October 31, 2019

Suzuki Philippines Posts 19 Percent Growth for First 9 Months of 2019


Consistent with its strong performance for the first two quarters of the year, Suzuki Philippines (SPH) finishes the third quarter with positive growth yet again, enabling the company to post 19 percent sales growth for the first nine months of the year over the same period in 2018.

The Nissan Navara is Now the Philippines's Best-Selling Pick-up Truck


Nissan has posted record monthly sales in the Philippines with an all-time high of 4,768 units sold in September. This achievement strengthened the brand’s top-three position among members of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI).

Is Ford Philippines Bringing in the Transit MPV?


Is Ford Philippines finally bringing in a full-sized MPV to battle the likes of the Toyota Hiace Super Grandia and Hyundai Grand Starex? It seems so based on a teaser they’ve sent us for a product launch happening at the end of November.

Fiat Chrysler Confirms Merger Talks with Peugeot Citroen


After Nissan blocked a potential merger with Renault, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles or FCA seems to have found a potential new partner: PSA. After reports on a potential business combination emerged, FCA has confirmed that talks are underway with the parent company of Peugeot, Citroen, and Opel.

October 30, 2019

Yes, You Can Order the P 9.92-Million Toyota GR Supra GT4 Racecar


If you find the Toyota Vios Race Car a bit too tame, why don’t you consider a Toyota several notches higher? After showing off the GR Supra GT4 racecar last July, Toyota Gazoo has finally revealed its final specs and eye-watering price. Oh, and yes, you can buy it even from the Philippines.

Honda's Driver Assist Technology Isn't at Odds with Their Sporty Positioning


Ever since Honda’s founding 71 years ago, they’ve committed to deliver new values for mobility through their broad range of products from motorcycles, power products, automobiles and even jets. Today, with their 2030 Vision as a guide, Honda aims to continue doing just that, but now adding the “joy of expanding their life’s potential” as an additional guiding ethos.

Three New Recalls Hit Subaru XV, Impreza, and Forester Models


Attention Impreza, XV, and Forester owners: Subaru has just confirmed that three new recalls affect these three best-selling vehicles in the Philippines, and that Motor Image Pilipinas is working closely with Subaru Corporation of Japan to assist all affected customers.

Nissan Philippines Opens Its Largest Service Center in Cebu


Nissan Philippines inaugurated its Nissan Service Center in Cebu, as part of their commitment to delivering excellent and reliable after sales services for customers across the country.

Honda's Unconventional Hybrid System Has a One-Speed Gearbox (w/ Video)


Gasoline-electric hybrids are typically known for one thing: environmentally-conscious motoring. With that, expect sky-high fuel mileage and low tailpipe emissions at the expense of a sordid driving experience. Luckily for enthusiasts, Honda realized that the typical hybrid solution also didn’t fit well with their sporty nature. And so, they’ve developed this: the Sports Hybrid Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive or Sports Hybrid i-MMD.

October 29, 2019

Is the End Near for the Internal Combustion Engine? Not So Says Mazda


With Mazda now joining the Electric Vehicle bandwagon with the MX-30, is the era of the Internal Combustion Engine or ICE finally over? Not so fast, according to Hidetoshi Kudo, Executive Officer in charge of R&D Administration, Product Strategy, and Technical Research Center.

Chevrolet is Dead in Indonesia


General Motors, the parent company of Chevrolet will cease vehicle sales in the Indonesian market by the end of March 2020. This was revealed by Hector Villarreal, President of GM Southeast Asia after a comprehensive review of potential future business plans for GM Indonesia.

Hino's Modern Jeepneys Complies with DOTr Standards


Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), an active participant in the government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, was granted by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for its Hino Eco Class PUV units for Class 2 and Class 3 variants.

MINI Opens in Pampanga


Mini Philippines and Laus Group, the newly authorized distributor of Mini cars in the Philippines, today opened the doors of a brand new 300-square feet Mini showroom at Laus Group Event Centre Boulevard, in the Laus Group Complex, in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. This is the first Mini showroom outside of Metro Manila and in North Luzon, as well as the first Mini dealership for Laus Group, operated by Iconic Automobile Enterprise Inc. The showroom provides full sales and aftersales facilities, and serves as a key touchpoint for customers to engage with the brand throughout their car ownership journey.

Experience How Nissan Levels Up Your Drive at These NIM Tour Stops


Nissan’s unique and innovative test drive event, the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour heats up the last two months of 2019 with four tour stops this November.

Using interactive displays and projection mapping, experience the technologies that make the Terra, Navara, and Patrol unique in their respective segments. See how Nissan Intelligent Mobility can change the way you drive. See it in action for yourself at the following dates and locations:
  • November 8-10, 2019 - Lim Ket Kai Mall (Cagayan de Oro)
  • November 14-17, 2019 - Manila Auto Salon (SMX Convention Center, Pasay)
  • November 14-17, 2019 - STV Auto Focus Test Drive Festival (MOA Concert Grounds)
  • November 22-24, 2019 - SM Lanang (Davao)
Visit the Nissan Philippines website to know more.

Drive Home a Chevorlet Trailblazer for As Low as P 38K Down


The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the country, is offering amazing all-in low down payment options on its selection of SUVs, pickups, and small cars from today to December 31, 2019 through its Motorama 2019: Low Down Showdown Promo.

We Ask Volkswagen Philippines If They'll Consider Bringing in the All-New 8th Gen Golf


The all-new 8th generation Volkswagen Golf has landed and with it brings progressive updates that include digitalization and electrification technology. It’s set to launch on the market first in Germany by the end of this year with the rest of the world to follow.

October 28, 2019

Mazda Philippines Unveils 2020 CX-5 with New Fully-Loaded FWD Variant (w/ Specs)


Previewed at the sidelines of the CX-8 regional launch in Malaysia, Mazda Philippines has formally introduced the 2020 CX-5 to the Philippine market. Headlining the changes is the availability of a new fully-loaded trim: the CX-5 FWD Sport that slots just below the two all-wheel drive variants.

This Special CTEK Value Pack Lets You Save P 980


Just in time for the holidays, CTEK is offering a special bundle for its versatile MXS 5.0 battery charger and maintainer that saves you P 980 or around 12 percent.

Toyota Will Race a V8-Powered Hilux for the 2020 Dakar Rally


Toyota Gazoo Racing has confirmed that it will be using the Hilux once again to try to win the grueling Dakar Rally. At the same time, Toyota’s motorsports division has announced its official list of drivers pooling an all-star line-up.

Nissan "Resets" Its Design Philosophy to Speak in Simple, Clean Lines


Embedded in a hillside deep in Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture lies Nissan’s Global Design Center. There, Executive Design Director Satoru Tai focuses on Nissan’s next design horizon, a new direction that speaks in simple, clean lines.

October 26, 2019

Nissan's PR Language Runs Wild with the New Ariya Concept


Nissan unveils what they call a concept that epitomizes “its brand philosophy for the next evolutionary phase of the automobile.” If that’s really the case, then prepare to be bored with the Ariya.

Ferrari Appoints New Distributor for the Philippines


There is a new Ferrari distributor for the Philippines. After a formal signing last October 15, Ferrari has appointed Motostrada, Inc. as the exclusive general distributor and dealer of Ferrari sportscars, spare parts, service, accessories, and merchandise in the Philippines.

October 25, 2019

Suzuki Philippines Brings in Refreshed Vitara. Starts at P 1.038M (w/ Specs)


Suzuki Philippines’s strong seller, the sub-compact crossover Vitara gets a styling refresh for the 2020 model year. For 2020, it gets a new expressive design and a revamped interior without a huge price jump.

No, There's Not a Single Bit of Toyota in the Mazda MX-30


With the launch of their first all-electric vehicle, skepticism started creeping in almost immediately: is the MX-30 a full-blown Mazda or is it something a bit more pedestrian wearing fancy KODO clothing?

You're Looking at Nissan's Next High-Performance Car


Nissan is showing off what high-performance EV motoring could possibly look like with the introduction of their first high-power, twin-motor all-wheel drive system.

Ford Opens Dealership in Marikina City


Ford Philippines is expanding its retail footprint with the launch of a new dealership facility in Marikina operated by a new dealer group.

Toyota Had the Biggest WTF Moment at the Tokyo Motor Show


The 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019 had everything: cutesy-patootie sub-compact cars, bonkers concept SUVs, cool-looking EVs, a new stylish wagon, and then you have this: the Toyota e-broom. It had the biggest “WTF” moment at the show and elicited more confused reaction than applause when Toyota President Akio Toyoda and his cartoon counterpart, Morizo showed it to the press.

October 24, 2019

Honda's CEO Explains the Rationale Behind the All-New Jazz's Styling


The styling of the all-new Jazz represents a dramatic design departure compared to Honda’s current efforts. And while some decry it as looking too cutesy, Honda’s own Representative Director and CEO Takahiro Hachigo explains the rationale behind the ahegao styling.

Toyota HEV Tour Headed to Don Bosco Technical College


Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) further strengthens its efforts to educate the public on the benefits of vehicle electrification by staging another leg of its Hybrid Campus Tour series in Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC), Mandaluyong. This whole-day event marks the first time that the all-new Corolla Altis hybrid variant is offered for a public test drive, following its introduction to the Philippine market last September.

Love or Hate It, the 2020 Honda Jazz Keeps Its One Trademark Feature


So far, internet opinion is split on the design of the all-new Honda Jazz. Some call it “cute”, while others denounce it as “too girly.” But while it’s still too early to judge it based on the court of public opinion, one thing is for certain: it’s still got one trademark feature that’s sure to please long-time Jazz owners.

PSCO Donates 45 Nissan NV350 Ambulance to Government Hospitals, Health Facilities


With the help of Nissan Philippines Inc., the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) turned over 45 new ambulance units to various government hospitals and health facilities nationwide to enhance the delivery of emergency health services to the public.

Honda Doubles Down on Electrification Starting with All-New Jazz


With the introduction of the all-new Honda Jazz (Fit in Japan), Honda doubles down on its commitment to electrify 66 percent of its global unit sales by 2030. With that, the carmaker has introduced a new collective name for its electrification efforts: Honda e:TECHNOLOGY (all caps are part of the trademark) which will cover both its two- and four-wheeled mobility products.

October 23, 2019

Mitsubishi's New SUV Concept Can Run on Diesel, Kerosene, or Alcohol


Mitsubishi finally showed off the Mi-Tech Concept—an off-left field small plug-in hybrid electric SUV that embodies the company’s brand statement, “Drive Your Ambition.” A purely design concept for now, the Mi-Tech Concept does show a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain, a four-motor electric all-wheel drive system, and the most advanced driver assist tech—things which will make it to future Mitsubishi production models.

Subaru Finally Hits Their Design Stride With All-New, 2020 Levorg


It looks like Subaru is finally hitting a good design stride as evidenced by the introduction of the all-new, second-generation Levorg at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019.

Mazda's First-Ever EV is a Crossover with "Freestyle Doors"


Mazda has unveiled its first mass-production electric vehicle, the MX-30, and despite its rather conventional crossover body, it does have a few design tricks up its sleeve that set it apart from the growing sea of EVs.

All-New, 2020 Honda Jazz Goes Human-Centric Design


Honda ushers in a new era for its sub-compact car offering with the global unveil of the all-new Jazz at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019. The all-new model eschews Honda’s “grand design” concept for a more human-centric design approach. It goes on sale first in its home market of Japan by February 2020 with the rest of the world to follow.

Get a Subaru Oil Change for Less than P 5K Until End of the Month


Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines is saying, “thank you” in the biggest way possible by offering aftersales parts and service at unbeatable prices up to October 31, 2019 at the Kansha Festival 2019.

Drive Home a Foton Thunder with Just P 88K


Thinking of a great Christmas present? Well, how about a brand-new ride as Foton Philippines brings an early year-end treat with the Fun Christmas Holideals Promo.

October 22, 2019

Hyundai Philippines LCV & CV Sales Grow 12 Percent in First 9 Months of 2019


Key business segments of Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), namely Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) and Commercial Vehicles (CV), grew by 12 percent in the first nine months of the year or 11,659 units sold on the back of lower inflation, increased government spending, and a full line-up of quality SUVs, Vans, Trucks, and Buses.

Nissan to Open New Interactive Brand Center in Yokohama


Nissan plans to open an interactive venue near its global headquarters where people can experience the company’s products, technology and vision for the future of mobility.

Will a Japanese-Inspired Look Bring Nissan Back to the Formula E Winner's Circle?


Will a brand-new Japan-inspired look bring Nissan’s fledging Formula E effort back to the top step of the podium? Well, the Japanese carmaker hopes so since the all-electric motorsports is a good way to demonstrate the power and performance of their EV technology.

Review: 2020 Mazda3 2.0 Speed Sportback


Mazda says the time for buying a compact car for practicality is now over; that role now goes to crossovers and SUVs which are the new-age family cars. With that, compact cars are all about style, emotion, individualism—things which are innate in the all-new Mazda3. Above all, it’s impressive because of how everything comes together. It’s a cohesive, unified whole—as if designers and engineers were always in sync and in the process, creating a car that’s best described as, “art that you can drive.”

October 21, 2019

Volkswagen Opens First Mindanao Dealership in Cagayan de Oro


Volkswagen Philippines, in partnership with Greencars Mindanao Corporation, inaugurated the Volkswagen Cagayan de Oro dealership along Pueblo Business Park at the corner of Mastersons Avenue and Paseo de Oro in Upper Carmen.

Nissan Breaks Ground at First Caloocan City Dealership


In line with its commitment to make Nissan cars more accessible to more people across the country, Nissan Philippines with AutoSpeedyGo Group broke ground into Caloocan City’s first Nissan dealership.

The Mitsubishi Xpander is the People's Choice for Automobile of the Year


Top-selling models of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) were proclaimed as the “2019-2020 Auto Focus Automobile of the Year” (AOY) in their respective Standard and Premium/Luxury categories at the Awards Night of the 2019-2020 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFPCA).

DOTr Issues Certificate of Compliance to Foton's F-Jeepney


The Department of Transportation has granted Foton Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI) the Certificate of Compliance for the commercial vehicle brand’s entry to PUV Modernization Program: the F-Jeepney.

October 20, 2019

What Happens When Nissan Australia Seeks to Build the Most Stylish, Most Capable Navara Ever?


What happens when Prodrive UK gets their hands on the Nissan Navara? You get the most stylish, most capable Navara, ever—the Navara N-Trek.

Kia Philippines Assures of Zero Wait for All-New Seltos SUV


Thinking of getting a Kia Seltos? Well, there’s one less thing you need to worry about: waiting time. Bullish on the prospects of their new global sub-compact crossover, Kia Philippines says that more than a hundred Seltos units have landed, cleared port, and should be making their way to dealers nationwide in time for its official November debut.

The Subaru XV is Now Just P 1.298M While Supplies Last


Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines is offering the last few 2018 model year (MY2018) units in their inventory at a substantial discount while supplies last.

Castrol Activ Provides 24/7 Motorcycle Engine Protection


Castrol Philippines launches a specially formulated motorcycle engine oil that provides maximum protection regardless of use: Castrol Activ.