Automotive
GrabProtect is Grab’s safety measures as it resumes operations
Stringent measures against COVID-19
Grab Philippines is introducing new safety measures as it resumes ride-hailing operations on June 1, 2020. GrabProtect is the company’s safety measure intended to protect drivers and passengers against the threat of COVID-19. The company is also introducing new changes to the booking process for a safer and more efficient ride experience during these times.
Selfie verification feature and feedback
Under GrabProtect, Grab will introduce and implement changes to its GrabCar service. By the end of June, drivers must take an online health and hygiene checklist to verify their well-being. They must also submit a selfie with a mask on as a verification feature. Grab passengers can cancel a booking should they see that their driver is not wearing a mask.
The same also goes for the drivers. If they saw that their passengers are not wearing a mask, they can cancel the booking. Both the drivers and passengers are encouraged to submit feedback after every trip for cases where both parties appear unwell or are not wearing a mask.
Disinfection measures
Vehicle disinfection must take place before and after every ride. Grab will provide special disinfectant kits for every driver. These disinfectants are partially subsidized by the company, with special disinfection rates being planned to cover the rest of the expenses. There will also be a deep disinfection process every other day to ensure safety and cleanliness at all times.
Before boarding the ride, passengers have to show their booking code to the driver for confirmation. They will only be allowed to seat at the back of the vehicle. A non-permeable acetate barrier provided by Grab must separate the drivers from the passengers. The company also encourages both parties to carry hand sanitizers at all times for personal disinfection.
And to minimize the spread of pathogens, only drivers will be allowed to open and close the doors for their passengers. A maximum of two passengers is allowed for every GrabCar trip.
Other changes to GrabCar service
Aside from GrabProtect, Grab is also introducing new changes to its booking process to comply with the government’s guidelines.
Drivers who want to resume driving for Grab must undergo training to receive safety and hygiene certification from the company. This training is done in a warehouse in Marikina, where drivers are taught how to disinfect their vehicles as well as how to install the acetate barrier. The company has already trained more than 40,000 drivers under its new safety measures.
Grab is also introducing new changes in the payment process for all bookings. There will be a cap in surge for the meantime as the company expects reduced demand for the first few months of resumption of operations. Physical cash transactions are not allowed in the meantime too. As such, passengers must pay through one of the two options:
- Credit card/ debit card option
- GrabPay
Grab will also cover the medical expenses for drivers who test positive for COVID-19. As per guidelines, the company is not allowing individuals under age 21 or those above 60 to make a booking. Individuals who are pregnant and those with a compromised immune system are also not allowed to book a ride.
Earlier this month, Grab also introduced changes to its delivery service by doubling down on GrabPay. Now, the company is introducing more changes as the Philippines move to a new normal. These changes will ensure a much-streamlined process while minimizing the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
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.
-
News2 weeks agoInfinix NOTE Edge debuts: High-end features for accessible pricing
-
Reviews2 weeks agoRedmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G review: The midrange fashion piece
-
Features2 weeks agoCan the REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G Survive?
-
Reviews1 week agoHONOR X9d 5G review: Tougher, more long-lasting and optimized
-
Gaming2 weeks agoCivilization VII coming to Apple Arcade this February 5th
-
Automotive1 week agoBYD expands PH presence with entry of DENZA luxury EVs
-
News1 week agoHONOR slaps the iPhone Air with the all-new Magic8 Pro Air
-
News1 week agoBeyond the Box, Digital Walker turn over Tesla Model Y to iPhone 17 raffle winner



