Hyundai turns over fleet of Ioniq 5 EVs to Makati
HYUNDAI Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) officially handed over a fleet of its flagship electric vehicle (EV), the Ioniq 5, to the Makati City government after undergoing a meticulous selection process. Five standard range units in phantom black pearl were carefully chosen for deployment as response vehicles, aimed at bolstering the safety and security of the city’s residents and visitors.
The handover ceremony took place at the Makati City Hall open grounds on Jan. 18, 2024, with the presence of Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) executives, including Dongwook Kim, executive vice president of the Strategy Planning Division; and Yongtae Kim, vice president of the Policy Coordination Office for Hydrogen and EV Business. They were joined by HMPH president, Dong Wook Lee, alongside other local management representatives, including Cecil Capacete, managing director; Jae Ha Ryu, directing coordinator for Sales and Dealer Development; and Young Uk Ko, directing coordinator for Aftersales.
Mr. Dongwook Kim underscored Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and progress, highlighting the significance of the Ioniq 5 as a testament to HMG’s technology and innovation. He emphasized the global recognition garnered by the Ioniq 5 as the World Car of the Year, showcasing its suitability for the progressive city of Makati.
Sang-hwa Lee, ambassador of South of Korea to the Philippines, also commended Makati’s proactive stance on responding to climate change and promoting sustainability. He applauded the city’s adoption of EVs, aligning with both national goals and HMG’s vision of carbon neutrality. The ambassador expressed South Korea’s readiness to collaborate with the Philippines in advancing eco-friendly transportation endeavors.
Since 2016, Makati has pledged to become a model city built upon sustainable and resilient communities. Through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations such as Cisco and the Korea International Cooperation Agency Philippines (Koica), the city has made significant strides towards this vision. Recently, Makati was recognized as the sole finalist in the prestigious 2023 World Smart Cities Awards, reaffirming its commitment to leadership and innovation in sustainable urban development.
Elected officials and key figures from Makati City, including Mayor Mar-Len Abigail “Abby” Binay and Vice Mayor Monique Yazmin María “Nik” Lagdameo, were present at the ceremony. Representatives from the Department of Energy and the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines also attended, highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative.
Binay reiterated Makati’s commitment to environmental stewardship, emphasizing the critical role of introducing Hyundai Ioniq 5 EVs into the city’s public safety fleet. She underscored the dual benefits of enhancing emergency response capabilities while reducing air pollution and carbon emissions, setting a precedent for sustainable urban living.
The Ioniq 5, available in the Philippines with comprehensive warranties and service packages, symbolizes Hyundai’s leadership in green mobility. HMPH aims to further solidify its position by expanding its range of EV products and services across the country, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.