Automotive
Nissan Kicks e-POWER given test drives before Philippines release
Fully electric drive SUV to launch in August
Ahead of its launch in the Philippines in August 2022, the Nissan Kicks e-POWER was given a test drive by members of the media during a two-day event held at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.
The hybrid compact SUV features a fully electric motor-driven e-POWER system wherein the wheels run on an electric motor. Separate from this is a gasoline engine whose sole purpose is to charge the lithium-ion battery, which eliminates the need for plug-in charging for hours and leads to an efficient and quiet ride.
The Kicks e-POWER also sports an innovative e-Pedal Step technology; here, drivers will only have to use the accelerator to move forward by stepping down. The car also automatically stops when the pedal is released, without even having to step on the brakes.
Aside from these, the car also features Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility technologies, such as:
- Rear cross traffic alert (Premium Plus)
- Intelligent cruise control (Premium Plus)
- Blind spot warning (Premium Plus)
- Intelligent emergency braking
- Intelligent driver alertness
- Intelligent trace control
Design wise, the Kicks e-POWER has both a modern 8-inch NissanConnect Infotainment System and 7-inch TFT Full Color Instrument Display, on top of its stylish interiors which includes a D-shaped multi-function steering wheel.
The impending release of the Kicks e-POWER in the Philippines is part of Nissan’s long-term goal of electrifying Nissan vehicles by 2030, and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The car has already been introduced in Japan earlier this year, while it is also available in Singapore as well starting at SG$ 142,800 – or roughly more than PhP 5 million.
Automotive
The Changan Eado Plus officially lands in the Philippines
Its aggressive launch pricing challenges the compact sedan status quo.
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).
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.
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.
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
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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