Automotive

New Mercedes-Benz CLA arrives in PH

Sporty, classy, and techy

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Auto Nation Group, the importer and distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Philippines, just launched the new Mercedes-Benz CLA that features a sporty yet elegant design. It also comes with technology that makes driving a lot more enjoyable.

Continuing as a design icon, the second-gen CLA kept its sporty design as a four-door coupe. It has a long, stretched bonnet and flared wheel arches that make for a commanding presence. Meanwhile, a diamond grille and LED high-performance headlamps with daylight running lamps are what greets you up front.

Its GT rear end sports a unique design that they call a ‘Coke-bottle shoulder’ and comes with narrow tail lamps making things sleek and attractive. Rounding up the exterior are 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted with its leather-wrapped steering wheel while the seats, also wrapped in leather, have adjustable cushions for depth and angle. The interior also boasts an increased headroom and elbow room while the rear seats have a 40:20:40 split-folding orientation to accommodate more cargo space.

In terms of tech, the geek inside you will be glad to know that it features the latest generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a virtual assistant much like Apple’s Siri. It is activated through a press of a button on the steering wheel or by simply saying, “Hey Mercedes” from anywhere in the cabin.

The driver and passengers can use this feature to input destination, make a phone call, play music, and adjust the climate control. It’s also smart enough to recognize who’s speaking with its speech recognition program. Cool, right?

Finally, it supports Apple CarPlay for smartphone mirroring and hands-free experience and is displayed on one of its two 7-inch digital screens for the instrument cluster and media display.

Safety has always been a priority for Mercedes-Benz and the new CLA is equipped with Active Parking Assist with rear-view camera, Active Brake Assist, Adaptive brake lights, Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program, Acceleration Skid Control, and Hill-Start Assist.

Additionally, it comes with Pedestrian Protection Active bonnet and multiple airbags with windowbags and kneebag for the driver.

Under the hood is a 4-cylinder engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that produces 136hp and 200Nm of torque. Finally, depending on weather and road conditions, it’s got Dynamic Select that allows the driver to shift between various driving modes.

To further cater to its lively market, the new CLA is available in an array of colors to choose from including:

  • Polar White
  • Digital White
  • Night Black
  • Mountain Gray
  • Denim Blue
  • Sun Yellow
  • Jupiter Red
  • Mojave Silver
  • Cosmos Black

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 Progressive variant is priced at PhP 3,190,000 and is available in all Mercedes-Benz dealers nationwide.

Automotive

VinFast updates battery subscription policy for large upfront savings

Up to 20% upfront savings with a battery subscription model

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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.

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Automotive

BYD expands PH presence with entry of DENZA luxury EVs

4 initial showrooms planned

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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.

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Automotive

Ford Philippines kicks off the year with Drive Now, Pay Later

Get offers up to three months of free amortization!

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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.

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