Cars
Hybrid Heat Toyota Vios goes electric-assist in Thailand debut
Toyota has taken a big step forward in electrifying one of its most familiar nameplates. The Vios, known in Thailand as the Yaris Ativ, is now available as a full hybrid for the first time.
The Yaris Ativ HEV was just launched in Thailand in two trims, Premium and GR Sport. It becomes the second full-hybrid sedan in the subcompact class after the Honda City e:HEV. Toyota’s move also comes as Chinese players like BYD gain ground in Southeast Asia with models such as the Seal 5 DM-i, making the hybrid Vios a crucial model in this segment.
Under the hood
Power comes from a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with a lithium-ion battery and a compact electric motor, delivering a combined 109 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. The system uses an e-CVT, the same as the Yaris Cross HEV, with Toyota claiming up to 29.4 km/L fuel economy under R101 testing standards.
In Toyota’s official release, peak figures are slightly higher at 111 hp and 121 Nm, thanks to the permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with the 2NR-VEX engine.
Variants and features
The HEV Premium keeps a near-identical look to the standard model but adds hybrid badging and upgraded features. This variant includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and Toyota Safety Sense as standard.
The sportier HEV GR Sport becomes the new range-topper. It stands out with a full GR-S body kit, 17-inch wheels, a black roof, and GR-branded synthetic leather seats. It also benefits from tuned suspension and electric power steering for sharper handling.
Both versions are loaded with safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, six airbags, and a panoramic view monitor.
Interior updates
Cabin design remains familiar, but the infotainment and digital instrument cluster now display hybrid system data. GR Sport variants add unique trim pieces and accents to match the performance-inspired styling.
Coming to the Philippines?
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has not yet launched the fifth-generation Vios locally, but plans could be underway.
If introduced, the Yaris Ativ HEV could serve as the Vios’ hybrid counterpart, much like the Zenix has become the electrified version of the Innova. With strong consumer interest in fuel-efficient cars and Toyota’s expanding hybrid portfolio, the odds of seeing it on Philippine roads within the next couple of years are high.
VinFast’s smallest electric SUV is getting a new public service role in Southeast Asia.
The VinFast VF 3, first positioned as a compact EV for school runs, grocery trips and daily commutes, is now being used by police agencies in the Philippines and Indonesia. The deployments add another use case for the mini electric SUV as local governments and enforcement units look at electric mobility for patrol and support operations.
In the Philippines, the Municipality of Noveleta in Cavite has deployed VF 3 units as electric police patrol vehicles. The move forms part of the town’s push for sustainable governance, environmental responsibility and updated public safety operations.
Noveleta is also cited as the first municipality in CALABARZON to adopt EV mobility goals. Its initial VF 3 patrol units were supplied through VinFast Marikina and Xentro, with more units expected later.
The vehicles will support local patrol work while helping cut fuel use and operating costs. For a municipal fleet, the shift shows how EV adoption is moving beyond private buyers and into government service.
In Indonesia, the VF 3 has been assigned to a more specialized task. The National Traffic Police Corps introduced its Precision Drone Patrol ETLE program, which uses drones to monitor traffic and spot violations. A modified VF 3 was chosen as a mobile transport unit for drone equipment.
The rear section of the vehicle was adapted for storage, allowing officers to carry and deploy traffic-monitoring drones from different locations. Its small size also helps officers move through congested streets and operate in areas where larger vehicles may have difficulty.
The VF 3 measures 3,190 mm long, 1,679 mm wide and 1,652 mm high. It has 16-inch wheels, 175 mm of ground clearance and a driving range of up to 215 kilometers on a full charge. Using DC fast charging, its battery can go from 10 percent to 70 percent in around 36 minutes.
VinFast said these traits make the VF 3 useful not only for city drivers, but also for fleets that need low operating costs, easy maneuverability and practical daily use.
The model has also become a strong seller in Vietnam. VinFast delivered 4,770 VF 3 units in May 2026, raising its total VF 3 deliveries to 20,231 units for the first five months of the year.
For the Philippines, the VF 3 is being pitched as an accessible EV with a 7-year or 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, a 10-year battery warranty, support from VinFast’s service network and access to the V-Green charging program.
From private errands to patrol duty and drone support, the VF 3 is showing how a small EV can take on bigger work.
Mercedes-Benz is marking 140 years of automotive innovation by tracing its history from the Benz Patent-Motorwagen to its current push into electric and hybrid luxury vehicles.
The brand’s story began in 1886, when the Benz Patent-Motorwagen became widely recognized as the world’s first automobile. That milestone helped define the early shape of personal mobility and remains central to the company’s identity today.
Mercedes-Benz continues to position itself in the Philippines as a premium brand built on heritage, safety, comfort and technology. Its current lineup covers sedans, SUVs, performance models, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles aimed at executives, families and buyers looking for luxury mobility.
Among its key nameplates are the S-Class, G-Class and Mercedes-AMG SL. The S-Class remains the brand’s flagship sedan, associated with comfort, advanced safety and cabin technology. The G-Class keeps its image as a luxury off-roader, while the AMG SL carries the brand’s open-top performance heritage.
The brand also offers models aimed at daily executive and family use. These include the C-Class and E-Class sedans, along with SUVs such as the GLC, GLE and V-Class. Mercedes-Benz also offers plug-in hybrid variants of the GLC and GLE, reflecting its shift toward lower-emission luxury vehicles.
Its electric lineup in the Philippines includes the EQS Sedan and SUV, EQE Sedan and SUV, and EQB. These models form part of the brand’s move into electric mobility while keeping its focus on comfort, design and premium features.
Mercedes-Benz also continues to emphasize driver assistance and safety technology. Available systems include intelligent cruise control, lane-keeping support, automated parking assistance, driver monitoring and safety alerts.
As the industry moves toward electrification, digital features and sustainable engineering, Mercedes-Benz is using its long history to support its next phase. For the brand, the message is clear: its past helped build the automobile, but its future will depend on how well it adapts luxury mobility to a changing market.
Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. has expanded Chevrolet’s Northern Luzon network with the opening of Chevrolet Baguio as a full 3S-certified dealership under Laus Auto Group.
The dealership now provides Sales, Service and Spare Parts operations for customers in Baguio, Benguet and nearby provinces. It is located at 125 Marcos Highway, Barangay Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet.
Chevrolet Baguio features a showroom that can accommodate up to four display vehicles. Its aftersales facility has three service bays for routine maintenance and repair work. The dealership operates from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The inauguration was led by Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, vice chairman, president and chief executive officer of HARI. She was joined by Laus Group of Companies president Paul Tristan A. Laus, vice president and executive director Carisa A. Laus, executive vice president and group chief operating officer Alfie M. Adriano, Laus Auto Group managing director Froilan G. Dytiangquin, and Chevrolet Laus Auto Group operations group head Shiela D. Salita.
Also present were Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Atty. George S. Fukai III as representative of the mayor of Tuba, Benguet, Land Transportation Office Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, LTO representatives, and General Motors Southeast Asia sales operations general manager Anatolio Enderez.
Perez-Agudo said the opening strengthens Chevrolet’s presence in Northern Luzon while supporting a more accessible and customer-focused ownership experience in the region.
“This expansion reflects our continued commitment to operational excellence, service reliability, and building long-term customer confidence through a stronger and more responsive dealership network,” Perez-Agudo said.
Customers may visit Chevrolet Baguio to view the latest Chevrolet lineup, book service appointments, and access genuine Chevrolet parts and aftersales support.
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