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’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.
Gateway Group adds BAIC to its dealer network
BAIC Philippines has signed a dealership partnership with MG Gateway Mantrade Corp. as the brand expands its presence in more key markets.
The contract signing was held on June 8 at the BAIC flagship showroom in North EDSA. The agreement brings BAIC into Gateway Group’s automotive portfolio, adding another dealer group to BAIC Philippines’ growing network.
Gateway Group is set to open BAIC dealerships in Manila Bay, BGC Taguig and Matina, Davao. The new locations are expected to strengthen BAIC’s reach in Metro Manila and Mindanao while giving more customers access to the brand’s sales and aftersales services.
BAIC Philippines Brand Head Timothy Sytin said the entry of Gateway Group reflects growing demand for the brand.
“Gateway Group coming on board tells us the demand is real, and we’d rather grow where people are already asking for us than get ahead of ourselves,” Sytin said.
The partnership also supports BAIC’s push into electrified mobility. The brand’s new energy lineup includes the BAIC B30e Dune Hybrid, B40e Trailmaster rEV, B60 Beaumont Diesel Hybrid and B60e Beaumont rEV.
BAIC Philippines said the collaboration will help widen access to its SUVs, hybrids and electrified models as customer interest shifts toward more advanced mobility options.
The signing was attended by Timothy Sytin, BAIC Philippines brand head; Kenneth Sytin, UAAGI vice chairman; Markane Goho, MG Gateway Mantrade Corp. chairman and chief executive officer; and Alvin Lu, MG Gateway Mantrade Corp. general manager.
BAIC Philippines is distributed locally by UAAGI Auto Inc. Its current lineup includes the B30e Dune Hybrid Off-Roader, B40 Pro TrailMaster, B40e Trailmaster rEV, B40 Ragnar, B60 Beaumont diesel hybrid, B60e Beaumont rEV, B80 Wagon and X55 Verve.
Lexus brings electrified luxury closer to mallgoers with a three-day showcase in San Juan.
Lexus is bringing its electrified luxury lineup to Greenhills Mall for a three-day showcase aimed at giving guests a closer look at the brand’s hybrid models and lifestyle experience.
The display runs from June 19 to 21, 2026 at the South Wing of Greenhills Mall in San Juan, Metro Manila. The showcase features the RX 350h Executive, NX 350h Executive and LBX, highlighting Lexus’ focus on electrified performance, refined design and everyday luxury.
The RX 350h Executive leads the lineup as Lexus’ luxury electrified SUV. It features the brand’s spindle body design, a refined cabin and an advanced hybrid powertrain built for smooth and confident driving. Lexus positions the RX 350h Executive for individuals and families looking for premium comfort, intuitive technology and fuel-efficient performance.
Also on display is the NX 350h Executive, an electrified luxury crossover designed for professionals and families. It combines hybrid efficiency with a spacious cabin, quiet ride, advanced safety features and everyday practicality.
The LBX completes the showcase with a more compact take on Lexus luxury. The city-friendly crossover is aimed at young professionals, first-time luxury buyers and urban users looking for premium finishes, smart technology and a more agile package.
Lexus is offering complimentary custom embroidery for Lexus shirts. Owners and enthusiasts may bring their own Lexus apparel or purchase one at the venue and have it customized on-site.
The Greenhills showcase gives guests a closer view of Lexus’ approach to modern luxury, where electrified vehicles are paired with curated experiences and details built around the customer.
