Automotive

Kia redefines sophistication, first-class travel with the new Carnival

Travel in style and comfort on the road.

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ACMobility, the official distributor of Kia Philippines, has just unveiled the new Kia Carnival. The new Carnival blends luxury and functionality to provide a remarkable driving experience.

It caters to modern executives and families, revolutionizing ordinary travel to provide a first-class experience.

Sophistication is the game

The new Carnival, like the Kia Seltos and Sonet, is evidence of Kia’s commitment to excellence and quality. It makes a striking expression with its contemporary and commanding design.

Its redefined Tiger Nose Grille contributes to a strong yet sophisticated presence. The front fascia exhibits unique vertical lamps, and the Star Map Daytime Running Lights (DRL) adds to its signature identity.

For the SX variant, the Carnival makes it even more premium with a unique 19-inch two-tone alloy wheel design.

The new Kia Carnival appears to be a haven of luxury and technology inside. Dual sunroofs in the interior add to the feeling of space. Although both versions have an opulent appearance, the Carnival distinguishes between the EX and SX variants.

The EX model has leatherette seats and a 8-way power driver seat and two-way lumbar supports. Its second-row captain seats include manual long sliding and reclining features.

The SX variant, meanwhile, has luxurious leather seats. In addition, it has an 8-way power driver seat with ventilation, 4-way lumbar support, and memory function. Wireless phone charging is also available, as are second-row Relaxation seats that have power reclining, cushioning, and leg rest functions.

Cutting-Edge Technology

A 12.3-inch infotainment system is included on the new Kia Carnival. To provide a high-end entertainment experience, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6-speaker sound system, six USB charging ports, and a wireless charger (for the SX model).

In addition, there are several USB charging points spread throughout the car in addition to three 12-volt, 180-watt outlets in the front, back, and baggage compartment.

But cutting-edge technology isn’t limited to the interior. With Kia DriveWise, the new Kia Carnival is equipped with cutting-edge driver assistance safety technologies.

While the EX model has normal cruise control, the SX model has Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Smart Cruise Control. There is a 360-degree Surround View Monitor available for all models.

Furthermore, the SX variant of the new Carnival comes with extra side sensors, front and rear parking sensors, and an eight-airbag system. Plus, included are standard safety features including the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ISOFIX anchors for safe child seat installation, Hill Start Assist, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Four additional driving modes are also available on the Carnival: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart.

Price, availability

An 8-speed automatic transmission and a 2.2-liter Smartstream turbodiesel engine power the new Kia Carnival. It directs its 202 PS and 440 Nm of torque into the front wheels.

Even so, there are two versions available: the PhP 2,888,000 2.2 EX Diesel AT and the PhP 3,368,000 2.2 SX Diesel AT.

The colors Aurora Black Pearl and Snow White Pearl are available for both versions. On the other hand, the SX version has a unique Ceramic Silver coloring.

Kia offers a standard 5-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty on all versions. In addition, it comes with the standard Kia 24/7 roadside support that offers medical and personal assistance, minor onsite repairs, and emergency towing.

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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