EV
Greenlight for Geely
Geely Philippines Launches All-Electric EX5 and Hybrid Okavango Elite
Geely Philippines has expanded its local lineup with the launch of two new models: the fully electric EX5 and the hybrid-powered Okavango Elite. The unveiling highlights the brand’s growing push toward cleaner, energy-efficient vehicles on Philippine roads.
The move is part of Geely’s broader strategy to offer a diversified range of powertrains. These include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs), and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models. The company says it aims to complete this full lineup by the end of 2025.
To support its growing fleet, Geely Philippines has stocked more than USD 5 million worth of spare parts in its local warehouse and is working closely with its dealer network to ensure quicker, more efficient after-sales service nationwide. The company also rolled out new customer care initiatives and dealer support programs designed to improve the ownership experience.
“This new chapter is about putting the driver first—with vehicles built for real-world roads and everyday routines,” said Sylva Yu, CEO of Geely Motor Philippines. “Whether it’s the quiet torque of the EX5 or the hybrid practicality of the Okavango Elite, we’re delivering performance, comfort, and adaptability that Filipino motorists will immediately feel.”
The EX5: Geely’s First EV in the Philippines
Priced at PHP 1,799,000, the EX5 is Geely’s first all-electric SUV in the local market. It features a short blade battery and an 11-in-1 intelligent electric drive system that enables fast charging—30% to 80% in just 20 minutes. Energy efficiency is enhanced by IGBT optimization.
Safety is also a standout for the EX5, with 5-star crash ratings from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP. Its CTB (cell-to-body) structure and ADAS suite provide protection in real-world driving conditions.
Inside, the cabin is spacious and quiet, thanks to advanced noise insulation that keeps highway noise to just 68.3 decibels. Comfort features include front-row massage seats and a tech-rich Flyme Auto cockpit with a 15.4-inch touchscreen, 13.8-inch HUD, voice command in 10 languages, and Level 2 ADAS that includes a 360° panoramic view and transparent chassis.
The Okavango Elite: Versatile Hybrid for Every Filipino Family
At PHP 1,368,000, the Okavango Elite is a 7-seater hybrid SUV known for its space and practicality. It’s the only vehicle in its segment with seven fully independent seats. With five different seat configurations and up to 2,050 liters of cargo space, the Okavango adapts to everything from family outings to business trips.
The updated model features a refreshed design, a refined interior, a wide-angle 360° camera, and a robust high-strength steel frame. It also carries a green plate, granting it coding exemptions and other mobility benefits in certain areas.
Geely Turns Six in the Philippines
The launch coincides with Geely Philippines’ 6th anniversary. To celebrate, the company announced special promotions for the EX5 and Okavango Elite, alongside after-sales care for older models and a referral program for current owners.
BDO Unibank is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a nationwide raffle that gives customers a chance to win five Toyota Ativ Hybrid cars and 250 SM Gift Passes.
The BDO 50th Anniversary Raffle runs from August to December 2026 and is open to eligible clients of BDO Unibank and BDO Network Bank.
New customers may join by opening a qualified deposit account, completing a one-time online registration and maintaining the required balance. Existing clients can earn entries by adding to their deposits and registering online.
The raffle has five draws. Customers who qualify in August can win one of 50 SM Gift Passes worth P5,000 each during the first draw on 14 September.
Another 50 gift passes will be awarded on 14 October to customers who qualify in September.
The next two draws will add hybrid cars to the prizes. Customers who qualify in October can win one Toyota Ativ Hybrid and one of 50 gift passes on 14 November. The same set of prizes will be awarded to November qualifiers during the 14 December draw.
All eligible entries earned from August to December will be included in the grand draw on 14 January 2027. Three Toyota Ativ Hybrid cars and another 50 SM Gift Passes will be given away during the final draw.
BDO introduced the raffle as a thanksgiving program for clients who have supported the bank during its first five decades.
The bank has served Filipinos through different stages of their financial lives, from opening an account for a first salary to saving for a home, education, business or retirement.
Financial habits have changed considerably during that period as mobile apps and online services made many banking transactions available without a branch visit. Customers have also started saving for a wider range of goals, including emergency funds, travel, investments and small businesses.
BDO said it will continue adapting its services as customer needs and banking habits change.
Mitsubishi is bringing back the ASX name for a new battery-electric model in Australia, where the 2027 ASX VR-e is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The new EV is not related to the gasoline-powered ASX currently sold in Australia. Instead, it is based on the Foxtron Bria, an electric vehicle developed in Taiwan by Foxtron, the automotive arm of electronics manufacturer Foxconn.
Mitsubishi has carried out local testing and development for Australia and New Zealand, while also giving the vehicle its own exterior and interior details.
The ASX VR-e name combines two familiar Mitsubishi badges. ASX stands for Active Sports Crossover, while VR-e takes inspiration from the VR-4 designation previously used on performance models such as the Galant VR-4.
Four variants are planned for Australia, namely LS, Aspire, Exceed and GSR.
Mitsubishi has so far released only limited technical information for the ASX VR-e, but the Foxtron Bria on which it is based is offered with rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
The rear-wheel-drive version uses a single electric motor producing 171 kW, or about 229 hp, and can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive version develops 298 kW, or about 400 hp, and cuts the sprint to 3.9 seconds.
Both versions use a 57.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. The Bria is rated at up to 516 km of range under the NEDC test cycle for the rear-wheel-drive model, while the all-wheel-drive version is rated at 466 km.
Estimated WLTP figures are lower at around 430 km and 400 km, respectively. DC fast charging is rated at up to 134 kW, with a 10 to 80 percent charge said to take about 30 minutes.
The ASX VR-e measures 4,315 mm long, 1,885 mm wide and 1,535 mm tall, with a 2,800-mm wheelbase. Its dimensions place it in the small crossover and hatchback class.
Changes from the Foxtron version include Mitsubishi badging, revised daytime running lights, different alloy wheels and interior trim. The vehicle also uses an S-duct through the front fascia and active grille shutters to help reduce aerodynamic drag.
Expected equipment includes a 15.6-inch infotainment display, 9.2-inch digital instrument panel, power-adjustable front seats, a 360-degree camera, glass roof and ambient lighting.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Shunichi Kihara described the ASX VR-e as the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle in Australia since the i-MiEV and part of Mitsubishi’s wider electrification plans under its Momentum 2030 strategy.
Pricing and final Australian specifications will be announced closer to its launch later this year.
Lexus Philippines has introduced the all-new ES with two hybrid variants and the nameplate’s first battery-electric model, giving the executive sedan its broadest powertrain lineup to date.
The eighth-generation ES will be available as the ES 350h Executive, ES 350h Luxury and fully electric ES 350e. Retail sales are scheduled to begin in the third week of August.
Prices start at P4,108,000 for the ES 350h Executive, while the ES 350h Luxury costs P4,308,000. The ES 350e sits at the top of the range at P5,688,000.
The arrival of the electric variant is the biggest change to the lineup, although the new ES also adopts a larger body and a longer wheelbase. The added length gives rear passengers more space, an important improvement for a sedan often used with a chauffeur.
Its exterior follows Lexus’ latest design direction, with a cleaner front section and a low, wide stance. The spindle shape remains visible in the bodywork, while the lighting and other graphic elements create a more modern interpretation of the familiar ES profile.
Both ES 350h variants use a 2.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid system producing 247 PS. The setup is designed to deliver smoother power and lower fuel consumption without requiring external charging.
The ES 350e uses a front-mounted electric motor with an output of 224 PS. Lexus Philippines lists its battery capacity at 74.69 kWh, giving the ES its first fully electric drivetrain since the nameplate was introduced in 1989.
Cabin technology includes a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new ES also uses Arene, Toyota Motor Corp.’s vehicle software platform that supports more than 200 functions across the car.
Equipment varies by model. The ES 350h Executive comes with a Back Guide Monitor, while the ES 350h Luxury and ES 350e receive a Panoramic View Monitor for a wider view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Rear-seat comfort remains a priority, particularly in the Luxury and electric variants. Available features include reclining rear seats, an ottoman and controls that allow passengers to adjust their seating position and cabin settings.
The all-new ES also receives the latest Lexus Safety System+, which combines driver-assistance features intended to reduce the risk of a collision and support the driver in different road conditions.
Lexus Philippines President Masando Hashimoto said the new ES reflects the company’s direction as it gives customers a choice between hybrid and fully electric power.
The expanded lineup allows long-time ES buyers to remain with the familiar self-charging hybrid system, while the ES 350e provides a new option for customers ready to move to a battery-electric luxury sedan.
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