One fiery showdown
It might be scorching hot outside under the heat of the intense summer sun. But what’s even hotter is the sizzling showdown happening inside the World Trade Center in Pasay City as more than 200 exhibitors bring out their pizzazz during the four-day automotive spectacle that is the 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
One of the groups that has been keeping their fire burning inside the 24,000-square-meter-big complex is United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI).
For starters, UAAGI first began with the brand Foton about 20 years ago. Through the years, it was able to develop the brand until the company was able to establish a reputable household name, not just for the brand, but for the company itself. Hence, with good seeds planted, its portfolio of vehicle brands eventually grew. From Foton, UAAGI was able to revive the brand, Chery, while BAIC and premium Swedish-Chinese marque Lynk & Co soon followed.
Now, the brands under UAAGI move as one unit–united, purpose-driven, dauntless, tenacious, out there swinging and making a statement. This is clearly evident at the ongoing 2025 MIAS.
Lynk & Co’s urban playground
For one, global auto brand Lynk & Co is showcasing its electric vehicles and internal combustion-engined vehicles at the four-day affair.
Now in its second year in the local industry, the brand continues to bring its exciting vehicles to our own turf.
“Lynk & Co’s second year marks a powerful stride towards the future of Filipino driving,” UAAGI chairman, Rommel L. Sytin said.
“We’re thrilled to witness Filipinos leading this charge behind the wheel of a modern and innovative Lynk & Co ride, proving that a premium driving experience can be both attainable and sustainable,” he added.
“We’re proud to be part of a movement that’s redefining the new standard in premium mobility for Filipinos.”
Themed: “Lynk & Co Urban Playground”, its vibrant and dynamic display embodies the youthful and energetic spirit of the brand. According to them, it is a space designed to resonate with the modern Filipino driver, showcasing the brand’s unique blend of style, performance, and technology.
Brand head, Franz Decloedt, for his part, meanwhile, said: “Lynk & Co’s modern design, innovative technology, advanced driving and safety systems, and European lineage carry with them a unique distinction that sets the brand apart from the rest.”
“The brand has endeared itself to Filipinos looking to make a premium, yet sensible, vehicle upgrade.”
Notably, the vehicle taking center stage at their display is the much-anticipated Lynk & Co 02. This premium, sporty, e-SUV is the brand’s first fully electric vehicle offering. This stunner is set to challenge the local EV market with its exceptional features, sporty driving dynamics, refined interior, and ergonomic European design.
The vehicle is capable of a long-driving range of 435 km (WLTP) on a full charge. It can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. Its powertrain can churn out 270hp and 343 N-m of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0-100 kph in a mere 5.5 seconds.
The Lynk & Co 02 comes with a 150,000-km or five-year vehicle warranty, whichever comes first; and starts at P1,788,000.00.
Alongside it at the show is the special model preview of the new Lynk & Co 08 EM-P SUV. The vehicle, first seen on our shores, is a plug-in electric electric vehicle that has an adaptive hybrid system which provides a pure electric driving range of up to 200km+ (WLTP), over 1,000km+ of combined hybrid driving range, and featuring the brand’s futuristic “The Next Day” design language.
Other vehicles displayed at their booth are the fuel-efficient 01 PHEV, which can squeeze out an impressive 47.08 km/L combined hybrid fuel mileage; the award-winning and race-ready 03+ Sports Sedan; the athletic and sporty 05 AWD Fastback SUV; and the distinctly dynamic 06 SUV Origin SE edition, priced at P1,099,000.00.
Chery redefines feature-packed advanced technology
Chery Auto Philippines, meanwhile, introduced three new vehicles during the first day of MIAS. These are the all-new Tiggo Cross, the Tiggo Grand Tour MPV, and the Tiggo ReV C-DM (Chery Dual Motor technology).
For one, the Tiggo Cross, from its specs and features, can be that ideal daily driver.
Under its hood is a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed CVT transmission, delivering both smooth and dynamic ride.
Inside, it features sporty bucket seats and a dual 10.25-inch multi-information and infotainment display, capable of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features, ensuring seamless connectivity anywhere.
The vehicle comes with an impressive five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, three years of free roadside assistance, and three years of free preventive maintenance service (PMS), while being priced below one million pesos at P998,000.
Another previewed new vehicle is the Tiggo Grand Tour. This seven-seater MPV, built for adventures, blends refined design with everyday practicality. With smart features, generous space and full-flat foldable second and third row seats, the vehicle perfectly fits the family or barkada.
It is powered by a 1.5-turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Grand Tour sports a 10.25-inch HD infotainment system, and a seven-inch instrument cluster, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety-wise, it features a 360-degree reverse camera together with four-SRS airbags, traction and electronic stability controls.
It also offers a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, three-year free roadside assistance, and three-year free PMS; and starts at P1,188,000.
Lastly, the Tiggo ReV C-DM, a seven-seater SUV, is for those who yearn for versatility, comfort, and an electrified performance without the hassle.
This seven-seater electrified SUV is equipped with a 1.5-turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a dedicated hybrid transmission that can cover an impressive 1,400km of driving range in both hybrid and EV modes. The vehicle is also powered by an impressive 18.66kWh battery.
Inside, it features a 15.6-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While entertainment-wise, the vehicle sports advanced Sony eight-speaker audio system and the 540-degree camera with front digital video recorder.
Priced at P1,648,000, it has an eight-year high voltage battery warranty, five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, three-year free roadside assistance, and three-year free preventive maintenance service (PMS).
During the unveiling of the vehicles, Chery Tiggo Crossovers stars were there, such as: Risa Sato, Jen Nierva, Abby Maraño and volleyball cutie, Pauline Gaston.
Chery’s newest tagline: “Love your journey” was also introduced.
“Love Your Journey means we don’t just sell cars; we create experiences that make you love your journey with Chery,” said Decloedt, also Chery’s brand head.
According to him, the journey in owning a Chery begins with the vehicles’ comfortable ride that becomes even more enjoyable with its advanced technology.
“And as you continue your journey with us, you gain more trust with our exceptional after-sales service, and before you know it, you’ll be creating lasting friendships and becoming part of a community that thrives in the Chery vibe— because we don’t just sell cars, we bring people together,” he added.
“At Chery, we win hearts and minds. And our customers are valued members of our community – our family.”
BAIC’s new high-performance offerings
Another brand sharing the spotlight during the launching ceremonies is BAIC Philippines.
Specifically, the brand’s diesel-powered B40 Pro TrailMaster, designed for serious 4×4 adventures and the brand’s first full-size electrified SUV B60e Beaumont rEV took center stage.
“BAIC is raising its game and our newest eye-catching models are indeed deserving of a hard look and maybe even a stare,” BAIC brand head and general manager Chris Yu said.
For him, they are proudly showcasing the new and current BAIC lineup that sets the standard for technology, performance, comfort, and style in SUVs, catering perfectly to the adventurous spirit of the Filipino.
“And you can experience it all right here at MIAS,” Yu added.
Particularly, the BAIC B40 Pro TrailMaster is a true SUV that sports a clean yet rugged styling that embodies an adventurous spirit and a genuine off-road capability.
Under its hood is a 2.0-L Aucan turbo-diesel engine which performs well with its heavy-duty BorgWarner part-time four-wheel drive system.
The BAIC B40 Pro TrailMaster has no less than 11 driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Economy, Wading, Sand, Mud, Rock, Off-Road, i-Off-Road, Ice and Snow, and Deep Snow. Off-road driving hardware and software include front and rear locking differentials, a special Wading Induction System further boost performance. It even has customizable steering and braking modes, a 540-degree panoramic video system, automatic parking, and BAIC’s Big Assist+, which is the brand’s full suite of ADAS features.
Its high 220-mm ground clearance is also a big help, along its 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and electrically retractable step boards for easy ingress and egress.
Also, it has an Intuitive Five-Screen Display Interface comprising the 12.8-inch center display and another 12.8-inch entertainment screen for the front passenger, along with the instrument cluster, rearview media, and push button screen.
The vehicle starts at P2,598,000.
Additionally, BAIC also debuted its seven-seater B60e Beaumont rEV.
It features all of the latest BAIC technologies in a tough and massive, beautifully sculpted body. The B60e Beaumont rEV showcases a Dual Motor Intelligent Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive system with front and rear motors for a combined power output of 540hp and 655 Newton-meters of torque and a driving range of up to 1,200 kilometers with Single Pedal Mode.
The vehicle likewise has nine drive modes, BAIC’s Big Assist+, a full array of ADAS features, and a 540-degree panoramic camera to ensure optimal performance and safety in all driving conditions.
For added safety, it also consists of the Intelligent Range Extension System Battery.
Outside, it has a 215-mm high ground clearance, 20-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, and electrically retractable step boards. While inside, it features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with Energy Flow Interface + Head-Up Display, a 12.8-inch center infotainment screen, a 12.8-inch co-pilot screen for the front passenger, rearview media, and a push button screen that constitutes the B60e Beaumont rEV’s Intuitive Six-Screen Display Interface.
Starting at P3,248,000, it is also laden with exceptional creature comforts.
Foton’s premium move
During the launch of Foton’s vehicles at the 2025 MIAS, a few of the vehicles that were highlighted were the brand’s new electric offerings.
“What we are offering now is our new tractor head EV (electric vehicle). It’s a x4 prime mover that completes our lineup of EVs,” said the brand’s general manager, Levy Santos during an exclusive interview with Inquirer Motoring.
“So, we have from the light commercial vehicles, we have the medium-duty trucks, light duty trucks, we have the vans, for courier and logistics,” he added.
Highlighting their display, however, is the all-new Foton Traveller Sierra.
