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.

IT STILL seats seven in luxury, is propped up by a monocoque, and is propelled by the same engine. But the new Mazda CX-9 introduced locally on July 2 costs nearly P500,000 less than the variant it joins in the brand’s Philippine lineup.

PEUGEOT Philippines has completed its SUV lineup with the arrival of the Peugeot 5008, which joins the French brand’s 2008 and 3008 models introduced in late 2017.

TO celebrate the return of Formula One to France (at the historic Paul Ricard circuit) this year, Bell & Ross brought out a special rendition of its Vintage model.

THE new Lamborghini Urus was named MVP SUV in Robb Report Best of the Best 2018 awards, Lamborghini Manila said in a statement.

Last week, I talked about some lawmaker’s wish to enact a bill that proposes the practice of telecommuting (or working from home). The desire is a natural offshoot of worsening traffic congestion. Stay home if you can. Stop adding to the problem. Makes sense.