VOLKSWAGEN in the Philippines is currently replacing some models sourced from Latin America and Europe with those made -- and in some cases found only -- in China. The China-built Volkswagens are more affordable as these do not incur hefty freight costs and duties. One such model recently introduced by the German car maker is the Lavida 230 TSI DSG which, by the looks of it, is supplanting the compact sedan spot in the local range occupied by the Jetta -- a global model. If so, the Lavida has big shoes to fill.

MORE units of Volvo’s new XC60 SUV, the car maker’s best-seller since the model’s launch in 2008, are now available in the Philippines. According to a statement released last week by the brand’s distributor in the country, the latest version of the car -- unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017 -- is now available in local showrooms, as well as in pop-up stores nationwide.

ICON, a California-based company rebuilding vintage cars and SUVs into modern classics, has come up with its first watch -- the Icon Duesey.

Ford Ranger sales rise 9% in Asia Pacific SALES of the Ford Ranger in Asia Pacific have picked up nearly 9% in the first six...

Over the weekend, the automotive industry learned of the sad news about Sergio Marchionne being relieved of his concurrent roles as CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and CEO of Ferrari. This development came after the 66-year-old Italian executive had reportedly fallen into a coma as a result of complications sustained from his recent shoulder surgery.

ELECTRIC vehicles (EVs) have long crossed the divide of the conceptual to mass-production reality, but there remains a number of challenges to their adoption -- from high cost to lack of charging stations. It thus has been a constant and loud refrain in markets like ours that a multi-sectoral push is needed to realize a more conducive environment for EVs.

PRODUCTION of Porsche’s first purely electric is set to begin in 2019, the company said in a statement.

ALL-WHEEL drive. Seems only proper that the sixth-generation BMW M5 -- which on July 15 made its Philippine debut suitably surrounded by supercars of varying makes -- is capable of allocating grunt to all four wheels rather than just the rear ones, as the case had been in all previous M5s. The latest car is the most powerful rendition of the model yet, and the added traction guaranteed by all-wheel drive should raise the M5’s performance level as the engine’s output is transmitted to the tarmac more effectively than ever.

INDEPENDENT high-end watchmaker Richard Mille, partner of the Le Mans Classic since it began in 2002, has been creating special pieces to mark each edition of the motor racing event. For the 2018 edition, held in early July, Richard Mille unveiled the RM 11-02 Le Mans Classic.

PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC) said the 2018 Shell Technology Forum saw representatives from the government, academe and various industries talk about developments in the business sector, as well as to “push for innovation and cooperation” among industry players.

I’ve attended more car launches than my deteriorating memory can accurately recall, but I can confidently proclaim last Sunday’s BMW M5 debut as the most amusing one. It wasn’t because of production value. In fact, there were no fog machines, no balletic dancers, no executives descending from the rafters. There was only a simple backdrop that visually framed the car and the podium beside it. Quite a spartan setup for the arrival of a P14,790,000 high-performance German sedan, to be honest.

THE prime lesson for drivers of every skill level is pretty simple and straightforward: Confine racing ambitions to the track -- not everyday streets. People can get hurt, or worse.