EV
U9 Unleashed at 472 km/h
PAPENBURG, GERMANY — BYD’s luxury sub-brand YANGWANG has smashed the global EV speed record with its U9 Track Edition, clocking an official top speed of 472.41 km/h on August 8 at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track.
The run makes the U9 Track Edition the world’s fastest electric vehicle, edging past the previous record also set at the same venue. Behind the wheel was German racing driver Marc Basseng, who last year held the title with an earlier version of the U9.
At the heart of the achievement is YANGWANG’s e4 Platform, the world’s first quad-motor system capable of spinning up to 30,000rpm. Each motor delivers 555kW, for a combined system output of over 3,000PS. With a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217PS per tonne, the U9 Track Edition rivals the world’s most extreme supercars.
The car also debuts the industry’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high-voltage platform, paired with a thermal-management system designed for extreme track conditions. Together with the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System, the U9 maintains stability at blistering speeds. The suspension adjusts independently at all four corners to keep the tires planted, reducing pitch, roll, and loss of traction.
Aerodynamics also played a key role. The Track Edition retains the sleek lines of the standard U9, but adds an optional carbon-fiber front splitter designed for ultra-high-speed stability. Tire durability was ensured through a collaboration with Giti Tire, which developed bespoke semi-slick tires for the run. These feature optimized compounds and a special knurling treatment to reduce tire slippage under extreme torque loads.
For Basseng, the feat was as much personal as technical. “Last year, I thought I’d peaked,” he said. “I never expected to break my own record so soon — but here we are, with new technologies that made it possible.”
With this record, BYD’s YANGWANG brand isn’t just chasing numbers. It’s pushing the boundaries of what electric supercars can achieve, blending sustainability with raw performance — and reshaping the global image of EVs in the process.
VinFast became the first car brand in Vietnam to sell more than 100,000 vehicles in just the first three quarters of 2025, posting 103,884 units from January to September and 13,914 units in September alone.
The micro-SUV VF 3 led the pack with 31,386 units in nine months, including 2,682 in September. The VF 5 followed with 30,956 units, while its service-focused Herio Green version added 8,604 units, 2,173 of which were in September.
The VF 6 reached 14,425, and the VF 7 totaled 5,877 in the same period, with 778 in September. A seven-seat MPV tuned for Limo Green services delivered a September surge with 2,120 units.
Company executives credited rising market share and 11 straight months as Vietnam’s top seller. They also pointed to expanded capacity at the Hai Phong and Ha Tinh plants as demand builds into the fourth-quarter peak season.
VinFast said the milestone reflects growing local preference for homegrown brands and signals that electric vehicles have become mainstream in Vietnam. The company added it will keep pushing customer benefits to speed up the country’s shift to cleaner mobility.
Geely Motors Philippines (GMP) has achieved a 95 percent first-time fulfillment rate (FTFR) across its nationwide dealership network, signaling major progress in improving its aftersales operations. The milestone follows a series of system upgrades and a strengthened logistics partnership with SF Philippines, which now oversees the automaker’s nationwide parts deliveries.
According to GMP CEO Sylva Yu, the collaboration reflects Geely’s broader strategy to build a “smarter, more connected ecosystem for mobility” in the Philippines. “We are not just expanding our network; we are investing in logistics, sustainability, and partnerships that enhance the customer experience,” Yu said.
Since teaming up with SF Philippines, Geely’s spare parts system has become more responsive, allowing most dealership requests to be fulfilled on the first attempt. The improved flow of parts from Geely’s central warehouse to its dealerships nationwide has reduced waiting times and improved repair turnaround for customers.
The Geely Spare Parts Center in Cabuyao, Laguna, plays a crucial role in the new logistics setup. The 4,700-square-meter facility supports 12 delivery routes and carries an inventory worth around USD 5 million (about P291 million). Managed under the SF Philippines network, the warehouse handles thousands of components ranging from routine maintenance items to body repair and paint parts, lubricants, accessories, and tools.
The results are most visible at Geely Santa Rosa in Laguna, the brand’s first dealership under direct operations. With stronger parts availability and faster delivery times, the dealership has seen more efficient service turnaround—proof that the new logistics model is working as intended.
As part of the partnership, SF Philippines also integrated Geely vehicles into its own operations, acquiring Okavango Elite, Coolray, and EX5 units for its corporate fleet. These include hybrid and fully electric models, aligning with both companies’ sustainability goals and push for cleaner mobility.
With improved logistics, better stock management, and a growing nationwide network, Geely aims to maintain its aftersales momentum as it continues to strengthen its presence in the Philippine automotive market.
United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) has officially added Jetour Auto Philippines, Inc. (JAPI) to its growing portfolio of international automotive brands, marking another milestone in the group’s steady expansion in the Philippine market.
Under the leadership of Chairman Rommel L. Sytin, UAAGI has built a strong reputation as one of the country’s top multi-brand distributors. Established in 2006, the company now carries six automotive names: Foton Motor Philippines, Chery Auto Philippines, BAIC Philippines, Lynk & Co Philippines, Radar Philippines, and now, Jetour Auto Philippines.
“Integrating Jetour into the UAAGI family marks a pivotal moment, strengthening our unwavering commitment to provide Filipinos with accessible, innovative, and reliable mobility solutions,” said Sytin. “Jetour’s unique market positioning—combining practicality with a distinct sense of style—perfectly responds to the evolving needs of modern families and individuals.”
Jetour first entered the local market in 2023 and quickly found its place among Filipino car buyers with its balance of design, technology, and versatility. The brand now operates 21 dealerships across the country and recorded over 2,600 units sold in 2024—its strongest performance to date. Leading the lineup is the Jetour T2 SUV, a model praised internationally for its rugged style and modern tech features.
This development comes at a time of rapid growth for UAAGI, following its recent acquisition of Radar under its distribution wing. With Jetour officially joining the roster, UAAGI further strengthens its goal of reshaping the Philippine automotive landscape and delivering broader mobility choices to local customers.
