Cars
Sealion on a Mission
BYD Launches Sealion 5 DM-i SUV for Practical, Affordable Electric Driving in PH
BYD Philippines, under ACMobility, has launched the new Sealion 5 DM-i—a compact electrified SUV built for Filipinos who want to switch to electric without worrying about range, cost, or daily use.

The Sealion 5 joins BYD’s growing list of electrified cars in the country, which already includes the Sealion 6, Seal 5 sedan, and Shark 6 SUV. But this time, the spotlight is on first-time EV owners. With a plug-in hybrid system and smart features, the Sealion 5 promises an easy transition into electrified driving.

Powered by BYD’s Super DM-i tech, the Sealion 5 combines electric power with a fuel engine, producing 197 PS and 300 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just over eight seconds. The car comes with Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes to match different driving needs.

On paper, it can travel over 1,000 kilometers with a full tank and full battery. Race car drivers George and Louis Ramirez recently proved this by driving 1,409.7 km around Luzon—reaching as far as Pagudpud—at 25.27 km/l fuel efficiency.

The 12.96 kWh Blade Battery gives up to 71 km of all-electric range. It charges via a regular wall socket in 4.5 hours. It also has a Vehicle-to-Load feature that lets you power devices and appliances straight from the car.

Design-wise, the Sealion 5 looks clean and modern with full LED lights, 18-inch wheels, and roof rails. It’s 4,738 mm long and over 1.8 meters wide, offering good space without feeling bulky. Heated mirrors and puddle lamps add convenience.

Inside, it features soft leather seats, dual-zone aircon, and a rotating 10.1-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also an in-car app store and even Stingray Karaoke. It comes with an NFC key card and a smartphone app to control features remotely.

For safety, it has six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, a rear camera with sensors, and ISOFIX mounts for child seats.
The Sealion 5 DM-i is priced at ₱1,248,000, with a promo cash price of ₱1,198,000. Early buyers can also avail of an ₱88,000 down payment offer. BYD claims up to 40% savings on fuel and maintenance, with only one preventive service needed yearly.

It comes with an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty on the Blade Battery, as well as the electric motor and control system.

Available colors include Arctic White, Harbour Grey, Cosmos Black, and Deep Sea Blue, paired with a beige-brown interior.

“The Sealion 5 DM-i is yet another proof of how easy and convenient it is to switch to electrified mobility with BYD,” said Adam Hu, BYD Philippines Country Head.

More details are available at www.bydcarsphilippines.com.
Commentary
Road Ready This Holy Week
Hariphil Asia Resources Inc. will deploy roadside assistance stations across key Luzon routes for the Holy Week rush, offering support to Chevrolet owners during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The company confirmed the rollout of its Chevrolet Road Care Program on April 2, 4, and 5, 2026. Service hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A total of 11 dealerships will take part, with teams positioned along major highways and travel corridors.
The program covers minor repairs, basic adjustments, maintenance checks, and emergency roadside assistance. Chevrolet said the setup allows motorists to address issues early and avoid delays during long drives.
Stations are divided across North Luzon, Metro Manila, and South Luzon. Locations include Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Dagupan, Baguio, Pampanga, Commonwealth, Makati, Alabang, Cainta, Las Piñas, and Camarines Sur. Each site operates on specific dates within the program window.

The assistance is free for Chevrolet owners. The company said the goal is to keep vehicles in safe running condition during peak travel days when highways see heavier traffic.

HARI President and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo said the initiative focuses on customer safety during long-distance trips. She added that the company will provide timely service and support along key routes.

Chevrolet advised owners to stop by any Road Care station before or during their trip to check their vehicles and address any concerns before they worsen.
Deals
Ford March Madness Deals Return
Ford Philippines has brought back its annual “March Madness” promotion, offering a week of discounts, trade-in support, and service deals for customers across its vehicle lineup and aftersales network. The limited-time campaign runs from March 9 to March 15 at Ford dealerships nationwide.

Ford describes the program as one of its most anticipated retail campaigns of the year. The company says the return of March Madness expands beyond vehicle offers and now includes savings on maintenance services and accessories.

Ryan Lorenzo, Retail Product Marketing and Business Growth Director of Ford Philippines, said the campaign aims to make Ford ownership easier for both new buyers and existing customers. He said the program now includes after-sales offers to improve the ownership experience alongside vehicle promotions.

Customers who reserve a vehicle during the March 9 to 15 promo period can receive discounts of up to P200,000 on select Ranger Sport variants. Ford is also offering a P30,000 trade in subsidy for customers who plan to replace their current vehicle with a new Ford model. An additional P20,000 discount applies to the Everest, Territory Hybrid, and other Ranger variants during the same period.

The promotion also covers service appointments. Customers who schedule a periodic maintenance service during the campaign can receive a 10 percent discount on Ford parts and labor. Genuine Ford accessories are also offered with a 10 percent discount.

Ford added a raffle incentive for service customers. Those who spend at least P10,000 on parts or services during the promo period can join a draw for service vouchers worth up to P10,000 or a Ford dashcam.

Beyond the one week campaign, Ford continues its month long offers across several models. The Ranger Sport 4×2 comes with an all in deal starting at P59,000, while the Ranger XLS is available with a P99,000 all in financing package.
SUV buyers also receive financing options for the Territory Hybrid Titanium X with a P99,000 all in offer. The Everest Trend is available with a P79,000 all in package, while Everest Titanium 4×2 and 4×4 variants carry P99,000 all in financing deals.
Ford also introduced a new service bundle for Everest owners called the 5 Star Care Package. The package includes a five year scheduled service plan, five year warranty, and five year emergency roadside assistance. Ford estimates the benefits represent around P50,000 in savings. Buyers who select the package can receive a P60,000 discount on the Everest Titanium 4×4 or a P45,000 discount depending on variant availability.
The brand’s premium models also receive promotional offers. The Mustang Mach E electric SUV is available with a P500,000 discount or zero percent interest with a 50 percent down payment for 60 months. The Explorer 2.3L Limited EcoBoost carries a P1,000,000 discount or zero percent interest with a 20 percent down payment for 60 months. The Bronco Outer Banks with Sasquatch Package is offered with a P1,370,000 discount or zero percent interest under the same financing terms.
Ford Philippines said the offers run throughout March, with additional dealer specific promotions available during the March Madness week. Financing programs are available through partner banks BPI and EastWest Bank, subject to standard approval and dealership conditions.
EV
Shock Charge
Ford Mustang Mach-E tops JD Power EV ownership study in the US
The Ford Mustang Mach‑E has earned the highest owner satisfaction score in the 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study conducted by J.D. Power.

In the latest EVX Ownership Study, the Mustang Mach-E posted a score of 760 out of 1,000. The figure placed it ahead of other battery electric vehicles in the U.S. market, including the Hyundai IONIQ 6, which scored 748, and the Kia EV9, which received 745.

The study gathers feedback from EV owners after their first year of use. It looks at day to day driving experience, range accuracy, charging convenience, cost of ownership, vehicle quality and reliability, and the level of guidance customers receive when transitioning to electric mobility.

Results show that satisfaction is not based on specifications alone. Owners rate their vehicles on how well they fit into daily routines, how simple charging is, and how confident they feel behind the wheel.
Pedro Simoes, President and Managing Director of Ford Philippines, said the recognition reflects how owners experience the vehicle in real conditions. He added that the Mustang Mach-E represents Ford’s effort to deliver an electric vehicle that remains engaging to drive while offering practical usability and strong customer support.
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s all electric SUV that carries the performance character associated with the Mustang nameplate. It delivers quick acceleration, a spacious cabin layout, and a digital interface designed for everyday use. The model combines performance styling with SUV practicality.

The EVX study also highlights a broader trend. As electric vehicle adoption grows, customer experience plays a bigger role in ownership satisfaction. Ease of charging, clarity of information, and overall reliability now influence purchase decisions as much as power and range figures.
Ford said the ranking supports its global electrification push and reinforces its focus on building EVs that integrate smoothly into modern lifestyles. For markets like the Philippines, where interest in electric mobility continues to rise, such global recognition strengthens the brand’s position in the growing EV segment.

Ridenetwork
June 22, 2025 at 6:15 am
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