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May 24, 2012

HARI and DOTC Partner in Road Safety and Responsible Car Ownership

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai in the Philippines, recently inked its partnership with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) in observance of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. Sharing the DOTC’s advocacy for safer roads for all, HARI collaborates with the DOTC to create a comprehensive road safety strategy (safer roads, safer road users, and safer vehicles) with the end view of helping reduce death and injury caused by road accidents.

HARI bolsters its commitment to deliver Hyundai’s brand of excellence to motorists through the implementation of its car safety and maintenance programs. Together with its 39-strong dealerships in the country, the Philippine Hyundai distributor has been upholding the promotion of road ethics among the public, especially motorists, with Hyundai’s signature programs on responsible car ownership, car safety, and road safety. Among these are the Hyundai Car Wellness, a comprehensive after-sales program that aims to provide Hyundai customers avenues to keep their cars fit and roadworthy at all times and instill in them an attitude of safe driving; and the Summer Motorist Roadside Assistance (SMRA), a special dealership assistance program on major and preventive services while on the road during Holy Week.

Said DOTC Assistant Secretary Dante Lantin, “On observing the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, we are looking at the thousands, even millions, of lives that we could save from road death and injury. We commend Hyundai for taking to heart and leading by example in tirelessly promoting road safety and responsible car ownership.”

HARI’s partnership with the DOTC was further underscored during the second Hyundai RUN for a Cause held April 29, 2012 at the Quirino Grandstand. There, HARI showcased its key CSR programs for 2012-2013 with its partner organizations. Each cause had a designated color to signify HARI’s involvement in different nation-building endeavors: blue (road safety and responsible car ownership), red (education), green (environment), gray (social entrepreneurship and countryside development), orange (community development through health), yellow (Filipino heritage and pride), purple (youth development through sports), and pink (women and children’s rights protection).

Goodyear Tops "Fortune 500" List for Northeast Ohio

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is the largest business in Northeast Ohio according to the 2012 “Fortune 500” list, which was released recently.

Based on 2011 sales of $22.8 billion, Goodyear is ranked by FORTUNE as the 126th largest business in the country, up from 139th last year.

Compiled since 1955, the “Fortune 500” ranks U.S. companies by sales. Companies are ranked by total revenues for their respective fiscal years. Included in the survey are companies that are incorporated and operate in the U.S. and file financial statements with a government agency.

The complete “Fortune 500” listing is in the magazine’s May 21 issue, which is on newsstands, and on its Web site, www.fortune.com/500.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 72,000 people and manufactures its products in 53 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com.ph.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 3: The Video

The continuing saga of the 10 teams in the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge! Don't forget to vote for Team 2 in the Jollibee Facebook Poll.

May 23, 2012

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 2: The Video

Remember to show your support for the motoring industry by voting for Uly and Neil of Team 2. Click this link!

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 1: The Video

And so our 10-day journey begins. Catch us everyday on ABS-CBN, ETC or CinemaOne. And remember to vote for Uly and Neil of Team 2! Click this link.

May 22, 2012

AVID Jumpstarts Q2 with 31% Growth; Total Industry Dips 1%

Performance and Drivers

Compared with the 1% decline in total industry sales, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) opens the second quarter with a strong 31% growth in total sales from January to April 2012, with 10, 633 units sold from the 8,119 in the same period last year. This is due to AVID’s consistent robust sales of Passenger Car (PC) models, registering an 85% increase in total PC sales—from 3,526 to 6,527 units sold in the first four months of the year.

This year, April’s overall total sales rose to 12% as more consumers purchased models in the PC segment. In the same period, PC sales alone recorded 55% growth, with 1,324 units sold versus the sale of 852 units in the same month last year.

In the world of financial accounting, the term used for the loss of assets between the point of manufacture or purchase from the supplier and the point of sale is called shrinkage.

It is a word that business owners prefer not to hear. Because the sheer numbers of shrinkage, or shrink, resulting from employee pilferage and shoplifting are staggering: 44 percent from employee (or internal) theft and 35 percent from shoplifting. That’s a combined 79 percent loss because the manufactured and/or purchased goods are no longer around to be sold for profit.

PLDT now has a solution to curb this incalculable cause of loss.

It is called “Watcher.”

Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience: The Video

Ok...this happened a year ago already, but we still can't get over it! Here's a video of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience that happened at the Subic International Airport. Enjoy!

PLDT SME Nation Launches F.A.S.Track

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) who are elbow-deep in critical field operations such as transport, logistics and courier delivery operations, can reap big-time benefits in their businesses by deploying PLDT SME Nation’s innovative, simple and user-friendly, web-based asset monitoring system.

Simply put, F.A.S.Track Online (Field Asset System for Tracking) is a productivity tool that has an accurate and invariable per-minute location monitoring feature that allows business owners, particularly companies with a fleet of vehicles and people, to precisely pinpoint their locations while on the road, nationwide, 24/7. The information can be sent to and read from any favorite online device, such as a desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone.

Photo courtesy of Shell Press

Filipino drivers show positive attitudes towards fuel economy knowing that this will result to more savings revealed the latest Shell FuelSave Index. According to the study, 94% see fuel efficiency as an important way to save money and to personally help use resources in a more sustainable way.

The Shell FuelSave Index is a Shell commissioned research that looked into the driving habits of motorists in European and Asian countries in order to understand how to help more drivers save more fuel, more often.

Recent findings showed that the Filipinos are willing to change their driving behavior to save on fuel; reflecting 87% of those surveyed while 85% have actually changed the way they drive to reduce the amount of the fuel that they are using.

Petron Assembles The Avengers

Petron brings another treat to its customers with its Assemble the Avengers promo, running from April 1 to May 31, 2012, at participating Petron service stations nationwide.

Fans of the upcoming action blockbuster Marvel's The Avengers, presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures, will have a chance to complete their Super Hero set through Petron's Assemble the Avengers promo. With every P1,000 single or accumulated purchase of any Petron fuel—Blaze 100, XCS, Xtra Unleaded, Pinoy Gasoline, Xtend, Diesel Max and Turbo Diesel—the customer is entitled to purchase one Marvel's The Avengers Action Tumbler that comes with a special cup topper for only P60.

There are four Petron limited edition Marvel's The Avengers Action Tumblers to collect—Iron man, The Hulk, Thor and Captain America. These may be redeemed only at the participating station where the customer loaded fuel, and the customer must present the single or accumulated receipts when redeeming the toy tumbler. Lost or damaged receipts will not be replaced or honored.
Marvel's The Avengers opened at Philippine theaters on April 25, 2012.

Petron Offers Free Coffee, Philippine Star

Get going with coffee and catch the latest news with Petron's "Kape at Balita" promo! Motorists who gas up between 6:30 am to 8:30 am at participating Petron stations will be treated to free coffee and newspaper for the month-long promo duration, which runs from May 10 to June 8, 2012.

For a minimum single purchase receipt of P1,000 of Petron Blaze 100, Petron XCS Unleaded, Petron Xtra Unleaded, Petron Pinoy Gasoline, or Petron Regular Gasoline entitles the customer to one free sachet of San Mig 3-in-1 Coffee and one free The Philippine Star newspaper. The free coffee and newspaper may be redeemed from the same Petron station upon presentation of receipt, from 6:30 am to 8:30 am.

The "Kape at Balita" promo is valid only for cash and credit card transactions. Bulk, PO and wholesale transactions do not qualify. The San Mig 3-in-1 Coffee sachet will be provided as a dry sample; cup and hot water are not included.

Look for the promo signages at participating Petron stations nationwide and get your early morning dose of "Kape at Balita" with Petron!

Toyota Road Trek 8: Video

We were gone for three days last week, and here's the reason why. Toyota held its annual Road Trek event in Bohol and Cebu. Here's what we did. Enjoy.

May 15, 2012

Land Rover Club Philippines Participates in Trans-Kalimantan Expedition 2012

Photo by Igor Maminta

The Land Rover Club Philippines (LRCP) joined the Land Rover Owners Club Malaysia's (LROM) Trans Kalimantan Expedition 2012 from March 10 to 24, 2012.

The LRCP team consists of Leo Dominguez, a Filipino lawyer and adventurer; Igor Maminta, a Filipino professional motoring photographer; David Fraser, an Australian who retired from the Asian Development Bank; and Vicky Vigneswaran Karthigesu, a Malaysian Land Rover enthusiast and adventurer who provided technical support and co-driving for the Team.

The Team successfully brought the LRCP and Philippine Flag at LROM's Trans Kalimantan Expedition 2012.

Jollibee Drive-Thru Cross Country Challenge Teaser

Will your favorite blogger win the ultimate road trip? Find out soon on ABS-CBN. In the mean time, you can follow the face on Twitter by using the hashtag: #JolliChallenge or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jollibeephilippines

All-New BMW 3 Series Launched in PHL

No other automobile has created a bigger impact in the luxury car segment than the BMW 3 Series. Since it launch in 1975, the “baby” BMW has sold over 12 million units, making it not only the best-selling BMW automobile, but the luxury segment’s best-seller for many years now. And just last week, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer of BMW cars in the Philippines has written the next chapter in the 3 Series history by launching the all-new, sixth generation model.

The all-new BMW 3 Series has a rich and illustrious history to live up to, and judging by the initial reaction, this model will have little problem. Just like the first 3 Series, the all-new 3 Series continues with the tried-and-tested concept of offering a compact body with an elegant design, powerful and modern engines, a classic rear-wheel drive set-up, and sporty suspension tuning. The result is a car with unrivalled driving dynamics and agility. Additionally, the 3 Series introduces systems developed under the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy giving this car the lowest fuel consumption and emissions in its class.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) starts the second quarter with a 35% growth in total sales for the period of January to April 2012. This was brought about by the 113% rise in Passenger Car (PC) sales—from 2,534 units sold in the first four months of 2011 to 5,396 units sold in the same period of this year. Models in the PC segment such as the i10, Accent and Elantra increased the overall boost in sales. The entry of the new Eon in April likewise generated increased interest in Hyundai vehicles.

April 2012 sales likewise showed an 11% growth in total sales, with a sale of 1,099 units this year from 645 units sold in April 2011. While PC models continued to drive favorable sales performance, there was a slowdown in Light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales due to delayed arrival of shipment.

HARI enters the second quarter of the year on a positive note with sustained optimistic consumer outlook. According to Nielsen’s Global Consumer Index, the Philippines placed in the top 11 of most optimistic countries in the world. The Philippine economy is expected to remain on track this year on the back of higher public infrastructure spending and improved investor confidence against the short-term challenges of global uncertainties, particularly in the Euro zone.

Ferrari FF Launches in PHL

Photo courtesy of Autostrada Motore

The eagerly-anticipated Ferrari FF recently made its Philippine debut at Autostrada Motore Inc., the official importer-distributor of Ferrari cars in the Philippines. The Ferrari FF is the first four-seater four-wheel drive car.

“This new Ferrari takes the Prancing Horse into new territory, matching the legendary performance, style and driving excitement expected of a Ferrari with new levels of ability thanks to its unique four-wheel drive system, and its spacious and flexible interior which makes it the most useable and versatile supercar built by Ferrari,” says Simon Inglefield, Head of Ferrari Asia Pacific Other Countries.

Philippine Car Price Guide: May 2012

We're a bit late, we know. Blame the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge. It was a hectic 10 days...no mobile phones...constant driving...but hey, we made it back. In case you want to see us in action, you can catch it on ABS-CBN, Cinema One and ETC starting on Monday. We'll post the schedules once we get them here.

In the mean time, here's your May 2012 Philippine Car Price Guide:

Photos courtesy of Lexus Press

The new, upgraded RX model range made its Philippine debut in a posh dinner held last Tuesday at the Lexus Manila showroom in the Fort.

The new RX exterior features a new, more elegant and aggressive frontal design. An enhanced interior offers an expanded choice of color schemes, new trim finishes, a new steering wheel and a revised instrument binnacle.

Photo courtesy of Diageo Press

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand teams up with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes (VMM) Driver and World Champion Jenson Button to create the JOHN WALKER & SONS Signature Blend Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Edition – a unique and rare blend in celebration of the brand’s successful eight-year partnership with the winning F1 Team.

Forming part of the global “Step Inside the Circuit” campaign, Johnnie Walker threw its hat into the wonderful spectacle of F1 racing in 2005 when it partnered with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes to give fans exclusive and intimate insights into the world of Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, and the rest of the team both on and off the track.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, and the Department of Tourism (DOT) gear up for a trailblazing joint effort at reinforcing the image of the Philippines as the preferred tourist and investment destination in Asia at the forthcoming EXPO 2012 Yeosu Korea that will be held in the coastal city of Yeosu in South Korea from May 12 to August 12 this year.

Ford Philippines today reported April retail sales of 677 vehicles, an increase of nine percent over previous month. Strong demand for several Ford models, coupled with the continuing improvements to local supply contributed to the uptick in sales for the month.

The all-new Ford Fiesta led the April performance with sales of 265 units, increasing its year-to-date sales to 1,039 units. The Ford Escape SUV turned in a strong month with retail sales rising 33 percent from March to 149 units.

With over 7,100 islands, the Philippines has no shortage of breathtaking sights to offer visitors and local tourists alike. The more than 60,000 Isuzu Crosswind units on Philippine roads, meanwhile, are rolling testaments to the multipurpose vehicle’s enduring popularity and usefulness.

So fittingly, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) staged a road trip to one of the country’s premier destinations—the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan—in introducing the 2012 Isuzu Crosswind Special Edition. In the event dubbed “It’s more fun with the Isuzu Crosswind in Palawan” that was held from April 18-20, 2012, IPC reinforced the proven strengths and exciting new features of the latest Crosswind in a way that showcased some of the Philippines’ unique scenic attractions, and allowed access to no less than Palawan’s underground river that was newly included as among the world’s Seven Wonders of Nature.

Review: 2012 Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT A/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Small cars are a love ‘em or hate ‘em affair—sometimes both in one vehicle. You love them for their perceived frugality and ease of parking, and hate them for their utter dullness and tin-can structure. Recent attempts have proven successful at banishing the notion that small cars are a cruel form of punishment. Chevrolet seems to be joining this bandwagon as well with its Spark, proving that small cars can be a decent drive and have some kind of personality at the same time.

Review: 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Rally-derived sports sedans such as the Subaru WRX STI certainly appeals to a lot of buyers. After all, what’s not to like about its bodacious good looks, powerful turbocharged engine and all-weather security courtesy of an advanced all-wheel drive. However, even if you can afford one, since it’s only available with a manual transmission, it takes a select few—the purist—to truly appreciate a beast such as this. Fortunately for the rest of the populace, thanks to the increasing trend towards automated gearboxes on high-performance machines, Subaru is now offering an automatic transmission option on its WRX STI for the very first time and it’s called the WRX STI A-Line.

From the outside, there’s absolutely no way to distinguish between the manual and automatic transmission variants of the WRX STI. Both the self- and automated-shifting models carry its rally-bred heritage on its shoulder with the wide body design, copious amount of air vents, high-luster alloy wheels and of course, a large rear wing. Thus, Motor Image Pilipinas, the distributor of Subaru automobiles in the country, has taken upon themselves to offer one big differentiating factor: the six-speed manual is only available as a sedan while the automatic is exclusively a five-door hatchback.

All-New BMW 3 Series Launching on May 10

Photo courtesy of BMW Press

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the exclusive distributor of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the country is gearing up for the launch of the all-new 3 Series on May 10. We'll be live from the specially-constructed BMW Tent. Coverage starts at 7:00 PM Philippine time. For live feeds, follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/carguideph/

May 1, 2012

We'll be Sorta Gone Until May 9!

Photo courtesy of Jollibee

As you read this, your esteemed author and his good buddy, Neil Pagulayan (Neil Almighty) of 99.5 RT will be undertaking the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross Country Challenge which will run until May 8 (or is it 9). And since this is a contest ala The Amazing Race, we don't have our phones with us.

In the mean time, you'll get some scheduled updates, but we'll be slow on the news until May 9. Until then, wish us luck! Hopefully by the time you read this, we'll beat the crap out of these pretty boys and girls!

For more information about the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross Country Challenge, you can check out their facebook page: Jollibee Philippines. Likewise, you can PROBABLY (but we're not sure), follow us on twitter throughout the event at: @carguideph and @neilonradio.

April 30, 2012

Toyota Philippines Offers Certified Pre-Owned Program

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) launches the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles (TCPOV) program. The TCPOV is a new program where in customers can enjoy utmost value for money in purchasing pre owned vehicles. TMP aims to cater to the market where purchasing a reliable used car is given much importance. Now a days finding dependable pre owned vehicles can be a difficult task. In launching the TCPOV, Toyota is able to provide buyers an avenue where they can always be assured of the vehicle’s quality and reliability.

Toyota Launches All-New Camry

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.

Photos courtesy of Suzuki Press

Known primarily as a maker of small cars such as the Celerio and Swift as well as motorcycles, Suzuki Philippines takes a bold step forward with the introduction of the Kizashi sports sedan. Marking the company’s first foray into the highly competitive, brand conscious executive sedan market, the Kizashi comes extremely prepared: it’s benchmarked against some of the world’s best cars including those from European brands. Meaning “a sign of things to come” in Japanese, the Kizashi delivers a unique blend of performance, design and craftsmanship into the executive sedan segment.

Photo courtesy of Isuzu Press

More than 60,000 owners have spoken; the Isuzu Crosswind is the best solution for their personal, family and business vehicle requirements as the multipurpose vehicle continues to serve the Filipino consumer since 2001. To further address the evolving needs of the market, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s Diesel Expert, is introducing the 2012 Isuzu Crosswind XS variant.

The Crosswind XS is a six-seater model. Without the third-row seat, the vehicle can carry more than 1.8-cubic meter cargo as its entire rear area is now a dedicated load space. This makes the Crosswind XS perfect for small families or those with young children because the vehicle can easily accommodate strollers, toys, extra clothes, groceries and other similar items. Also, the Crosswind XS becomes an even more ideal choice for business use as it can serve as a taxicab, service/delivery shuttle, or courier vehicle that’s able to load balikbayan boxes and other oversized baggage.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

In the Philippines, if there’s one Hyundai that’s already recognized for being an iconic on its own right, it’s the Grand Starex. Known for its extreme comfort, durability, and reliability, the Grand Starex is always been one of the country’s best-selling large family van. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when the Hyundai Grand Starex has been chosen as the official mobility partner for the annual Asian Development Bank (ADB) meet.

The all-new Ford Explorer with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine is still a full three months away, but we’ve been lucky enough to have sampled, by all intents and purposes, the entry-level Explorer. Of course, the P 2.350-million price tag is anything but entry-level, but it still saves you something like P 200,000 compared to the V6. However, as with anything that’s more affordable, expect the Explorer experience to be diluted. The question is, by how much? The Ford Explorer V6 has raised the bar quite a bit by providing excellent driving manners and numerous creature features at a truly competitive price. So, how will its little brother, the 2.0 EcoBoost fair? Without passing judgement (that will come at a later time), here’s what you can expect from the Explorer V6’s little brother.

Review: 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer EX Ralliart

Photos by Ulysses Ang

At first glance, the Lancer Ralliart looks pretty much like the typical Lancer EX it’s based on. In fact, while the Lancer Evolution takes the path of being a sophisticated, no-holds-barred flagship that offers track-honed features and the capability of outperforming more expensive sports cars, the Lancer Ralliart feels more like a well-done tuner car—a reincarnation perhaps of the original Evolution.

The Full Monty: Toyota Auto Salon Amlux

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Japan is most definitely on the list of any car enthusiast’s Mecca; and a trip here isn’t complete without a visit to one of various automotive shrines, museums, and what have you. Given that Japan is an expensive place to go to (for example, a single bus ride costs around P 110), some penny-pinching may be in order to stretch the valuable Yen you’re carrying. However, there is one automotive-related gem that’s just waiting to be discovered—and best of all, it’s free! So if you’re starting to overload on eating conveyor-belt sushi or visiting the various Shinto shrines, here’s an automotive museum worth spending some quality time in.

Photos courtesy of Honda Press

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile production and sales subsidiary in the Philippines, today launched its highly-anticipated all-new CR-V. Following the launch of the new City last January, the all-new Civic and Jazz Special Edition in February, the all-new CR-V further strengthens Honda’s return to the Philippine automotive market.

Ford has finally taken the wraps off the production version of its B-segment crossover--the EcoSport at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. This all-new crossover, dubbed as the "SUV for the urban world", will be available in over 100 countries mostly likely including the Philippines.

Based off Ford's B-segment platform (which happens to underpin the Fiesta as well), the EcoSport comes with Ford's newest and most advanced EcoBoost turbocharged engine yet: a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine with 118 horsepower.

Other key features of the Ford EcoSport are: the Ford SYNC infotainment system, 16-inch alloy wheels, a push-button engine start/stop, and a cooled glove box. For safety, it gets 6 airbags, ABS, and Electronic Stability Program or ESP that integrates Hill Start Assist.

The Ford EcoSport will make its way to other markets in Asia including the Philippines soon.

Chinese-Spec Subaru Legacy Aims High (Literally)

Subaru parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. has unveiled the 2013 Legacy for the Chinese market, and from the looks alone, you know it's aiming high--literally.

The 2013 Legacy has been re-designed specifically for the Chinese market and the changes are quite extensive. First, the ride height has been increased by 60 mm. Second, because of the increased ride height, Subaru had to modify the front bumper, side spoiler, and rear bumper. The wheels remain 18-inches. And of course, to suit the Chinese buyer, Subaru has put chrome on the side sill spoiler and rear bumper. Inside, the Chinese version of the Legacy removes the silvery plastics and in place is a piano-black finish. The electronic parking brake and SI-Drive switches were also relocated for better usability.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy also debuts the new-generation 2.5-liter Boxer (FB25) for the Chinese market as well as the Lineartronic CVT.

April 23, 2012

Mitsubishi Expands Zamboanga Dealer

Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Press

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) together with one of its authorized dealers Zamboanga Motors Inc. (ZMI) recently broke ground to mark the start of the construction of a bigger and a more modern Mitsubishi Motors showroom and service center. The newest ZMI showroom will be constructed in a 5,320 square meter lot located in Governor Carmins Avenue Zamboanga, City.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard something exciting from Mazda. The brand of ‘zoom-zoom’ has been quiet, not being able to launch a significant vehicle since the CX-7 several years ago. But you know what they say: patience is a virtue. And over the weekend’s Mazda Revolution event, Mazda has unveiled two promising all-new vehicles for the local market: the CX-5 crossover and the all-new Mazda3.

Suzuki Launching Kizashi Sedan in Philippines

We all know that the 2012 Toyota Camry's launching Thursday next week. But here's even a bigger surprise: Suzuki is ready to move upmarket straight into Camry territory with their Kizashi sports sedan. And guess what? It's launching on the very same day, just two hours apart from Toyota's perennial best-seller.

Aside from the the hard to pronounce name, what can we expect from the Suzuki Kizashi? Well, there's still no word on the pricing, but we do know that the Philippine spec Kizashi is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that's good for 180 horsepower. The sole transmission is a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Apart from the drivetrain, the rest of the details are still foggy. But based on pics, we can tell the Kizashi will have a keyless push button engine start/stop, USB input for audio devices, rear air conditioning vents, dual climate control, and leather upholstery.

Again, we'll be live from the Suzuki Kizashi launch on Thursday, April 26. Follow us live via our Twitter account starting 3PM.

Hyundai PHL Sales Up 44% in Q1 2012

“As the Philippine economic landscape continues to move from good to great, so does consumer confidence and Hyundai’s outstanding sales performance for Q1. We are optimistic that this trend will extend into Q2, with the Elantra making waves as Car of the Year for 2012, the launch of the new Hyundai EON, and our consistent brand promotion efforts.”
-- Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI President and CEO

Photo Break #1: (Head) Turning Japanese

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Welcome to "Photo Break" where I post cars and scenes which I find awesome. The first one is a 2012 Nissan GT-R which I happened to snap in Kyoto, Japan. After walking more than a kilometer into the heart of Gion, Kyoto, this is one amazing sight I just had to take a picture of.

All Photo Break photos can be downloaded as a desktop wallpaper This one's in a 1280x960 pixel resolution. Enjoy.

Report: Peugeot 3008 Coming to Philippines?

During the The Philippine Star turnover last night, Vernon Sarne of Top Gear has gotten hold of a news nugget: one of the models that Eurobrands Distributor, the Peugeot distributor in the Philippines, is bringing in is a diesel-powered 3008 crossover.

Worldwide, there are two diesel engines available for the 3008: a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter. What motor will arrive in the Philippines is still uncertain according to Mr. Sarne. What's more, he has revealed that Peugeot will also be bringing in "a sedan, an MPV, and a coupe". Bringing Peugeot's Philippine total to 4 models by the brand's launch by July.

Source: TopGear.com.ph

UPDATED: Ford Showcases Mustang at MIAS, On Sale by Setember

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

UPDATE: Ford execs confirmed that the Mustang previewed at The Manila International Auto Show is indeed the 2012 model. Once Ford starts selling the pony car in September it will be the 2013 model.

Ford executives have good reasons to smile: first, they unveiled the all-new Ranger, a class-changing and one-of-a-kind pick-up; second, they unveiled the baby brother to their Explorer V6, the Explorer 2.0 GDTi XLT with EcoBoost; and lastly, the pulled off a surprise by finally showcasing the Mustang for the Philippine market.

Now, when Ford Group Philippines brings in a model, even if it's a preview, it means they're dead serious in selling it. None of that, "we need a halo car" bullshit. And though it's easy to say they'll be bringing in this variant and that, well, the final specs have yet to be finalized. Yes folks...for those who've been reading other sources, that they've driven the 2013 Mustang, sorry folks we don't know for sure which particular pony will gallop our streets. That said, Ford Group Philippines says that the Mustang will be "competitively priced" and deliveries will start in September.

A formal launch event will happen sometime in June or July, and by that time, we'll have a better idea on the final specs and pricing for the Ford Mustang.

Focus Ventures Introduces King Long Univan

Photo courtesy of Focus Ventures, Inc.

Focus Ventures, Inc. the Philippine distributor of Chana automobiles and FAW light-duty trucks has added another brand into its portfolio: King Long.

Known as a brand of passenger buses and luxury coaches, King Long Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. has applied the same expertise and technical innovation into their latest vehicle line: vans. For the Philippine market, Focus Ventures showcased the King Long Univan at the recently concluded 8th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

Originally named as "A+ HIASE" light bus in China, the King Long Univan is a 14-seater, 5.2-meter long van (wheelbase of 2.89 meters) is powered by a choice of a 4JB1 Direct Injection diesel engine with turbocharger or a GW2.8TC-2 diesel with common rail direct injection (CRDi). In the 4JB1 guise, the Univan has a maximum output of 76 horsepower and 174 Nm of torque, and with the GW2.8TC-2 engine, the Univan has 90 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque. Both models feature 5-speed manuals driving the rear wheels.

The King Long Univan is a practical and by all intents and purposes, a basic vehicle. So convenience features are limited to: front fog lamps, 195/70 R 15 tires mounted on steel wheels (with cover), dual air conditioning, power steering and an AM/FM radio with CD player. However, thanks to its "bubble roof" construction, it promises ample space and easy access for all passengers. Indeed, Focus Ventures, Inc. is aiming the King Long Univan towards business-minded Filipinos who are looking into transportation services business.

Price for both variants is P 950,000. If you're interested in the King Long Univan, you may contact Focus Ventures, Inc. at +632-631-0298 or visit their website at: www.focusventures.com.ph

Ford Driving Skills for Life Gets an Upgrade

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

Ford is going further on its commitment to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and injuries in the country by conducting regional refresher training courses for its global and award-winning Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) campaign.

Now on its fifth year, Ford DSFL provides training in both safe and economical driving practices to drivers from Ford’s Asia Pacific and Africa markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, India, Taiwan, and South Africa. So far, 50,000 have participated in the program across Asia with another 12,000 expected in 2012, including 2,000 in the Philippines.

The DSFL program has not only been successful in training drivers on defensive driving but it has also shown 20-25 percent short-term effect on fuel savings and 6-15 percent long term fuel savings on passenger cars with the potential to reduce carbon dioxide.

UPDATED: More Leaks from the Upcoming Mazda Revolution Event

UPDATE: We just received word from Mazda Philippines that the BT-50 and CX-9 2WD won't be launching at the Mazda Revolution. Oh well. Still, you can't deny the sales reps are saying that these two cars will be launching real soon!

You just have to had it to overeager sales reps. Just a few days before the official launch of the all-new Mazda3 and CX-5 at the Mazda Revolution tent event, we've uncovered some more interesting tidbits about the upcoming event. It seems that it's not only the CX-5 and the Mazda3 seeing the light of day at the Mazda Revolution but we'll be seeing the all-new BT-50 pick-up as well as a new variant of the CX-9 full-sized crossover. We'll also be seeing a slight price adjustment (upward) of the Mazda2.

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