TessDrive brings you the latest developments across public transport modernization, nationwide electric vehicle (EV) growth, battery-swapping networks, inclusive auto financing, and commercial energy storage infrastructure.
Isuzu deploys modern PUVs in Batangas
Isuzu Philippines Corp (IPC), in partnership with dealer partner Isuzu Calapan, formally turned over two units of the Isuzu NPR85 Class III Modern Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) to Perlas RCG Transport Tours Corp in Ibaan, Batangas. The air-conditioned units will service the Lobo to Lipa City route, providing a safer, more dependable, and comfortable commuter link.
Built on Isuzu’s durable NPR truck platform, the Class III PUV is engineered with a high gross vehicle weight (GVW) and payload capacity suited for inter-city and provincial routes. The passenger cabin—manufactured by Centro—features forward-facing seats for long-distance commuter comfort, high road clearance for rough or flooded roads, and a heavy-duty air-conditioning system by Country Cool Philippines. The vehicles are powered by the fuel-efficient 4JH1-TC turbo-diesel engine, reducing operational overhead for transport cooperatives.
The turnover was attended by Perlas RCG chairman Juanito Humarang, Ibaan Mayor Jane A. Casas, Vice Mayor Edralyn Joy A. Salvame, Centro assistant sales manager Carlo Enriquez, and Agribank Lipa branch head Alvin Rempis.
IPC department head for dealer sales Mario Ojales stated: “We are honored to be part of Perlas RCG Transport Tours’ mission of serving commuters in Batangas. Partnerships such as this reflect a shared commitment to improving the transportation experience of everyday Filipinos, and we look forward to supporting their operations not only through our reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles, but also through Isuzu’s unmatched aftersales support.”
Casas added: “Isuzu vehicles have long been known for their durability and reliability. Based on my own experience and that of my colleagues in the construction industry, Isuzu has consistently proven its quality and dependability. For us, Isuzu remains the number one choice.”
VinFast scales global EV deliveries and PH e-Mobility
VinFast demonstrated strong multi-segment momentum across regional and domestic markets, posting record-setting delivery volumes in Vietnam alongside expanding electric mobility solutions in the Philippines.
Record regional deliveries
In Vietnam, VinFast delivered 21,781 EVs in July 2026 (a 21% month-on-month increase), pushing its year-to-date total to 137,697 units and reinforcing its position as the market’s leading automotive brand for nearly two consecutive years. July volume was led by the popular VF 3 (5,564 units; 29,345 year-to-date), the VF 5/Herio Green (4,407 units; 24,574 YTD), the 7-seat Limo Green (4,404 units; 32,331 YTD), and the accessible Minio Green (2,429 units).
VinFast deputy CEO of global automotive sales Duong Thi Thu Trang noted: “Delivering 137,697 EVs to customers in just the first 7 months of the year marks another record for VinFast in the Vietnamese automotive market. This reflects the strong momentum in both new vehicle purchases and the transition from gasoline-powered cars to EVs, allowing more consumers to enjoy the tangible benefits that EVs offer. With the new-generation VF 8 and the VF 2 set for delivery soon, I am confident that VinFast’s sales will accelerate even further in the remaining months of the year.”
One-minute battery swapping with Feliz II
Following the official Philippine debut of VinFast e-Motorcycle last July 31, the brand is highlighting its One-Minute Swap ecosystem for models like the VinFast Feliz II. Engineered in partnership with V-Green, the system allows riders to pull into a station and exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged unit in roughly 60 seconds, eliminating long charging waits.
The Feliz II delivers up to 145 km of range via two LFP batteries, a 90-kph top speed, IP67 water resistance, and space for family errands. Battery subscriptions start at P439 per month (with the first 12 months free for up to 20 swaps monthly on early subscriptions), and VinFast commits to replacing degraded batteries free of charge once health falls below factory thresholds. V-Green plans to establish approximately 30,000 battery-swapping stations across Philippine malls, dealerships, and fuel stations.
SAFC releases P2.09 billion in loans for H1 of 2026
Non-bank financial institution SAFC recorded P2.09 billion in total loan releases during the first half of 2026, sustaining steady growth across its vehicle-backed and SME (small and medium enterprise) financing operations. Monthly loan disbursements remained above P300 million throughout the six-month period.
SAFC’s Sangla OR/CR vehicle refinancing line served as the primary growth engine, releasing P1.1 billion (up from P1 billion in H1 2025). Secondhand car financing generated P807.52 million, while truck financing contributed P116.97 million. Additionally, the JUANAsenso Loan—designed to empower women-led micro-enterprises with low-interest asset-backed funding—disbursed P393.99 million, marking a 41.6% increase over H2 2025.
The achievements were recognized during the 2026 SAFC Midyear Sales Excellence Awards under the theme “ALAB: Fueling Momentum for Brighter Futures,” which awarded nearly P1 million in cash incentives to top loan advisors and enterprise partners.
SAFC president and CEO Maricel D. Dejongoy stated: “Behind these numbers are everyday Filipinos using our financial solutions to acquire vehicles, support their families, grow their businesses, and achieve their goals. Sustaining our multi-billion-peso releases in the first half gives us strong momentum heading into the second half of 2026.”
SAFC chief operating officer Azenith S. Cabrera emphasized: “Our focus has always been on streamlining our operations, strengthening our credit processes, and expanding our branch network to support our continued growth.”
SAFC group head for marketing Norvyn V. Aloro added: “We’re grateful for the continued trust of our customers and sales partners. Their support has been key to our growth, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the months ahead.”
Learn more about asset-backed financing at safc.com.ph.
Green GSM debuts Premium Taxi all-electric 7-seat service
Green GSM officially rolled out Premium Taxi, an upscale 7-seat electric taxi service in Metro Manila utilizing a dedicated fleet of black VinFast Limo Green electric MPVs. Serving as an executive tier alongside the cyan-colored Green GSM Car fleet, the service is tailored for business travelers, families, airport runs, and passenger groups of up to six.
The Limo Green fleet features three seating rows, automatic climate control with dedicated rear-row vents, cabin air filtration, zero emissions, and silent operation. Fares are calculated transparently via calibrated in-vehicle meters and the mobile app. During its initial launch phase, Premium Taxi is operating across Makati, Taguig (BGC), Mandaluyong, and Pasig City, accessible via the Green GSM mobile app, street hailing, or the dedicated hotline 02-7777-8080.
Green GSM Philippines chief executive officer Le Thi Thu Trang stated: “Premium Taxi is not simply about providing more space. It is designed for journeys where comfort and attention to detail matter, from family trips and airport transfers to business engagements and special occasions. By combining the spacious interior of the VinFast Limo Green with professional drivers and Green GSM’s 5-star service standards, we aim to give Filipino customers a high-end mobility option that is thoughtfully-delivered from the moment they book until the journey ends.”
Greenstrum powers commercial EV charging with Huawei Tech
Greenstrum, the specialized EV infrastructure arm under ACMobility, expanded its enterprise charging portfolio by integrating Huawei FusionCharge DC chargers and Huawei LUNA2000 Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The end-to-end framework enables commercial property developers, fleet operators, and automotive OEMs to build, brand, and manage their own EV charging assets.
Greenstrum provides DC fast-charging installations ranging from 7 kW up to 480 kW, capable of charging compatible EVs in 10 to 15 minutes. The systems feature intelligent dynamic power sharing to balance multi-vehicle demand without triggering expensive electrical grid upgrades. The integrated Huawei LUNA2000 BESS acts as an energy buffer, storing low-cost off-peak power and discharging during high-demand charging spikes. All installations comply with the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC), carry Department of Energy (DOE) accreditation, and link to ACMobility’s Evro app for user discovery and payments.
Greenstrum chief operations officer Carl Decleodt remarked: “Businesses have different goals in building their own EV infrastructure, whether it’s to operate their own fleets or to set up their own EV charging business. Greenstrum can provide tailor-fit solutions to support this need through expert installation services, backed by superior equipment for both EV charging as well as battery technology, and a proven record of safety and service excellence.”
E-mailinquiries@greenstrum.com or book an enterprise consultation at bit.ly/gs-bookvisit.