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VF MPV 7 is built for the rainy season — Vinfast

VinFast says its VF MPV 7 is designed for the rainy season, addressing concerns about EV safety in wet conditions.

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Photo: Vinfast Philippines

The rainy season in the Philippines brings flooded roads, reduced visibility, and heavier traffic. For motorists considering an electric vehicle, questions about safety and reliability in wet weather often arise.

VinFast says its VF MPV 7, a seven-seat electric MPV launched in the Philippines in May 2026, is designed to handle these conditions.

The vehicle has a ground clearance of 185 mm, above the 160 mm threshold often considered practical for Philippine roads. Its rated water-wading depth is 300 mm. VinFast says modern EVs undergo extensive water resistance testing, and the VF MPV 7’s battery and electrical systems are sealed against moisture intrusion.

For wet-road handling, the VF MPV 7 is equipped with Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Hill Start Assist. These systems adjust power delivery and braking when a wheel loses traction on slippery surfaces.

Charging in the rain is another concern for EV buyers. VinFast says the VF MPV 7’s charging system includes multiple layers of protection that monitor electrical safety. Using DC fast charging, the vehicle can recharge from 10 to 70 percent in about 30 minutes.

Traffic congestion, which worsens during storms, increases fuel consumption in conventional vehicles. EVs are less affected by stop-and-go traffic because they do not idle. VinFast’s free charging program runs through March 2029. A family driving 1,500 kilometers per month could save significantly on energy costs compared with gasoline-powered MPVs, depending on fuel and electricity prices.

The VF MPV 7 is priced at P1,239,000 under the battery subscription model. The first 1,000 customers who choose a battery subscription will receive one year of free subscription for up to 2,000 kilometers per month. Customers who purchase with the battery included will receive a P27,200 direct discount.

The VF MPV 7 offers 185 mm ground clearance, 300 mm water-wading capability, and electronic safety features. For families considering an EV, VinFast says the vehicle is designed for the real-world conditions of the Philippine rainy season.

Industry News/Updates

Fuel price hikes drive VinFast’s EV expansion

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Fuel price hikes drive VinFast's EV expansion

With fuel prices continuing to climb, Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast is positioning its electric motorcycles as a more affordable alternative for Filipino commuters, announcing price cuts across three of its e-motorcycle models.

The company said the VinFast Evo now starts at ₱62,900, down from ₱70,000, while the Feliz II has been reduced from ₱72,400 to ₱64,900. Meanwhile, the Viper is now priced at ₱73,900, down from ₱81,900, under the company’s battery subscription program.

The latest price reductions come as motorists brace for another round of fuel price hikes, making electric mobility an increasingly attractive option for those looking to lower their transportation costs.

Unlike gasoline-powered motorcycles, electric motorcycles eliminate the need for regular fuel purchases and engine oil changes, potentially reducing day-to-day operating and maintenance expenses. They also produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner transportation option that can help reduce urban air pollution and carbon emissions.

Beyond lower running costs, VinFast said its electric motorcycles are equipped with features designed to improve rider safety and everyday convenience.

The motorcycles are powered by a 5,200-watt BLDC in-wheel motor, which delivers smooth, responsive acceleration while requiring fewer moving mechanical parts than a conventional internal combustion engine. The simplified drivetrain may also reduce long-term maintenance requirements.

Each model offers a claimed driving range of up to 150 kilometers on a full charge, allowing riders to complete most daily commutes without frequent recharging.

One of the lineup’s standout features is VinFast’s battery-swapping technology, designed to address one of the biggest concerns among prospective EV owners: charging time. Instead of waiting for a battery to recharge, riders can exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in about a minute, making electric motorcycles more practical for everyday use.

To support the rollout, VinFast has opened 21 authorized motorcycle dealerships across the Philippines, where customers can view the motorcycles, take test rides, watch live battery-swapping demonstrations, and access after-sales support. The company plans to expand its dealership network to 100 locations by the end of 2026 as it strengthens its nationwide presence.

VinFast is also working with infrastructure partners to deploy 30,000 battery-swapping cabinets across the country, forming the backbone of its electric motorcycle ecosystem. Together with home-charging options, the network is intended to give riders greater flexibility depending on how and where they use their motorcycles.

To encourage adoption, VinFast is offering a promotional incentive for early subscribers to its battery subscription program.

Customers who subscribe on or before September 30, 2026, are entitled to up to 20 free battery swaps per month for one year. The benefit is provided on a per-battery basis rather than per motorcycle, meaning customers who subscribe to two batteries may receive up to 40 free battery swaps per month, with each swap counted individually toward the monthly allocation.

The battery subscription program also gives buyers greater flexibility. Customers can purchase their motorcycles with batteries included or opt for the subscription model, depending on their budget and riding habits.

VinFast said the motorcycles are backed by a 4+2-year or 60,000+12,000-kilometer warranty, whichever comes first. The warranty includes an initial four-year or 60,000-kilometer coverage, followed by an additional two years or 12,000 kilometers, giving owners added peace of mind while helping reduce long-term ownership costs.

The company added that customers only need a ₱3,000 reservation deposit to secure a unit through its pre-order program. Reservations can be made through VinFast’s online platform, customer hotline, or any authorized dealership.

VinFast’s Philippine expansion follows the opening of 20 electric motorcycle dealerships in Indonesia earlier this year, reflecting the company’s broader strategy to build a green mobility ecosystem across Southeast Asia.

For Filipino commuters, the appeal of electric motorcycles extends beyond lower emissions. Reduced running costs, fewer maintenance requirements, quieter operation, modern engineering, and the convenience of a growing battery-swapping network are becoming increasingly compelling as more riders look for alternatives to gasoline-powered motorcycles.

By pairing more affordable prices with an expanding dealership network and battery-swapping infrastructure, VinFast is betting that electric motorcycles can become a practical everyday mobility solution for Filipinos.

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Industry News/Updates

Ford launches July promo, mobile showroom in Cebu

Ford Philippines launched a July promo with discounts and financing across its lineup, while its mobile showroom visits Cebu.

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Photo: Ford Philippines

Ford Philippines has launched a month-long promotional campaign for July, offering discounts and financing options across its vehicle lineup, while its mobile showroom makes stops in Cebu, the company said on July 10.

The “Ford Freedom Fest” program features cash savings, 0% interest financing, and all-in down payment plans across Ford’s lineup of trucks, SUVs, hybrid and electric models, and performance vehicles.

The Ford Territory Hybrid is available with a P79,000 all-in down payment or cash savings of up to P40,000. The Ranger pickup can be had for as low as a P59,000 all-in down payment or 0% interest for 60 months at a 25% down payment.

The Everest SUV is offered with up to 0% interest for 36 months at a 50% down payment or cash savings of up to P180,000. The Mustang comes with cash savings of up to P170,000 or 0% interest for up to 36 months, while the all-electric Mustang Mach-E is available with savings of up to P600,000.

Mobile showroom in Cebu

The Ford Mobile Showroom, a showroom-on-wheels, is currently in Oslob, Cebu, until July 12, located at Eternidad Street corner Aragones Street. It will then move to Moalboal, Cebu, from July 15 to 19 at the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish along Dr. JP Rizal Street.

Both stops will operate daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Visitors can view the Territory Hybrid on display and test drive the Ranger, Everest, and Territory Hybrid.

“July marks an exciting milestone with Ford Freedom Fest as we extend exciting deals across our entire portfolio—including our electrified lineup like the Territory Hybrid and the Mustang Mach-E,” said Byron Daquil, director of Retail Product Marketing and Business Growth at Ford Philippines.

Admission to the mobile showroom is free, and customers can receive on-site promotional offers and Ford giveaways with a test drive or vehicle reservation.

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Events

Kia Sonet owners join 2nd anniversary convoy in Rizal

80 Kia Sonets marked their 2nd Philippine anniversary with a club convoy from Pasig to Tanay, Kia Philippines posted on July 2.

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Photo: Kia Philippines

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.

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