BYD (or Build Your Dream) is one of those Chinese auto manufacturers that is hard at work trying to remove the stigma attached to such vehicles. And it seems like it is on the right track, this as the brand recently marked its third successful year of operations in the Philippines.
The festivities were held at their Shaw showroom in Mandaluyong City. No less than Solar Transport and Automotive Resources (STAR) Corporation Managing Director Mark Andrew Tieng was on hand to grace the affair. STAR Corporation is the official distributor of BYD vehicles in the country.s
The occasion wasn’t just a simple birthday party. It also highlighted the company’s future plans—chief of which is network expansion as well as the unveiling of two new models. They big boss also gave a thumbs-up to milestones such as the 5-Star Program, the BYD Club, and the successful stint in the Philippine Endurance Challenge. The last one, in particular, showcased the team’s victories in the Manufacturer’s Class and FM2 Championships.
As for those two new offerings, the first one is in the fiercely-fought seven-seat SUV segment. The BYD S7 is a luxurious-looking crossover that boasts a full load of creature comforts, safety gear, and the like. It comes with such goodies as sunroof, a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual zone climate control, air purifier, and power-adjustable seating, just to name a few.
Powering the S7 is a turbocharged, 16-valve DOHC direct-injection engine that puts out 151hp and 320Nm. It is mated to a six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission and promises brisk yet efficient performance. Likewise, safety is standard with stability control, emergency brake asssist, and other life-saving systems.
The F0, on the other hand, is a stylish hatchback for the young and young-at-heart. Its simple lines are hint at a sophisticated owner with his or her own unique style. The interior, likewise shows off its own character with niceties like keyless access and start, and a cool adaptive tachometer.
Under the hood is an efficient 1.0-liter BYD371QA motor that cranks out 67hp and 90Nm. Buyers can choose from either a five-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Either way, they will get a rigid bodyshell, daytime running lights, and an energy-absorbing brake pedal, just to name a few.
BYD, through these two new vehicles and their plants scheduled down the line, are truly out to prove that Chinese cars are here to stay. And they are a force to reckon with.
BMW, the Ultimate Driving Machine, turns 100 this year. To mark this momentous occasion, the German carmaker will hold a series of events throughout the world. And one of these is the annual BMW Expo. This time around, it will run from October 7 to 9 at Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City.
Like past Expos, the 2016 staging will be a showcase of BMW cars, SAVs, and bikes, both old and new. Being the marque’s centenary, however, iconic nameplates like the 3.0 CSL, the E28 M5, Z1, and the R65 Motorrad will be on hand for everyone to appreciate. The past meets the future as the all-new, 7-Series luxury sedan—the epitome of high tech—will be showcased as well.
Speaking of what’s in store for the next century, the BMW Vision Next 100 treats visitors to an augmented reality experience at the Vision Gate. Kids and the young-at-heart can watch or even join the remote controlled car races, with (you guessed it) BMW toy cars. And a slew of licensed BMW apparel and lifestyle items will be available for those who want a taste of the Ultimate Driving experience—albeit in their clothing and other goodies
Folks who could afford a real BMW car or bike, on ter other hand, can avail of special deals on brand new or pre-owned units from the BMW Premium Selection. If you’re a BMW owner, you can get preferential parking at the BMW Car Park located on 9th corner 30th avenue on October 8th. They may even have a photo taken with their BMW to serve as a special momento.
And what could be more memorable than the commemorative 3-Series Art Car that will be launched during the event? It will toast the brand’s 100th birthday and will encourage everyone to leave their mark as a symbol of their support for the BMW name.
The 2016 BMW Expo will take place at Papa Bear Activity Area and 9th Avenue in Bonifacio High Street. It’s one motoring-filled experience any car nut shouldn’t miss.
At the 118th Paris Motor Show, Ferrari has unveiled the latest LaFerrari Aperta. Basically, it’s an open-top La Ferrari which gives an exhilarating driving experience.
Just by looking at it, the Aperta is sleek and undeniably Ferrari. Maintaining its avant-garde look, the body’s shape is very sculptural and aerodynamically functional. It is available with a carbon-fibre hard top or a soft top.
The Aperta has the same hybrid power unit as the coupé: 6.3-liter V12 and an electric motor with KERS technology which gives off 949 hp. Top Speed is 350 km/h which is equivalent to 3 seconds when traversing 0-100 km/h and 7.1 seconds for a 0-200 km/h. This is the fastest Ferrari ever that’s road legal. (Add a wink right there.)
The goal was to produce a convertible the same as its coupé performance wise and interior wise. Inside, the flowing line that neatly divides the cockpit from the car body is unchanged with only those elements above the waistline modified.
To retain the same running gear and performance as the LaFerrari coupé in this new open-top model, Ferrari’s engineers worked on two main areas: the chassis and aerodynamics.
With the chassis, the focus was entirely on the lower section which had to be reinforced because it is subject to different stresses caused by force lines. While, the aerodynamic package is completed by two small L-shaped flaps on the upper corners of the windscreen and an innovative integrated system was developed. The high-speed air flow that would otherwise enter the cabin from the top of the windscreen is captured by an angled wind-stop fixed to the parcel shelf. The wind-stop is angled to channel the flow through spaces in the car’s interior structure before exiting at a slower speed behind the passenger seats. This delivers a level of interior comfort in line with other convertibles in the Ferrari range without increasing drag.
Having said that, the LaFerrari Aperta is produced to 209 copies. 9 of them will be used for the 70th Anniversary Celebration of Ferrari in 2017 and 200 of the produced were already sold to the clients even they haven’t seen it yet. Yes, this limited edition, fastest Ferrari ever, road legal, were already bought for $2 Million.
Nothing beats starting the day with a good cup of coffee. It not only wakes you up, it also helps keep you focused and alert. Whether you’re headed to work or to an exciting new destination, coffee is the perfect pick-me-upper at any time of the day.
On International Coffee Day, Pilipinas Shell is giving its customers a much-needed boost to conquer the road and the day ahead. This coming October 1, all customers who will gas up, shop, or avail of automotive services at any of the participating Shell stations from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. will receive coffee from Deli2Go!
Deli2Go is the perfect stopover to relax and take a break from your journey. Aside from different types of coffee, it offers an exciting selection of satisfying and affordably-priced meals and quick snacks to fuel customers on the road.
“This coming International Coffee Day, Pilipinas Shell is all set to perk up your drive by treating you to a well-deserved energy boost from Deli2Go. Whether you’re just about to start your day or taking a break from a long day of driving, we’ll be there to help you and your loved ones stay alert and energized on the road,” says Anthony Lawrence Yam, Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Retail.
By providing quality fuel products and services to motorists around the world, Shell gained its foothold as a global leader in power and energy that pioneers next generation technology in developing new energy sources for a reliable energy mix, producing smarter products as well as promoting its smarter use, building smarter infrastructure and providing energy efficient engineering solutions that ultimately promote clean & efficient transport, sustainable mobility, energy efficiency and a new energy future to address the energy challenge.
Pilipinas Shell is committed to providing delightful experiences for its customers every time they visit a Shell station on special days, because at Shell, everyone is special. Shell has more surprises in store for its customers soon, all designed to delight them in more ways than one. Stick around, and have a Shell Specials day!
The Philippines is home to a strong 4-million motorcycle community that still continues to grow everyday. The recent rise in number of motorcycle riders for the past couple of years has cemented the popularity of the two-wheeled vehicle, making it an indispensable mode of transportation for Filipinos all over the country.
Coming from a successful celebration of all things motorcycle last year, Pilipinas Shell takes things to the next level by hosting a bigger and grander Shell Bike Fair 2016. To show Shell’s appreciation for the motorcycle community, this year’s Shell Bike Fair is a series of three grand events in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The three-part celebration was made possible by Shell Advance, Shell Advance MotoCare Express and Shell V-Power Nitro+.
Last September 24, the third and final leg of the Shell Bike Fair 2016 was held at the World Trade Center through a day filled with games and entertainment for the company’s valued customers. Upon entering the world-class location, the attendees were treated to fun demos and games at the different booths set up throughout the venue.
Exciting performances by Imago, Gracenote, Parokya ni Edgar, Callalily and Mocha Girls plus other surprise celebrity appearances brought the house down, with the crowd partying along to their favorite hits. The event ended on a high note as several motorcycle clubs received special prizes and three lucky guests brought home their brand new motorcycles.
Shell aims to demonstrate that it is a trusted partner of motorists in their every ride. Using Shell Advance can help provide easier engine starts, as well as long-term cleanliness and overall maximum protection, for a smoother ride on the road. To cater specifically to the needs of motorcycle riders, the Shell Advance MotoCare Express aims to provide professional and convenient motorcycle servicing at a more affordable price. Shell’s world-class lubricants and trusted service go hand in hand with the use of Shell V-Power Nitro+, Shell’s premium performance fuels, which are designed to fight gunk and corrosion. And lastly, Shell aims to make every visit to a gas station worthwhile through the wide array of snacks, refreshments and hot meals that Shell Select offers for riders on the go.
“For over 100 years, Pilipinas Shell’s products and services have evolved to meet the current needs of Filipino motorists. We want our customers to know that Shell is every Filipino motorist’s partner on the road. Aside from quality lubricants and fuels, offerings such as the Shell Select convenience store, Shell Advance MotoCare Express and other integrated services, Shell has evolved into more than just a gas station – it is a pit stop that fuels both you and your motorcycles,” said Anthony Lawrence Yam, Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Retail.
The ADAC Rallye Deutschland is sometimes referred to as the summer’s Rallye Monte-Carlo due to the complex tyre choices it frequently necessitates, and this year was no exception.
Tyre calls notably played a decisive role on Saturday when crews visited the narrow stages of Germany’s Saarland region and the notorious asphalt/concrete tracks of the Baumholder army ranges. Michelin’s crews ran every imaginable permutation of the H5 (hard) and S5 (soft) versions of the Pilot Sport in the changeable weather conditions.
Ogier (VW/Michelin) laid the foundations for his second Rallye Deutschland triumph on the Panzerplatte stages for which he chose a combination of S5s and H5s for the first visit, then S5s all-round for the afternoon’s repeat. The three-time world champion won both attempts at Panzerplatte Lange (40.80km) to conclude Day 2 with a safety margin of 33.4 seconds.
Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia went on to pocket their 35th world class victory and their third of the year to extend their lead at the top of the provisional points table. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Polo R WRC (39 victories) has become the most successful car on Michelin rubber in the history of the FIA WRC.
The weekend produced a thrilling fight for second, third and fourth places. Early pace-setter Andreas Mikkelsen (VW/Michelin), Dani Sordo (Hyundai/Michelin) and Thierry Neuville (Hyundai/Michelin) were covered by just four seconds ahead of Sunday’s 60 kilometres of competitive action. The fastest time on SS15 promoted Sordo to second spot, while Neuville won SS16.
SS17 was cancelled, so the outcome was settled on the Power Stage (14.84km). Neuville was quickest again but his attempt to pass his Spanish team-mate failed by one-tenth of a second. Mikkelsen ended up fourth overall.
Ott Tanak’s late retirement on Saturday (Ford, alternator) handed fifth place to Hayden Paddon (Hyundai/Michelin) who was delayed by several errors early on. Mads Ostberg (Ford/Michelin) was sixth, ahead of WRC2 winner Esapekka Lappi who headed a one-two finish for Skoda Motorsport and Michelin. Jan Kopecky was second in the class, ahead of local hero Armin Kremer (Skoda) who was taking part in the event for the 16th time.
The first ‘clear’ asphalt round of the year claimed a number of victims. Jari-Matti Latvala (VW/Michelin, gearbox) and Eric Camilli (Ford/Michelin, accident) both lost big chunks of time, while Stéphane Lefebvre (Citroën/Michelin) had a big crash. Everyone at Michelin Motorsport wishes the Frenchman and his co-driver Gabin a speedy recovery.
An even sportier New HR-V MUGEN prototype was displayed by the Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) at the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). In line with their theme called “Joyful Future Journeys”, the new accessorized prototype for Honda’s Crossover Compact SUV is exhibited to reflect Honda’s constant development and innovation to provide products that will be appreciated by the Philippine market.
The New HR-V MUGEN prototype boasts an even bolder athletic appeal with additional cosmetic upgrades from the current HR-V 1.8 EL MUGEN.
It is now designed with a New MUGEN Front Grille, New 17-inch Alloy Wheels, New MUGEN Side Stripe Sticker, and a Modified Tailgate Spoiler. To complete its aggressive sporty look, it retains the current HR-V 1.8 EL MUGEN’s Front Under Spoiler, Side Under Spoiler, Rear Under Spoiler, and MUGEN Emblem.
The interior design of the New HR-V MUGEN prototype retains the same “Expansive Cockpit” concept, which consists of a high deck console that attributes not only to its coupe like stance, but also to its wide and spacious front row. The New HR-V MUGEN also showcases generous cargo space, and flexible ULT seats that allows for different configurations depending on the customer’s needs:
Utility Mode – with the seat folded flat, used for carrying two passengers and large items
Tall Mode – with the seat folded up, this is the mode for carrying two or three passengers and tall items in the second row;
Long mode – with the seat folded flat and the front passenger seat reclined all the way back, for carrying two passengers and a very long item like a surfboard
The New HR-V MUGEN prototype is powered by the same 1.8 liter i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum power output of 141 ps at 6500 rpm and 172 NM of torque at 4300 rpm. The 1.8 liter i-VTEC engine is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under Earth Dreams Technology that delivers a dynamic driving performance with uncompromised fuel efficiency.
The 6th PIMS was held at the World Trade Center Pasay City from September 14 to 18, 2016.
For more information on Honda and its products, visit http://www.hondaphil.com or any authorized dealership nationwide.
The much-awaited Toyota Classics sets the stage for another night filled with remarkable musical talent for its 18th instalment in the Philippines this 2016 on October 27 at Solaire Resort and Casino, Parañaque City.
Since it first started in 1990, the annual Toyota Classics has endeavored to enrich the lives of certain individuals and communities through its charity concerts. Being the signature Corporate Social Responsibility programme of Toyota, it has raised more than 876 million Yen (approximately USD 8.6 million) for its beneficiaries in the Asia Pacific region over the past 25 years. Moreover, the Toyota Classics has also helped to promote humanitarian efforts, nation-building, and the appreciation of classical music throughout different countries in Asia.
This year, indulge yourselves to the beautiful music played by the Baltic Neopolis Orchestra from Poland under the baton of artistic director and violinist, Vasko Vassilev, with music arranged by Singapore-born pianist and composer Pamela Tan Nicholson. This is Vassilev’s and Nicholson’s second performance with the Toyota Classics since 2015. On top of this international musical gala, there will also be special guest performances by our homegrown artists such as the Loboc Children’s Choir, Jed Madela and Morissette Amon. Toyota has chosen Pulong Sta. Cruz National High School (PSCNHS) to be its beneficiary for this year’s classical concert.
This year’s programme marks a musical milestone for Toyota Classics with the introduction of “Singphony”, with the orchestral members playing and singing opera masterpieces including Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Turandot, Verdi’s La Traviata and Bizet’s Carmen, all woven into delightful stories to thrill and delight audiences of all ages.
Vasko Vassilev
Another highlight of this year’s Toyota Classics will be a song presentation by the Loboc Children’s Choir made up of vibrant, talented and young singers who will not only perform with the orchestra, but will also have master classes with the orchestral musicians to nurture their musical aspirations.
Pamela Tan Nicholson
“It is with great excitement that for the 18 th Toyota Classics, we bring the internationally acclaimed Baltic Neopolis Orchestra from Poland together with the Loboc Children’s Choir, Jed Madela and Morissette Amon to our generous patrons for the benefit of Pulong Sta. Cruz National High School. For us here in Toyota, the [Toyota] Classics is more than a charity event to promote and enrich culture and the arts in the country… It is our ultimate aspiration to realize that we keep on Moving Lives through beautiful Music and we hope that more patrons support us in this cause”, said Toyota Motor Philippines President Satoru Suzuki.
Aside from the Philippines, the Baltic Neopolis Orchestra will also be performing for various beneficiaries in several Asian countries – Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Members of the public who wish to purchase tickets can avail of various discounts for the concert until October 27, 2016. To find out more about the Toyota Classics 2016, interested patrons can also log into http://www.ToyotaClassics.asia for more details.
About the Local Artists:
Jed Madela
Madela made waves during the 2005 World Championship of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood, California when he single-handedly won all major industry awards. He bested over 3,000 contestants from 52 countries to win the grand prize. He is the first Filipino to ever win this award. Moreover, the Filipino singer possesses the vocal range of a counter tenor. He has received multiple awards from respected award giving bodies such as the Voice of Asia Gold medal, Aliw and Awit awards Best Male performer, among others.
Morisette Amon
Amon was a finalist of The Voice Philippines in 2013. Since then, she has been recognized for her powerful voice. As a theatre actress and singer, she still engaged herself in singing at theaters along with Sam Concepcion and Christian Bautista, like Disney’s Tale As Old As Time Concert 2014 in the Philippines and sang one of the famous song “Let It Go” with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. She is a lyric coloratura soprano, whose vocal range spans four octaves and 5 notes (C3- G7) and she also has a whistle register. Her wide vocal range is considered to be akin to that of Mariah Carey.
As a singer and a performer who really is very dedicated, Morissette was very honored to be awarded as the Best New Female Recording Artist of PMPC Star Awards for Music (2015), and to be recognized by the National Consumer Affairs Foundation Seal of Excellence Awards as the Outstanding Female Performing Artist of the Year (2015). She was recently awarded by the 1st Wish 107.5 Music Awards as their Female Artist of the Year.
Loboc Children’s Choir
LOBOC CHILDREN’S CHOIR
The choir was founded in 1980 at the Loboc Central Elementary School in Loboc, Bohol. It is a school choir established to give color to school and community events. In 1993, it won first prize at the National Music Competitions for Young Artists. It was awarded first prize again in the same competition in 1995. In 1996, in a concert dubbed On Angels’ Wings: From Bohol to the World, the choir toured key cities in the United States. It has performed with the World Youth Orchestra during the latter’s concerts in Bohol and Cebu in 1999, and with the University of Santo Tomas Symphony Orchestra. As a ‘cultural treasure’ of the Province, the group often sings for visiting dignitaries, and local and foreign tourists. Its concert repertoire is a combination of classical, folk, modern and children’s songs. Since 2000, the group has been performing abroad, representing the Philippines in International competitions. In 2003, they went on their first European tour.
For ticket prices and reservations, please click here.
The top electric vehicle players in the Asia Pacific Region were present last Tuesday at the Diamond Residences Makati to discuss the implementation of the APEC Electric Vehicle roadmap. Representatives from the USA, New Zealand, Mexico, Korea, Japan, China and Malaysia among others presented their own EV perspectives from their respective countries.
The event was opened by Philippine Automotive Federation Inc. President Bimbo Mills and an introduction about the Global EV trends was then presented by BOI Director Corieh Dichosa.
Trends, new technologie, policies, regulations and even government incentives were presented in order to share and disseminate best practices in the region in the hopes of catapulting the APEC EV agenda. One of the biggest concerns was the harmonization of international standards for electric vehicle parts and components, the vehicle itself and on the test procedures to be used. Another major concern was the battery issue related to its lack of sufficient standards, high cost, short range and safety concerns.
For the Philippine side, Rommel Juan, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines presented the Development of the Philippine EV Industry which is quite unique and contrasting from the EV industries of other countries. “Most of our EV applications are in the area of mass transport application with most of our EVs either electric jeepneys or electric tricycles. The more advanced countries have cars and hybrids.”
Juan explains that another stark contrast of the EV industry in the Philippines versus the others is that it is spearheaded by the private sector such as the local EV players and manufacturers. “In all the other EV industries in other countries especially the more advanced ones, it is led by the mainstream global automotive players like General Motors, Nissan, Ford and Toyota. In the Philippines, we are also aggressively pursuing the local public transport market which really needs modernization. This makes the Philippines a very lucrative market for the local industry players and gives them a potential to grow and even later, export their EV products around the region. This also makes the Philippine market ripe for the foreign players to market their mainstream EV products here and even go into joint ventures with local EV players.“
Mega Manila commuters can count on their beep™ card for rides on another point-to-point (P2P) bus line. AF Payments Inc. announced that it has implemented its tap-and-go payment system in RRCG Transport’s P2P buses from Alabang Town Center (ATC) to Greenbelt 1 (Makati City) following a successful public trial last week.
The route operates from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM with a bus that leaves every 30 minutes. The promo fare (extended until further notice) is P50, while the one-way discounted fare for senior citizens, PWDs, and students is P40. For concessionary beep™ cardholders, the discount is automatically deducted while students who wish to avail of the discount will have to pay in cash. There will be selling booths stationed at the ATC and Greenbelt 1 terminals for those who want to purchase or reload their beep™ card.
“After our rollout in northern Metro Manila P2P buses, we’re catering now to commuters down south. The RRCG Transport P2P bus service is a welcome option for commuters from the south. We are pleased that riders can use the multi-purpose beep™ card to pay for their fares,” said Peter Maher, President and CEO of AF Payments Inc.
The RRCG Transport premium P2P service aims to provide a more convenient and reliable transportation system to residents of southern Metro Manila. These buses provide free Wi-Fi to passengers and are equipped with CCTV cameras for additional security. Compartments underneath have provisions for storing bikes, wheelchairs, and other equipment.
The P2P bus service system was created by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to help improve traffic as the buses travel nonstop from the terminal to the drop-off point. It also aims to ease commuter woes by cutting travel time compared to normal multi-stop buses. The P2P system currently has routes from Trinoma-Makati and Ortigas-Makati. More P2P routes will be added in the next few months.
The beep™ card is a tap-and-go payment system accepted in all three elevated railways (LRT 1, LRT 2, and MRT 3), select bus lines and at the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX). It can be purchased for P20, is reloadable and valid for four years. Offsite reloading partners are also now available. More information about beep™ may be obtained at the website and on Facebook (beep card) and Twitter (@beep_card).
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