A few days ago as I was driving my daughter to her school I saw a Dongfeng Nanobox EV driving along EDSA. I saw it a few years or months ago as we were on the way home from SM Mall of Asia, and the car truly is eye catching.
I don't know why but I like how it looks. It looks like the ideal city car EV for me. It's about the same size as our 2024 Toyota Wigo and also BYD's Seagull. It seems to have a positive review from one of our local automotive websites (that I trust).
EVs and hybrids are really becoming a more common sight on the roads. It's hard to miss most of them, specially because their license plates have the font in green instead of black. This most likely signifies they are either EVs or hybrids, and thus exempted from the number coding scheme here in Metro Manila.
Even if I am intrigued by some EVs and hybrids, like the MG 3 Hybrid+, the Dongfeng Nanobox EV, the BYD eMax7, and BYD's Sea Gull I still don't know if I can honestly choose to purchase an EV or hybrid from brands that haven't been around the Philippines for a long time. I'd still prefer getting Toyota hybrids, like the Corolla Cross HEV, Yaris Cross HEV, and the just-launched Ativ HEV. Heck I wouldn't even mind trying the hybrid offerings from Hyundai.
I guess since these brands have been around for quite some time, I'm pretty confident they won't be leaving the country any time soon. Unlike some brands recently managed by AC Mobility, who seem to be going all-in on BYD. For context, AC Mobility has severed ties with both Volkswagen and some local Honda dealers they managed.
Basically what I'm trying to say is that I'm not too keen on getting a car from an Ayala managed brand should they suddenly decide to stop being the dealer of that brand here. Specially for EVs. As for the other brands I mentioned, MG is relatively known but Dongfeng is a relative unknown for me, even if they apparently have a joint venture with Renault. Still too many unknowns including parts availability.
So while I am still curious about EVs and hybrids, I guess I still want to play it safe by getting from a trusted brand. Not that I can (currently) afford one.
Out.
