GAC AION UT Earns Five-Star 2026 Euro Ncap Safety Rating

Five-star Euro NCAP safety, spacious "Big Car Energy" comfort, and advanced EV tech starting at an introductory ₱998,000.

The GAC AION UT has earned a  five-star honor from the European New Car Assessment Programme 2026 (Euro NCAP)1, emerging as one of the first mass-produced Chinese brand models to pass the latest rounds of safety tests. 

The vehicle earned its top-tier rating by delivering balanced excellence across all four key assessment stages: Safe Driving (66%), Crash Avoidance (74%), Crash Protection (91%), and Post-Crash Safety (88%). Evaluating the hatchback against significantly stricter criteria, which place heavy emphasis on active safety, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and vulnerable road user protection, the AION UT proved its mettle on the global stage.

The model’s stellar performance is anchored by a robust "Dragon-Bone Embraced Body Structure," where high-strength steel accounts for 71% of the body. Key structural features include a one-piece hot-stamped dual-ring design, an extra-wide 180mm crash box, and a roof capable of withstanding up to 8 tons of load.

Inside its surprisingly spacious cabin, designed to deliver signature "Big Car Energy" despite its compact hatchback footprint, passenger protection is bolstered by an advanced 7-airbag system featuring a 2.1-meter V-side air curtain and a front far-side airbag to mitigate occupant-to-occupant impacts during side collisions. Furthermore, the vehicle incorporates comprehensive active safety layers, including an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system that surpasses legislative requirements, cyclist dooring prevention, and child presence detection (CPD).

"Earning the Euro NCAP Five-Star Safety Certification represents the ultimate endorsement from an authoritative international body for the AION UT’s uncompromised safety engineering," said Calvin Cheng, General Manager of GAC Philippines. "More than just an award, this milestone is a testament to our deep passion and commitment to empower and modernize mobility for Filipinos, bringing world-class safety and cutting-edge electric innovation right to local streets."

The GAC AION UT’s latest global accolade aligns seamlessly with GAC's core brand philosophy of consistently building around trust and innovation to deliver uncompromised safety and consumer protection, setting a benchmark for small pure-electric vehicles worldwide.

Pricing

Reservations for the GAC AION UT are now open at GAC dealerships nationwide. The introductory pricing of PHP 998,0002, is available until September 30, 2026.

Available in six distinct exterior finishes, including Champs-Elysees Beige, Emerald Green, Rococo White, Seine Silver, Twilight Lavender, and Two-Tone options for Rococo White and Emerald Green, the Aion UT is paired exclusively with sleek all-black interiors.

With manufacturing expertise shaped by over two decades of collaboration with Toyota and Honda, and growing strength in electrification and intelligent mobility, GAC brings together proven craftsmanship and next-generation technology—Where Craft Meets Technology.

GAC Philippines supports its owners through a nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, two years of free roadside assistance, and tailored warranty coverage. ICE models (GS4, GS3 EMZOOM, EMKOO, GS8, EMPOW, M6 Pro, GN6, and M8) include a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty, whichever comes first. EV models (AION Y, Hyptec HT, AION UT, AION V, and AION ES) carry an 8-year or 160,000 km basic warranty, along with an 8-year or 200,000 km plan for the traction battery and electric drive, applicable up to the specified milestone. PHEV and HEV models (GS4 Max, E8, GN8, and GS8) offer a 5-year or 150,000 km basic warranty, complemented by an 8-year or 150,000 km policy covering the power battery, driving motor, and motor control unit.

Visit a GAC dealership near you or explore the new energy lineup of  GAC Philippines gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive. For the latest news and updates, follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.

1Refer to this website for more information about the Euro NCAP result for the GAC Aion UT: https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/1236/

As Rains Persist, Caltex Offers Motorists Tips on How to Keep Water Out of Their Fuel Tank

In a country where sudden downpours, monsoon surges, and typhoons can bring rain and flooding at different times of the year, motorists face a recurring but often overlooked risk: water finding its way into the fuel tank, where it can contaminate fuel and gradually affect engine performance. Caltex Philippines is offering drivers a quick checklist to help protect their vehicles from water contamination whenever wet weather and flooding occur.

Here is how to keep water out of your fuel tank during the rainy season: 

Inspect your fuel cap for cracks or signs of wear and ensure it is securely closed after every refueling.

Your Everyday Routine Deserves Better Oral Care: Meet 5 usmile Solutions

In a country known for its warm smiles, love for coffee, and sweet merienda traditions, usmile believes that healthier oral habits should be part of everyday Filipino life. Guided by its "Prevention Over Treatment" philosophy, the global professional oral care brand introduces its science-backed solutions designed for modern lifestyles.

"Oral care should be proactive. By combining science-backed innovation with user-friendly products, we hope to make preventive oral care a lasting habit for Filipinos," said Dr. Jitao Liu, usmile Chief R&D Scientist.

Here are usmile’s specialized solutions designed to meet different oral care needs and lifestyles:

Optical White 2.0 “Purple Corrector”: Instant Whitening

Life With GAC | 1,492 Km Across Luzon, Visayas And Mindanao: Real Owners Put The GAC AION V To The Test

Real-world journeys across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao show how zero-emission, cost-effective electric mobility can work for Filipino drivers in real-world conditions.

There is no better way to test a vehicle’s long-range capabilities than through real-world driving. As the Philippines continues to expand its charging network, two Filipino EV owners put this to the test, demonstrating that long-distance, fully electric travel across the country is already a practical reality.

For GAC owners Romel Emperado and Rommel Laranjo, taking their AION V cars across highway stretches and ferry links showed how seamlessly electric mobility fits into local road trips.

How OGAWA is Pioneering the Modern Wellness Journey

For years, massage chairs have been associated with rest and relaxation, but research shows they offer more than that. A joint study by OGAWA and Universiti Malaya found that OGAWA’s massage chairs directly contribute to an individual’s health, as they improve sleep quality and blood circulation by up to 88% and 81%, respectively. As technology continues to evolve, OGAWA massage chairs have become holistic wellness tools that support everyday health and improve quality of life. 

“With OGAWA chairs, the massage aspect is just one aspect of the rest and recovery journey. The research findings are tangible proof that OGAWA’s massage chairs elevate a user’s overall wellness experience. Our products have so many unexpected features and benefits that redefine what a massage chair can do,” said Shey Agustin, Marketing Executive of OGAWA Philippines.

SM and PMAP Mega Job Fair, Creating an Employment Ecosystem

Neither rain nor disrupted schedules could stop jobseekers from pursuing their next opportunity.

FROM JOBSEEKER TO HIRED! Successful applicants proudly mark their new beginnings after being hired on the spot at the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026, where SM Job Fair and PMAP brought employment opportunities closer to Filipino communities.

Award-Winning Circularity: SM Waste Free Future Transforms Closed-Loop Systems

The 2024 nationwide launch of SM Waste Free Future. 

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) received the Gold Award in the Transformation Category at the 2026 ESG Edge Impact Awards for its SM Waste Free Future initiative. The Transformation Category celebrates businesses and organizations that have significantly improved and evolved overall sustainability performance and operational models over time.