Cars
Ford shifts forecast higher
Strong pricing offsets losses tied to EV retreat
NEW YORK, United States — Ford Motor Co. raised its full-year earnings forecast after strong vehicle pricing helped improve its outlook despite a $1.3-billion second-quarter loss.
The Michigan automaker now expects adjusted operating earnings of $10 billion to $11 billion in 2026. Its previous forecast ranged from $8.5 billion to $10 billion.
Ford posted the quarterly loss after booking $3.6 billion in costs related to the wind-down of an electric vehicle battery joint venture. Revenue dropped 3.8 percent to $48.3 billion as wholesale vehicle sales declined 12.3 percent.
The company, however, said demand for new vehicles remained solid even as buyers dealt with inflation and elevated interest rates.
“Our core consumer has been very resilient, despite inflation, despite what we’re seeing in interest rates,” Ford chief financial officer Sherry House said.
Ford now expects industry-wide vehicle prices to increase by 0.5 percent this year. It previously projected pricing to remain roughly unchanged.
The automaker estimates total US vehicle sales will reach between 16 million and 16.5 million units in 2026, close to the previous year’s level.
Lower warranty expenses also contributed to the improved forecast. Ford expects fewer supply problems after an outage at a Novelis aluminum plant in New York state disrupted production last year.
Two fires at the plant in 2025 forced the automaker to seek other sources of aluminum. House said material supplies from the facility should be fully restored by September.
Ford shares rose 1 percent in after-hours trading following the earnings announcement.
BYD Cars Philippines has expanded its electrified sedan range with the updated Seal 5 DM-i, now offered in Essential and Dynamic variants.
The plug-in hybrid sedan uses BYD’s fifth-generation Super DM-i technology. During an efficiency run conducted with the Automobile Association Philippines, the Seal 5 DM-i recorded a combined driving range of up to 2,181 kilometers.
Actual range will vary based on traffic, driving habits, weather, vehicle load and battery condition.
The Essential carries a 7.42-kWh Blade Battery that provides up to 55 kilometers of electric driving. The Dynamic receives a larger 18.3-kWh battery and raises the claimed electric range to 115 kilometers. Once the battery charge drops, the gasoline engine and electric motor continue working together.
BYD Cars Philippines managing director Bob Palanca said the updated model was developed for buyers looking for an efficient daily car and businesses seeking to reduce fleet operating costs.
Cabin equipment includes an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Automatic climate control comes with rear vents, while several USB ports provide charging access for occupants.
The trunk holds 522 liters with the rear seats in place. Folding them increases the available cargo space to 1,295 liters, giving the sedan added flexibility for luggage or business equipment.
Standard safety equipment includes cruise control, tire-pressure monitoring and rear parking sensors. Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Hold Control and Automatic Vehicle Hold are also fitted, along with multiple airbags.
The Seal 5 DM-i Essential carries a suggested retail price of P948,000, while the Dynamic is listed at P1.048 million. Special introductory prices are available until August 31, 2026, with the regular prices taking effect on September 1, 2026.
Both variants include an eight-year drive-unit warranty and a six-year or 160,000-kilometer bumper-to-bumper warranty. The Blade Battery is covered for eight years or 160,000 kilometers.
Buyers may choose from Deep Sea Blue, Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey and Harbour Grey. Financing packages are available through BPI.
The sedan’s launch also starts the BYD Tech Tour at the TriNoma Activity Center, which runs until August 2, 2026.
The Chevrolet Spark EUV has been named the 2026 Electric Car of the Year by the Inter-American Federation of Automotive Journalism.
Automotive journalists from across the Americas selected the winners through a direct vote covering several vehicle categories. The recognition places the Spark EUV among Chevrolet’s notable entry-level electric models as it reaches more than eight markets in the region.
The compact electric vehicle has also gained ground in Brazil. Chevrolet recorded more than 1,000 Spark EUV deliveries there in April, up 70 percent from 628 units in March. It was the model’s strongest monthly performance in South America’s largest automotive market.
Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc., the official Chevrolet distributor in the Philippines, welcomed the award as the company expands the brand’s electric vehicle range locally.
“The Chevrolet Spark EUV’s recognition as the 2026 Electric Car of the Year by FIPA is a proud milestone that reflects Chevrolet’s commitment to delivering innovative, accessible, and customer-focused electric mobility solutions,” HARI Vice Chairman, President and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo said.
Built mainly for urban use, the Spark EUV combines compact exterior dimensions with a spacious cabin and digital cockpit. Its modern-retro design is offered in several bright colors, while its size and handling suit crowded streets and limited parking spaces.
A 75-kW permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 102 PS and 180 Nm of torque. It draws power from a 41.9-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and provides up to 360 kilometers of range under the NEDC testing standard.
The Spark EUV supports AC and DC charging. Using a compatible DC fast charger, its battery can go from 30 to 80 percent in approximately 35 minutes.
Driver-assistance equipment includes adaptive cruise control, Traffic Jam Assist, lane safety features and a 360-degree panoramic camera. These systems help manage routine driving tasks and improve visibility around the vehicle.
Perez-Agudo said the Spark EUV shows how electric technology, safety and everyday practicality can be offered in one compact package. Its latest award gives Chevrolet another selling point as the brand introduces electric mobility to more Filipino drivers.
GAC Philippines is expanding its local sports presence through a partnership with Cignal TV and TV5, linking the automotive brand with major basketball and volleyball broadcasts.
The agreement covers the PBA Governors’ Cup, Premier Volleyball League On Tour and Invitational Conference, and UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. Cignal TV and TV5 serve as the official broadcast homes of the competitions.
GAC will appear through broadcast integrations, player features and highlight segments built around key moments from the games. The campaign aims to introduce the brand and its vehicles to millions of sports viewers nationwide.
The company is using the phrase “Go Above Competition” for the campaign, drawing from the initials of GAC. It connects the competitive approach of athletes with the brand’s emphasis on performance and continued improvement.
“Bringing our global sports marketing tradition to the Philippines is an exciting step as we deepen our roots in the country,” GAC International Senior Vice President Steven Wang said.
Wang added that energy, endurance and determination associated with sports reflect the values behind the company’s vehicles and operations.
The partnership will also showcase models suited for different users. The all-electric AION V and AION UT are positioned for efficient everyday travel, while GAC’s MPVs provide additional room for families, teams and sports equipment.
GAC International has backed several sports programs in other markets. Its partnerships include Mexican football club Deportivo Toluca FC, Australia’s Sydney FC and the Global Super League cricket competition in the Caribbean.
The automaker has also supported the Rosa Challenge Tour golf event in Poland, the Bolivia Half Marathon and the official mobility fleet for China’s 15th National Games.
Its tie-up with Cignal TV and TV5 extends that sports marketing program to the Philippines while giving the brand regular exposure during some of the country’s most followed leagues.
