Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) is conducting a software update for selected units of the Palisade Hybrid to modify how the power seat system operates, the company announced on April 25.

The service action covers 123 units of the all-new Palisade Hybrid currently in the local market.

The software update removes the one-touch activation feature for the second and third-row power seats and replaces it with a press-and-hold function. The change requires deliberate input from passengers to fold or unfold the seats.

Hyundai said the update aims to improve passenger safety by giving users more control over the activation process.

The update will be performed free of charge at all authorized Hyundai dealerships and is expected to take minimal time, according to the company.

Affected customers will be individually notified by their respective dealerships with instructions on how to schedule a service appointment.

Hyundai encouraged customers to participate in the service action to ensure the continued performance of their vehicles.

Customers may contact their dealers or the Hyundai Contact Center for more information.

Electric mobility in the Philippines has reached a turning point, with rising fuel costs turning battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from an alternative into a practical necessity, industry leaders said during a symposium hosted by VinFast Philippines.

The “From Fuel to Future: The Philippines’ EV Turning Point” symposium, held on April 22 in partnership with Maybank Philippines, gathered stakeholders including VinFast, Green GSM, V-Green, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), and the Department of Energy.

Market shift underway

Industry data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and the Truck Manufacturers Association showed overall new car sales declined 8.5 percent year-on-year in February 2026. In contrast, electrified vehicle sales rose sharply, including a 79.9 percent increase in battery electric vehicles.

Speakers at the symposium noted that the conversation has evolved from questioning BEV viability to determining how quickly adoption can scale. Fleet operators, in particular, are recognizing the economic advantages of EVs, whose lower operating costs translate into improved business performance.

VinFast’s ecosystem approach

VinFast Southeast Asia CEO Antonio “Toti” Zara III said the transition to electric mobility requires coordinated action across sectors, including consistent government policy, industry alignment, and private sector innovation.

“The Philippines is at a real turning point in mobility, but progress will depend on how well adoption is supported,” Zara said. “Without a strong ecosystem, it risks becoming fragmented. That is why VinFast is focused on offering a complete ecosystem, not just vehicles, to support customers at every step of their journey.”

VinFast has recently introduced several programs aimed at reducing barriers to adoption, including Residual Value Guarantee (RVG), “Trade Gas for Electric” program, Free EV charging initiative extended through 2029, and Battery Subscription Program, which lowers upfront vehicle costs by treating the battery as a service

Partnerships and financing

VinFast’s ecosystem also includes charging infrastructure through V-Green and mobility platforms such as Green GSM. A partnership with Maybank Philippines provides financing solutions to make EV adoption more accessible.

The symposium was the second installment of a series aimed at moving the conversation from awareness to action, Vinfast Philippines statement said.

Ford Philippines has brought its mobile showroom to the Visayas, allowing customers outside dealership locations to view and test drive vehicles, the company announced on April 23.

The mobile showroom is currently stationed at Robinson’s Antique until April 26. Customers can inquire about Ford vehicles, take test drives, and receive exclusive merchandise after completing a test drive.

Three Ford models are available for test driving: the Territory Hybrid, Everest Sport, and Ranger Wildtrak.

The Territory Hybrid is a full hybrid SUV that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. Ford claims fuel economy of 19.6 kilometers per liter and a range of up to 1,000 kilometers per tank, based on laboratory testing. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on driving conditions and other factors.

The Everest Sport is a seven-seater SUV marketed for families and road trips. The Ranger Wildtrak is a pickup truck equipped with driver-assist features for everyday and weekend use.

“We are making it easier for more customers to explore our lineup, experience our products firsthand, and connect with the Ford brand in an easier and more convenient way,” said Mark Parulan, Ford Philippines Marketing Director.

Following the Antique stop, the mobile showroom will continue its Visayas roadshow in Kalibo, Aklan, and Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, in May 2026.

The Antique showroom is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. until April 26. Schedules for future stops will be posted on Ford Philippines’ social media pages.