Automotive

A glimpse on the future of motorcycles

Lycan takes on its ambitious desire to bring the first Filipino smart motorcycle

Published

June 8, 2022

MJ Jucutan

It was like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie. A futuristic motorbike greets me as I enter the garage of Lycan, the first all-Filipino independent motorcycle and technology company.

The sound of the welding machine fusing the parts of an avant-garde motorbike echoes like a chant in a campaign rally. It was invigorating, filling my body with effervescence; enthusiastic to meet the people behind Lycan in their headquarters in Quezon City.

The promise of a connected tomorrow

A few weeks ago, I caught a glimpse of what could be the future of motorcycles in the Philippines. GadgetMatch had a sit-down with Jaggy Gangat, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lycan Motors, and JM Grefaldo, the company’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Gangat vividly remembered how Lycan started; a custom garage understanding what the market needs. Gangat was certainly part of the market, being a rider before more than an entrepreneur. With his background in business, strategic thinking, love for motorcycles, and desire to create an impact — Gangat was filled with idealism as he birthed Lycan.

Jaggy Gangat, CEO of Lycan Motorcycles, standing in front of the G6 prototype. | Photo by MJ Jucutan, GadgetMatch

But it wasn’t a simple, spontaneous plan that abruptly came to fruition, like those enacted in the movies. Gangat knew having a Filipino-made motorcycle isn’t enough.

Grefaldo came into the picture to make Lycan stand out. The answer was technology, or rather, making motorcycles smart. “Lycan wouldn’t be Lycan without technology and JM,” says Gangat as he vehemently introduced his CTO.

Gangat and Grefaldo believe in putting Filipinos one step closer to the future. The two shared the promise of a connected tomorrow; their eyes flickering with excitement like a star-eyed emoji as they discussed what they were about to bring in the nearest future.

From futuristic experiences of showcasing their motorcycles to a modern approach to purchasing a vehicle — Lycan wants to use technology to propel the Filipinos to a better tomorrow.

Photo by MJ Jucutan, GadgetMatch

Artificial intelligence (AI) at Lycan’s core

Ah, artificial intelligence. That tech jargon usually gets lost in translation. Lycan believes most people don’t fully understand or grasp the concept of AI. I agreed ardently. People fear what they don’t understand.

But artificial intelligence is found in almost every device we have now. It makes so much sense to see a motorcycle applying the same computer system to make it smart. As a matter of fact, life got easier in terms of communication, social interaction, and doing business — thanks to our smartphones employing AI properly.

In the same way, Lycan aspires to use AI to deliver convenience and ensure safety. The Filipino start-up is working on a proprietary voice assistant akin to Siri and Alexa, dubbed Luna.

Photo by MJ Jucutan, GadgetMatch

Luna AI is expected to give commands. With machine learning, it aims to hold a conversation with the rider to prevent distracted driving.

It’s bound to be paired with a smart helmet, making Luna the ears and mouth to help operate the system. With one command, Lycan’s motorcycles can activate without throttle assist.

In the nearest future, as Luna takes a more tangible shape after its development, the voice assistant will help navigate maps, exhibit the important statistics from the dashboard, integrate the data between the smartphone and mobile app, access remote diagnostics, and check the overall performance and condition of the motorcycle.

Gangat hopes to make the technology as solid as it can, like Elon Musk’s TESLA. Eventually, hopefully, the CEO dreams of a future where the motorbike can be smart enough to predict a situation, and hopefully, keep more bodies safe.

Photo by MJ Jucutan, GadgetMatch

An integrated experience

Lycan is also developing its own operating system called LmoS. In full, it’s called Lycan Motorcycles Operating System, functioning as the brain of its motorcycles, and eventually, the system for Luna AI.

Aside from the smart motorcycle, the company is developing a mobile app slated to be launched later this year alongside the G6. The app will be integrated into the motorcycle and is expected to work seamlessly with the smart helmet — operated by Luna AI and connected via Bluetooth and/or WiFi connectivity.

Photo by MJ Jucutan, GadgetMatch

For security purposes, Lycan is considering blockchain as a foundation to safeguard its users and the technology.

Helmet like Iron Man’s

The smart helmet is Lycan’s answer to the problem of distracted driving. A split second of taking your eyes off the road can unravel endless possibilities; one of which could be accidents happening in the blink of an eye.

While still under development, the smart helmet promises an Iron Man-like experience. The visor will have a heads-up display to give an overview of the riding experience, and to communicate with fellow smart helmet users.

Sensors are equipped inside the helmet, measuring your pulse and heart rate while communicating with the mobile app. One important thing would be its unique Smart Helmet Crash Detection technology. The helmet’s impact sensors will assess the kind of fall and the gravity of the impact.

Different levels will determine the next course of action, whether Luna will update Lycan, alert a local LGU — if the company gets to partner for emergency dispatch — or simply ask the rider about his/her/their current condition.

Personalize your motorcycles

Apart from the infusion of artificial intelligence and the application of Internet-of-Things on its products, Lycan prides itself on another innovative platform. Called BuilderX, the online configurator gives people the ability to design their motorcycles and get them personalized.

The platform aims to let people customize, save their designs, download, and place their orders. Lycan aspires to make purchasing their vehicles simpler, taking cues from the booming e-commerce platforms. The company promises to make it easy even for non-tech savvy individuals, making the process as easy as three steps: designing, ordering, and receiving.

Photo by MJ Jucutan, GadgetMatch

There will also be an option to pick up the motorcycle or receive it at home. The platform was backed by Gangat’s background in customizing motorcycles, reducing costs by tapping into e-commerce instead of opening up several dealerships, and answering people’s desire for a more personalized motorcycle — shying away from designs brought by foreign brands.

Reducing carbon footprint

Photo by MJ Jucutan, GadgetMatch

Like any company of tomorrow, Lycan wants to help in reducing its carbon footprint. Currently, the motorcycles are available in gasoline and hydrogen fuel-cell versions. Moving forward, Lycan is looking into a hybrid engine using hydrogen fuel cells and petroleum for internal combustion and eventually transforming into a pure hydrogen vehicle.

Concurrently, Lycan is developing batteries and engines to prepare for an EV variant. The company is looking into a 5000-kilowatt battery for high-speed electric vehicles.

A company that listens

As a start-up, Lycan offers one thing most motorcycle companies don’t: two-way communication with its consumers. Aside from the service and technology, Lycan aims to listen intently to the market. One way to prove this is the retail price that its market can afford (and potentially disrupt the industry).

The 400cc G6‘s MSRP is PhP 179,999 and reservation starts at PhP 9,850. Meanwhile, the 650cc GC6‘s MSRP is PhP 294,999 and reservation starts at PhP 19,720. Prices are subject to change.

Aside from being the company’s consumers, interested investors can take part in the growth of Lycan. See investment opportunities and be part of history as a shareholder.

Visit Lycan’s website for more information.

Related Topics:Lycan Lycan G6 Lycan Motorcycle

Automotive

Ford Philippines’s retail performance rose to 55 Percent for H1 2023

Next-Generation models are at play

Published

July 20, 2023

MJ Jucutan

Way to go, Ford!

The automotive company delivered a strong retail performance for the first half of the year in the Philippines. Thanks to its Next-Generation vehicle lineup, Ford Philippines’s retail sales rose 55 percent from a year ago to 13,838 vehicles.

The Next-Generation Ranger became Ford’s top-selling vehicle in the country, with sales growing by 25 percent year-on-year to 5,436 units sold. The addition of the Next-Generation Ranger Raptor also boosted retail performance, with sales reaching close to 600 units since its launch in late May.

Furthermore, the newly-launched Next-Generation Territory contributed to Ford’s strong sales as well. Like its predecessors, it’s still the leading small SUV in the Philippines, with sales increasing by 22 percent to 4,493 units. The Next-Gen model also breached the 2,500-unit mark in less than three months after its launch at the Manila International Auto Show.

Meanwhile, the Ford Everest continues to thrive in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. It delivered strong sales performance, growing by 503 percent from last year to 3,786 vehicles.

Enhanced ownership experiences

Ford is committed to improving the ownership experiences, giving the Next-Gen Ranger, Territory, and Everest with a five-year warranty. Moreover, Ford Philippines also introduced new service initiatives designed to provide ease and convenience in owning a Ford vehicle.

For instance, Express Service is offered to customers who prefer to have their vehicles serviced in a more efficient way than the usual maintenance. Pickup and Delivery, on another note, is available for those who are interested to have their vehicle serviced without interrupting their day. Participating dealers will pick-up the vehicle, service it, and bring it back to the customer’s preferred location.

“These milestones testify to our commitment to enhance the Ford ownership experience with vehicles and services that our customers need and deserve,” shares Mike Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines.

“We celebrate these milestones with our customers who continue to patronize the Ford brand, as well as with our dealers for their partnership and commitment to enhance the customer experience. We are truly energized and excited for what’s to come for the second half of the year.”

Automotive

New Honda City, Brio officially unveiled

Elevate your drive

Published

July 13, 2023

GadgetMatch

Honda Cars Philippines has officially launched the latest editions of the Honda City and Honda Brio at the Mega Fashion Hall at SM Megamall.

Both the newest City and Brio variants feature improvements in their exterior and interior designs and the full suite of Honda’s safety features, including Honda SENSING.

The New City

The new Honda City gets sportier and more stylish with a crafted RS design front grille with RS emblem, as well as a new front and rear bumper with carbon-wrapped molding.

On the side are sharp horizontal character lines while exclusive to the RS variant is the new Side Sill garnish. The windshield shape has also been modified to reduce blind spots further.

The exterior is complemented by new LED daytime running headlights and fog lights available across all variants. The Honda City also gets 15- to 16-inch redesigned alloy wheels in Black Cut, Silver Cut, Silver paint Alloy, or Steel with cover.

For the interior, the RS gets full leather seats, new designs on the pedals, improved accents for its panels, and ambient lights for its instrument cluster.

Models also get an advanced 8-inch touchscreen display with improved LCD and a better reverse camera resolution. For entertainment, the new City can be connected to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In terms of performance, the City’s 1.5 DOHC i-VTEC CVT engine delivers a maximum output of 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque; the car also tested for 22.2 kilometers per liter for fuel efficiency.

The New Brio

Meanwhile, Honda’s standout compact hatchback is finally getting its second-generation model, with more enhancements to cater to first-time or alternative car buyers who seek style, comfort, and performance.

The latest Brio’s exterior gets a handful of updates, from its Piano Black RS design front grille, updated fog lights and garnish, and daytime running lights.

At the back are the tailgate spoiler and RS design rear bumper lower garnish and tail lights in the RS variants while the wheels have been updated to 14-inch Alloy and Steel or 15-inch Alloy.

Inside is a 7-inch touchscreen across all models; the new Brio variants also have enhanced audio controls and an assortment of connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS variants get up to a 6-speaker setup, inclusive of two tweeters.

In terms of safety, all new variants get Honda’s G-CON technology, ABS, and electronic Brake-Force distribution, along with parking sensors.

Price, availability

Honda City

1.5 E CVT: PhP 973,000
1.5 S CVT: PhP 998,000
1.5 V CVT: PhP 1,073,000
1.5 RS CVT: PhP 1,128,000

Available colors

Ignite Red Metallic (RS CVT, V CVT and S CVT)
Obsidian Blue Pearl (new color; RS CVT and V CVT)
Platinum White Pearl (RS CVT and V CVT, additional PhP 20,000)
Taffeta White (S CVT and E CVT)
Lunar Silver Metallic (S CVT and E CVT)
Meteoroid Gray Metallic (all variants)

Honda Brio

1.2 S MT: 735,000
1.2 V CVT: 827,000
1.2 RS CVT: 853,000
1.2 RS Black Top CVT: PhP 863,000

Available colors

Stellar Diamond Pearl (new color; RS Black Top CVT and RS CVT; additional PhP 20,000)
Electric Lime Metallic (new color; RS Black Top CVT and V CVT)
Phoenix Orange Pearl (RS Black Top CVT)
Rallye Red (V CVT)
Meteoroid Gray Metallic (RS CVT, V CVT, and S MT)
Taffeta White (V CVT and S MT)

Automotive

All-new B-RV becomes PH’s best-selling Honda car

The 7-seater SUV

Published

July 10, 2023

GadgetMatch

File Photo: Honda BR-V 2019

Seven months after its launch in the Philippines, the all-new Honda BR-V has become the car manufacturer’s best-selling SUV locally, with over 5,000 units sold to date.

The 7-seater SUV combines both a classy exterior and a comfortable interior, along with a powerful and fuel-efficient engine and advanced features to give owners great peace of mind.

The model comes in four variants and five color options ranging from PhP 1,090,000 for the 1.5 S manual transmission to PhP 1,390,000 for the 1.5 VX CVT with Honda SENSING.

Some of the SUV’s distinct features are its 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats for the higher end variants, a larger cargo area, one-touch tumble second row seats, height and steering wheel adjusters, and a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen display.

The Honda BR-V’s engine has a maximum power of 121 PS (6,600 rpm) and maximum torque of 145 Nm (4,300 rpm), making it an ideal vehicle for one’s next road trip, no matter the road conditions.

In terms of safety, owners get Honda’s entire suite of advanced and intelligent safety features, like its LaneWatch Camera, Walk Away Auto Lock, Hill Start Assist, ABS and EBD, and more.