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.
Geely Cainta hosts final day of SM Megamall display
MANDALUYONG CITY — Geely Cainta is marking the final day of its week-long display of the all-new Geely EX5 EM-i today, 13 May 2026, at SM Megamall.
The display gives mallgoers a closer look at Geely’s plug-in hybrid SUV as interest in new energy vehicles continues to grow in the local market. The activity also supports Gateway Group’s push to expand Geely’s reach through its dealership network, with Geely Cainta serving as the host branch for the Megamall showcase.
The Geely EX5 EM-i combines electric driving with hybrid efficiency. It carries a claimed combined fuel consumption of 41.6 kilometers per liter and delivers up to 1,000 kilometers of combined range. The model can run on pure electric power when needed and can shift to hybrid operation for longer drives.
The EX5 EM-i is available in Alpine White, Volcanic Grey, Glacier Blue and Polar Black.
In Luzon, the Geely EX5 EM-i Pro is priced at P1.288 million, while the EX5 EM-i Max is priced at P1.468 million. In Visayas and Mindanao, the Pro variant is priced at P1.358 million, while the Max variant is priced at P1.538 million.
Gateway Group also announced that the Geely EX2, the newest member of the Geely lineup, is set to arrive next month. Reservations are now being accepted.
Geely Auto Group is based in Hangzhou, China. Founded in 1997 as a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, the company sold more than 2.17 million units in 2024, a 32 percent increase from the previous year.
DENZA brings hybrid off-road SUVs into PH market with B5 and B8 launch
DENZA Philippines has expanded its local lineup with the launch of the B5 and B8 electrified SUVs, following the brand’s appearance at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show.
Introduced under the “Adventure Electrified” campaign, the two sport utility vehicles target buyers looking for electrified powertrains combined with off-road capability and premium cabin features.
According to Adam Hu, the launch allows the brand to reach more SUV buyers in the Philippines, particularly those looking for new energy vehicles with both utility and lifestyle appeal.
The DENZA B5 enters the market as a midsize plug-in hybrid SUV that uses the brand’s DMO Super Hybrid system. It combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a dual-motor setup that produces 425 kW and 760 Nm of torque.
The vehicle carries a 31.8-kWh BYD Blade battery and an 83-liter fuel tank, allowing a claimed combined NEDC driving range of up to 975 kilometers. DENZA said the B5 also comes with four-wheel drive and electronically controlled front and rear locking differentials for changing road and terrain conditions.
The B5 includes a large infotainment display, digital instrument cluster, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a 360-degree camera system. The SUV also gets massage and ventilated seats along with driver assistance systems.
The larger B8 arrives as a full-size SUV offered in Dynamic and Premium variants. It combines a 2.0-liter engine with a dual-motor setup that delivers 450 kW and 760 Nm of torque. DENZA said the SUV can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds.
The B8 uses a 36.9-kWh battery and a 91.5-liter fuel tank, giving it a claimed combined range of up to 1,040 kilometers under NEDC standards.
DENZA equipped the B8 with its DiSus-P Intelligent Damping Suspension system and electronically controlled locking differentials. The setup adjusts suspension damping based on road conditions and wheel movement to improve ride stability and traction on uneven surfaces.
Both SUVs include terrain response modes for mud, sand, rock, and water wading conditions. They also feature Leopard Turn technology designed to improve maneuverability in tight spaces and off-road trails.
The vehicles connect to the DENZA mobile app, which allows owners to monitor vehicle status, charging levels, fuel levels, and location remotely.
DENZA Philippines will hold the DENZA Arena customer test drive event from April 24 to 26, where potential buyers can test the vehicles on steep inclines, water wading sections, side slopes, and uneven terrain.
The B5 carries a launch price of P3.498 million, while the B8 is priced at P4.698 million for the Dynamic variant and P5.098 million for the Premium variant.
Toyota rolls out P179,700 entry deals and up to P100,000 savings this April
Toyota Motor Philippines has launched a month-long promo that highlights low entry costs, flexible financing, and cash discounts across select models. The campaign runs from April 15 to 30, 2026.
The offer centers on three payment options designed to fit different budgets. The Pay Low plan starts with a 15 percent down payment and a 60-month term. It includes one year of comprehensive insurance and three years of LTO registration. Some finance lease deals also waive chattel mortgage fees.
Under this plan, the Toyota ATIV 1.5 HEV CVT in two-tone is available from P179,700. The hybrid sedan posts fuel economy figures of up to 43.7 km/L in city driving and 26.3 km/L combined.
Buyers who prefer lower monthly payments can choose the Pay Light option. The plan spreads amortization over 60 months. The Corolla Cross 1.8 V HEV CVT is offered from P17,403 per month. It delivers 48.5 km/L in urban conditions and 23.6 km/L combined.
Customers ready to pay in full can take the Straight Cash option. Discounts vary by model. The Yaris Cross 1.5 S HEV CVT carries savings of up to P100,000. It returns up to 34.5 km/L in city driving and 27.8 km/L combined.
Toyota also bundles added ownership perks. Select models get free periodic maintenance service and service discount vouchers. Trade-in rebates reach up to P30,000. Some variants include one year of insurance. All new vehicles carry a five-year warranty.
The promo covers selected models and remains subject to approval and availability. Full mechanics and participating units are listed on Toyota’s official promo page.
