The government of the Philippines has included hybrid and plug-in hybrid passenger cars in its list of qualified electrified vehicles exempted from paying import tax. The so-called Executive Order No. 12 now exempts battery EVs (BEVs), hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) as well as electric two-wheelers from import tax. The import tax exemption will be valid until 2028. Import tax for passenger cars in the Philippines range from 5% to 30%. Currently, Toyota hybrids dominate over 70% of Phili

Hans

May 28, 2024

The second-generation 2024 Lexus LM has launched in Malaysia. Based on the fourth-generation Toyota Alphard but decked out a whole lot more, the LM is now only available with a hybrid powertrain here. As before the distinguishing factor are the powertrains and their seating configurations. The seven-seater LM350h is priced from RM1,228,000 on-the-road without insurance, while the four-seat LM500h starts from RM1,468,000. The LM350h features a 2.5-litre A25A-FXS Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated

Sanjay

May 27, 2024

When Honda Malaysia announced that the fourth and current generation of the Honda Jazz would not be available, fans of the tall hatchback were in mourning. Admittedly, I too love the looks of the GR-generation Jazz and was anticipating its official arrival but to no avail. Instead, the Jazz’s replacement in Malaysia and other developing markets like Thailand, Indonesia, and Latin America would be the Honda City Hatchback. The cries of Jazz fans grew louder but when the hatch made its global debu

CY Foong

May 27, 2024

Toyota’s Taiwan distributor Hotai Motors has introduced the updated 2024 Toyota Corolla Altis GR Sport (GR-S). While the visual upgrades remain mostly the same as the facelift that was introduced last year, it’s under the hood where the changes really matter. The hybrid version of the Corolla Altis GR-S is dropped while the naturally aspirated (NA) 1.8-litre 2ZR-FE petrol unit (140 PS/171 Nm) is swapped out for a 2.0-litre Dynamic Force (M20A-FKS) petrol powerplant that delivers 170 PS and 200 N

CY Foong

May 27, 2024

Previously known as the BYD Seal U, the BYD Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid SUV is now available for order in Australia. Starting at AUD 48,990 (~RM 153k), this Chinese-built model competes with the MG HS EV (starting at $43,690 (~RM 137k), and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (starting at $57,290, (~RM 179k). The Sealion 6 is offered in two variants – Dynamic and Premium – with options for front-wheel and all-wheel drive. BYD claims that both versions can travel over 80 km on electric power alone. The hi

Sanjay

May 27, 2024