Kenneth Cobonpue, an award winning Filipino craftsman and industrial designer famous for his furniture designs using natural fibers and materials like rattan, bamboo and abaca created a 2-seater concept car with the help of product designer Albert Brikner.

The car, which was carefully handmade from bamboo, rattan, steel and nylon, was completed in 10 days. The design was inspired by the structure of a leaf.

There’s no details available about the car’s power and torque. ! And another thing, this little concept car needs a crash test.

[images © by Kenneth Cobonpue via design boom]

Eight-Division World Champion Manny Pacquiao splurge into buying himself an early Christmas gift. He bought a Ferrari 458 Italia for $225 thousand to add to his pricey car collection of Mercedes Benz, Porsche, and different SUVs.

The spanking new “smokey gray” Ferrari is being used by the Pac-Man to drive himself to the Wild Card Gym where he is currently training for his third fight against arch nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao said that he’s still contemplating on whether he wants a red Ferrari instead.

VIDEO: Manny Pacquiao parking his Ferrari at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles

Pacquiao will be expecting yet another big payday from his fight against Marquez on November 12. Sources say, he’s guaranteed to earn more than $20 million, combining ticket sales, Pay-Per-View buys, and TV rights, on top of the fight purse.

September of 2011 chalks in as the best month ever in Volvo cars’ history with an increase of 30.5 percent, driven by strong sales on a number of markets. Total sales from January to September 2011 totaled to 333,865 cars, a 22.5 percent increase from the same period last year.

Sweden remained the top selling market while Volvo Car Overseas Corporation (VCOC) where Volvo Philippines is a part of also did very well as a whole with a growth of 49.6 percent. China more than doubled its September figure from 2010 to 4, 765 cars with the S60 and XC60 as main drivers while Japan also penciled in a 65 percent increase in sales.

The world’s first car that can stop itself – the Volvo XC60 remains to be the No. 1 Volvo model in the global sales statistics, followed by the All-New Volvo S60, V60, XC90 and V50. In the Philippines, the Volvo XC60 now comes in three variants starting with a 2.0L 240bhp T5 engine, a 2.4L 205bhp turbo diesel engine and a 3.0L 304bhp T6.

“We are looking forward to an optimistic last quarter and an even more dynamic 2012 with the introduction of new models and variants that will make it possible for us to compete in segments where we were not present in before. Plans of expanding the network is also underway in our effort to share with the market the new breed of sleek, smart and strong Volvos,” quips Rose Dimalanta 1st executive Vice President.

Volvo’s Easy Ownership Packages
Driving a Volvo is also made easier through Volvo’s premium offerings such as:

• Best-in-Class Ownership Package YOURS at P250, 000.00 and P399, 000.00 DP All-in
• FREE 5 Year Warranty
• FREE 5 Year Roadside Assistance
• FREE 3 Year LTO Registration
• FREE 1 Year Free Comprehensive Insurance with AON
• FREE Chattel Mortgage Fee

All these offerings matched with superior product features such as the groundbreaking Collision Warning With Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection in the All-New Volvo S60 spell out unequalled value for money. It’s the intelligent choice made by sophisticated buyers who understand that having the peace of mind and world-trusted safety benefits of Volvo also allows them to squeeze out more fun in driving a Volvo.

Sebastian Vettel has become Formula One double world champion after finishing third place at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Japan. All Vettel has to do is to add a single point in Japan or in all remaining Grand Prix this year to secure the back-to-back championship. He finished 3rd in Japan and gained 15 points, making it impossible for McLaren’s Jenson Button to catch up.

Jenson Button on the other hand won the Japanese Grand Prix while Fernando Alonso took the second place. Vettel’s Red Bull teammate Mark Webber was in fourth position, Lewis Hamilton in fifth and Michael Schumacher in sixth place.

Here are Vettel’s Record Breaking Age Records:

Youngest world champion: 23 years 135 days
Youngest back-to-back, double champion: 24 years 99 days
Youngest winner of a GP: 21 years 74 days
Youngest pole position: 21 years 73 days
Youngest on the podium: 21 years 74 days
Youngest to score a point: 19 years 349 days

Honda Foundation (HFI) intensifies its clean fleet management advocacy as it continues to raise awareness on the importance of fuel efficient and safe driving. In partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE), Philippine Business for the Environment (PBE) and Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia), the Honda Foundation reaches out to fleet operators from the government and private sector for a whole day of eco-safety driving training at the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC).

HFI, composed of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., Honda Philippines, Inc., Honda Parts Manufacturing Corporation and Honda Trading Philippines, recently hosted a dynamic interaction among 16 representatives from the Office of the President (OP), Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Maynilad, Manila Water and Globe Telecom to collectively help address pressing issues on air pollution, climate change and energy sustainability.

“Faced with finite fuel resources, high fuel prices and worsening air quality, we must put our efforts together and act immediately before it’s too late.” said Mr. Voltaire Gonzales, HCPI’s Head of Vehicle Sales and Corporate Communications. “Since 1996, HCPI has pioneered in providing fuel efficiency awareness through our Honda Challenge Cup activity. For fifteen years now, we have been teaching safe and fuel efficient driving techniques under normal conditions. With the simple formula: DRIVER plus VEHICLE plus FUEL equals FUEL ECONOMY, application of correct driving style, use of a well-maintained vehicle that is designed with fuel saving technology and use of high quality fuel can easily extend one’s fuel mileage and reduce harmful emissions,” he added.

Under combined city and highway driving conditions, Gary Berba and Mike Bustos of Globe Telecom posted an average of 20.29 km/li using the 1.5 City, Neil Edwin Pagalilauan and Jose Benjamin Tomelden from the Office of the President posted 18.47 km/li with the 1.3 Jazz, Joji Ubas and Benedict Buenvenida of Globe and Manila Water posted 16.97 km/li using the 1.3 City. Lastly, the team of Florante Malaluan and Gerald Saludez of Maynilad generated 16.70 km/li using the 1.8 Civic.

Some may find fuel conscious driving uninteresting but Benedict Buenvenida of Manila Water thinks otherwise. He said, “There is actually more to it than just leisurely driving. If you have your own kids or nephews, you would realize that with the situation we are into right now, one should just walk rather than use the car for short-distance trips. You will not only get to save on gas money but also help conserve the environment for the welfare of our children.”

Raffy Lavides of DOTC personally practices fuel efficient driving. “I don’t go beyond 2,000 rpm and just maintain 80 kph on highways. I am glad that today’s car technologies assist drivers to instantly monitor one’s fuel consumption. The Honda City we drove has a fuel meter to remind me the efficiency level of my driving performance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Glynda Bathan, Policy and Partnership Manager of CAI-Asia imparted the importance of curbing harmful emissions. She said, “Based from the study conducted by GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma), 1 out of 16 Filipinos or approximately 5.5 million suffer from asthma. We know that air pollution exacerbates asthma. If we don’t clean the air, 5.5 million Filipinos suffer the risk of dying from the disease.”

Honda’s Clean Fleet Management and Eco-Safe Driving Project is in support to the Government Energy Management Program and the Philippine Business Climate Imperative. Initiated in February 2011, Honda has already engaged 248 officers from 28 government agencies into the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) Clean Fleet Toolkit. This toolkit serves as a practical guide in measuring and reducing emissions of vehicle fleets.

As part of its unwavering commitment to the welfare of the environment, Honda on its own aims for 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of Honda’s global products by year 2020, as compared to 2000 levels. Its proactive environmental efforts have been commended by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) as it earned the highest score among Japanese companies. Established in the United Kingdom in 2000, the CDP is an independent, non-profit organization which analyzes the responses of the world’s 500 largest companies to its questionnaire about the company’s strategies and corporate governance to address climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

In marking 20 years of its local operations last October 2010, HCPI has strengthened its longtime environmental pledge to leave blue skies for our children, as initiated by Honda’s founder Soichiro Honda back in 1966. This year, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced “Blue Skies for our Children” as Honda’s global environmental slogan to express its proactive commitment to pass on the joy and freedom of mobility to the next generation and establish a sustainable society where people can enjoy life.

Volvo Philippines is one with Volvo Car Corporation as it takes the next bold step in the evolution of the company’s upcoming large luxury sedan. The Concept You, revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, combines a sleek coupe-like exterior with a luxurious high-tech interior that keeps the driver in command via intuitive smart pad technology.

Concept gives the global car buying public another exciting glimpse of the Volvo Car Corporation’s future. With a full interior, Concept You allows luxury sedan customers to fully experience the craftsmanship and intuitive technology that will be the hallmark of future Volvos.

“The new Concept You roofline stretches all the way back to the tail lamps – creating that dynamic fastback look that is very much in vogue among European car buyers at the moment,” says Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at the Volvo Car Corporation.

Video: Volvo Concept You

Touch-control cockpit and pure craftsmanship
The luxurious interior of the Concept You features a blend of intuitive smart pad technology and first-class craftsmanship.

“The Concept You explores new territories in our search for the ultimate intuitive car that makes the owners manual a thing of the past. Smart phones and smart pads have brought mobile infotainment into a new era. Here, we use a number of touch-screens to replace buttons and controls in order to make the driver totally connected, totally in control. The technology also helps us to create a refreshingly uncluttered interior,” explains Peter Horbury.

The Concept You control center consists of four main areas; a digital Driver Information Monitor (DIM), a head-up display on the windscreen, a touch-screen in the upper part of the center console and a touch-screen between the two individual rear seats. The wood/leather steering wheel has aluminum and glass paddles with integrated touch-screens.

The touch-screen in the upper part of the centre console remains in sleeping mode until the driver looks at it. A hidden infrared camera registers the eye movements and information is displayed on the screen.

Another sensor registers hand movements and triggers the Infotainment system’s control mode. The possibilities vary depending on whether the screen is approached by the driver or by the front passenger.

“Certain functions, such as surfing the Web, are only accessible from the passenger side while the car is rolling. The technology knows who is the present operator and adapts itself automatically,” says Peter Horbury.

The driver can “flip” data from the central touch-screen to the head-up display – and can exchange data with the rear passengers. A light guide in the free-floating centre console indicates file transfer.

Unique air-powered sound system*
The Infotainment system also integrates a high-end sound system from Alpine. It features the unique “FreshAir” subwoofer – a not yet released technology that uses the air outside the car to create the ultimate listening experience. The sound system consists of small, optimized units that considerably cut weight – while still producing a better sound than today’s systems.

Comfortable and cultivated
The interior is dedicated to offer design-driven customers a comfortable, cultivated, Scandinavian inspired environment that is also user-focused and refreshingly uncomplicated. Every detail has been chosen with the customer experience in focus.
The interior is driver-orientated at the front and comfortably relaxed in the rear. The dynamic feel and dark color scheme in the front seats fades seamlessly towards the rear until it fully transforms into a light rear seat haven of calmness.

The rear seat passengers are embraced by pure comfort, as if their favorite lounge were magically integrated into the car. The interior moulds into the rear seat and becomes part of the seating environment. The Volvo Car Corporation has partnered with several other famous brands in order to create a genuine feeling of luxury with the right Scandinavian touch.

Leather, suede and suit fabric*
The four individual seats, inspired by ultra-comfortable chairs, blend chrome-free leather from Bridge of Wear with Dinamica ecological suede. The off-black front seats have suede in the center to create optimal grip. The soft beige rear seats are designed for pure comfort with leather in the center and suede on the sides.

The Concept You design also integrates the luxury qualities of a tailor made suit into the car. The back of the front seats and the door panels feature exclusive Italian fabric and designs from Swedish fashion house Oscar Jacobson. The designers have also been generous with large, handcrafted pieces of walnut – accompanied by leather panels, Dinamica suede roof lining and carefully chosen aluminum details.

Hand-tufted wool carpets
The wooden floor, which echoes Scandinavian homes, is covered with a specially designed hand-tufted carpet from world-famous Swedish brand Kasthall. Just like the rest of the interior it fades from dark in the front to light in the rear. The front texture has a sporty firmness, while the rear part of the carpet is luxuriously soft.

“The interior is full of classic forms, materials and textures, used with a twist to create a special contemporary luxury experience. It is exceptionally refined, yet with all the simplistic assets that make Volvo champions of the uncomplicated,” explains Peter Horbury. He concludes:

“We are carving out a unique position among the luxury car makers with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It will be unmatched in performance, technology and craftsmanship, but without superficiality or complication.”

Video: Volvo Concept You Interior

Inspiration from Georg Jensen
The Concept You is finished in a light blue, liquid metal paint from DuPont. The ventilated disc brakes are developed by Volvo’s racing specialists Polestar.

The car’s fast silhouette is emphasized by the 21-inch polished aluminum wheels with a twisted twin-spoke design and tires from Pirelli (275/30/21).

Up front, the Concept You grille – which has a more classic appearance than the Concept Universe – features details with the same beautifully polished craftsmanship.

“The design of the wheels, the grille and details in the innovative headlamps have been inspired by the exquisite works of world-famous Danish design house Georg Jensen. Their precious items capture the essence of Scandinavian design. Uncluttered, organic surfaces and superb craftsmanship that radiate timeless luxury,” says Peter Horbury. He adds:
“This eternal beauty of Georg Jensen design is what we are aiming for with the whole concept car. Just like the finest luxury goods, this design should feel handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time.”

The dipped beam comes from LED lamps in four “ice blocks” on top of the high beam lights. The “ice blocks” are installed with the same technology that jewelers use for mounting precious stones.

Volvo Concept You

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Photo Caption (L-R): Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Phils., Inc., Mr. Ramon Zialcita, Branch Manager of Honda Cars Global City, Mr. Rufino Luis Manotok, Chairman and CEO of Ayala Automotive Holdings Corp. and Mr. Danny Pedro, Customer Service Division Head of Honda Cars Phils., Inc.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) recently recognized Honda Cars Global City as its first certified ‘Green Dealer’ in simple ceremonies held in Taguig City.

Reflective of Honda’s stern dedication to the preservation of the environment, Honda not only offers clean and fuel efficient products and technologies but also carries out environmentally-sound practices in its entire business processes — from manufacturing to dealership operations.

HCPI’s Green Dealership Program takes into account the dealership’s environmental initiatives in its sales operations, particularly in the sale of its products, services and parts. To acquire certification, dealer must effectively implement activities under its 2-step program. Step 1 activities include waste management, recycling, basic safety, use of personnel protective equipment and compliance to legal requirements. Meanwhile, Step 2 activities include contribution to local community through CSR projects, energy and environmental conservation, chemical use and control, improved waste management system, improved recycling program and complete safety and personnel protective equipment.

After a series of audits and evaluation, Honda Cars Global City has earned the first Green Dealer certification under Step 1 activities. “We take into serious consideration the impact of our operations to the environment. And so, we show our utmost support by improving our business processes to help address the growing environmental issues,” said Mr. Ramon Zialcita, Branch Manager of Honda Cars Global City.

Leading the awarding ceremony was HCPI’s President and General Manager, Mr. Tatsuya Natsume. He said, “The Green Dealership Program exemplifies Honda’s unyielding environmental commitment and global direction to provide good products to our customers with speed, affordability and low carbon dioxide emissions.”

In marking 20 years of its local operations last October 2010, HCPI has strengthened its longtime environmental pledge to leave blue skies for our children, as initiated by Honda’s founder Soichiro Honda back in 1966. This year, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced “Blue Skies for our Children” as Honda’s global environmental slogan to express its proactive commitment to pass on the joy and freedom of mobility to the next generation and establish a sustainable society where people can enjoy life.

To know more about HCPI’s initiatives to help keep blues skies for our children, you may visit www.hondaphil.com.

11 supercars were summoned for a drag race in an empty airstrip. The race was organized by the guys of Motor Trend to know which of these cars deserves to be called the “Best Driver’s Car”.

Video after the jump…

Here’s the list of the cars included in the race:

1. BMW 1-Series M
2. FORD MUSTANG BOSS 302 LAGUNA SECA
3. PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS
4. CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06
5. FERRARI 458 ITALIA
6. NISSAN GTR
7. AUDI R8 GT
8. MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG
9. LEXUS LFA
10. PORSCHE CAYMAN R
11. LOTUS EVORA S

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. earlier announced a voluntary recall of some Honda Fit (Jazz in the Philippines) City and CR-V models to replace the power window master switch assembly with countermeasure parts.

Consequently, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) would like to inform its customers that a total of 19,143 units of combined Yr. ’05-’07 Honda Jazz, Yr. ’06-’08 City and Yr. ’05-’06 CR-V models are included in the safety measure.

The silicon component commonly found in air fresheners or automotive cleaning agents, etc. enters into the power window master switch. This accelerates wear in the contact area and over time, wear particles accumulate between the power source and ground of the unit switch. The resin material of the unit switch is then heated and carbonized. This may cause smoke and in worst case, partial burning of the window switch cover. No accidents or injuries have been reported related to this defect. With the total safety of Honda vehicle users as priority at all times, HCPI is taking this voluntary recall to replace the power window master switch assembly of affected units. (Kindly refer to attachment for complete list of affected Jazz, City and CR-V models, with respective frame numbers.)

Letters of notice will be sent to concerned Jazz, City and CR-V owners starting September 06, 2011. To conduct the voluntary recall in an orderly manner, customers are requested to call their respective dealers or the Honda Hotline at 1-800-1000-Honda (46632) or (02) 857-7240 and visit our website, www.hondaphil.com, for inquiries and details of scheduling. Replacement of affected parts will be carried out in all 28 authorized dealers and 3 service centers nationwide, free of charge and will take no more than 30 minutes.

Owners of Jazz, City and CR-V models not included in the list above have no reason to worry since the affected parts are of different specifications. Other Honda models such as the Civic, Accord, Pilot, Odyssey and HR-V sold and distributed by Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. are likewise not affected.

You can check the list of affected units by downloading this PDF file here: Jazz-City-CR-V-affected-units.pdf

I, together with a handful of members from mitsulancerph and graduates from the first batch of the DPD (Dirt Performance Driving) have participated in the recently concluded RallyEKross event held last August 20th at the ATV area of Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna prefecture.

“The 2011 RallyEkross Series is a 5-round dirt rallyecross race event which will be held at the Enchanted Kingdom theme park in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.”

The event was high in attendance as 52 entries have gone past around the dirt track both seasoned veterans and newbies, skilled and rookies alike.

You can check the race highlights and results below:

event banner

drivers and their stables

preparation stage after scrutineering

the ISADAs in-action

RESULTS: source from RallyEKross FB page
GROUP 1
1st Robbie Hermoso 1’42.14
2nd Bernie Santos 1’47.31
3rd Jun Espino 1’47.34

GROUP 2
1st Jun Diaz 1’39.23
2nd Paolo Santos 1’44.22
3rd Alex Perez 1’44.92

GROUP 3
1st Jun Diaz 1’38.15
2nd David Feliciano 1’43.16
3rd Paolo Santos 1’43.39

GROUP 4
1st David Feliciano 1’42.17
2nd Mike Tuason 1’44.24
3rd Mon Lahoz 1’46.17

OPEN CLASS
1st Vip Isada 1’37.39
2nd Jun Diaz 1’39.29
3rd Ivan Isada 1’40.24

UV CLASS
1st Jun Magno 1’56.16
2nd Albert Aranzaso 2’01.65
3rd Louie Camacho 2’04.58

Sincere gratitude to the following:
Edgen Dy-Liacco : as chairman of the Organizing Committee
Blue Reyna : event steward
Edgen Dy-Liacco : Clerk-of-Course
Ernestine Garcia : Event Secretary
Dennis Teano : Competitor Relations Oofficer
Eric Camarillo : Scrutineer

See you on the 2nd leg!!!!!!