Automotive
Sex in driverless cars and what might be the future of autonomous vehicles
All according to a study
What will autonomous vehicles bring? More than just a driverless solution from point A to point B, according to a new study.
Of course, the logical effect would be the phasing out of traditional cabs and a switch in focus to the customer experience. A paper conducted by University of Surrey Tourism Professor Scott Cohen and University of Oxford Transport Studies Lecturer Debbie Hopkins goes even further in imagining a world where driverless cars are a reality.
According to Cohen, “It’s only a natural conclusion that sex in autonomous vehicles will become a phenomenon.” “Sex,” the study explains, “plays a central role in many tourism experiences.” It furthers, “It is just a small leap to imagine Amsterdam’s Red Light District ‘on the move.’”
The researchers also warn authorities to be ready. With the driverless revolution less than a decade away, these transport spaces may possibly be used as cover for illicit activities like prostitution, drug dealing, or even terrorism. On the other side of the spectrum, privacy issues might also arise as these autonomous vehicles will most probably be tracking everything.
In the meantime, let’s sit tight — in cars that actually have drivers in them.
Automotive
BYD Atto 2 launches with EV, plug-in hybrid options
A full EV variant and two DM-i hybrid options, all built around the same Blade Battery platform
BYD Cars Philippines just launched the Atto 2 at the Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City. It’s the newest addition to the brand’s New Energy Vehicle lineup here.
You get a choice between a full battery electric vehicle and BYD’s Super DM-i plug-in hybrid system. The DM-i splits further into Premium and Dynamic variants.
On range, the EV variant is rated for up to 380 km on a full charge. The DM-i variants run up to 45 km on electric power alone. Combined range goes up to 1,340 km, based on an efficiency run BYD Cars Philippines conducted with the Automobile Association of the Philippines.
BYD notes those combined-range numbers aren’t guaranteed. They’ll shift depending on driving habits, traffic, road and weather conditions, vehicle load, and battery condition.
Every Atto 2 variant runs on BYD’s Blade Battery. It’s the same platform the brand leans on for durability and thermal stability across its lineup.
All three variants share the same core safety features and SUV styling. The DM-i Premium stands out as the only variant with DiPilot ADAS on board, alongside a fuller set of comfort and convenience features.
Tech-wise, the EV gets a 12.8-inch touchscreen. The DM-i models come with a 10.1-inch display. Both support smartphone connectivity.
The EV variant also gets Vehicle-to-Load capability. It lets you plug appliances or equipment directly into the car and use it as a power source, whether that’s for a road trip, a weekend outdoors, or backup power when you need it.
Price, availability
From July 28 to August 31, 2026, all Atto 2 variants come with launch offers and financing promos through BPI. Once that period ends, official pricing starting September 1 looks like this:
- BYD Atto 2 EV: PhP 1,338,000
- BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium: PhP 1,258,000
- BYD Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic: PhP 1,048,000
Every unit comes with an 8-year warranty on the Drive Unit, a 6-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty, and an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty on the Blade Battery.
Color options include Breeze Green, exclusive to the EV; Cosmos Black, exclusive to the DM-i; along with Harbour Grey, Midnight Blue, and Ski White across the lineup.
The Atto 2 launch also kicks off the BYD Tech Tour, running at the Trinoma Activity Center from July 28 to August 2.
Automotive
BYD adds the facelifted Seal 5 DM-i to its hybrid sedan lineup
More electric range, more everyday practicality, same Blade Battery backbone
BYD Cars Philippines is growing its electrified sedan family with the facelifted Seal 5 DM-i, now available in Essential and Dynamic variants.
It follows up on the original Seal 5’s 2024 launch, and this time BYD is leaning on its 5th generation Super DM-i tech to make plug-in hybrid ownership more approachable for everyday buyers, not just early adopters.
The variants are built around two different Blade Battery sizes. The Essential runs a 7.42 kWh battery good for up to 55 km of electric-only range, while the Dynamic steps up to an 18.3 kWh battery for up to 115 km.
In both cases, the idea is that most daily commutes can run entirely on electric power, with the hybrid system kicking in once you go beyond that.
BYD also ran a combined-range efficiency test with the Automobile Association Philippines and came away with a figure of up to 2,181 km.
That’s BYD’s number from a controlled test, so treat it as a ceiling rather than what you’ll see day to day. Real-world range depends on how you drive, traffic, road conditions, and how loaded the car is.
Inside, the cabin gets an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus automatic climate control with rear vents and several USB ports.
Trunk space sits at 522 liters, and that opens up to 1,295 liters with the rear seats folded down, which should cover most errand runs or small business hauls.
On safety, the Seal 5 DM-i comes with cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Hold Control, Automatic Vehicle Hold, and multiple airbags.
Price, availability
Introductory pricing runs from July 28 to August 31, 2026. After that, official SRP lands at PhP 948,000 for the Essential and PhP 1,048,000 for the Dynamic.
Both variants carry an 8-year Drive Unit warranty, a 6-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty, and 8 years or 160,000 km of coverage on the Blade Battery.
Color options are Deep Sea Blue, Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey, and Harbour Grey. BPI is also offering financing for individual buyers and businesses looking to bring hybrid or electric vehicles into their fleets.
The Seal 5 DM-i launch opens the BYD Tech Tour, running at the Trinoma Activity Center from July 28 to August 2.
Automotive
Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140th anniversary at the Presidential Car Museum
A generation’s worth of presidential Benz models under one roof
Last month, Mercedes-Benz Philippines kicked off its 140th -anniversary “Welcome Home” campaign. Designed to celebrate the iconic Chedeng and introduce a new generation to the brand, the campaign attracts old and new customers alike. Now, the brand’s 140th year is also hitting history buffs with a special showcase at the Presidential Car Museum in Quezon City.
Since President Cory Aquino’s term, the official presidential car has been a Benz, offering comfort and protection for the current head of state. It is here where Mercedes-Benz wants to celebrate the legacy of the brand, especially in the annals of Philippine history.
Amid the cars of Presidents Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, and Macapagal-Arroyo, Mercedes-Benz is displaying a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica, which is the world’s first automobile introduced by Karl Benz in 1886. The replica will be on display until December 2026.
Outside the Presidential Car Museum, Mercedes-Benz is running discounts through the end of July. There are also special aftersales services for those who already own a Benz. Finally, the brand will continue to run activations throughout the anniversary, so expect to hear a lot more about the Chedeng throughout the year.
SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz holds a Welcome Home campaign to celebrate 140 years
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