Automotive

Ford launches the all-new Ford Ranger FX4 MAX

Off-road beast

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What is it like to live the Ranger Life? Ford believes that it should be lived-out to the qmax with the all-new 2021 Ford Ranger FX4MAX! The all-new 4×4 variant bolsters Ford’s dominance of the local 4×4 passenger truck market.

The 2021 Ford Ranger FX4MAX slots itself between the range-topping Ford Ranger Raptor and the Wildtrak and offers the best of both worlds in terms of performance and hauling capacity as well as safety and convenience features.

The FX4 MAX’s suspension brings an off-road stance and capability with the new 2.0-inch monotube FOX TM shock absorbers in both front and rear. The rear suspension has a remote reservoir and leaf springs, enabling rapid recovery from extensive and prolonged off-road use. These are teamed with tuned coil-springs at the front. The leaf springs have been modified to provide greater compliance off road, while balancing payload and towing capability.

Complementing the FX4 MAX’s suspension are 17-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The BFGoodrich tires provide outstanding traction on unsealed surfaces and feature tougher sidewalls.

Ranger FX4 MAX’s exterior catches the eye with the iconic F-O-R-D grille and a full-length tubular sports bar finished in matte black that allows easy access of the load box. Body-mounted metal hoop side steps with non-slip finish toughen the look and showcase the FX4 MAX’s commanding presence and attitude.

Inside you are treated to materials new to Ranger line with carbon-accents and Miko Suede inserts with FX4 MAX embroidery on the seats. Sports pedals provide better grip as well as all-weather floor mats for convenience and for when things get rough. The leather-wrapped steering wheel as well as the door inserts and dashboard integrate Black Alley inserts for a fresh and dynamic contrasting design.

Unique to the FX4 MAX is the auxiliary switch pack. Fitted on Ford trucks globally, including the legendary F-Series, this feature gives FX4 MAX owners the ability to easily connect and operate auxiliary accessories and equipment in a seamless and integrated solution. To support such additions, the FX4 MAX features a specific 250A alternator to support power supply to multiple accessories and reduce reliance on the vehicle’s battery.

Just like the Ranger Raptor and Wildtrak 4×4, the Ranger FX4 MAX is equipped with the 2.0- liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine, capable of generating 213PS of power and 500NM of torque. This is seamlessly mated with the 10-speed automatic transmission and thanks to the rugged and re-tuned suspension mated to leaf springs in the rear, it reinforces the powertrain and enables the FX4MAX a 981kg payload as well as 3,500kg of towing capability.

The Ranger FX4 MAX is also equipped with a host of smart and safety features that elevate the driving experience, while keeping both drivers and passengers protected on the road.

For convenience and connectivity, the Ranger FX4 MAX features an 8-inch color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Smart Keyless Entry with Push Button Start, SYNC 3 with Voice-Activated controls, Bluetooth with Phone/Audio streaming, two USB ports, and six speakers.

The Ranger FX4 MAX also offers unmatched safety and security with driver-assist features such as Cruise Control, ABS + EBD, Electronic Stability Control Including Roll-over Mitigation and Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, driver and passenger airbags, Rear Parking Sensors, and Child Seat ISOFIX Anchorage Points.

The Ranger FX4 MAX comes in six colors, including Arctic White, Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Meteor Grey, Blue Lightning, and True Red. It will be available in all Ford dealerships nationwide starting March 10, 2021 at a launch price of PhP 1,698,000.

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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