Automotive
Innovation Invasion

Nothing, not even the fierce Detroit winter can get in the way of the annual exodus of automobile enthusiasts to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). I love cars, I’ve always been fascinated by them. I can talk confidently about driverless cars and am one hell of a parallel park-er. But if cars were video games, I’d be what you’d call a casual gamer, and maybe that’s why I am here.
To the casual observer, NAIAS 2016 is all about fancy new cars, and for the most part, that’s about right. All the big guns have come out to play with their best foots forward. At least 5 high-end luxury cars were unveiled at the show, and as many concept cars were introduced, teasing a not too distant future in travel.

Behind the blue oval. The Ford booth at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.
This event sets the stage for the rest of the year and then some. And even sans an in-depth understanding of what makes cars tick, its pretty evident we have a lot to be excited about.
But there’s more to NAIAS 2016 than meets the eye. It is a critical time for the auto industry, fresh from a record breaking year of car sales, it is a time of much potential and growth. But looming in the shadows is a threat of disruption from the technology sector.
With fully automated, driverless cars almost tangible, and players like Apple and Google in the mix, tech companies are poised to change the game forever as automotive manufactures struggle to keep pace with technological innovations.
Which is understandable, its easier to build a smartphone, than it is to build a car. The average car product cycle is 3-5 years, upgrades are almost impossible unless you buy a new car, and most automotive giants are just not as nimble as a tech startup, or a tech giant with the resources to experiment on some crazy idea that may change the world.
But there is one car company that’s dared to be different. Headquartered not too far from where NAIAS is taking place is the Ford Motor Company, technology savvy, innovation focused, and no longer just a car company anymore.
The self proclaimed mobility company is looking into a host of already existing technological advancements that can make their way into the cars of tomorrow. Beyond driverless cars there’s electrification of vehicles, always-on Internet connectivity, data collection, apps and software, and integration with the Internet of Things.
Smart Home Integration

Sync 3 brings Amazon Echo and Alexa integration.
As the tech world zeroes in on the smart home, Ford believes cars can and should be part of the equation. Very soon, Ford cars will integrate seamlessly with existing smart hubs like Amazon Echo, a virtual personal assistant built into a cylindrical bluetooth speaker. Amazon Echo responds to voice commands and can control household appliances, answer Internet-based questions, and even online shop for you.
Soon Amazon Echo will also be able to start your car, and tell you how far more you can drive based on your current fuel levels. Users will also be able to summon Echo remotely from inside their Ford vehicles, so you could for example, ask it to turn on the lights, or open the garage door as you approach.
Wearable Integration

Soon smartwatches and fitness trackers will integrate better, and smarter with our cars.
Wearables are another growing trend in the consumer tech world and inside Ford’s newly minted Automotive Wearables Experience Lab, scientists are looking into how smartwatches and fitness trackers can best complement the driving experience.
From simple things like receiving alerts on your smartwatch when you leave car doors unlocked or your keys inside. To more high-tech solutions like automatically uploading health and sleep information from your wearable to your car, and having the car adjust safety settings based on its assessment of your current state. If your car thinks you didn’t get enough sleep, Ford’s adaptive cruise control technology can increase the distance between your car and other vehicles to allow more time for your reflexes to kick in case of a traffic incident.
Data Analytics
In its own respect Ford is working to make its own cars smarter. A joint project with IBM hopes to create a platform that will allow researchers to collect data from cars, identify trends and patterns, and use those findings to provide commuters with better transportation decisions. The nitty gritty of this platform is way too geeky, but it should theoretically be able to tell you when taking the subway, or a bicycle is a more time efficient means of getting to work on a particular day. The platform should also benefit what Ford calls Parking Prediction technology to help you find empty parking spots.

Journalists swarm around the newly announced Ford vehicles after the Ford keynote at the North American International Auto Show.
While as expected, cars were front and center at the North American International Auto Show, Ford was looking beyonds cars. Don’t get me wrong, there were lots of new cars including the new super high-tech Fusion Sedan, the monster F-150 Raptor pickup truck, as well as the first pre-production model of the GT Super Car.
Instead the message was about doing things differently and driving change. As the motoring world is bracing itself for disruption, Ford is on a bold path to disrupt themselves.
They’re on plenty of smartphones, but have you heard of Gorilla Glass windshields? #FordNAIAS
Posted by GadgetMatch on Wednesday, January 13, 2016
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Honda Cars Philippines welcomes the holiday season with a service promo called Oh-BER-load Deals.
From September 11 to December 11, all owners of Honda vehicles are entitled to exclusive offers – including those who previously missed maintenance visits or whose cars are beyond the warranty period.
Honda customers can head to any of the 37 participating Honda dealers to avail of the following:
- Free 50-point check-up with advanced Tire and Battery Assessment
- 10% discount on recommended parts for replacement (Tire, Battery, Brake Pad/Shoe, Wiper)
- PhP 500 discount on Periodic Maintenance and General Repair Services (minimum spend of PhP 2,000)
Customers whose vehicles have surpassed the warranty period are likewise still eligible for a 20% discount on Periodic Maintenance Parts and Fluids.
Exclusive offers through HCPI’s Oh-BER-load Deals are available from September 11 to December 11, 2023.
Here are participating Honda Dealers nationwide:
No. | DEALER | Dealer Name | Address | Contact Number |
1 | HCIN | Honda Cars Ilocos, Inc. | Brgy. 16, San Marcos, Payas, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte | (077) 670 0087 / (077) 781 3218 |
2 | HCPA | Honda Cars Pangasinan, Inc. | San Miguel, Calasiao, Pangasinan | (075) 521 4888 / 89 |
3 | HCCU | Honda Cars Cauayan | National Highway, Barangay Tagaran, Cauayan City, Isabela | (0917) 844 6586 |
4 | HCBL | Honda Cars Bulacan | MacArthur Highway, Brgy. Poblacion, Guiguinto, Bulacan | (044) 794 1147 / (044) 794 1447 |
5 | HCNE | Honda Cars Nueva Ecija | Maharlika Highway, Brgy. San Mariano Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija | (044) 940 6095 |
6 | HCTA | Honda Cars Tarlac, Inc. | MacArthur Highway, Sta. Cruz, Tarlac City, Tarlac | (045) 982 8002 to 07 |
7 | HCPG | Honda Cars Pampanga, Inc. | MacArthur Highway, San Agustin, San Fernando City, Pampanga | (045) 963 5552 |
8 | HCAC | Honda Cars Angeles-Clark | Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles, Pampanga | (045) 499 8100, (045) 499 8097 |
9 | HCBG | Honda Cars Baliuag | Lot 3A, Dona Remedios Trinidad Highway, Brgy. Sabang, Baliuag, Bulacan | (044) 792 9890 / (02) 8 273 7507 / (02) 8 519 4656 |
10 | HCGH | Honda Cars Greenhills | Ortigas Avenue corner Columbia St., Brgy. Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City | (02) 8 995 3216 to 26 |
11 | HCQC | Honda Cars Quezon City | 141 Quezon Ave., Quezon City | (02) 8 712 6850 to 61 / (02) 8 731 1523 / (02) 8 732 8556 |
12 | HCMA | Honda Cars Manila | Paz M. Guanzon Ave. Corner Quirino Ave., Manila | (02) 8 562 4548 / (02) 8 562 4550 |
13 | HCBN | Honda Cars Balintawak | 598 EDSA, Balintawak, Kalookan City | (02) 8 366 5617 to 18 / (02) 8 366 5620 |
14 | HCFR | Honda Cars Fairview | Lot 4, Block 4, Neopolitan Business Center, Fairview, Quezon City | (02) 5 322 5888 |
15 | HCMR | Honda Cars Marcos Highway | No. 64 Marcos Highway, Brgy. Dela Paz, Pasig City | (0915) 202 9256 / (0915) 879 7012 |
16 | HCAL | Honda Cars Alabang | Alabang-Zapote Road corner Investment Drive, Alabang, Muntinlupa City | (02) 8 424 4050 loc. 602 |
17 | HCMI | Honda Cars Makati, Inc. | 1 Pres Osmena Highway, Magallanes, Makati City | (02) 8 424 4994 loc. 702 / 703 |
18 | HCPS | Honda Cars Pasig | E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue corner Calle Industria, Bagumbayan, Quezon City | (02) 8 424 1262 |
19 | HCSW | Honda Cars Shaw | Shaw Blvd. corner Pilar St., Mandaluyong City | (02) 8 424 1272 |
20 | HCMB | Honda Cars Manila Bay | 6513 Bradco Avenue, Aseana City, Pasay City | (02) 8 236 7000 loc. 835 / 836 |
21 | HCBT | Honda Cars Batangas | Diversion Road, Brgy. Bolbok, Batangas City | (043) 402 0335; (02) 8 887 3461 |
22 | HCCV | Honda Cars Cavite | Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Salitran, Dasmarinas, Cavite | (046) 416 6525 to 26 / (046) 416 6881 to 84 |
23 | HCSP | Honda Cars San Pablo | Barangay San Nicolas, San Pablo City | (049) 562 7713 to 14 |
24 | HCCL | Honda Cars Calamba | National Highway, Barangay Milagrosa, Calamba | (049) 502.9778 / (049) 502.9776 / (049) 502.0324 |
25 | HCCM | Honda Cars Carmona | Tetra Trading, SLEX – Carmona Toll Plaza, Brgy. Maduya, Carmona, Cavite | (049) 683 2847 / (049) 683 2656 |
26 | HCCP | Honda Cars CamSur-Pili | Maharlika Highway, San Jose Pili, Camarines Sur 4418 | (054) 477 1234 |
27 | HCCA | Honda Cars Cainta | Km. 22 Ortigas Ave. Ext. Highway, Cainta, Rizal | (0960) 332 2237 / (0960) 332 2236 |
28 | HCLC | Honda Cars Lipa | Ayala Highway, Brgy. Balintawak, Lipa City, Batangas 4217 | (043) 757 5974 / (043) 757 5977 / (043) 786 1779 |
29 | HCCI | Honda Cars Cebu, Inc. | A. Soriano Ave., North Reclamation Area, Cebu City | (032) 231 3502 to 08 |
30 | HCCG | Honda Cars Cagayan de Oro | Kauswagan National Highway, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental | (088) 858 4010 ~ 24 |
31 | HCIL | Honda Cars Iloilo | Sen. Benigno Aquino Ave., Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City | (033) 508 8400 to 03 / (033) 508 8522 |
32 | HCMD | Honda Cars Mandaue | A.S Fortuna Street, Brgy. Bakilid, Mandaue City | (032) 422 3700 / (032) 344 5760 |
33 | HCNO | Honda Cars Negros Occidental | National Highway, Talisay, Negros Occidental | (034) 707 8000 to 03 |
34 | HCGS | Honda Cars General Santos | Jose Catolico Sr. Avenue, Lagao, General Santos City | (083) 301 3108 |
35 | HCTG | Honda Cars Tagum | Purok 1 Rizal, Canocotan, Tagum City, Davao del Norte | (0951) 463 1028 |
36 | HCTS | Honda Cars Tandang Sora SPA | L-393 C-6B Mindanao Avenue, Brgy. Talipapa, Quezon City | (02) 8 983 2898 |
37 | HCSR | Honda Cars Sta. Rosa SPA | Balibago-Tagaytay Road, Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna | (049) 544 0371 to 72 / (049) 530 9082 / (02) 519 4295 |

Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) has officially unveiled the All-New Honda CR-V.
The 6th-generation Honda CR-V follows the realization of carbon neutrality, taking a step towards the company’s electrification journey.
HCPI brings in the first-ever CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT, equipped with advanced safety and driving technologies and a full hybrid system.
Going full hybrid
The All-New Honda CR-V’s e:HEV technology combines Honda’s gasoline engine and electrification technologies.
The system combines the power of two electric motors, the Traction Motor and the Generator Motor. Both motors are mated to a new four-cylinder, 2.0-liter Direct Injection Atkinson Cycle engine, which provides 148 PS and 183 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the electric motors put out 184 PS and 335 Nm of torque.
It uses a unique combination since it relies on the gasoline engine alone for high-speed cruising, unlike the motor which usually operates throughout the low- to high-speed range.
Different operating and driving modes
The e:HEV full hybrid system intelligently switches operating modes to suit various driving situations. First, there’s the EV Drive Mode which runs the vehicle solely on battery power.
Then, there’s the Hybrid Drive Mode that shifts power between the electric motor and the engine. Lastly, the e:HEV still has an Engine Drive Mode.
Drivers can easily select driving modes to suit their style of driving, too. Choose between Sport Mode, Normal Mode, and Econ Mode.
Self-charging system and reliable battery
Like other hybrid vehicles, the e:HEV is a self-charging system. The system harvests energy from braking and deceleration, then recovers friction losses that would otherwise be unused. It uses its regenerative braking system and traction motor to help extend the car’s electric power range, further optimizing fuel economy.
Moreover, the battery can be recharged through the engine. It serves as a generator to keep the electric drive system primed for action anytime you want it.
For added peace of mind, the All-New CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT comes with an 8-year or 200,000 kilometer battery warranty (whichever comes first).
Staying safe with Honda SENSING
All variants of the All-New CR-V are equipped with Honda SENSING driver-assistive technology. Moreover, the vehicles now have a new front sensor camera and radar system. The new camera has a wider field of view from 50 degrees to 90 degrees.
Meanwhile, the radar mounted behind the Honda logo on the grille now has a field of view of 120 degrees. Previously, it was up by 70 degrees.
Aside from the new camera and radar, Honda SENSING functions include the following:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW)
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow (ACC with LCF)
- Auto High Beam (AHB)
- For the first time, the RS e:HEV CVT variant comes with Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), an intelligent LED headlight that helps enhance visibility as well as adjust the height of the light beam to avoid dazzling the car in front and pedestrians.
- Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)
Enjoy convenience with Honda CONNECT
The All-New Honda CR-V now comes with Honda CONNECT. Using smart telematics technology, Honda CONNECT allows seamless connection of users with their cars through a smartphone application.
This allows customers to communicate with their vehicle, check its status, and be notified of alerts. It even enhances the All-New CR-V’s safety features through Automatic Collision Detection, Security Alarm Detection, and Speed Alert.
For security features, Honda CONNECT comes with Find My Car, Geofencing Alert, and Emergency Call. Furthermore, Honda CONNECT comes with convenience features such as Car Status, Remote Vehicle Control, and Service Reminder.
The combination of Honda CONNECT and Honda SENSING has earned the All-New Honda CR-V five stars from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program.
With the active and passive safety systems working together, the All-New Honda CR-V received an impressive overall score of 87.16 out of 100.
These results reflect Honda’s commitment to safety for all with a vision of to realize zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050.
Tough, sporty, yet still premium
The All-New Honda CR-V features a sportier and sophisticated premium exterior. It comes with stronger, bolder lines along with its prominent front grille. It’s longer and wider than before, giving it a road-commanding presence.
The first-ever CR-V e:HEV RS takes design to the next level, though. It has an RS-exclusive grille design, a panoramic sunroof, piano black side mirrors with turn signals, a door sash finished in gloss black, a body-color rear spoiler with piano black accents, a piano black shark fin antenna, and an RS-exclusive 18-inch Piano Black Aluminum Alloy Wheels.
Inside, the All-New Honda CR-V gets even more upscale. The larger cabin brings in great comfort for both driver and passengers, and the three-row seating along with 840 liters of cargo space gives an airier and roomier feeling.
It also comes with several features for comfort and convenience such as a 9-inch touchscreen audio, an 8-speaker sound system, and a new 10.2-inch Full Digital instrument cluster.
Moreover, it comes with a new Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a new wireless charger. For the VX Turbo variant, it comes with a new Navigation System and a Smart Key Card Entry.
The RS Variant, on the other hand, comes with more cutting-edge technology. It comes with a new Smart Key Card Entry, a new Head-up Display, and a new Bose Premium Audio System with 12 speakers.
Price and availability
The All-New Honda CR-V is available in all 37 Honda Cars Philippines dealerships. The V Turbo and VX Turbo units are arriving in September 2023, while the RS e:HEV will be available by October 2023. Its suggested retail prices vary per unit:
- 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT — PhP 2,590,000
- 1.5 VX Turbo CVT AWD — PhP 2,280,000
- 1.5 V Turbo CVT — PhP 2,100,000
The All-New CR-V is available in five colors: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Ignite Red Metallic, and Canyon River Blue Metallic.
Its new color, Canyon River Blue Metallic, offers a rich dark blue with large metallic particles that sparkle and shine. Customers interested in the Platinum White Pearl colorway will incur an additional PhP 20,000.
Interested customers are invited to experience the All-New Honda CR-V at the Drive the Future event in SM Mall of Asia Central Atrium on September 21-24 from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM where exciting activities await guests.
Visit any of the 37 Honda Cars Philippines dealerships or HCPI’s website www.hondaphil.com for updates regarding the All-New Honda CR-V, other Honda models and technologies such as the Honda CONNECT, Honda SENSING, and Honda’s e:HEV full hybrid system.

With traffic nowadays, cars aren’t the best ways to traverse the metro anymore. If you’re looking for alternative ways to get around town, scooters remain a viable option. At IFA Berlin 2023, NIU unveiled an incredibly light electric scooter for today’s urban commuter.
The KQi Air series is built for micromobility. The two models — KQi Air and KQi Air X — weigh only around 26lbs. Despite how light they are, they are made with carbon fiber for enhanced durability. Whereas the KQi Air has a 70-30 ratio of carbon fiber and magnesium, the KQi Air X (built with a matte finish) is 100 percent carbon fiber.
For distance, both models have a top speed of 20mph (or around 32 km/h). They have a range of 31 miles (or a bit less than 50 kilometers). The 9.5-inch pneumatic tubeless tires can easily go through most obstacles you’ll find in an urban landscape. Plus, dual disc brakes ensure effective stopping power.
For technology, the series comes with NIU’s usual touchless unlocking methods. They come with an NFC card so users can unlock their scooter with just a tap. Alternatively, users can use Bluetooth or the traditional NIU app. Users can also remotely trigger a loud alarm to prevent theft.
Now, the NIU app offers a lot of feature for commuters. It allows users to customize starting speed, acceleration, top speed, and regenerative braking. The last one can extend the scooter’s range by up to 62 miles in a single year.
The KQi Air series will start its pre-sale on September 19. The regular model — available in red or silver — will cost US$ 1,399. Meanwhile, the Air X — available in gold — will cost US$ 1,799.
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