Automotive
Voting for Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards now easier
With a chance to win prizes when you vote
The search for the most popular vehicles in the Philippines has just kicked off in the form of the Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFPCA). People can easily vote for their favorite vehicles using their smartphones.
Launched by production group Sunshine TV, Auto Focus recognizes the country’s automobile manufacturers and importers through an accurate method of determining the motoring public’s choices. This has been the company’s 14th year of organizing the event and this time, they’re making things simpler.
Voting is done with the implementation of the “top of mind” principle. Instead of choosing from a long list of car brands and models, people can simply vote out of the top of their minds. The company went for this approach since they believe awareness and immediate preferences are keys to consider a car model’s popularity.
Additionally, the Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards (AFMCA) will be undertaken in tandem with the AFPCA to honor car models that offer the top features, value, and performance. Professional motoring media and practitioners will judge the entries and give awards for best in design, engine performance, safety features, and value for money.
To vote for the People’s Choice Award, simply go to their page and log in using your Facebook profile. You can input the vehicle of your choice in the spaces provided. A minimum of one vehicle in the Standard category and another in the Luxury category can be included. If you have more in mind, five entries are allowed for each category.
People who vote have a chance to win raffle prizes. Voting can be done every day until the poll closes on September 30, 2018. Happy voting!
Earlier this year, we named the Kia EV9 as one of the most luxurious vehicles we’ve tried so far. Besides the raw power inside, the car’s interior was a spectacle for the tech-savvy. Today, Kia Philippines is expanding its now-iconic lineup with a smaller version of its behemoth. Presenting: the Kia EV5.
At the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, Kia Philippines unleashed the EV5. Compared to the gigantic capabilities of the EV9, the EV5 is a five-seater SUV that leverages all the technological capabilities of its all-electric motor.
Under the hood, the car can put out a capable 217 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque. Impressively, the 88.1kWh battery can reportedly last up to 550 kilometers on a single charge.
As expected, the Kia EV5 will feature the brand’s impressive array of tech-filled capabilities. This includes Kia’s ADAS features called DriveWise. It also has, we can assume, a lot of convenience features that straddle the edge of luxury.
Now, we say “assume” because the car hasn’t technically launched yet. Kia Philippines has confirmed that a more formal launch will happen in the first quarter of 2026. This launch will reveal the final price and available features coming to the Philippines.
In the meantime, interested buyers can get a first look at the Kia EV5 during the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit happening until October 25.
Automotive
BYD eMAX 9 DM-i leads the future of luxury family travel
Sophistication and smart performance in a seven-seater MPV
The BYD eMAX 9 DM-i is a mid-size MPV built to move modern families toward an electrified future.
Unveiled at the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, the new flagship MPV from BYD seats seven and runs on the brand’s Super DM-i hybrid system.
The BYD eMax 9 DM-i brings together power and efficiency in one refined form.
Luxury that travels with you
From the outside, the eMAX 9 DM-i stands tall and confident.
It wears BYD’s Dragon Face design with bold lines, signature LED lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels that give every drive a commanding presence.
Inside, the cabin feels like a private retreat. Hands-free side doors and a powered tailgate make entry effortless, while a built-in refrigerator keeps drinks cool for long drives.
Both the Premium and Advanced variants feature a Tri-Zone Cooling System that allows each passenger to set their preferred temperature.
The Premium model adds massage and ventilation to the captain’s chairs. Plus, plush leather seats and a 15.6-inch infotainment display complete the experience.
Power and efficiency
At its core, the eMAX 9 DM-i runs on BYD’s Super DM-i technology, which combines a high-power electric motor with a 1.5-liter turbocharged generator.
Together, they produce 271 PS and 315 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds.
The Premium variant comes with a 36.6 kWh battery that delivers up to 170 kilometers of pure-electric driving. Meanwhile, the Advanced model provides 95 kilometers.
With both electric and fuel power combined, the eMAX 9 can travel up to 1,000 kilometers on a single charge and a full tank.
Charging is simple and flexible. AC charging takes around 3 to 5 hours depending on the variant. Meanwhile, DC fast charging brings the battery from 30% to 80% in under 20 minutes.
The eMAX 9 can also share its power through Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which allows users to plug in small appliances or camping equipment directly into the vehicle.
Safety that gives confidence
The eMAX 9 DM-i is designed to protect every passenger.
The Premium variant features BYD’s DiSus-C suspension system, which automatically adjusts to different road conditions for a smoother and more stable ride.
Its DiPilot driver assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
Eight airbags, a 360-degree camera, and rear cross-traffic alerts provide added peace of mind for every trip.
Price, availability
With prices starting at PhP 2,678,000 for the Advanced variant and PhP 2,998,000 for the Premium, the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i is a refined statement of sustainable luxury. It is available in Cosmos Black, Deep Sea Blue, and Aurora White.
Every purchase is backed by BYD’s comprehensive warranty: eight years or 160,000 kilometers for the Blade Battery and drive unit, and six years or 150,000 kilometers for the vehicle itself.
Automotive
HONOR, BYD team up for AI-powered smart mobility
HONOR connectivity tech plus BYD’s DiLink ecosystem
HONOR has announced a strategic partnership with new-energy vehicle manufacturer BYD. The collaboration merges HONOR’s smart connectivity solutions with BYD’s next-generation DiLink system. This aims to create intelligent, AI-powered mobility experiences for everyday drivers.
The agreement was formalized in Shenzhen, witnessed by HONOR CEO James Li and BYD Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu.
A new phase in intelligent mobility
This partnership expands on years of cooperation between the two tech leaders. Their collaboration will now move across three key fronts:
- Core technology and features: Joint innovation in cross-device ecosystem integration, AI agent functions, and high-precision Bluetooth-based digital keys.
- Channel ecosystem and user benefits: A shared model that connects HONOR’s vehicle tech with BYD’s ecosystem for smoother cross-platform experiences.
- Joint communication and engagement: Coordinated marketing efforts and shared launch milestones to engage users more directly.
Building on a strong foundation
HONOR and BYD’s partnership began in 2023 with smartphone NFC car keys. This allowed BYD drivers to unlock vehicles using HONOR devices. In 2024, they expanded to in-car fast charging. This year, Denza became the first brand to integrate HONOR Car Connect, paving the way for other BYD models to adopt the system for seamless phone-to-car connectivity.
Driving the AI era
Both companies aim to push the boundaries of AI-driven mobility, with upcoming projects centered on digital keys, deeper phone-to-car integration, and smarter safety features.
The collaboration will also take center stage at the 2025 HONOR Global Developers Conference and AI Device Ecosystem Conference on October 23, where HONOR will showcase the HONOR AI Connect platform and its role in building human-centric, scenario-based AI solutions.
-
News1 week agoThe Redmi K90 Pro Max is the first smartphone with Bose-powered speakers
-
Reviews2 weeks ago60 days with the vivo V60: 6 upgrades in 6 months
-
Reviews2 weeks agoM5 iPad Pro review: The Most Powerful iPad Ever!
-
Laptops1 week agoM5 MacBook Pro review
-
News1 week agorealme GT 8 Pro has Ricoh GR cameras plus swappable camera shapes
-
Automotive1 week agoBYD eMAX 9 DM-i leads the future of luxury family travel
-
Automotive2 weeks agoInside the BYD Di-Space Museum
-
Accessories1 week agoQCY H3S review: Clean sounding, lean pricing






