Cars
Hybrid Heat Toyota Vios goes electric-assist in Thailand debut
Toyota has taken a big step forward in electrifying one of its most familiar nameplates. The Vios, known in Thailand as the Yaris Ativ, is now available as a full hybrid for the first time.
The Yaris Ativ HEV was just launched in Thailand in two trims, Premium and GR Sport. It becomes the second full-hybrid sedan in the subcompact class after the Honda City e:HEV. Toyota’s move also comes as Chinese players like BYD gain ground in Southeast Asia with models such as the Seal 5 DM-i, making the hybrid Vios a crucial model in this segment.
Under the hood
Power comes from a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with a lithium-ion battery and a compact electric motor, delivering a combined 109 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. The system uses an e-CVT, the same as the Yaris Cross HEV, with Toyota claiming up to 29.4 km/L fuel economy under R101 testing standards.
In Toyota’s official release, peak figures are slightly higher at 111 hp and 121 Nm, thanks to the permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with the 2NR-VEX engine.
Variants and features
The HEV Premium keeps a near-identical look to the standard model but adds hybrid badging and upgraded features. This variant includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and Toyota Safety Sense as standard.
The sportier HEV GR Sport becomes the new range-topper. It stands out with a full GR-S body kit, 17-inch wheels, a black roof, and GR-branded synthetic leather seats. It also benefits from tuned suspension and electric power steering for sharper handling.
Both versions are loaded with safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, six airbags, and a panoramic view monitor.
Interior updates
Cabin design remains familiar, but the infotainment and digital instrument cluster now display hybrid system data. GR Sport variants add unique trim pieces and accents to match the performance-inspired styling.
Coming to the Philippines?
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has not yet launched the fifth-generation Vios locally, but plans could be underway.
If introduced, the Yaris Ativ HEV could serve as the Vios’ hybrid counterpart, much like the Zenix has become the electrified version of the Innova. With strong consumer interest in fuel-efficient cars and Toyota’s expanding hybrid portfolio, the odds of seeing it on Philippine roads within the next couple of years are high.
VinFast became the first car brand in Vietnam to sell more than 100,000 vehicles in just the first three quarters of 2025, posting 103,884 units from January to September and 13,914 units in September alone.
The micro-SUV VF 3 led the pack with 31,386 units in nine months, including 2,682 in September. The VF 5 followed with 30,956 units, while its service-focused Herio Green version added 8,604 units, 2,173 of which were in September.
The VF 6 reached 14,425, and the VF 7 totaled 5,877 in the same period, with 778 in September. A seven-seat MPV tuned for Limo Green services delivered a September surge with 2,120 units.
Company executives credited rising market share and 11 straight months as Vietnam’s top seller. They also pointed to expanded capacity at the Hai Phong and Ha Tinh plants as demand builds into the fourth-quarter peak season.
VinFast said the milestone reflects growing local preference for homegrown brands and signals that electric vehicles have become mainstream in Vietnam. The company added it will keep pushing customer benefits to speed up the country’s shift to cleaner mobility.
Geely Motors Philippines (GMP) has achieved a 95 percent first-time fulfillment rate (FTFR) across its nationwide dealership network, signaling major progress in improving its aftersales operations. The milestone follows a series of system upgrades and a strengthened logistics partnership with SF Philippines, which now oversees the automaker’s nationwide parts deliveries.
According to GMP CEO Sylva Yu, the collaboration reflects Geely’s broader strategy to build a “smarter, more connected ecosystem for mobility” in the Philippines. “We are not just expanding our network; we are investing in logistics, sustainability, and partnerships that enhance the customer experience,” Yu said.
Since teaming up with SF Philippines, Geely’s spare parts system has become more responsive, allowing most dealership requests to be fulfilled on the first attempt. The improved flow of parts from Geely’s central warehouse to its dealerships nationwide has reduced waiting times and improved repair turnaround for customers.
The Geely Spare Parts Center in Cabuyao, Laguna, plays a crucial role in the new logistics setup. The 4,700-square-meter facility supports 12 delivery routes and carries an inventory worth around USD 5 million (about P291 million). Managed under the SF Philippines network, the warehouse handles thousands of components ranging from routine maintenance items to body repair and paint parts, lubricants, accessories, and tools.
The results are most visible at Geely Santa Rosa in Laguna, the brand’s first dealership under direct operations. With stronger parts availability and faster delivery times, the dealership has seen more efficient service turnaround—proof that the new logistics model is working as intended.
As part of the partnership, SF Philippines also integrated Geely vehicles into its own operations, acquiring Okavango Elite, Coolray, and EX5 units for its corporate fleet. These include hybrid and fully electric models, aligning with both companies’ sustainability goals and push for cleaner mobility.
With improved logistics, better stock management, and a growing nationwide network, Geely aims to maintain its aftersales momentum as it continues to strengthen its presence in the Philippine automotive market.
Ford Philippines brought back its Employee Pricing program for October, giving buyers of the Everest, Explorer, and Bronco access to the same prices and financing terms employees get. The offer is live nationwide and runs until October 31, 2025.
This year’s run expands beyond the Everest. The Explorer and Bronco now join with some of the biggest savings on Ford’s lineup. The Explorer is offered with up to P700,000 cash savings or 0% interest at 20% downpayment for 60 months. The Bronco gets up to P600,000 cash savings or 0% interest at 50% downpayment for 60 months.
For families eyeing the Everest, Ford lists up to P130,000 cash discount, an all-in low downpayment starting at P79,000, or a low monthly fee from P19,303. Variant-level guides show the Trend 4×2 starting at a P79,000 all-in DP or P19,303 monthly, the Sport 4×2 listed at P22,539 monthly, and the Titanium+ 4×2 at P23,792 monthly. The new Wildtrak trims also appear with updated DPs and monthly plans.
Beyond the three SUVs, Ford is stacking more October offers. Ranger buyers can get as much as P100,000 cash savings, with the Raptor 3.0L V6 tagged at a P50,000 discount or P20,000 off bundled with a 5-Star Care Package that includes a 5-year warranty, 5-year scheduled service plan, and 5-year roadside assistance. Territory deals continue, topping out at P220,000 cash savings or an all-in low downpayment from P69,000. The Everest Wildtrak also gets a P40,000 cash discount or a P20,000 discount with free 3-year SSP, or a low monthly from P39,737.
Ford first ran Employee Pricing in 2018 with the Everest. This year’s wider coverage aims to help more buyers move into well-equipped SUVs as the holiday season nears, according to the brand’s retail product marketing lead. Customers can inquire at any Ford dealer or check Ford Philippines’ official channels for details and final computations.
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