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Volvo Philippines Unveils Plug-In Hybrid Flagships at Solaire
Volvo Philippines just turned a new page in its journey toward smarter and safer mobility, launching the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its flagship SUVs—the XC90 and XC60—at a grand event held on July 2, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort in Parañaque City.
The event, dubbed “ALIVE: Bringing the World of Volvo to Life,” was more than a car launch. It was a bold statement on responsible innovation and Volvo’s enduring commitment to safety and sustainability. Present at the exclusive gathering were key leaders from Volvo’s Asia-Pacific operations and executives from Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI)—the official distributor of Volvo in the Philippines.
Two SUVs, One Purpose
The spotlight was shared by two new PHEVs—each catering to different lifestyles but united by the same Volvo DNA.
The Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid
As Volvo’s flagship SUV, the XC90 PHEV showcases a blend of elegant design, thoughtful tech, and responsible engineering. It offers up to 77 km of pure electric driving—ideal for daily commutes without emissions. When longer trips call, its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine takes over seamlessly.
Inside, the XC90 surrounds passengers in luxury, with Nappa leather seats, real wood accents, and a refined cabin layout that emphasizes comfort and focus. Safety-wise, it’s equipped with Volvo’s latest innovations like Pilot Assist, BLIS, and 360° cameras—highlighting the brand’s vision of “Zero Collisions.”
The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid
If the XC90 is the quiet statesman, the XC60 is its agile, urban sibling. It delivers up to 80 km of electric range and a punchy e-AWD system that blends electric and petrol power for confident performance.
Its Scandinavian-inspired design includes unique touches like Orrefors® crystal gear shifter, wood and aluminum interiors, and a best-in-class Harman Kardon® sound system. Clean air tech and leather-free Nordico upholstery make this SUV not just smart, but sustainably stylish.
Both vehicles champion Volvo’s “Being Alive” campaign—a movement that redefines safety as a shared social responsibility. As HARI President and CEO Ms. Maria Fe Perez-Agudo emphasized during the launch, “This moment isn’t just about unveiling a product—it’s about affirming a mindset… Safety isn’t just what we build. It’s who we are.”
The Bigger Picture
Volvo’s “Being Alive” platform pushes beyond cars to promote a culture of safety that touches every road user. Whether through cleaner emissions, cutting-edge driver-assist tech, or mindful design, Volvo aims to inspire thoughtful progress—where driving becomes not only efficient but meaningful.
With over 1.5 million XC60s sold worldwide and the XC90 standing as the brand’s design pinnacle, Volvo’s new PHEV lineup in the Philippines is a clear signal: the road to the future is not just electric—it’s ethical.
Pasay City is bringing back free shuttle rides, and this time, the service gets a tech boost. Starting August 12, 2025, residents can hop on Toyota Lite Ace community shuttles for another year at no cost, with routes and seats managed through Toyota’s mobility apps. The move aims to cut commute stress, make trips more predictable, and move Pasay closer to its “smart city” goals.
Instead of the usual “ride wherever there’s a vacant seat,” passengers can plan trips and reserve seats via the myTOYOTA Shuttle PH app, while city administrators get real-time vehicle data and driver behavior insights through Toyota Fleet Connected Service. It’s a small fleet of five Toyota Lite Ace units donated in March 2025, but a big step toward cleaner, safer, and more efficient city mobility. Think barangay-to-City Hall errands, school runs, or quick hospital trips made smoother with digital tools.
Free rides cushion households from rising transportation costs, and app-based booking reduces “come what may” commutes. If the system works in Pasay, other local governments could copy the model, especially for first- and last-mile routes where jeepneys or buses aren’t practical. It’s also a test of public trust: will commuters actually use the app? Can the city keep the shuttles on schedule and the data secure?
The program builds on the Toyota Community Shuttle pilot that ran from December 2023 to January 2025, which proved that connected, shared transport can improve access without needing major new infrastructure. The relaunch, led by Pasay City officials with Toyota executives, signals tighter public–private teamwork to modernize mobility at the city level.
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 | After seven years, Ayala Corporation’s AC Industrials has officially ended its distributorship of Maxus vehicles in the Philippines, closing a chapter that started with the brand’s local launch in 2019. The decision, made jointly with China’s SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, was described as a “strategic step” for both companies to refocus on their core strengths amid shifting market dynamics.
Maxus entered the Philippine market under Ayala with vans like the G10 and V80, later adding the G50 MPV, D60 and D90 SUVs, and the T60 pickup. Some models have since evolved under SAIC’s other brand, MG, such as the G50 morphing into the G50 Plus and the upcoming re-entry of the D90. The T90 pickup is also set for a local debut as the TRQ.
For existing Maxus owners, it’s not the end of the road. Aftersales support will continue, with service bookings available via maxus.ph, and contact channels kept open for customer concerns.
Dana Uson, Head of Strategy at AC Industrials Mobility Group, said the company is proud to have contributed to Maxus’ local growth and reaffirmed its commitment to “innovative and sustainable mobility solutions” in the country. Meanwhile, SAIC’s Frank Wu thanked AC Industrials for laying a “strong foundation” for the brand in the Philippines.
Industry watchers weren’t entirely surprised. SAIC took direct control of MG’s Philippine operations in 2023, hinting that Maxus could eventually follow a similar path. For now, AC Industrials will focus on its other motoring brands, BYD, Kia, and Volkswagen, while SAIC continues to grow MG and possibly, one day, revive Maxus locally.
The announcement is rare in the auto industry, where most distributor shake-ups happen quietly, noticed only through shuttered dealerships and disappearing ads. This time, both parties went public—perhaps signaling a more open and competitive landscape ahead.
