Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile production and sales subsidiary in the Philippines, today launched both the all-new Pilot and Odyssey. Following the launch of the new City last January, the all-new Civic and Jazz Special Edition in February, and the all-new CR-V in April, the all-new Pilot and Odyssey not only strengthen Honda’s return to the Philippine automotive market, but also expands its model line-up.

Since the introduction of the Pilot and Odyssey in the United States, each model has received numerous awards and recognitions from various bodies and institutions due to its outstanding roominess, versatility, efficiency, and safety. Both models have unit-body construction and independent suspension that provide car-like driving feel and ride comfort.

Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) is adding 2 new additional cars to its local line-up. And while we all thought it was going to be more variants of the Civic, this is actually their big surprise: they're actually launching the all-new Pilot and Odyssey.

For those who remember, both the Odyssey and the Pilot aren't new to our market. However, we can't deny that they were sales duds appearing either too late (Pilot) or too expensive (Odyssey) for our market. However, that doesn't prevent Honda from trying once again.

Based on overeager sales agents, Honda is selling these two vehicles at close to P 3-million. P 2,700,000 for the Pilot and P 2,900,000 for the Odyssey. Though the launch is still a couple of days away, we were able to snag some of the specs for these two vehicles:

Photo by Ulysses Ang

CATS Motors, Inc. has one of the bigger displays over at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) and for good reason: they're introducing a lot of exciting new products for the public. Among them is the 2012 Chrysler 300C with the first ever eight-speed automatic fitted into an American car.

Fitted to the 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar (292 horsepower), the new ZF eight-speed automatic helps increase fuel economy by reducing the gaps normally associated with up- and down-shifting. The 2012 300C also benefits from a new Sport mode for quick shifts for a more performance-oriented acceleration and higher shift dynamics. All-in-all, the 2012 300C promises to achieve fuel mileage figures in excess of 13 km/L. Aside from the eight-speed ZF automatic, the 2012 Chrysler 300C also features an all-wheel drive system for greater all weather traction and stability.

Chrysler's flagship design is also fitted with all the latest safety equipment such as electronic stability control (ESC) along with seven airbags, front-row reactive head restraints, hill-start assist, rain-brake support and ready-alert braking.

Also new at Chrysler's MIAS booth is the re-designed Town & Country with an all-new grille design and refreshed interior.

Photos courtesy of Toyota Press