Electrification once again proved its efficiency advantage as United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI) and Foton Motors Philippines posted contrasting but telling results at the Department of Energy’s 2025 Fuel Eco-Run, held September 24 along the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX) .
Leading UAAGI’s campaign—and ranking among the top overall finishers of the event—was the Chery Tiggo REV C-DM, which delivered an impressive 84.28 km/L gasoline equivalent (km/Lge). The plug-in hybrid crossover stood out not only within UAAGI’s lineup but across all participating vehicles, highlighting the growing real-world efficiency benefits of PHEV technology under Philippine driving conditions .
The Tiggo REV C-DM’s result placed it firmly alongside top-performing battery electric vehicles in the run, despite carrying an internal combustion engine. Its performance underscored how plug-in hybrids can bridge the gap for consumers transitioning from traditional ICE vehicles to full electrification, offering both electric driving capability and extended range.
UAAGI further strengthened its showing with another electrified model, the Lynk & Co 01 PHEV, which recorded 58.06 km/Lge, while its full battery electric entry, the Lynk & Co 02 High Trim, achieved 71.71 km/Lge. These results positioned UAAGI as one of the strongest performers in the eco-run in terms of alternative powertrains .
On the internal combustion side, UAAGI’s entries reflected the expected efficiency of larger and more performance-oriented vehicles. The BAIC X55 Verve Sport logged 19.54 km/Lge, while the BAIC B30E Dune 4×4 posted 20.46 km/Lge. The Lynk & Co 6 Hyper Halo, a larger ICE model, recorded 14.57 km/Lge, illustrating the clear efficiency gap between conventional and electrified drivetrains.
For Foton Motors Philippines, the spotlight fell on its diesel pickup entries, with the Foton Tunland V7 emerging as the brand’s top finisher at 14.48 km/Lge. Close behind was the Tunland V9, which recorded 13.63 km/Lge. Both vehicles are powered by 1.9-liter turbo-diesel engines paired with automatic transmissions and compete in the highly demanding N1 pickup segment .
While their figures were modest compared to passenger cars and electrified vehicles, the Tunland results were consistent with the expectations for midsize pickups designed for hauling, long-distance driving, and work duties. The results demonstrate how modern diesel pickups continue to balance capability with real-world fuel efficiency, particularly on extended expressway runs.
The DOE emphasized that Fuel Eco-Run results are gathered under real-world driving conditions and do not replace laboratory testing required under the Vehicle Fuel Economy Labeling Program (VFELP). Still, the strong showing of UAAGI’s electrified models—led by the Chery Tiggo REV C-DM—contrasted sharply with traditional diesel entries, clearly illustrating how electrification is reshaping efficiency benchmarks in the Philippine automotive market.
