Automotive

Meet the luxury SUV powered by Huawei’s technology

The AITO M9 blends luxury, innovation, and smart technology, together with Huawei.

Published

on

As I walked through the bustling halls of MIAS 2025, the AITO M9 pulled me in.

Amid the noise, flashing lights, and constant foot traffic, it stood there like a tech-powered sculpture. Commanding, refined, and unapologetically premium.

AITO — short for “Adding Intelligence to Auto” — enters the Philippine stage with a flagship vehicle boldly redefining what we should expect from modern luxury cars.

Bold, refined

The AITO M9’s design is what first hooks you. It’s the kind of vehicle that demands a second glance (maybe even a third).

Its streamlined, two-tone body evokes a sense of dynamic motion.

Its sculpted front end, flanked by galaxy-inspired LED headlights, gives off a futuristic yet elegant presence.

The 19-inch wheels and body proportions (5,230mm long with a generous 3,110mm wheelbase) make it look grounded and substantial.

You get the sense that every detail — from the grille to the tail — is telling a story of thoughtful craftsmanship.

First-class lounge?

Stepping inside the AITO M9 felt like sneaking into a private first-class cabin.

The two-tone leather seats were buttery soft and visually striking, matched by elegant touches like ash wood trim and crystal knobs.

Everything about the cabin screamed polished, from the spacious layout to the panoramic sunroof that brings the outdoors in.

At the center of it all was a 12.3-inch digital display that looked ready to anchor a cockpit-style user experience.

I didn’t get to play with the interface just yet, but it already feels like a place where luxury meets next-gen intelligence.

And for a tech lover like me, the most exciting part is the Huawei ecosystem integration.

Imagine hopping into your car and seamlessly connecting with your Huawei phone, tablet, or smart devices.

It’s a simple but powerful idea of bringing the digital life you already live into your driving experience.

Intelligence meets safety

What sets the AITO M9 apart from other luxury SUVs is how deeply it integrates smart technology. It’s practically a digital co-pilot, more than a connected car.

AITO’s intelligent cockpit links the instrument cluster, central display, and even the passenger screen. This makes the driving experience more collaborative, immersive, and intuitive.

Beyond aesthetics and performance, the M9 is a tank in disguise, earning a record-breaking 93.9% rating in the China NCAP crash tests.

It’s complete with 9 airbags and 20 advanced safety features from front to side to rear protection.

It’s built not just to move you, but to protect you.

Consider me intrigued

While I didn’t get behind the wheel, the AITO M9’s specs are undeniably compelling.

Underneath, it runs on a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) platform, delivering over 1,200 km of total driving range.

Its 52 kWh battery alone gives you 200 km of electric-only travel. And when you need a boost, the fuel-powered generator refuels in just five minutes, acting like a high-efficiency power bank to keep your journey going.

Even without a test drive, it already feels like the AITO M9 is playing in a different league.

Bold in design. Rich in luxury. Clever in technology.

This may have been a first look, but one thing’s for sure: I’m intrigued.

Automotive

Ford revs up Truck Month with extended 5-star care offers

Explore exclusive cash discounts, flexible downpayment plans, and showroom activations in the Philippines.

Published

on

Ford Philippines brings back its annual Truck Month this September, pairing special financing and cash savings with extended service coverage across the updated Ranger and Everest lineups.

The month-long program shifts the focus toward long-term ownership peace of mind. This ensures drivers feel supported well beyond the showroom floor.

Comprehensive coverage for every journey

For drivers who view their truck or SUV as an essential partner for travel and daily routines, maintenance clarity brings genuine confidence.

Select variants in the lineup now include Ford’s 5-Star Care Package, bundling a five-year warranty, five-year scheduled service plan, and five-year roadside assistance.

Flagship performance models built for challenging roads, including the Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6, Ranger Wildtrak X 3.0L V6, and Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6, pair this complete service coverage with PhP 20,000 in cash savings. On another note, the Raptor 3.0L V6 also offers a PhP 150,000 all-in downpayment option.

Versatile family vehicles receive identical long-term backing, with the Everest Platinum 3.0L V6, Everest Wildtrak 2.0L, Everest Sport+ 2.0L, and Everest Active 2.0L all bundling the five-year care plan. Meanwhile, the Everest Wildtrak 2.0L Turbo includes an additional PhP 20,000 cash discount.

Financing designed around daily routines

Flexibility plays a central role in fitting a vehicle into personal budgets and busy lifestyles.

For the first time, the practical Ranger XLS 4×2 introduces access to the 5-Star Care Package, allowing buyers to select between long-term maintenance coverage, a PhP 50,000 cash discount, or a PhP 49,000 all-in downpayment.

Drivers drawn to the Ranger Sport 4×2 can opt for a PhP 59,000 all-in downpayment or zero percent interest financing. By providing multiple ownership paths, Ford aligns purchase incentive options directly with driver priorities, prioritizing lasting value throughout the lifetime of the vehicle.

Bringing the experience to dealerships and malls

The Truck Month celebration extends further with the Super September event, taking place from September 16 to 20 across nationwide dealerships and key shopping centers.

Customers who reserve any Ford vehicle during this five-day showcase receive an extra PhP 20,000 in cash savings on top of ongoing Truck Month offers.

Display venues including Virra Mall Greenhills, SM Southmall, SM Seaside Cebu, Robinsons Dumaguete, and SM City Sta. Rosa feature interactive showroom activities and refreshments, offering drivers an accessible way to explore their next vehicle companion.

Continue Reading

Automotive

BYD aircon care promo: Cleaning package to come with freebies

Stay cool all year

Published

on

BYD Cars Philippines has launched the BYD Cool & Fresh Combo aircon care promo, happening from September 9 to October 31, 2026.

Under the promo, customers who avail of the Vehicle Aircon Cleaning Package will receive a free cabin air filter and free CarTul Air & Surface Disinfecting Mist.

This gives BYD the time to introduce the new ancillary product as well, which comes in a three-steps cleaner package.

It kills bacteria and viruses, enhances airflow efficiency, and eliminates unpleasant odors. And that’s without having to remove the dashboard.

So owners who avail of the aircon cleaning package throughout the promo period will be able to try the product first hand, without having to spend for it.

For reference, the aircon cleaning package is priced at PhP 5,262.

The offer is available to all BYD vehicle owners who are due for their 1-Year Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) or have reached 20,000 kilometers on their odometer.

Continue Reading

Automotive

ACMobility launches EV safety program to help drivers make the switch

The new “Drive Electric” curriculum covers everything from charging safety to actual EV ownership costs.

Published

on

ACMobility, the Ayala Group’s mobility arm, launched its “Drive Electric. EV Safety Program,” and it’s aimed at pretty much anyone curious about EVs.

That means advocates, people thinking about buying one, fleet operators, and just regular folks who want to understand what they’re getting into.

The goal is straightforward: clear up the misconceptions around EVs by giving people practical, easy-to-follow information on how the technology and charging infrastructure actually work.

The program covers safety guidelines, the real costs of ownership, and how charging works, so people can decide for themselves if going electric makes sense for them.

At the launch, ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala talked about the bigger picture, saying the company’s priority is to empower drivers to shift to a more sustainable and cost-effective transport option.

He framed the program as part of that commitment, aiming to give drivers practical tools and accessible technical knowledge on EVs.

Building the curriculum with actual experts

ACMobility didn’t build this alone. The program came together with professional instruction partners and close coordination with the Department of Energy, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine EV Community.

The curriculum runs five modules deep, and it tackles the questions people actually ask before buying an EV: what it really costs to own one long-term, how much you can save, how to charge safely, what to do in an emergency, and how the technology itself works.

What comes after the launch

ACMobility says this is just the start. The company plans to roll out educational seminars nationwide for drivers looking to make the switch, expanding into corporate sessions, community workshops, and showcases at bigger industry events.

Future sessions will pair the technical side with actual test drives, so people get hands-on time with EVs alongside the expert guidance.

Continue Reading

Trending