Eighty Kia Sonet units participated in a club-organized convoy over the weekend to mark the vehicle’s second anniversary in the Philippine market, with the drive taking owners from Pasig City to the mountainous roads of Tanay, Kia Philippines posted on social media on July 2.

The caravan, organized in coordination with Kia Philippines and the Kia Sonet Pilipinas Club, assembled at Kia Ortigas before proceeding east along the Manila East Road. The route included paved highways, winding mountain sections, and light off-road stretches typical of the Rizal province terrain.

The event was primarily a community gathering rather than a product launch or promotional activity. Club members used the opportunity to exchange ownership experiences, discuss vehicle maintenance, and test the Sonet’s performance across varying road conditions.

The Kia Sonet, a 5-seater subcompact crossover utility vehicle, was introduced in the Philippines in July 2024. It competes in a segment that includes the Toyota Raize, Suzuki S-Presso, and Honda BR-V.

The Kia Sonet is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and is positioned as an entry-level SUV option for urban and occasional weekend use.

Nissan Philippines has turned over a donation to Angat Buhay to support communities affected by the recent earthquake in General Santos City, the company announced in a social media post on Monday, June 29.

The contribution was made possible through the collective efforts of Nissan Philippines and its employees, the company said.

Angat Buhay Executive Director Raffy Magno, Deputy Executive Director Rhyn Esolana, and Partnership Associate Alexa Ricafort received the donation in a ceremonial turnover.

The donation is part of the ongoing relief efforts for communities in General Santos City and nearby areas hit by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck offshore Sarangani earlier this month.

The earthquake caused widespread damage, with General Santos City among the areas reporting severe damage at Intensity 7.8.

Reports say over 1.4 million residents across critically hit communities have been affected.

Angat Buhay is among the organizations that have been mobilizing relief operations in Mindanao, working with local responders in General Santos City and surrounding municipalities to deliver food packages and clean drinking water to displaced families. The organization has also received donations from other private sector partners for earthquake relief efforts.

Nissan Philippines’ donation comes as the company’s employees contribute through their own collective generosity, the company said.

(From left) Joel Sevilla, General Manager, BYD La Union; ; Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines; Pastor Joel Tabingan, Vice Chairman of Highland Transport Service Cooperative (HTSC); Marwin Cabading, Chairman of HTSC; Glenn Yu, CEO of SEAelectric Philippines and dealer of BYD Baguio; and Francis Yu, Chairman of SEAOIL and Dealer Principal of SEAelectric Philippines (Photo: BYD Cars Philippines)

Twenty BYD Sealion 5 DM-i units have been deployed to Highland Transport Service Cooperative (HTSC) in La Trinidad, Benguet, marking the first taxi fleet of its kind in the Cordillera region, BYD Cars Philippines announced on June 15.

Through its dealer partner SEAelectric, BYD Cars Philippines turned over the vehicles to HTSC as part of the cooperative’s re-fleeting program aimed at modernizing transport services in La Trinidad and the surrounding areas.

The Sealion 5 DM-i runs on BYD’s Super DM-i technology, which combines electric and hybrid capabilities to deliver extended driving range and reduced fuel consumption.

BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca said the technology is suited for the region’s varied terrain, offering operators an efficient and cost-effective alternative.

The new fleet is expected to lower operating costs for drivers while providing passengers with a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The deployment comes as transport cooperatives across the country pursue modernization efforts under government programs.

For HTSC, the transition to hybrid-electric vehicles is seen as a step toward improving long-term operational efficiency.