The airbag recall that just hit Honda apparently has larger repercussions. A few hours after Honda announced the recall of its Civic and CR-V models, some of which were sold in the Philippines, the airbag problem seems to encompass Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda vehicles. The total number of recalled vehicles is expected to reach 3.5 million cars worldwide.

Toyota announced that it is recalling 1.7 million cars including the Corolla, Matrix, and Camry. Honda is recalling 1.1 million cars while Nissan is recalling 480,000 cars while Mazda is adding some 45,000 vehicles. All of the said vehicles sourced its airbags from Japan-based Takata Corporation. The same company was subject to a seat belt recall in 1995. Most vehicles affected by the recall were manufactured from 2001-2003.

More details soon.

News Flash: the Toyota Camry has been voted by the Korea Automobile Journalist Association as the Car of the Year 2013. The medium-sized sedan earned the highest score of 78.75 points for its value on price, performance, safety and fuel efficiency. On top of that, Toyota's Lexus GS and Prius Hybrid were no. 1 in performance and green-car categories, respectively. This is the first time a foreign model has earned this title since the award was presented three years ago.

Moreover, the Camry is one of the best-selling import cars in Korea. During the same period of winning this title, Toyota’s sales in Korea soared over 200% in 2012 compared to the previous year. In the Philippines, the Camry has been the best-selling model in its segment since 2001.

You can read our review of the Philippine model Toyota Camry 2.5 V here.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

No one’s denying that the Toyota Camry is the perfect choice for the executive. Aside from a company car friendly price tag, the Camry’s got all the toys for high levels of passenger pampering and promises one of the lowest maintenance cost in its class. If there’s one complaint that almost everyone levels at the Camry, it’s this: it lacks any sort of driver involvement. However, even that’s changed with the all-new model.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation has announced that it will voluntarily recall 22,000 units of vehicles sold between 2006-2010 over fire risk coming from faulty power windows.

In a report from InterAksyon says Rommel Gutierrez, TMPC vice-president said that the recall covers the Camry, Corolla Altis, RAV4, Vios, and Yaris models manufactured in Japan and Thailand.

Gutierrez will start identifying the affected vehicles and will notify owners through mail.

This recall is part of the larger 7.43-million vehicle recall that Toyota is doing worldwide. It's the largest recall of vehicles since Ford in 1996.

Source: InterAkyson

UPDATE: Here's the official statement from Toyota Motor Philippines

“In line with our commitment to produce safety and quality, Toyota has initiated a Special Service Campaign (SSC) for Camry (except Camry 3.5Q), Corolla, RAV4, Vios and Yaris models produced from 2006 to 2010. For the affected vehicles, the sliding electrical contact point in the driver’s side Power Window Master Switch may experience a “notchy” or sticking feeling during operation which causes the button to get stuck. If vehicles are serviced in non-Toyota dealer and commercially available lubricant is used, melting of the switch assembly may occur. As a preventive measure, we will inspect the Power Window Master Switch and apply specialized grease or replace specific component if deemed necessary, at no cost to the customer. This program will be offered at all Toyota dealers only.” – Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, VP Corporate Affairs, Toyota Motor Philippines.

If you have been experiencing any of these inconveniences with the Power Window Master Switch, please contact your nearest Toyota dealer to schedule your appointment.

For more information, please contact the TOYOTA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER (CAC) at (02) 819-2912 or email: customerassistance@toyota.com.ph. 

Photos courtesy of Toyota Press

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) unveils the all-new Camry with a new sense of emotion and vision on its premium luxury sedan. Its aerodynamic styling and valiant stance exude a strong presence that complements a luxurious and iconic vehicle. Named after the word “Crown” in Japanese, the Camry is developed to stand out and shine in the local automotive scene; along with its new developments in both interior and exterior features, the Camry boasts a more luxurious and cutting-edge design.

UPDATE: Yes, we've finally confirmed a launch date of the all-new Camry. It will happen on Thursday, April 26. Again, if you want to follow us during the launch event, make sure you follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/carguideph/

Guess what we saw the Bangkok International Motor Show: the 2012 Toyota Camry. Recently unveiled for the local Thai market, this is the best indication of how the Philippine model will shape up once it's unveiled in the second quarter of this year. And a look down through the specs reveal one surprising thing: there's no more V6 at least for the Thai market.

Well, it's not THAT surprising considering the price of gasoline. However, what's even more surprising is that the Philippines is set to continue its three-model line-up which includes a 3.5-liter V6. This means you'll see the 2012 Camry in three flavors: 2.5 G, 2.5 V and 3.5 Q

For the Philippine market however, a query with our local Toyota dealership reveals that the Camry will still retain the 3.5-liter V6 and we probably won't see the entrance of the hybrid model just yet. This means that the Camry will retain its three-model line-up: 2.5 G, 2.5 V and 3.5 Q.

Several Toyota dealerships are reportedly giving hefty discounts for the current Toyota Camry. If you're considering to buy a new Camry, the 2.4 V is being offered at less P 250,000 from list price, while the 3.5 Q and 2.4 G are both offered at P 200,000 less from list.

All this points towards the reduction of inventory and the impending launch of the all-new Camry. Some dealer representatives are pointing towards an April release for the all-new Camry. According to some sources, it will be very close to the European model Camry seen in the pictures above.

It seems that Nostradamus is right after all.  Our world may not have ended with the now infamous Y2K debacle or with a Nuclear Holocaust, but continuously watching CNN would have anyone thinking that every day is a disaster.