Road armor: Flood-ready e-bikes and Toyota 24/7 roadside aid

TessDrive brings you the latest developments across vehicle safety engineering, emergency motorist assistance programs, and resilient mobility solutions built to protect Filipino drivers on every journey.

VinFast e-motorcycles feature IP67 waterproof powertrains

VinFast e-Motorcycle highlighted the safety and durability engineering behind its newly launched electric two-wheeler lineup—the Evo, Feliz II, and Viper—built with an IP67-rated powertrain designed to navigate flood-prone Philippine road conditions.

Weatherproofing and impact protection specifications

IP67 ingress protection: The electric motor and motor control unit (MCU) are fully sealed against fine dust, debris, and water submersion. Internal testing confirms the lineup can withstand submersion and operation in 0.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without electrical failure.

ECE-R136 battery impact safety: Removable 1.5 kWh LFP battery packs comply with European ECE-R136 impact standards, offering structural protection against potholes, uneven road surfaces, and sudden shocks.

Environmental and thermal durability: The vehicles underwent 500-hour salt spray corrosion testing to assess resistance in high-humidity coastal environments, alongside overvoltage and overtemperature safety protections validated up to 80°C.

The models deliver ranges between 145 km and 150 km with two batteries, backed by up to six years or 72,000 km of warranty coverage and an expanding network of 21 showrooms nationwide.

Toyota PH and AAP roll out free 24/7 roadside assistance

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) partnered with the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) to provide complimentary 24/7 emergency roadside assistance (ERS) for eligible Toyota vehicle owners starting August 2026. The initiative directly supports buyers of the locally manufactured Toyota Tamaraw and the Toyota Lite Ace, as well as eligible customers under the Takata airbag service campaign.

Emergency roadside benefits

Coverage scope: Free membership is valid for one full year from the vehicle release date.

On-site services: Includes flat tire changes, battery jump-starting, emergency fuel delivery, and minor on-site mechanical repairs.

Towing support: Provides towing assistance of up to one intervention or 25 km to the nearest authorized Toyota dealership.

Digital activation: Customers can instantly activate their coverage by scanning the QR code printed on their AAP membership card.

TMP president Masando Hashimoto stated: “AAP has been recognized for its commitment to road safety, a mission that Toyota deeply shares. That is why today’s agreement is significant. It reflects our shared commitment to providing better service and greater peace of mind to our customers. Through this program, we want our customers to know that help is available whenever they need it. At Toyota, our responsibility does not end when we hand over the keys. We remain committed to supporting our customers throughout their ownership journey.”

AAP president Augustus Ferreria added: “Our recent engagements with fellow automobile clubs have reinforced one common challenge shared by many countries—improving driver education and road discipline. Partnerships such as this with TMP go beyond providing emergency roadside assistance; they help us build a culture of safer, more responsible motorists. It is our hope that every Toyota Tamaraw and Lite Ace owner will not only have peace of mind through AAP’s roadside assistance, but also become better and more disciplined drivers.”

Eligible buyers can call their local Toyota dealer, follow TMP on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or join the ToyotaPH Viber community. Visit https://toyota.com.ph/ for the complete roster of vehicles and services.