Automotive

First Xiaomi car set for a 2024 launch

Promised by a Xiaomi exec

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Earlier this year, Xiaomi confirmed that the tech company will officially enter the smart vehicle industry soon. The new market isn’t a huge surprise for Xiaomi. The Chinese company is already known for expanding to different industries outside of its home in the smartphone market. Now, adding more news to its announcement earlier this year, Xiaomi has confirmed a timeline for the first Xiaomi car.

Reported by Reuters, Xiaomi chief executive Lei Jun has pegged the mass production for the first Xiaomi car sometime in the first half of 2024. However, amid multiple developments towards the new branch, Xiaomi has not announced whether they are producing the car themselves or partnering up with an existing player in the industry.

Soon after the initial announcement, Xiaomi registered its electric vehicle arm, officially confirming the company’s strides towards its automotive goals. Xiaomi has also recently acquired a self-driving development company called DeepMotion this year.

Xiaomi’s automotive efforts are still in its infancy stages. The company already obtained an initial RMB 10 billion investment set for a 10-year push in the industry.

Of course, creating a smart car is only the first step towards becoming a player in the smart car industry. Xiaomi will face heady competition when it finally releases its first product. Tesla is already a formidable player, and more players are already set to launch their own entries soon.

SEE ALSO: Xiaomi has Smart Glasses too

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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Automotive

BYD Previews Atto 2 EV, Sealion 7 at MIAS 2026

And sharing a milestone of two Guinness World Records!

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The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2026 marks a significant shift in how we view the Philippine drive.

This year, BYD’s exhibit is their largest to date, moving away from purely technical explanations to show how technology lives inside our routines. It’s a showcase of a complete ecosystem — from city crossovers to rugged pickups — designed to prove that the electric transition is no longer a concept, but a proven reality for all Filipinos.

New companions for the modern routine

Among the highlights are two highly anticipated previews that feel like natural extensions of a modern lifestyle.

For instance, the BYD Atto 2 EV is a smart, stylish urban crossover built for the family. It successfully balances everyday utility with a chic, contemporary design.

Meanwhile, for those who seek a more performance-led experience, the BYD Sealion 7 merges a bold aesthetic with a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive system. It also features a tech-forward cabin that serves as a sanctuary on the road.

This shift toward electric mobility is backed by a journey that goes far beyond the showroom floor. Through the “Drive Electric. Love Pinas.” campaign, a convoy of 20 electrified vehicles recently traveled from Northern Luzon to Mindanao.

As a result of this 102-city stress test, BYD earned two Guinness World Records for the eMAX 7 and the Shark 6 DMO. These achievements demonstrate that these vehicles are truly ready for the complexities of the Philippine landscape.

A high-tech future on the road

Consequently, supporting this movement is the “Philippine EV Spine,” which is a network of over 160 charging locations nationwide. This network is built specifically to eliminate range anxiety and ensures that drivers stay powered and connected for the road ahead.

Adding a human resonance to this technological shift, Multimedia Star Alden Richards has joined the brand as its newest advocate. His role reflects a shared goal of inspiring Filipinos to embrace a high-tech and sustainable future.

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