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June 26, 2012

Volvo Launches S60 Polestar Performance Concept

Photo courtesy of Volvo Press

Volvo Cars Official Motorsport and Performance partner Polestar presents the Volvo S60 Polestar, a performance concept car developed with the aim of satisfying the performance minded driver.

"We are proud to present Polestar’s interpretation of the Volvo S60," says Christian Dahl, founder and CEO of Polestar. "It’s a car developed with our own preferences in mind which, we, from experience know, are shared by a group of active drivers."

Photos by Ulysses Ang

When it’s said that the compact crossover segment is the most highly contested out there, that’s an understatement. Consider this: it’s the only segment in the Philippine market where every carmaker has a entrant be it utilitarian, upscale, luxurious, or sporty. Everyone from the Japanese (the original purveyors of the compact crossover genre) to the Americans, and even the Europeans are all in the act. Sad to say, when it comes to buying an actual compact crossover, top-of-mind choices often take precedent over what’s actually good or recommendable.

Simply Brilliant: Driving the Hyundai Eon to Baguio

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Normally, when you think “road trip”, your mind gravitates towards bringing a crossover or a large van with you where it is you need to go. So when we were invited to drive Hyundai’s newest (and smallest) city car, the Eon up Baguio, there were questions as to whether the diminutive vehicle would actually make it in one piece. We actually conjured up scenarios where the Eon would be thrown about by the crosswinds of passing busses or stalling up the steep climb up Kennon Road.

Columbian Autocar Corporation Extends Partnership with Philippine Azkals

Photo courtesy of Kia Press

Last May 2011, the Columbian Autocar Corporation (exclusive distributor of KIA vehicles in the country) kicked off a thrilling partnership with the Philippine Azkals. This affiliation stemmed from KIA’s desire to support these talented athletes who have been representing the country in local and international football competitions. It’s no secret that KIA has fallen in love with the game and CAC is determined to help the Azkals in their pursuit of excellence in sports. In the course of 2011, CAC has been present in Azkals matches and several of the players have expressed their support for Kia on various occasions. In December 2011, Azkals veterans were also given their own KIA vehicle to drive around.

With a year of exciting collaborations with the team, CAC extended their contract for a second year as the Azkals’ official transport provider. Held at the Azkals Sports Bar last June 21, the signing event was witnessed by the motoring and sports media.

Following its aggressive sports marketing strategy, KIA will be one of the major sponsors at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. As one of the official FIFA partners, KIA will be supplying vehicles from its model line-up that will be used during FIFA events. KIA is also boosting its brand recognition through a number of marketing activities and A-board advertisements in the stadiums during the games.

KIA Motor’s commitment to sports and passion for football are showcased in its continued partnership with the Philippine Azkals. With the different sports sponsorships, KIA Motors Corporation will continue to strengthen the brand as a global automaker that is adventurous and young-at-heart.

June 22, 2012

Ford Philippines Upgrades Explorer 3.5 V6

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

Continuing to raise the bar on customer expectations for a modern, capable, fuel-efficient SUV, Ford Philippines today launched the all-new 3.5L Ford Explorer Limited with deliveries beginning next month.

The all-new 3.5L Ford Explorer Limited features additional segment-first technologies that include Active Park Assist, Lane Keeping Technology, Blind Sport Information System and Adaptive Cruise Control.

First Drive: 2012 Toyota 86

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Upon his appointment as Toyota Motor Corporation CEO, Akio Toyoda has one goal: make Toyota fun-to-drive once again. As the founder’s grandson, Akio-san knows that one vital ingredient to make this dream a reality is to create an affordable and spirited sports car. Before the birth of the 86, it was puzzling that Toyota—being the world’s largest automaker, didn’t have a single sports car in its line-up. The absence was made even more obvious given the carmaker’s illustrious past: Toyota Sports 800, 2000GT, Celica, MR2, and Supra. Now, after years of anticipation and excitement, the long wait is over as the company has introduced a new addition to its line-up; one that finally re-introduces a legend: the Toyota 86 sports car.

AVID January-May 2012 Sales Up 27%

While total industry sales rose marginally by 0.6%, the first five months of the year saw sales of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) increase by 27% to 12,887 units versus the 10,151 sold in the same period last year. Passenger car (PC) sales went up by 77% or 8,004 units from 4,528 units sold last year. Top three contributors to this growth are Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), and Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc.

For the month of May alone, total sales rose by 11%, likewise driven by higher PC turnouts of 1,476 units, or a 47% increase.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines brings the perfect time for entrepreneurs and those who are planning to start their own businesses. The Mitsubishi Buhay Negosyante Deals promo offers flexible terms that will suit your budget and allow you to own the ideal and dependable vehicle for whatever your business may be. Aside from the easy financing deals, customers are also entitled to exciting freebies and rewards when they purchase the L300 Deluxe, Adventure, or L200.

Review: 2012 Ford Explorer 2.0 EcoBoost GTDi

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The all-new Ford Explorer with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine is still a month away (deliveries start in July), but this author is lucky enough to have sampled, by all intents and purposes, the “base” Explorer. Of course, the P 2.250-million price tag is anything but base, but it still saves you something like P 200,000 compared to the V6. As with anything that’s deemed to entry-level, 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 Explorer EcoBoost fair?

Toyota Motor Philippines Launches 86

Photos courtesy of Toyota Press

After years of anticipation and excitement, the long wait is over. Toyota Motor Philippines uncovers the legendary 86 sports coupe in June of 2012. Made famous by car enthusiast, the number “86” presents multiple meanings behind it, including the rich history of Toyota sports cars and the emotions that went into building this vehicle. It shares the same number based on the motor show concept “FT-86”, which in turn was patterned on the 1982 Toyota AE86 also known as the hachiroku; a car which never relied on beastly horsepower but instead on a combination of a lightweight design, responsive power and a perfect balance. 30 years later, the 86 is reborn with the spirit and the heart of its predecessors; the 2000GT, Sports 800 and the AE86.

Philippine Car Price Guide: June 2012

Here's your monthly installment of the Philippine Car Price Guide. In this update, we've included some price movements from Chevrolet, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz.

Other notable changes include the official removal from availability of the Ford Focus (the all-new one's just around the corner), the arrival of new cars from Kia including the Kia Sportage 2.0 LX M/T, Sorento 2.4 LX 2WD 5-Seater M/T, and 1.6 Soul LX with 6-speed AT, simplification of the Mitsubishi Adventure range, and of course, the arrival of the Toyota 86 into our list.

There are also some minor changes with other brands not mentioned above, so without further adieu, here's your June 2012 price list:

Review: 2012 Honda Accord and 2012 Honda Jazz

On any other day, it’s like comparing apples to oranges, or more appropriately in this case, comparing a bottle of Gold Eagle to Stella Artois. They’re both brewed from the same combination of cereal, barley and wheat but the end result couldn’t be further apart. Yet, you cannot deny that the fundamental ingredients are the same. The same could be said about driving two cars from the same manufacturer, in this case, Honda. At first glance, the sub-P800,000 hatchback Jazz and the sub-P2-million Accord may seem worlds apart, but they do have the very same basic ingredient: superb engineering. And that’s the basis of this back-to-back drive.

Leaked: Ford Focus PHL Specs and Pricing

Ah sales reps...you just got to love 'em. After we got wind that the all-new Ford Focus is expected to bow in early July (we're keeping the exact date secret, so you'll have to check back once in a while), we just had to keep our neighborhood Ford dealer a call and lo and behold: they're ready to divulge the specs and pricing of Ford's new compact car offering.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the official distributor of Kia vehicles in the country has released two new value-oriented models that nicely fills in their crossover line-up. In an announcement on Kia Motor Philippines's official Facebook page as well as print ads, Kia is now offering the Sorento 2.4 LX 5MT at just P 1,090,000 while the Sportage now has a new 2.0 LX 2WD 5MT variant at just P 988,000.

This is certainly excellent news for those wanting to buy a Sportage or Sorento, but found the prices rather prohibitive. Before these two new variants, the most affordable Sportage stood at P 1,158,000 while the Sorento started at P 1,490,000. These new models represent a savings of P 170,000 and P 400,000 respectively. It's understood that both of these new variants offer less content compared to their higher-priced siblings (for example, the Sportage removes the passenger airbag, fog lamps, roof rails, door courtesy lamp, illuminated ignition key hole, and rear storage box), but hey, cash savings is still cash savings!

Mazda CX-5 Receives Five-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating

Mazda’s all-new CX-5, unveiled in the Philippines last April, has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

This rating, alongside being named a "Top Safety Pick 2012" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States last March, confirms the all-new Mazda CX-5, which employs Mazda's new lightweight, highly rigid SKYACTIV-BODY, as among the safest cars in the world.

HCPI Launches All-New Odyssey, Pilot

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.

Globetrotting in his 1988 Mercedes-Benz G-Class for the past 22 years, Gunther Holtorf finally arrives in Philippine shores—the 199th on his continuously growing list of countries in his round-the-world journey.

Gunther’s ever-reliable G-Class named “Otto”, his companion since he began the world tour, has already clocked in 800,000 kilometers—approximately 20 times the length of the equator. Gunther and Otto have shared many memorable journeys; especially that he eats, sleeps, cooks, showers, and practically does everything in his car.

2012 Subaru XV 2.0i vs 2012 Mitsubishi ASX GLS SE

From the get-go, it seems the Subaru XV is designed to take the Mitsubishi ASX in a head-to-head grudge match. Consider the general design: both originate from all-wheel drive compact cars (the XV is from the Impreza, the ASX is from the Lancer EX); consider the drivetrain: both sport 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines mated to CVT transmissions; consider the price: both are stone’s throw from each other topping out at close to P 1.550 million apiece; lastly, consider the naming: both are christened with a string nonsensical letters. These factors easily make the XV and the ASX the most inseparable rivals in today’s compact crossovers, and the perfect subject for our first head-to-head test.

Focus Ventures, Inc., the official distributor of Chana vehicles in the Philippines is helping boost Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by launching their new "Back to Business" promotion.

With Back to Business promotion, you can own the Chana Star 2, Multi-carry 2 Dropside, Multi-carry 2 Panoramic Body, or Multi-carry Double Cab with Pick-up for a low down payment of just P 99,000. In addition, customers are entitled to a free 3-year LTO registration as well as Third-Party Liability (TPL).

The promo is available for financing transactions with 30 percent down payment. Rates are subject to bank approval through BDO. The promotion runs until July 31, 2012.

For more information about Back to Business, contact any of Chana's network of dealerships or visit the Focus Ventures website at www.focusventures.com.ph.

June 5, 2012

NMPI Launches Grand Livina Highway Star

Photo courtesy of Nissan Press

The summer season may be over, but the streets are just starting to heat up as Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) announced that the Grand Livina Highway Star will be available at all Nissan dealerships nationwide starting this weekend.

In preparation for school opening this June, La Salle Greenhills held a safety seminar for school bus drivers on 31 May 2012. Hosted by the PALS (Parents Association of La Salle) under the leadership of president Cindy Banaria and Information Chair Fe Rizo, the safety seminar consisted of a specially-designed two-hour module aimed at re-orienting drivers to defensive driving and other safety considerations. More than 80 participants listened to the resource speakers led by former LTO/LTFRB chair Alberto Suansing, who is now executive director of PGRSP (Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership). The seminar is part of PALS' thrust to look after the safety and welfare of LSGH students.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) has signed a Deed of Donation as it partners with The Mind Museum at Taguig (TMMT). With this newly forged collaboration, HARI will be sponsoring the Atom Gallery of TMMT, an area in the museum with the most number of interactive exhibits. Its support in promoting the love and understanding of science concepts among the Filipino people is very much aligned with HARI’s corporate social commitment to nation-building through education. Present in the signing were (1st row, from L-R) Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. (BAFI) President Antonino T. Aquino, BAFI Chairman Joselito D. Campos, Jr., HARI President & CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI Chairman Richard L. Lee, (2nd row, from L-R) BAFI Corporate Secretary Edgardo M. Cruz, Jr., BAFI Board Trustee Carlos S. Rufino, HARI Chairman Edward S. Go and BAFI Managing Director Manuel A. Blas II.

Shell Launches V-Power Nitro+, Nitro+ Racing; Phases Out Super Premium

Photo courtesy of Shell Press

Shell launched its latest generation of premium performance fuels namely Shell V-Power Nitro+ Gasoline, Shell V-Power Nitro+ Racing and Shell V-Power Nitro + Diesel. The Philippines is one of the first countries in the world to see the introduction of the new premium performance fuels, which will directly replace the Shell V-Power fuels and Shell Super Premium currently available in the Philippines.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 10: The Video

So, here's the last day of the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge. We hope you enjoyed watching our 10-day adventure around the Philippines. Until the next one!

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 9: The Video

It's done. And we didn't win! :-( Still, that won't prevent us from posting the last 2 days of our 10 day adventure. If you want to follow me or my partner Neil Almighty of 99.5 RT, you can follow both of us on Twitter: @carguideph and @neilonradio.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 8: The Video

We didn't appear anywhere in this episode, since we weren't able to make it this far in Mindanao. But still, watch it :-)

June 4, 2012

Surprise! Honda Launching Pilot, Odyssey in Philippines

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:

Lessons Learned from the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge

Photo courtesy of Jollibee Facebook Page

A couple of months ago, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to embark on a very unique contest involving fast cars, fast food, and the concept that was born from their marriage: drive thru. For 10 days, my chosen partner (Neil Pagulayan aka Neil Almighty of FM station 99.5 RT) and I basically drove through almost the entirety of the Jollibee drive thru network collecting points, completing challenges, and what have you. Unfortunately, the winners won’t be revealed until night, so this story may not have such a happy ending to it.

But that doesn’t matter. What does matter is Neil and I have carried with us some of the most unique experiences we’ll ever have in our entire lifetime. And I can say that with a degree of authority given our pair has the age average (thanks Neil). I could certainly do a list of a thousand lessons we’ve learned from the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge, but here are the biggest lessons we’ve learned:

Hiroshima is often not high on a typical tourist’s list of “must-see, must-go places”. Getting there requires advanced planning since it takes a two-hour Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from the international hub city of Osaka (Kansai International Airport). Plus once you get there, the city center itself has little to offer compared to the likes of Tokyo and Kyoto. However a train transfer away from downtown brings you to the beautiful island of Miyajima and its floating torii gate in one direction, and on the opposite direction, the Mazda Museum.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Pre

Educating the public about the concept of biodiversity is a crucial long-term initiative for creating proactive steps towards protecting and sustaining the country’s natural resources.
Last April 29, 2012, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai in the Philippines, recently strengthened its on-going partnership with the Gawad Kalinga Center for Social Innovation (GK-CSI) at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila. In its advocacy to edify the public, especially students, with sound plans to safeguard the environment, HARI committed to support GK in the construction of the Center for Green Innovations which will rise in GK’s pioneering Center for Social Innovation, Enchanted Farm, in Angat, Bulacan. Said center will house a 100-seat venue for seminars or “green camps” to educate the youth into becoming responsible stewards of our natural resources. Educational materials will also be available within the facility to provide references and innovative ideas during lectures and discussions on conserving our natural heritage.

Lamborghini Manila Opens

Photo courtesy of Lamborghini Press

Manila joined the 120-strong Lamborghini worldwide dealer network with the official opening of Lamborghini Manila last Monday. No less than Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini President and CEO, was at hand to official inaugurate and open the expansive showroom, which will not only be home to world-famous supercars such as the Gallardo and Aventador, but will also showcase the exclusive fashion line Collezione Automobili Lamborghini.

Located at 11^th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, Lamborghini’s decision to open in one of the most prime and sought-after areas of cosmopolitan living and lifestyle in Metro Manila signals the Italian brand’s uncompromising style and intent to expand into the Philippine market.

Photo courtesy of Toyota Press

Top Gear Philippines has unveiled what seems to be the introductory prices of the upcoming Toyota 86 sports car. And true to the 86's form, it's actually quite affordable. According to Top Gear Philippines, the Toyota 86 will be available in the Philippines in three variants: one in MT and two in AT.

Even if it doesn’t feel like it, driving a car is like doing an intricate ballet routine: it requires concentration physically and mentally—physically, because you’re constantly pressing and de-pressing different pedals, swinging the steering wheel left and right while sometimes operating a lever or a button; mentally, because you’re always looking out in all directions making minute judgment calls and sometimes even anticipating the unexpected that appear apparently out of nowhere. The last thing you need is the additional distraction of a ringing mobile phone or even an iPod that’s proceeded to play an unwanted tune. Thankfully, there’s a technology out there that addresses these distractions. It’s called SYNC and chances are, it’s in a Ford vehicle near you.

CATS Motors, Inc. (CATS) introduces the new Mercedes-Benz Actros in an exclusive driving event at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Two Actros truck variants were available for test drive during the event: A 6-wheeler 20-ton 310 Hp Actros 3 and 10-wheeler 26-ton 350 Hp Actros 3. Guests, composed of the motoring press and haulers, were able to experience the power, safety and capability of the new Mercedes-Benz trucks for the first time.

Everyone’s Vision Petron is a competition for photographers, painters and designers. It is also a venue for filmmakers, musicians, performance artists, art enthusiasts, and all Filipinos to converge and be one through their shared love for Philippine art and culture.

Themed Lakbay Kalikasan —A Journey of Nuturing Nature, this year’s competition focuses on the different ways of caring for and protecting the environment. Samples may be seen in Petron's own efforts to protect our biodiversity through coastal management, reforestation, mangrove planting, creating fish sanctuaries and artificial reefs, and protecting sea turtles.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 7: The Video

We finally made it to Cagayan de Oro--the main stop for Day 7 of the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge.

Please remember to vote for Neil and Uly of Team 2. Show your support for the motoring industry!

Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Collaborates with DOE and Meralco on i-MIEV Evaluation

Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Press

Mitsubishi Motors Phils. Corp. (MMPC) is pleased to announce that an Electric Vehicle or EV Cooperation Agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) and MERALCO is underway which mainly covers the use of Mitsubishi Motors’ zero emission electric car the i-MiEV (i-Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle), for evaluation and demonstration purposes. MMPC will be the first auto manufacturer to bring in a pure electric car in the country given that its principal Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is in the forefront of EV development.

This collaboration project will entail MMPC to lend demo cars of i-MiEV to both DOE and MERALCO for the purpose of studying EV’s behaviors and performance when utilized in Metro Manila in various conditions, and also examine the impact to power system when EV is charged. The outcome of the evaluation will enhance the understanding of EV and determine the requirements of supporting charging infrastructure. It will also be a preparatory step toward the possible future introduction and create greater public awareness of electric vehicles.

Photo courtesy of Nissan Press

Some 100 representatives of the business community, media, people’s organizations, local government units, and international organizations trooped to Ang Pulo Mangroves in Calatagan, Batangas on May 15 for a media forum and mangrove planting activity. The multi-sector event dubbed “Conserve Marine Biodiversity, Conserve Life” forms part of the events organized for the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2012 and the National Oceans Month.

Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI), together with Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB), the Batangas Government Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Provincial Government of Batangas, the Municipal Government of Calagatan, and led the planting of 200 mangrove propagules at Ang Pulo.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) resumes sales of the Jazz 1.3 liter variant starting May 18, 2012 following the recovery of supply from Honda’s manufacturing plant in Thailand, which again started production of automobiles last March 26, 2012.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 6: The Video

So it's Day 6 of the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge and we find ourselves in the Queen City of the South--Cebu! See what we've been up to before we travel to Cagayan de Oro!

Remember to show your support for the motoring industry by voting for Team 2 in the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Poll.

May 28, 2012

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 5: The Video

We're half-way through the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge. This is Day 5, and we've just crossed by ro-ro to the Visayas region.

Don't forget to vote for Neil Almighty of 99.5 RT and Uly of Philippine Star by clicking here. We appreciate your support as the motoring industry's falling behind next to celebrities and athletes!

May 25, 2012

Toyota Motor Philippines Launches "86 Sightings" Marketing Campaign

Toyota Motor Philippines, in what could be the best guerrilla marketing move, has launched the Toyota "86 Sightings" to mark the upcoming launch of the 86 sports coupe in June (we'll be there on June 18-19 for the media track day). If you want to see the 86 in the flesh a full month before we'll get to drive one, the schedule is located after the break.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 4: The Video

We head to Southern Luzon, particularly Bicol in Day 4 of the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge. This is actually the day before we all embark on a 4-day journey to Visayas and Mindanao!

Don't forget to vote for Team 2: Neil and Uly in Jollibee's Facebook Poll!

It's More Fun with Toyota: Toyota Road Trek 8

Photos by Ulysses Ang

May. It’s the height of summer, with temperatures reaching well over 36 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila. It’s hot, humid, and dry—the perfect weather for a trip out of town. Of course, given that this is Toyota’s annual Road Trek event, this wasn’t your ordinary beach trip. Being a first-time Road Trekker (I declined the early ones and wasn’t invited to the later ones); I didn’t know what to expect. In the end, I found the Toyota Road Trek experience to be one unforgettable event.

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.

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