BAIC B40e Trailmaster rEV arrives in the Philippines carrying a three-month sales lead in the new-energy hardcore off-road SUV segment in its home market.

Known abroad as the Beijing Off-Road BJ40e REEV, the electrified SUV ranked first in its category for three consecutive months based on MarkLines industry sales data. The model competed against electrified off-road vehicles from established manufacturers.

BAIC Philippines is now offering the B40e Trailmaster rEV through its dealerships nationwide as the brand expands its range of electrified SUVs for Filipino motorists.

The model combines a boxy off-road design with a range-extender electric vehicle system. Its electric drivetrain is supported by an engine that generates additional power, allowing it to travel farther without relying solely on battery charging.

The setup is designed to provide improved efficiency for daily driving while retaining the performance required for rough roads and outdoor trips.

“At BAIC, our goal is to give the modern Filipino driver new-energy SUVs that fit the way Filipinos actually live. Vehicles that are capable on any road, efficient for everyday use, and ready for any adventure,” BAIC Philippines Brand Head Timothy Sytin said.

The B40e Trailmaster rEV is built on BAIC’s off-road platform and targets motorists looking for an SUV that can handle city use, highway trips and more demanding terrain.

Its sales performance abroad also gives BAIC a stronger entry in the growing electrified off-road category. The B40 platform has gained recognition for combining durability, onboard technology and everyday usability.

BAIC is supporting its Philippine rollout through a growing dealer network and expanded aftersales operations. The B40e Trailmaster rEV is also featured at the UAAGI On the Move display at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall this month, alongside other models from the group.

The local BAIC range includes the B30e Dune Hybrid Off-Roader, B40 Pro TrailMaster, B40 Ragnar, B60 Beaumont, B60e Beaumont rEV, B80 Wagon and X55 Verve.

The arrival of the B40e Trailmaster rEV adds another electrified option for buyers who want off-road capability without giving up the convenience required for regular urban use.

Davao City’s ride-hailing conversation is moving beyond fare.

Price still matters when passengers open an app. Availability and convenience still influence the first tap. But among many Davaoeños, the ride that gets remembered is rarely the cheapest one. It is often the one that feels calm, clean and considerate.

That shift has placed hospitality at the center of the commuting experience in the city.

Passengers heading to Francisco Bangoy International Airport, going home after work in Bajada, passing through Kadayawan traffic along Roxas, or meeting friends near Roxas Night Market often describe the same thing in different ways. The ride matters when it makes the trip easier, not just cheaper.

Some remember a driver who waited while a passenger rushed back inside the house for a forgotten passport before an airport trip. Others recall arriving home in Toril or Buhangin during a downpour without having to walk through the rain. There are also passengers who remember help with groceries, a clean cabin after a long day, or a driver who made the trip feel less tiring.

These details are small, but they shape how passengers judge the service.

That has become more visible since Green GSM entered Davao City. Many first-time passengers tried the service out of curiosity because it was their first ride in an electric taxi. The vehicle caught attention first. The experience decided whether they would book again.

Passengers noticed the quieter cabin while waiting at busy areas such as Matina Crossing and Buhangin. Some pointed out the absence of the fuel smell often associated with conventional traffic. Others mentioned the cleanliness of the units and the professional manner of the drivers.

The technology helped introduce the service, but the hospitality gave the ride its value.

In daily use, sustainability does not always sound like a technical idea. It can feel like a quieter trip, cleaner air inside the cabin, and a more comfortable ride through familiar city routes. It can also show up in how passengers are treated from pickup to drop-off.

Davao’s reputation for warmth is now being reflected on the road. For ride-hailing users, a good trip is no longer measured by fare alone. It is also measured by how respected, safe and at ease they feel when they arrive.

As the city continues to grow, more passengers may start to expect that kind of service from every ride.

VinFast Philippines is taking a two-track approach to the local multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market with the VF MPV 7 and VF Limo Green, targeting both private families and high-use transport operators.

The two electric seven-seaters enter a segment long built around space, practicality and affordability. VinFast is adding a different angle by pairing electric mobility with ownership programs meant to lower entry costs and ease long-term concerns around batteries, charging and resale value.

The VF MPV 7 is positioned for families that need one vehicle for several daily roles. In many Filipino households, a seven-seater moves from school runs and errands to weekend trips and family gatherings. VinFast is pitching the model as a more flexible family vehicle, with emphasis on usable space, comfort and refinement.

The VF Limo Green, meanwhile, is aimed at transport services and business operators. Its role is more direct. It is built for daily use, high mileage and passenger operations where fuel, maintenance and downtime affect earnings.

Electric power changes part of that cost structure. VinFast is offering the Limo Green as a practical option for operators looking for lower running costs and more predictable expenses compared with conventional fuel-powered MPVs.

The vehicles are supported by VinFast’s battery subscription model, which separates the battery from the vehicle purchase. According to the brand, this can reduce the initial cost by up to around 20 percent while shifting battery performance and maintenance responsibility to VinFast through a monthly fee.

VinFast is also offering a Residual Value Guarantee program that gives customers value protection of up to 90 percent of the vehicle’s original price under defined conditions. Resale value remains a major concern for many buyers moving to electric vehicles, especially in a market where EV adoption is still developing.

Charging support is also part of the strategy. Through V-Green, VinFast is expanding charging access and offering free charging until March 2029. The brand is also combining this with financing options, aftersales support and service coverage.

VinFast Philippines also introduced RENTAPASADA during the 2026 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). The vehicle-rental program gives drivers access to VinFast electric vehicles, including the Limo Green, through Green GSM’s platform for ride-hailing and transport-service operations.

Rhomel Franco, chief executive officer of VinFast Philippines, said the brand wants electric mobility to work beyond showroom sales.

“With the VF MPV 7 and the VF Limo Green, supported by an expanding ecosystem, we are enabling a more practical and accessible transition to electric vehicles in the Philippines,” Franco said.

VinFast’s MPV push places the brand in two active parts of the market at once. One side wants a family seven-seater with lower long-term ownership concerns. The other needs a work vehicle that can control operating costs.

Together, the VF MPV 7 and VF Limo Green give VinFast a wider entry point into a segment where space is no longer the only selling point.