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.
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. kicked off 2026 with a familiar name but a very different lineup. The refreshed Honda CR-V has officially landed in the Philippines, unveiled at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center, and the big headline is simple. The CR-V is now mostly hybrid.
After its regional debut in Thailand late last year, the new CR-V arrives locally with three variants. Two are now e:HEV hybrids, while only one keeps a pure turbo gasoline setup.
Three Variants, Two Hybrids
The range opens with the V Turbo HuNT CVT. It runs a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine paired with a CVT, sending power to the front wheels. Output stands at 190 PS at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm.
The big shift happens in the middle. The VX e:HEV e-CVT now goes hybrid. It combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle VTEC engine producing 148 PS and 183 Nm with a dual-traction electric motor rated at 184 PS and 335 Nm. Power flows to the front wheels through an e-CVT.
At the top sits the RS e:HEV AWD e-CVT. It uses the same electrified setup as the VX but adds Real-Time AWD, giving the CR-V hybrid traction on all four wheels for the first time in the local lineup.
Same Shape, Sharper Details
Visually, the 2026 CR-V keeps its familiar proportions. Updates are subtle but noticeable. New 18-inch alloy wheels wear wider 235/60 tires, while exterior trim pieces and blacked-out accents freshen the look.
The HuNT styling package, exclusive to the V Turbo variant, adds copper accents on the grille and fog lights, silver highlights on the lower bumper, black wheel arch cladding, and silver running boards for a tougher stance.
Safety and Tech Go Standard
All variants come loaded with Honda Sensing, the brand’s full driver-assist suite. This includes adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, collision mitigation braking, lane-keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, auto high-beam, and lead car departure notification. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are now standard across the board.
Inside, every CR-V gets a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus Google built-in, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, leather seats, a wireless charging pad, power front seats with driver memory, a power tailgate, and Honda Connect. The head-up display is now available on the VX, no longer limited to the RS.
The RS keeps its premium edge with a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, red contrast stitching with RS logos, and a hands-free power tailgate.
Hybrid Warranty and Colors
Both e:HEV variants come with an 8-year or 160,000-km battery warranty for added peace of mind.
Color options include Canyon River Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl, with a PHP 20,000 surcharge for the white finish.
Introductory Pricing
Honda is offering special launch pricing for early buyers:
- RS e:HEV AWD e-CVT – PHP 2,788,000
- VX e:HEV e-CVT – PHP 2,438,000
- V Turbo HuNT CVT – PHP 2,258,000
Regular prices are set PHP 50,000 to PHP 100,000 higher depending on the variant.
Volvo Cars Philippines has rolled out a limited time promo on its two plug in hybrid SUVs, giving buyers a rare chance to step into electrified luxury with major savings.
Handled locally by Hariphil Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the offer puts both the XC90 T8 and XC60 T8 Plug in Hybrid under the spotlight, each carrying a ₱500,000 discount from their respective sticker prices. The promo covers Volvo’s top tier electrified models and comes with a DTI Fair Trade Permit, making it a certified deal for buyers looking to move into hybrid ownership.
Leading the lineup is the XC90 T8 Plug in Hybrid, Volvo’s seven seater flagship SUV. With the discount applied, the model drops from its ₱5.45 million suggested retail price. Designed for families and long drives, the XC90 T8 can travel up to 77 kilometers on electric power alone before switching to hybrid mode for longer trips. This setup allows for emissions free city use while keeping fuel efficiency and performance intact on highways.
Alongside it is the XC60 T8 Plug in Hybrid, Volvo’s best selling SUV globally with more than 2.7 million units sold worldwide. Priced at ₱4.55 million before the discount, the five seater SUV offers up to 80 kilometers of electric only driving, making it suitable for daily urban use. Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle automatically shifts to hybrid operation to maintain efficiency without sacrificing responsiveness.
Both models highlight Volvo’s long standing focus on safety, comfort, and Scandinavian design, while giving buyers access to plug in hybrid technology without fully committing to a pure electric vehicle.
Interested customers can visit Volvo Cars Makati to check availability, learn more about the promo, and book a test drive. The offer is available for a limited time only, subject to terms and conditions.
Hongqi Philippines has entered a new partnership with The Bellevue Manila, bringing chauffeur-driven premium vehicles into one of the south’s most established five-star hotels.
The collaboration places Hongqi vehicles at the center of high-end guest experiences, with a focus on weddings, VIP stays, and special occasions. The idea is simple. The luxury does not stop at the hotel doors. It begins the moment guests step into the car.
The partnership was formalized during a contract signing held on January 23. Present at the event were Hongqi Philippines Vice President and General Manager David Zaballero, Sales and Marketing Head Brian Badilla, Bellevue Manila Managing Director John Patrick Chan, and Assistant Director for Group Marketing Justine Delacerna.
As part of the agreement, hotel guests will have access to Hongqi’s flagship models. These include the Hongqi E-HS9, a full-size electric SUV, and the Hongqi HQ9, a premium MPV designed for comfort-focused travel. Both models offer spacious cabins, refined materials, and a calm ride that fits milestone events and formal occasions.
According to EVOxTerra President and TDG Group Co-CEO Rashid Delgado, the partnership reflects Hongqi’s focus on experience-driven luxury, where design and comfort are meant to work seamlessly together.
Beyond transport services, the collaboration will also have a public-facing component. Starting February 2026, Hongqi Philippines will hold a six-month vehicle display at the Grand Ballroom lobby of The Bellevue Manila. This allows hotel guests and visitors to view the vehicles up close in a hospitality setting.
For those looking to experience more of the brand’s lineup, Hongqi vehicles are also available for test drives at showrooms located in Alabang, BGC, Manila Bay, and Quezon City.
The partnership adds another layer to Hongqi Philippines’ push into the premium space, blending automotive luxury with curated hospitality experiences.
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