong presence on the road. Inside, a meticulously curated cabin handles the daily grind with ease.

The Luxe variant carries a massive 10-inch touchscreen equipped with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, the Lite variant keeps you connected with a 7-inch display.

To beat the local climate, Changan included a PM2.5 air filter to keep the cabin air clean, alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that puts all your vital driving data front and center.

Performance and safety without compromise

Under the hood, a 1.5L Bluecore gasoline engine powers both variants. This engine works with a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission (WDCT) to deliver a stable, responsive ride.

For those who want more control, the Luxe variant offers selectable Eco and Normal driving modes to match your mood or the traffic conditions.

Safety remains a top priority, as the Eado Plus houses a comprehensive suite of protection. Beyond the standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the car packs in practical features like rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring, and ISOFIX tethers for families.

Pricing, availability

To celebrate the launch, Changan offers the Eado Plus with aggressive introductory pricing through April 30, 2026.

During this period, the 1.5 Luxe DCT costs only PhP 749,999, while the 1.5 Lite DCT goes for just PhP 699,000. These rates offer a significant discount from the standard prices of PhP 799,999 and PhP 750,000, respectively.

Drivers can choose from four colors: White, Black, Andean Gray, and Titanium Silver Gray (via special order).

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Automotive

How the Ford Ranger is powering community resilience

Through machine and technology, Ford Philanthropy is helping Gawad Kalinga bridge the gap for remote communities.

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Strong communities aren’t just built with bricks and mortar. They are sustained by the hands that reach out and the wheels that get them there.

For Gawad Kalinga (GK), reaching the most isolated provinces in the Philippines is often the biggest hurdle to delivering hope.

To bridge this gap, Ford Philanthropy and Ford Philippines recently handed over the keys to a brand-new Ford Ranger Sport 4×4.

During the launch of the “Ford Building Together” initiative at the GK Headquarters in Mandaluyong, the Ranger was introduced as a vital partner for GK’s nationwide relief operations.

The Ranger provides the performance and off-road capability needed when every second counts.

More than a mission

“Strong communities are built through strong partnerships,” said Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy.

Alongside Pedro Simoes, Managing Director of Ford Philippines, Culler highlighted how this initiative unites dealers, employees, and owners.

It’s a collective effort to scale the heart of what Ford does: moving people forward.

Through Operation Walang Iwanan, Ford has already equipped disaster response hubs across six regions with essential tech: from Starlink mini-satellites and EcoFlow solar power to water filtration systems.

Between 2024 and 2025, these tools supported over 11,500 individuals through fires and natural disasters.

Investing in the everyday

The impact stretches into the daily moments of community life. Since 2015, Ford’s partnership with GK has reached 15,000 patients through medical missions. They also trained 1,100 health champions.

Through the Kusina ng Kalinga program, children receive the nutrition they need to stay focused in school. Meanwhile, the new READ program provides 12 weeks of literacy support for students in Caloocan.

Even food security is getting a tech-driven boost. Ford has renewed its collaboration with Scholars of Sustenance Philippines, using mobility to rescue surplus food. It is then redistributed to families experiencing hunger in Nueva Vizcaya.

In the end, technology lives inside these real moments. By combining grassroots action with reliable mobility, Ford and Gawad Kalinga are ensuring that no community is ever truly out of reach.

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Automotive

VinFast extends free unlimited charging in 3 markets amid rising fuel prices

Customers in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines to enjoy 3 years of free unlimited charging

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VinFast has announced the extension of its free unlimited charging program in three key Asian markets: India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Customers purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) in these countries (or currently own a VinFast EV) can enjoy the zero-fuel-cost advantage for three years, or until March 31, 2029.

This is amid the rising fuel costs in these countries, primarily due to the U.S./Israel-Iran war. Under the new policy, customers can charge for free at authorized V-Green charging stations.

By removing one of the largest operating costs of driving, VinFast aims to help motorists experience the economic advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) while supporting the countries’ transitions toward more sustainable mobility.

The program will be extended broadly to all customers, including both existing owners and future buyers. It will cover both private customers as well as those using their vehicles for transportation services, like the Green GSM EV taxi service network.

Alongside the free charging policy, the charging network developed and operated by V-Green is continuously expanding across the markets where VinFast operates.

This expansion helps create favorable conditions for consumers to confidently transition to greener and more sustainable transportation.

In addition to the free charging incentive, VinFast is already implementing multiple policies to promote the green transition in key Asian markets.

These include a battery subscription program that lowers upfront investment cost, a resale value guarantee policy, flexible payment options, and market-leading warranty coverage.

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