Cars
BYD and Grab Join Forces
BYD and Grab Join Forces to Promote EVs Through Nationwide Caravan
BYD Cars Philippines and Grab Philippines have partnered to launch the first BYD Grab Day Caravan, an event that aims to make electric vehicles more accessible to Filipino commuters and transport service drivers.

Held at the BYD dealership in Bonifacio Global City last June, the caravan gave GrabCar driver-partners a chance to test drive the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic, a hybrid-electric sedan designed for daily ride-hailing use. The Seal 5 DM-i features an electric-only range of up to 50 km, and a combined range of 1,175 km with its generator, making it an efficient choice for long hours on the road. BYD says its advanced technology can help drivers cut operational and maintenance costs by up to 40% compared to gas-powered vehicles.

The initiative supports BYD’s broader goal to bring more electrified vehicles to the market, while helping drivers boost their earnings through better fuel savings. It also aligns with Grab’s aim to shift toward greener transport options.

“This partnership with Grab allows us to bring electrified mobility into everyday transport,” said Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines. “It reflects our commitment to building a cleaner, more efficient transport ecosystem.”

GrabCar drivers were also given access to exclusive financing offers and on-site applications through bank partners. More financial institutions are expected to join the program as it expands.
“The BYD Grab Day Caravan lets our drivers experience how the Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic can meet the daily demands of ride-hailing,” added BYD Philippines Country Head Adam Hu.

Grab Philippines Managing Director Ronald Roda also welcomed the partnership. “This collaboration is a win for both our drivers and passengers. It gives operators the chance to save more, earn more, and be part of a more sustainable future.”
Following the successful event, the caravan is set to visit BYD dealerships nationwide, including those in Visayas and Mindanao, later this year.
Cars
Track Day, Nissan Way
CLARK, Philippines. Nissan Philippines will open Clark International Speedway to the public on February 1, 2026 for its first Nissan Festival, a full-day track event built around driving activities, fan access, and brand interaction.

Unlike traditional showroom-based launches, the Nissan Festival is structured as a live track program, with multiple activities running throughout the circuit. Organizers said the goal is to give visitors direct access to Nissan vehicles and people behind the brand in a motorsport setting.
The schedule includes test drives, interactive displays, and parade laps involving Nissan car clubs and selected heritage vehicles. Nissan said these activities are intended to run alongside on-track sessions, allowing guests to move freely between displays, driving areas, and viewing zones.
A key draw of the event is the appearance of Hiroshi Tamura, best known among enthusiasts for his long involvement in the development of the GT-R. Tamura worked on the R35 GT-R from its concept stage and will take part in a live question-and-answer session during the festival. Nissan confirmed that selected guests will also have the chance to ride with him for a hot lap around the circuit.

Nissan Philippines brand ambassador Matteo Guidicelli will also be present during the event, with the company teasing additional on-site activities to be announced closer to the date.
The Nissan Festival will officially begin at 10:00 a.m. and run for the entire day at Clark International Speedway. Nissan Philippines said the event is open to fans, owners, and first-time visitors, positioning it as a large-scale public track gathering rather than a closed media or owner-only program.
EV
M Goes Electric
BMW is preparing to take its performance division into a fully electric future, with the first all-electric BMW M models set to arrive from 2027. The brand says these vehicles will carry the same high-performance character that defined BMW M on racetracks and public roads for decades, now powered entirely by electricity.

The upcoming models are built on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform and use a newly developed electric system called BMW M eDrive. Unlike current setups, each wheel is powered by its own electric motor. This four-motor layout allows precise control of power delivery at every corner, improving traction, stability, and response during both daily driving and track use.
At the center of this system is BMW M Dynamic Performance Control, managed by a high-speed computing unit known internally as the “Heart of Joy.” The system processes driving data in real time and adjusts torque distribution instantly. BMW says this allows the electric M cars to behave like rear-wheel-drive models when needed, while still benefiting from all-wheel-drive capability for grip and efficiency. The front axle can even be fully decoupled during steady highway driving to improve range.

Power comes from a newly developed high-voltage battery with more than 100 kWh of usable energy. The battery is designed specifically for high-performance use and supports 800-volt charging technology for faster charging times. BMW also highlights improved energy recuperation, which allows the system to recover more power during braking without compromising performance.
The battery housing plays a structural role in the vehicle, connecting the front and rear axles. This design increases overall stiffness and contributes to sharper handling. Cooling systems and electronic controls have also been upgraded to handle sustained high loads during aggressive driving.

BMW M is also introducing new lightweight materials in these electric models. For the first time, natural fiber components will be used in place of some carbon fiber parts. The company says these materials offer similar strength while reducing carbon emissions during production.
BMW M managing director Franciscus van Meel said the shift to electric power allows the brand to push performance further while staying true to its racing roots. The company positions these upcoming models as everyday cars that can still deliver serious track capability.
Cars
Plugging In Deepal
Chinese automaker Deepal is set to enter the Philippine market after naming Autohub Group as its official local distributor.

The partnership was sealed through a formal signing with Changan Automobile Southeast Asia, giving Deepal a clear path into the country’s growing electrified vehicle space. Autohub said the brand will roll out a lineup focused on battery electric and range-extended electric vehicles aimed at daily urban use and light adventure driving.

Leading the initial launch is the Deepal S05 compact SUV. It will be offered in two versions. One is a range-extended electric vehicle designed for longer driving range and flexibility. The other is a full battery electric model aimed at city use. Both are positioned as accessible entry points into electrified mobility.

Joining the S05 is the Deepal G318, a range-extended electric SUV built with off-road capability in mind. The model targets buyers who want electric driving for daily use but need extra capability for rougher terrain. Autohub also confirmed that the larger Deepal S07 midsize SUV is lined up for release in the following quarters.

Deepal’s first major public appearance in the Philippines is scheduled for April 2026 at the Manila International Auto Show. The brand is expected to reveal more details about pricing, specifications, and its local market strategy during the event.

Autohub President Willy Tee Ten said bringing Deepal to the country supports the group’s plan to introduce forward-looking mobility brands that match rising interest in electrified transport. He added that the brand’s technology focus and product range fit everyday driving needs in the Philippine market.

No official pricing has been announced. Autohub said more information will be shared closer to the brand’s public debut.

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