Sunshine TV’s Auto Rally Corporate Challenge (ARCC) season is here to enforce and remind everyone of road safety and driver discipline. It is also a celebration of the popular Sampaguita Rally in the Philippines back in 2001.
If you just heard of ARCC and have no idea what happens during the event, you may quickly read our feature from last year.
Just like the previous ARCC, each automotive brand can send up to three teams with three members per vehicle. And for 2019, Ford went with an all-Raptor lineup to join the competition.
What’s different from last year was that this time, we had a solid GadgetMatch team for the driver, time-keeper, and navigator positions. As such, we’ve collected our experiences during the run to show how exactly the dynamics work between the three roles.
Rodneil (time-keeper):
Going into the rally, people were saying the time-keeper had perhaps the most challenging role because he had to do the math. While I’d like to think my math isn’t too shabby, there was more to the role than just crunching numbers.
Like anyone doing anything for the first time, I quickly entered into a mild panic the moment we were handed the handbook that contained the rally’s route. Sure, we prepared the night before but that didn’t seem to matter for the first few seconds. Luckily Kevin and Dan were a little more level-headed and helped me calm down lol.
It was smooth sailing from there, or at least that’s what I would like to think. I was flipping through the pages making sure I calculate the ideal time to complete a certain leg while also letting Kevin know if we should slow down or hit the pedal to the metal.
The second leg was a little bit rougher. We got lost and confused at multiple stops but were able to find our way somehow. The bonus stage was super fun because Kevin really got to take advantage of the Ranger Raptor’s capabilities sliding our way through the wet roads and dodging obstacles.
Even though I honestly wasn’t sure what I was doing 90% of the time, I’d like to think we did pretty okay and more than winning, I really like the teamwork we had during the rally.
Dan (navigator):
As a first-time participant in ARCC, I was both excited and nervous. When I was told that I’ll be the navigator for the team, I felt the pressure to make sure that we’re in the right way. I’ve always been good with directions, especially when I have a map with me. However, the directions included in the rally’s handbook were just arrows with minimal clues (see picture below) and it was definitely a challenge.
Throughout the race, I had to closely coordinate with Kevin, the driver, so we don’t miss any turns. I also had to check in with Rodneil, the time-keeper, to keep track of the time. The first leg was relatively easy for me since we mostly passed by the expressway and long secondary roads that go around and through the rural areas.
The second leg was a different story. Just as it started, I got confused with the initial directions and the tiny traffic cones. Unlike with the first one, the second leg of the rally was within the city center. I had to deal with multiple intersections and a number of small roads that weren’t specified in the handbook. Sad to say, I was muddled and not able to keep my head in the game.
Overall, I had fun. It was enjoyable to have a different activity. I wasn’t in front of my laptop the whole day which means the rally really took my full attention.
Kevin (driver):
I’ve participated in ARCC for a couple of times now and I’ve always been the driver every single event. The reason being I feel it’s where I’d be effective the most and personally, I just enjoy driving. As the one behind the wheel, you basically just have to listen to both the time-keeper and navigator to tell you how fast you should go and where you should go.
Although that may sound simple, you also have to be able to know when to go beyond the recommended speed to make up for lost time, for example, or when to slow down when you’re ahead of the perfect time.
As Rodneil and Dan have already stressed out, the first of two legs was pretty simple and directions were straightforward. We didn’t miss any of the checkpoints and we’re actually pretty confident of our recorded times.
During the afternoon leg, however, the directions were a little bit more complex — making us turn at more corners in short distances which made things a bit confusing. We found our way towards the right direction, though, and were able to make up for a few lost seconds. We even did good time during the bonus stage clocking in half a second past the perfect time.
Overall, it was still an enjoyable event that brought friendly competition between automotive brands. On top of that, STV was successful in making the event not only fun but also serve an important reminder to always follow traffic rules and practice road safety. It was awesome to once again represent Ford Philippines and this time, with our very own GadgetMatch team.
We’re looking forward to next year’s ARCC!
Automotive
BYD says that way better EV batteries are coming next year
Solid-state batteries will debut with higher-end models in 2027.
With gas prices reaching the edges of believability, electric and hybrid vehicles are turning into worthy upgrades. That said, the more casual consumer still has a lot of questions about going electric, primarily about the durability of the battery and range anxiety. Well, a major battery technology upgrade is coming in the next few years, and BYD has just committed to it for next year.
Via the Spanish outlet Carwow, BYD EVP Stella Li confirmed that the company will launch its first vehicle with a solid-state battery in 2027. Now, if you’re a regular consumer, a solid-state battery probably doesn’t make much sense to you. But here’s the basics: it’s smaller, safer, and can last longer on a single charge.
If you’re fine with technical explanations, a solid-state battery uses more solid components, as opposed to the liquid solution used by the current standard of lithium-ion batteries. Because it’s more solid, it has better energy density. Higher energy density means a smaller size is needed to achieve the same battery capacity as modern batteries. In turn, this means that a vehicle can pack more batteries inside, allowing for better capacity. Oh, and let’s not forget that these batteries are generally safer and less prone to incidents.
In the same interview, BYD says that the first model will arrive next year. Unfortunately, because of the battery’s cost to produce, the component will likely debut with the company’s higher-end models. Still, it’s an exciting sight to behold. The electric and hybrid market is already quite the temptation for users, so an even better battery will further push the segment to better heights.
SEE ALSO: BYD adds the facelifted Seal 5 DM-i to its hybrid sedan lineup
Accessories
70mai launches the A900 series with 4K front, rear recording
Two new 4K dual-channel dash cams, both with 4G
70mai has launched the A900 Series, led by the flagship 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra, with the 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 joining it in the lineup.
Both models record in 4K from the front and rear cameras, and both support 4G, so your footage stays reachable from your phone even when you’re away from the car.
4K recording from both cameras
The A900 Ultra uses dual Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensors to capture clear 4K footage from both directions. As a result, details like license plates and road signs remain sharp.
Smart HDR balances bright and dark areas under shifting light. Users can also adjust color tones and contrast. To keep feeds synced, the rear camera uses LVDS digital transmission. This tech sends a lossless 4K feed with just 20ms of latency.
Handling changing light
Driving into a tunnel or under the shadow of a tall building changes the lighting quickly, and 70mai built three imaging technologies into the A900 Ultra to deal with it.
MaiColor Vivid+ Solution 2.0 is meant to give more natural colors and finer detail, along with smarter scene adaptation. Night Owl Vision 2.0 reduces noise and glare to help with nighttime clarity.
Lumi Vision is made for parking surveillance in near-total darkness, where it automatically adjusts exposure and gain and applies noise reduction. 70mai says this produces clear, full-color footage in extremely low light.
Parking mode and remote access
Smart Parking Guardian Mode 2.0 protects your vehicle while parked. It combines AI motion detection, dual-channel collision detection with pre-recording, and time-lapse options.
The system draws just 5mA on standby to prevent battery drain. For extended coverage, the optional 70mai Battery Pack Mini powers surveillance for up to 30 days.
Pairing the camera with the 4G Hardwire Kit unlocks 70mai 4G Cloud+ 2.0 features on the app. Enhanced Buffered Emergency Recording saves up to 190 seconds before an incident and 30 seconds after.
It automatically uploads this footage to the cloud for immediate remote viewing.
The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900
The A900 sits alongside the Ultra as the more accessible option. It records True 4K HDR at 30FPS from both the front and rear cameras, and Smart HDR can be scheduled to turn on at set times.
Its f/1.55 aperture is meant to help in low light, and 4G Cloud+ 2.0 keeps the dash cam connected to the 70mai App. It’s the model for drivers who want dual-channel recording and 4G connectivity at a lower price.
The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra retails for US$ 300, available for pre-order at US$ 240. Meanwhile, the A900 is priced at US$ 200, currently 20% off at US$ 170.
Automotive
The Kia EV3 brings gallery-worthy design in a compact electric form
The 2025 World Car of the Year turns daily driving into functional art.
The all-new Kia EV3 officially debuted against the architectural backdrop of the Ayala Museum.
Named the 2025 World Car of the Year, the compact electric SUV redefines daily driving as functional art. It also holds prestigious Red Dot “Best of the Best” and iF Design awards.
Sculpted like a modern piece of design
The EV3 shares the forward-thinking design philosophy of the acclaimed EV5 and EV9.
Its exterior features an evolved Digital Tiger Face paired with signature LED lighting. Sculpted geometric surfaces and flush door handles maintain a smooth silhouette.
A tailored rear spoiler, roof rails, and 17-inch alloy wheels complete the profile. The result looks composed and elegant, especially when parked outside a contemporary gallery.
Beneath its sculpted skin lies instant, whisper-quiet electric power. A front-mounted motor generates 204 PS and 283 Nm of torque.
A 58.3 kWh battery delivers up to 511 kilometers of range on a single charge (NEDC). Replenishing energy fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle.
Standard 11 kW AC charging goes from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 5 hours and 20 minutes. Meanwhile, 350 kW DC Fast Charging restores the same charge in just 29 minutes.
A digital sanctuary, literally
Inside, the cabin opens into a clean, modern sanctuary.
A striking 30-inch Triple Panoramic Display centers the dashboard. It unifies the instrument cluster, climate settings, and infotainment beneath one sweeping glass surface.
Leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver’s seat prioritize comfort, and the power lumbar support ensures relaxed driving on longer journeys.
There’s also a sliding central console tray that creates an adaptable workspace on the go. On another note, connectivity remains effortless throughout the interior space. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Additionally, dual wireless charging pads, five USB-C ports, and six speakers keep devices powered and entertained. For weekend getaways, 60:40 split-folding rear seats easily expand cargo capacity.
Intuitive safety
Intelligent peace of mind comes standard through the Kia DriveWise suite.
Active features include Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Forward Collision Avoidance with Autonomous Emergency Braking.
Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blindspot Safety Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Safety assist at every turn.
Seven airbags protect the front, side, and curtain areas. Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, parking sensors, and a rear-view camera complete the protective core.
Price, availability
The Kia EV3 starts at PhP 1,898,000, inclusive of a home wall charger. An introductory offer reduces the price to PhP 1,868,000, saving early buyers PhP 30,000. Reservations also include five years of free Preventive Maintenance Service.
Kia provides a five-year or 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty. The high-voltage battery carries an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty.
The EV3 comes in seven curated exterior colors. Options include Aventurine Green, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, Terra Cotta, Frost Blue, Shale Grey, and Ivory Silver.
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