EV
Park Like a Pro Li Auto Rolls Out Smarter SUVs for the Filipino Family
Li Auto is steadily carving its name in the Philippines with SUVs that balance technology, comfort, and family-focused design. But beyond plush seats and extended range, the brand is raising eyebrows for introducing a feature once thought futuristic: Remote Parking Assist.
Parking Without Sitting Behind the Wheel
Through its OTA 5.0 software update, Li Auto vehicles now support Remote Parking Assist (RPA). The function allows owners to park or retrieve their cars using a smartphone after stepping out—a practical solution for tight garages or crowded city spaces. Unlike traditional auto-park systems that need the driver inside, RPA hands off the task entirely to the car.
A Family-Centered Lineup
Li Auto Philippines recently showcased its three flagship models, the Li L7, Li L9, and Li MEGA, all designed with family comfort in mind.
- Li L7 – The 5-seat flagship SUV offers up to 1,421 km of extended range, a Dual Motor 4WD system, and a cabin that feels more lounge than vehicle. It features a built-in warmer/refrigerator, second-row entertainment display, and premium audio. With intelligent parking and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functions, it balances luxury with daily practicality.
- Li L9 – This 6-seater stretches comfort further with plush seating, advanced driver-assist features, and in-car entertainment that can even include a double air mattress for road trips. High-resolution cameras and LiDAR (on the Ultra trim) enhance its Li Pilot system, offering safety across varied terrains.
- Li MEGA – The brand’s MPV flagship redefines people movers. With a 710 km pure electric range, “Magic Carpet” suspension, and a versatile interior that switches from living room to cinema, it feels less like a van and more like a mobile retreat. Heated and massaging seats, a 2,160W audio system, and smart storage cater to both daily runs and milestone journeys.
Intelligent Driving Gets an Upgrade
At the core of Li Auto’s technology push is AD Max 3.0, rolled out via OTA 5.0. This upgrade shifts from segmented programming to a large-model architecture for more natural and adaptive driving assistance.
Features include:
- Enhanced ADAS: Highway, urban, and intersection navigation with Active Emergency Braking from 4–135 km/h.
- Smart Space 3.0: Powered by Mind GPT, the system understands multi-command voice requests, offers over 1,000 skills across 111 domains, and provides more natural, context-aware interactions.
- REV 3.0: Improved range-extender system increases prediction accuracy and boosts winter EV range by 15–20%.
Hardware Boosts for 2025 Models
Recent updates also strengthen Li Auto’s hardware lineup:
- LiDAR & Chips: New LiDAR units are 60% smaller and 55% more power-efficient while offering 200m range. Pro trims use Horizon Journey 6M (128 TOPS), while Max/Ultra trims move to Nvidia Thor-U (700 TOPS).
- Safety Enhancements: Automatic braking now works effectively up to 120 km/h, while steering assistance can avoid unexpected pedestrians at up to 130 km/h.
- Ride Comfort: Suspension refinements reduce body roll and improve responsiveness.
Every Journey, A Family Adventure
For Li Auto, “Every Journey, A Family Adventure” is embedded in its SUVs that combine long range, smart technology, and home-like interiors. Whether it’s a quick errand or a cross-country escape, the promise is to turn drives into shared memories.
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.
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