EV
Hongqi Powers Up Luxury EVs with Plus Upgrades and a PHEV Tease
Hongqi is stepping up its presence in the Philippine luxury EV market with the launch of updated versions of two flagship models—the E-HS9 Plus and the E-QM5 Plus. The event, held at the TDG In.Hub Atrium in Taguig, also teased the brand’s upcoming plug-in hybrid SUV, the HS3 PHEV.
The most significant upgrades are found under the hood—or rather, in the batteries. The full-sized E-HS9 SUV now stretches its driving range to 515 kilometers on a single charge, an increase from the previous 440 km. The mid-sized executive sedan E-QM5 Plus goes even further, boosting its range to 560 km from 430 km.
Beyond range, both models now bring added comfort and features. The E-HS9 rolls on larger 22-inch rims, while music lovers will enjoy the BOSE premium system with 16 speakers. The E-QM5 Plus, meanwhile, comes with ventilated seats and cruise control for a more relaxed ride.
Hongqi Philippines co-CEO and EvoXTerra president Rashid Delgado said the upgrades reflect the brand’s focus on innovation and luxury: “We are dedicated to ensuring that every model Hongqi releases delivers the most advanced EV technology to date, wrapped inside pure decadence.”
The E-HS9 Plus is priced at PHP6,480,000, while the E-QM5 Plus retails at PHP1,880,000.
But the spotlight wasn’t only on the new EVs. The brand also previewed the Hongqi HS3 PHEV, a five-seat compact SUV that blends a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine with a 225 hp electric motor. Together, they deliver over 1,400 kilometers of hybrid range or 115 kilometers of full-electric range. With a 0–100 km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds and the ability to fast-charge in 19 minutes, the HS3 PHEV promises both performance and practicality.
The model also offers a 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, advanced driver assistance systems, and a spacious, tech-laden cabin. Hongqi says it was designed to feel like a pure EV, with instant power delivery, quiet operation, and refined ride quality.
Hongqi’s lineup, now available in showrooms in BGC, Alabang, Manila Bay, and Quezon City, positions the brand as one of the strongest challengers in the country’s growing premium EV segment.
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.
United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) has officially added Jetour Auto Philippines, Inc. (JAPI) to its growing portfolio of international automotive brands, marking another milestone in the group’s steady expansion in the Philippine market.
Under the leadership of Chairman Rommel L. Sytin, UAAGI has built a strong reputation as one of the country’s top multi-brand distributors. Established in 2006, the company now carries six automotive names: Foton Motor Philippines, Chery Auto Philippines, BAIC Philippines, Lynk & Co Philippines, Radar Philippines, and now, Jetour Auto Philippines.
“Integrating Jetour into the UAAGI family marks a pivotal moment, strengthening our unwavering commitment to provide Filipinos with accessible, innovative, and reliable mobility solutions,” said Sytin. “Jetour’s unique market positioning—combining practicality with a distinct sense of style—perfectly responds to the evolving needs of modern families and individuals.”
Jetour first entered the local market in 2023 and quickly found its place among Filipino car buyers with its balance of design, technology, and versatility. The brand now operates 21 dealerships across the country and recorded over 2,600 units sold in 2024—its strongest performance to date. Leading the lineup is the Jetour T2 SUV, a model praised internationally for its rugged style and modern tech features.
This development comes at a time of rapid growth for UAAGI, following its recent acquisition of Radar under its distribution wing. With Jetour officially joining the roster, UAAGI further strengthens its goal of reshaping the Philippine automotive landscape and delivering broader mobility choices to local customers.
