EV
Maserati’s Electric Storm Hits Manila
Maserati Philippines Goes Electric with Folgore Launch, Stars Rhian Ramos and Sam Verzosa
SAN JUAN, Metro Manila — Maserati Philippines has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with the local debut of its Folgore lineup. The private showroom event in San Juan marked the national unveiling of two all-electric Maserati models: the GranCabrio Folgore and Grecale Folgore.
Hosted by Modena Motorsports Inc., the brand’s exclusive importer and dealer in the country, the event was attended by high-profile guests including Maserati Southeast Asia Pacific’s Wallace Wong and Modena Motorsports President Sam Verzosa — who was seen alongside actress and Maserati ambassador Rhian Ramos during the launch ceremony.
Verzosa emphasized that the move signals a mindset shift for the luxury marque. “This isn’t just the unveiling of new models,” he said. “This is the ignition of a new mindset—where electrification is not a trend, but the future. And Maserati leads that vision.”
The GranCabrio Folgore is the world’s first fully electric luxury convertible, equipped with an 800V system and three electric motors generating 761 horsepower and 1,350 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds.
The Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s first electric SUV, features a 105 kWh battery and dual motors delivering 410 kW and 820 Nm of torque. Inside, it blends luxury with sustainability, using materials like ECONYL®, made from recycled nylon.
Both models feature exclusive electric design elements, including a “Rame Folgore” copper paint finish. Maserati also announced plans for test drives and roadshows across major Philippine cities, along with the upcoming arrival of the limited GranTurismo Folgore 110° Anniversario edition.
The launch concluded with a ceremonial toast led by Wong, Verzosa, and Modena Motorsports GM Mody Llamas, marking the start of Maserati’s electrified chapter in the Philippines.
VinFast is pushing for a bigger slice of the Philippine EV market with the VF 6, a compact electric SUV pitched squarely at busy Filipino households who want easy parking, smart tech, and zero gas station stops. Launched in Manila on August 15, 2025, the VF 6 comes in Eco and Plus variants as more families consider EVs amid fuel costs, environmental concerns, and incentives that support the shift to electric mobility .
Why this could click with Pinoys
The VF 6 keeps a small footprint for navigating tight village roads, school drop-offs, and mall parking, yet surprises with a roomy cabin thanks to a 2,730 mm wheelbase—space on par with B-segment gas cars. Five seats, practical storage, and fold-flat rears make room for strollers, instruments, or weekend gear. Cargo is rated at 423 liters—roughly ten carry-on luggages—before folding the second row for more space .
Out-of-town without the “range panic”
Quick Tagaytay coffee or a Batangas beach run? The VF 6 Eco posts up to 480 km (NEDC) and the Plus up to 460 km, enough to cover most near-province trips on a single charge. The tuning aims to balance comfort in EDSA traffic with confidence on winding expressway sections—useful for mixed city-province routines .
Safety and smarts as standard talking points
For families, the Plus variant stacks eight airbags and 20 ADAS features, including adaptive cruise, blind spot detection, lane-keeping, a 360º camera, and an in-segment standout: Auto Lane Changing Assist. The infotainment is AI-powered with voice control, OTA updates, and seamless phone integration—handy when juggling school runs, work calls, and weekend plans .
Ownership math that invites comments
From now until May 1, 2027, VF 6 owners get free charging at all V-GREEN stations nationwide—an eyebrow-raising perk for commuters watching daily costs. The vehicle warranty runs 7 years/160,000 km, while the battery is covered for 10 years/200,000 km—aggressive coverage that will surely spark debates about long-term EV ownership confidence in the Philippines .
The bottom line
VinFast frames the VF 6 as an “everyday hero” for Filipino households—compact outside, useful inside, guided by driver aids, and backed by charging perks and long warranties. The bigger question for readers: Does a right-sized EV with these freebies finally make you ready to plug in? .
Headed to the mall this weekend? You might bump into Ford’s newest electrified duo—one for practical daily drives, the other a head‑turning EV pony. Which one fits your Manila traffic life better?
Ford Philippines is taking the New Territory Hybrid and the all‑electric Mustang Mach‑E on a nationwide show-and-tell through October, bringing them to high‑footfall malls and select dealerships so shoppers can check the tech and the design up close.
Where to see them first:
- Territory Hybrid (Aug 15–17): Over 20 mall spots from SM Southmall, V Mall Greenhills, SM Bicutan, SM Marikina, Robinsons Place Manila to SM City Batangas, SM Sta. Rosa, SM San Pablo, SM Taytay, SM Legazpi, plus North Luzon stops like SM Cabanatuan, SM Rosales, Harbor Point Subic, SM Tarlac, SM Tuguegarao, SM Ilocos Norte, SM Baguio, then SM Seaside Cebu, Island City Mall Bohol, and Mindanao with SM City Davao, Robinsons Place Pagadian. If you reserve at these sites, you get a free 3‑year Scheduled Service Plan (SSP).
- Mustang Mach‑E Roadshow (Dealerships):
Ford Alabang (Aug 13–17), Global City (Aug 20–25), Balintawak (Aug 27–Sep 1), EDSA (Sep 3–8), Libis (Sep 3–8), Marikina (Sep 10–14), Cebu (Sep 30–Oct 5). Retail starts September at those same dealerships.
Hybrid practicality, EV excitement. One aims for lower fuel use in stop‑and‑go EDSA crawls; the other shows what a Filipino EV garage could look like—if your condo or barangay has charging sorted.
Perks that soften ownership costs. The free 3‑year SSP for Territory Hybrid reservations at mall stops is a real saver, especially with rising maintenance costs. Fair deal or marketing fluff? You tell us.
Access, not just hype. This isn’t a one‑city launch. The tour reaches Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao so more families can test cabin space, infotainment, and driver aids without flying to Manila.
Fresh from the public reveal, Ford wants more Filipinos to experience the brand’s electrified push—“from mall displays to dealerships,” says MD Pedro Simoes. Translation: they’re betting you’ll choose with your eyes and a quick sit‑in. Agree? Or do you still want hard data like charging costs vs. gas?
- Would you daily a hybrid for school runs and groceries, or go full‑EV for the torque and quiet rides?
- Which stop is nearest you—Southmall, Greenhills, Cebu, Davao? Planning to drop by?
MANILA, Philippines – Ford Philippines has officially joined the hybrid electric vehicle segment with the launch of the new Ford Territory Hybrid. The Philippines is the first market in Ford’s International Markets Group to offer this model, which blends fuel efficiency, modern styling, advanced tech, and driver-assist features.
Available in two variants – the Trend and Titanium X – the new Territory Hybrid keeps the SUV’s popular appeal while adding a responsive hybrid powertrain. The Trend focuses on core hybrid features for daily driving, while the Titanium X adds premium touches like a panoramic moonroof, coast-to-coast LED bar, larger alloy wheels, and extra safety tech.
Hybrid Power Without Plugging In
Unlike plug-in hybrids, the Territory Hybrid doesn’t need charging stations. It automatically recharges through regenerative braking and its gasoline engine. Both variants use a 1.5L I-4 Dedicated Hybrid Engine, paired with a 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission and a 1.83kW lithium-ion battery. Together, they produce up to 218PS of electric power and 315Nm of torque.
The SUV can switch between EV, Series, Parallel, or Energy Recovery modes for better fuel economy and smooth torque delivery, especially in city traffic. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds. Drivers can choose Eco, Normal, or Sport modes, plus adjustable steering settings for comfort or responsiveness.
Updated Looks Inside and Out
The Territory Hybrid sports a redesigned hood, fenders, grille, LED headlights, and full-width LED taillights. Wheel sizes are 18 inches for the Trend and 19 inches for the Titanium X. Inside, it features premium materials, a dual-tone leather finish, more luggage space, multi-color ambient lighting, and improved seating comfort.
Tech and Comfort
Both variants come with dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple charging ports, and a 12-inch touchscreen. The Titanium X gets extras like a wireless charging pad, PM2.5 filter, hands-free tailgate, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A new sound system from Arkamys delivers 3D surround sound.
Safety Features
Standard safety tech includes six airbags, stability and traction control, hill assist, a 360-degree camera, and parking sensors. The Titanium X adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
FordPass Connectivity
Through the FordPass app, owners can remotely start, lock, or unlock the car, and get vehicle health alerts.
Pricing and Colors
- Trend – ₱1,399,000
- Titanium X – ₱1,599,000
Color options include Oasis Green, Crystal Pearl White, Star White, Blue Panther, and Panther Black (availability depends on variant).
Launch Offers
Buyers get a free illuminated logo and hybrid decals. From August 8–10, mall displays and events nationwide will offer a free 3-year service plan and discounts, with a chance to win ₱100,000 off for purchases at the Bonifacio Global City Amphitheater.
