Test drive
Syakar Company Limited is moving up into the stratosphere of luxury sedans with the launch of its premium sedan, the all-new 8th generation Honda Accord. A test drive held last week from the Honda showroom in Kantipath to Gokarna was testament to the fact that even in potholed, traffic-jammed Kathmandu, it can make sense to drive a big, classy automobile. The Variable Gear Ratio steering, shift holding system and multi-link rear suspension help for a smoother ride, and if you do get stuck in traffic, the advanced audio system with a centre multi-selector and USB port will ease the pain. If nothing else, you'll have people peering in to see who's driving this impressive looking car. Most impressive perhaps is the attention paid to safety features. The Honda Accord has six intelligent airbags, and an Advanced Compatibility Engineering body and G-force Control Technology for enhanced safety of the vehicle occupants during a collision. The use of high-tensile steel has improved torsional rigidity while achieving major weight savings. Go on, splash out. It'll be a ride you won't forget.

Flying dragons
Dragonair, a Hong Kong-based international airline, will increase its flights between Kathmandu and Hong Kong from three to six times a week from September onwards. The airline started flying to Nepal in December 2007 and had 25,451 passenger arrivals and 22,207 passenger departures in 2009.

Two cheers
Sthapit and Schlau, in collaboration with United Breweries, has introduced Germany's Coblenzer beer in two flavours – Pilsener and Märzen, both in 650 ml bottles. Coblenzer Pilsener is priced at Rs 145 and Coblenzer Märzen at Rs 155.

Money plants
Laxmi Bank organised a tree plantation program in Kirtipur under its 'One Account, One Tree' campaign. 1,000 saplings will be planted at the site in coordination with the Society for Ecological Restoration. For every account opened under its Green Savings scheme, the bank will plant a sapling.

Going west
Nepal SBI Bank has opened a branch office in the far western city of Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur. The newly inaugurated branch will provide complete banking services including Remittances, Deposit Accounts, Loans, ATM and Internet Banking services. Nepal SBI Bank currently has 41 branch offices and 6 extension counters in operation.

Clean queen
Staff from Standard Chartered Bank along with KMC officials cleaned areas in and around Rani Pokhari. The initiative was under the Bank's Employee Volunteering program, which allows three days leave to its staff for community service.

Special delivery
DHL has partnered with Room To Read to help establish a library in Shree Mahendra Lower Secondary School, Jatigaal, Bhaktapur. DHL also donated books and stationery to students at the school.

Cool LG
LG has launched the Nimbus series of LG Frost Free Refrigerators. The series is equipped with Green Ion Door Cooling (GIDC) technology, which ensures that food remains tasty and nutritious for up to 2.5 times longer. There are five models available in four colours.

Still kicking
Nepa Hima Trade Link gave away prizes to the lucky winners of its 'Sony's FIFA World Cup Promotion Free Kick Offer' under which buyers of the Bravia range of LCDs received scratch coupons. Shambhu Dulal won the first prize, a Sony Bravia.

Together again
The First Annual General Meeting and Convention of Paschimanchal Hotel Association, Pokhara was held at the Fulbari Resort & Spa on Sunday. This was the first meeting held after the unification of the Regional Hotel Association of Nepal and the Pokhara Hotel Association. The attendants were briefed on the activities of the association.