Automotive

Meet the luxury SUV powered by Huawei’s technology

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

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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

VinFast to expand in the Philippines with e-scooters: report

VinFast to compete head-on with major motorbike players

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

VinFast is bringing its electric scooters to the Philippines.

According to a report by TopGear, the Vietnamese EV manufacturer has signed agreements with 14 local distributors.

The report mentioned that specifically, the Evo, Feliz II, and Viper models shall be made available. The rollout will naturally begin in metro areas, as expected.

These models provide longer range on a single full charge and higher top speeds compared to budget e-bikes. It means they are suitable to be driven on major highways, provided that drivers have a license and the scooter is registered.

Moreover, in what is somewhat similar to Gogoro’s model from a few years back, VinFast is set to have 30,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide.

This way, drivers wouldn’t have to worry about running out of battery power while on the road. They can simply swap batteries instead of looking for charging stations.

This development means VinFast is competing head-on against other fuel-powered motorcycle brands in a market where such vehicles are popular for everyday use.

Not only that, VinFast will likewise compete with the likes of Yadea, RUX Electric Mobility, and even Hatasu to a certain extent.

It doesn’t come as a surprise as back home, VinFast is aggressively pushing for electrification, selling e-scooters to consumers.

This is aligned with the government’s goal to eventually ban petrol motorbikes in major cities, including the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Given the massive rate the production is going, it is only sensible for VinFast to also target nearby markets where it already has a presence, including Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.

In the Philippines, the Vingroup’s EV arm already competes in the electric cars and SUVs segment. Its offerings include the VF3 and VF5.

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Automotive

Luxury you can ride: The Vespa 180cc Collection

Piaggio Philippines unveils the Vespa Sprint and Primavera collection at Makina Moto 2026!

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Elegance is not about being noticed; it is about being remembered. In Italy, a Vespa serves as a statement of style rather than a mere tool for transportation. This philosophy treats every journey as an opportunity to approach life with beauty.

At Makina Moto 2026, Piaggio Philippines brought this ideal to life when it unveiled the new Vespa Sprint and Primavera 180cc collections.

Continuation of heritage

The legacy of Vespa exists somewhere between art and architecture, and this new generation continues that story for the local market.

These new models arrive as a living continuation of heritage, designed for the local rider who refuses to settle for the anonymous. To own a Vespa is to acquire a piece of culture as refined as a bespoke suit.

The Vespa Primavera 180cc carries the warmth of a tradition that celebrates beauty. It features a signature silhouette elevated by newly designed rims and a redesigned speedometer. This model balances heritage aesthetics with modern clarity.

For those who prefer a sharper edge, the Vespa Sprint 180cc speaks a contemporary vocabulary through sculpted lines and a high-definition dashboard that acts as a digital heart within its classic frame.

Technology meets style

The 180cc engine enhances the riding experience by providing a smooth, resonant power delivery that matches the visual poise of the bike.

Meanwhile, the Keyless Start system offers a fluid transition from standing to riding. Advanced ABS brakes secure this sense of effortless luxury. It provides a composed stop that mirrors the agile nature of the machine.

The Vespa Primavera 180cc starts at PhP 218,000 for the Standard variant and reaches PhP 268,000 for the Primavera Tech.

Simultaneously, the Sprint lineup begins at PhP 238,000 and extends to PhP 288,000 for the Tech variant.

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Automotive

Changan hits full throttle with aggressive new models, technology

At MIAS 2026, Changan showcases its most diverse vehicle portfolio.

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Inchcape Philippines, the official distributor of Changan in the local market, pulled the covers off its highly anticipated exhibit at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show.

Throughout the event, the brand showcased a formidable lineup that bridged the gap between traditional combustion and electric mobility.

Changan also gave visitors a hands-on experience through a comprehensive test drive lineup featuring the All-New Changan Eado Plus, the All-New Changan CS35 Max, and the electrified Nevo series.

A new era for the All-New Changan CS35 Max

The All-New Changan CS35 Max headlined the new releases as a sportier, more aggressive evolution of the brand’s consistent best-seller.

Changan designed this upgraded crossover for the on-the-go professional, stretching the wheelbase by 115 mm to create a more commanding presence and a spacious interior.

On the outside, elegant red accents and a sophisticated LED lighting system define the aesthetic, while the cabin features superior ergonomics and premium materials.

Under the hood, a 1.5L Turbocharged Bluecore engine delivers a punchy 180hp and 300 Nm of torque, while a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission manages the power with precision.

The All-New Changan Eado Plus

Changan also made a serious play for the sedan market with the debut of the All-New Eado Plus.

After dominating as a top-selling gasoline sedan in China, this model arrived in the Philippines to redefine everyday driving.

It pairs a sophisticated aesthetic with a value-packed feature set, positioning it as a primary volume driver for the brand this year.

While the show has concluded, Changan continues to celebrate the launch by offering special introductory pricing through April 30, giving commuters a compelling, tech-forward option for their daily drive.

Pioneering the NEV Frontier

The exhibit highlighted Changan’s leadership in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).

The Nevo Hunter K50 made history at the show as the world’s first Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) pickup, delivering a massive 1,031-kilometer comprehensive range and 4×4 capability.

Joining the fleet was the Nevo Q05, a plug-in hybrid SUV that boasts a class-leading 1,215-kilometer total range and three distinct electric driving modes.

For city dwellers, the Changan Lumin BEV remained a standout choice, offering a fun, compact electric solution with the largest dimensions and highest battery capacity in the micro-BEV segment.

Changan rounded out the display with a preview of the New Changan CS55 Plus. The brand expects to launch it officially in the second half of 2026 as its flagship PHEV.

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