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September 28, 2012

Jaguar Cars Philippines Launches XKR-S:Video


Jaguar Cars Philippines recently launches the XKR-S. Find out more about the all-new Jaguar sports car by watching the video.

Japan's Leading Electric Scooter Manufacturer Now in Philippines



Terra Motors Corporation, the leader in the Japanese electric scooter industry, is investing in the Philippines as part of its business expansion strategy into other Asian markets, others of which include Vietnam and Taiwan.

The industry giant offers electric bikes and mobility scooters that are, to date, top of its class and also provides repairs services of such vehicles. Only two years after its establishment, Terra Motors Corporation rose to Number One with some 3,000 units sold in 2011.

Monster Energy is Now in the Philippines


Backed by ton bands and athletes such as Formula One driver Michael Schumacher, Moto GP World Champion Valentino Rossi, Drifting Professional Vaughn Gittin Jr., and Gymkhana legend Ken Block, Monster Energy is finally in the Philippines.

September 27, 2012

Volvo Launches V40 R-Design, Landing in PHL Soon


Launched in stunning Rebel Blue, the new Volvo V40 R-Design is a perfect match for those who want a head-turner that radiates a truly stylish and dynamic look. The visual promise of a life in the fast lane is confirmed by the driver-centric interior and an intense, agile driving experience with performance up to 254 horsepower.

"The V40 R-Design is designed around the performance-minded individual with a passion for those things that add extra spice to life. The meticulous attention to detail covers the expressive design as well as the agile, precise performance," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Corporation.

September 25, 2012

Motor Image and Subaru Lays Out Philippine Plans


Jakarta, Indonesia—Motor Image Pilipinas has taken the local market by storm since it opened its first showroom in 2006. Through their efforts, they have single-handedly raised Subaru as one of the most sought after and prestigious car brands in the country. Six years on, there are no signs of slowing down as Motor Image Pilipinas announced future plans at the recently concluded Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta.

Review: 2012 Chevrolet Traverse LT 2WD


Photos by Ulysses Ang
Let’s get one thing out of way: if you’re in the market for a Ford Explorer, you probably won’t even consider the Chevrolet Traverse. Given that they have similarities such as originating from North America and that they’re similarly sized comparison between Ford’s and Chevrolet’s large crossovers is inevitable. But what if I told you size only goes so far. What if I told you that the Traverse and Explorer are apples and oranges—almost incomparable in both design and execution. You don’t believe me? Read on.

Philippine Car of the Year 2012-2013 Goes Underway


It’s all go for the Car of the Year Awards 2012-2013.

This after the Car Awards Group Inc. held its successful launch last Friday at the Eton Centris, the official venue for the Launch and the Testing of the annual event, at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Boulevard in Quezon City.

September 24, 2012

BMW Philippines Unveils 6 Series Gran Coupe


Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the Philippines, held an exclusive unveiling of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the first four-door Coupe in the history of the brand.

Certainly a work of art, this new exclusive model is the true embodiment of aesthetics, sportiness, comfort and luxury in perfection. The lean elegance of this vehicle is truly an exceptional phenomenon.

All-New Ford Focus Features EcoMode to Help Drivers Perfect Eco-Driving Techniques


Owners of the all-new Ford Focus can learn a thing or two about driving skills that can maximize their fuel economy – and they can have a little fun in the process. 

EcoMode is a handy software application aimed at helping coach customers in the art of eco-driving – and then rewards those that practice more fuel-efficient driving skills with in-car kudos displayed on the instrument cluster.

Mazda to Debut 2013 CX-9 at Australian Motor Show


Mazda Motor Corporation will debut the refreshed CX-9 at the Australian Motor Show on October 18, 2012. It will be sold soon thereafter, at least to the Australian market.

As you can clearly see, the 2013 CX-9 carries the new KODO - Soul of Motion design theme. The 2013 CX-9 has a new front and rear facia which include changes to the headlights, grille, and bumpers. Inside, the CX-9 boasts of an improved infotainment system which now features voice-activated and speech recognition for commonly used commands.

In terms of internals, the CX-9 will continue on unchanged and will be solely available with a 3.7-liter V6 from the MZI family. This engine will continue to be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Jaguar Held First Drift Fest


Jaguar Cars Philippines held the First Jaguar Drift Fest powered by Monster Energy Drink and Victoria Court on September 22, 2012 at Kings Playground, Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) complex, Taguig. Miss Formula Drift USA Melyssa Grace hosted the event together with drift expert Ian King of Car Porn Racing.

Round 4 of 2012 Lateral Drift Championship Series


Last September 8, 2012, the Round 4 of the Hyundai Lateral Drift (LD) Championship Series was held at the Quirino Grand Stand, Manila City. The grandstand was not only transformed to a replica of a Philippine inauguration event but also the drift series happening at the same time together with the launch of the all-new 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

September 19, 2012

First Drive: 2012 Toyota Fortuner & Hilux with VNT

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Toyota Motor Philippines seems to be taking “kaizen”, the Japanese word for continuous improvement, to the next level. Often, kaizen is associated with the manufacturing and production process, but it seems it extends to their product line-up. Take for instance the Toyota Fortuner and Hilux, two of the three vehicles developed under the Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) program. It has already seen at least two major upgrades since their respective launches, responding to the ever-changing demands of customers. And now, both the Fortuner and Hilux show off their biggest change yet: an all-new heart.

September 18, 2012

Postcards from San Francisco: Driving the Ford Focus

Photos by Ulysses Ang
When you think of driving in the US, you often think about big displacement V8s. It seems anything less will make you puny. Well, times are changing. Upon landing at the San Francisco International Airport, it’s immediately clear that Americans are downsizing; driving cars which have two or even four cylinders less than the mythical engines that power their muscle cars. Credit high gas prices, credit Greenpeace, I don’t really care. Whatever’s causing Americans to consider more fuel-efficient vehicles in this day and age should be named a saint. Finally, they’re on the same page as the rest of the world.

September 17, 2012

Ford's Big Deal is Back!


Ford Philippines brings back the Big Deal retail promotion, offering customers even bigger savings on popular vehicles like the all-new Ford Fiesta, the Ford Escape and Ford Everest.
For as low as PhP 78,000 all-in low down payment, customers can drive home their very own all-new Ford Fiesta or the all-action Ford Escape SUV. Customers can also get the Ford Everest for a PhP118,000 all-in low down payment.

Petron Announces "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" Winners


The excitement is heating up for the Petron "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" promo, with the winners announced for the first grand draw held on August 24, namely: Albert Lim of Pasig and Raymundo De Leon of Marikina.  These lucky Petron customers won a free trip for two to the Singapore Grand Prix, inclusive of round-trip air fare, 4D/3N hotel accommodations, 3-days Marina Bay Grandstand race tickets, a Universal Studios day pass, travel insurance, and an F1 survival kit.

The "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" promo is an e-raffle running from July 15 to September 15, 2012, where gassing up with Petron and paying with your MasterCard gives you the chance to win a free trip to the Formula One Grand Prix.

CAGI Designates Eton Centris as Launch and Testing Venue for 2012-13 Car of the Year Awards


The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) officially designated Eton Centris as the official Launch and Testing Venue of the 2012-2013 Car of the Year Awards.

This was announced by CAGI president Ferman Lao during the turnover of the symbolic Eton Centris key to the organization, which has more than 50 motoring journalists from various publications and media entities in the country, early this week at the said venue at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Boulevard in Quezon City.

Volvo XC70 Hailed as 2012 Executive Crossover at 8th C! Awards


The Volvo XC70 was hailed as the 2012 Executive Crossover at the 8th Annual C! Awards and has once again proven that it is the top choice when it comes to excellent cross country transport.

The Volvo XC70 is a sophisticated and elegant car for an active urban life and a reliable partner for all kinds of exciting adventures. A unique soft nose, characterized by a larger grille and headlamps, it is complemented with the dark colored body panels for an exclusive, rugged impression. The tailgate's upper section has a sportier forward-leaning stance. The tailgate overlaps the tail lamps, providing an even wider opening. The glass goes further down at the sides, enhancing rear view while the rails are integrated into the A-pillar moldings.

September 13, 2012

Toyota Motor Philippines Launches VNT-Equipped Fortuner, Hilux


Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) improves its ever reliable Fortuner and Hilux models in September.  With new engine specifications and interior entertainment improvements, both the Fortuner and Hilux prove to be a more road-worthy vehicle. Toyota aims to strengthen its SUV and Pick-up segment through its globally known International Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) line-up.

Official: Berjaya Auto Philippines Takes Over Mazda Distributorship Starting 2013


Mazda Motor Corporation announced today that Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc. will start the new distributorship of Mazda vehicles, parts, and accessories in the Philippines from January 1, 2013.

The major shareholders of Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc. will be Bermaz Motor International Ltd, an indirect subsidiary of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, and Berjaya Philippines Inc. Berjaya Corporation Berhad is a major Malaysian conglomerate listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad while Berjaya Philippines Inc. is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. Berjaya Corporation is also the Mazda distributor in Malaysia through its subsidiary company Bermaz Motor Sdn. Bhd.

HARI Sales Up 19% January-August 2012


Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) posts 19% growth in sales to 15,735 units sold in the first eight months of the year from 13, 271 units sold in the same period last year. The Passenger Car (PC) segment generated the bulk of the sales, rising by 59%, to 9,940 units sold versus the 6,241 units sold in the prior year. This noteworthy performance was spearheaded by the i10, Accent and Elantra models that grew by 60%, 57% and 55%, respectively. The EON is also picking up with an 18% share of total PC sales.

August alone experienced a 2% increase, again with the PC segment pulling up the growth by 72% to 1,014 units sold compared to 591 units sold in the same month a year ago.

AVID Posts 24% Growth from January-August 2012


The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) registered 24% growth in total sales with 19,875 units sold in the first eight months of the year versus 16,020 units in the same period last year. January-August 2012 also posted an increase in the Passenger Car (PC) segment, driving overall sales up by 50% to 12,049 units sold compared to 8,047 units sold from January-August last year. Top three contributors to positive sales were British United Automobiles, Inc., The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) and Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI). 

AVID also showed a year-on-year growth of 1.8%, with 1,858 units sold in August as opposed to 1,825 units sold last year.

September 12, 2012

Ford Philippine Monthly Retail Sales at 574 Units, Boosted by New Focus


Ford Philippines today reported August retail sales of 574 units, reflecting the impact of the recent monsoons and flooding experienced across the country last month.

The start of deliveries of the all-new Ford Focus in the last week of the month gave a boost the company’s overall performance, with retail sales of 42 units adding to the August total.

Chevrolet Colorado Power-Up: Videos


Don't have Discovery Channel? No worries. We have the Chevrolet Colorado Power-Up Series right here! This video is set to play from Episode 1 and will automatically play through all the aired episodes. Enjoy.

2012 Subaru Impreza Challenge Manila Leg Finalists Crowned


The Philippine Team is ready! last September 8, 2012, Motor Image Pilipinas held its 5th year of the Subaru Impreza Challenge at the Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City with almost a hundred of participants who signed up and tried to make it to the top 10 who will be flown to Singapore for the Singapore Finals for a chance to win an All-new Subaru Impreza 2.0i worth Php1,158,000.00.

September 11, 2012

Chevrolet Colorado Power-Up Series Now Showing on Discovery Channel


The Covenant Car Company Incorporated (TCCCI) whets the appetite of truck lovers as its all-new Chevrolet Colorado takes main stage in a four-part feature series in the Discovery Channel, titled – “The Chevrolet Colorado - Power-up Series”.  These exciting video features imparts to viewers the various key highlights of the new Colorado that redefines expectations of an impressive truck. Shot in Mt. Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija, the pick-up truck was subjected to several tests that demonstrate its unique and powerful capabilities.

Review: 2012 Toyota 86 Aero

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Thumbs-up, catcalls, whistles, and snaps from cell phone cameras—this is what it’s like to drive the all-new Toyota 86 on public roads. No other car that I’ve driven, including other two-door sports cars twice or even quadruple the price gets and attracts as much attention as this. And this is just the first hour of a five-day love affair with Toyota’s dreamy coupe. Forget twisty mountain roads or race tracks, we all know how the 86 can easily beat the best of them, so you won’t hear any of that here. The mission here is to find out if the 86 is as good as any Toyota as a daily driver.

Motor Image Pilipinas Launches 2012 Impreza


Motor Image Pilipinas has finally given the all-new fourth-generation Subaru Impreza a star-studded welcoming party by formally introducing it at the culmination activity of the Subaru Impreza Challenge at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The all-new Impreza features a bolder, more dynamic design along with an all-new highly-efficient powertrain. In addition, the Impreza gains increased interior room, higher levels of refinement, new amenities, and high-grade interior materials. All in all, Subaru is confident that the Impreza will offer a more rewarding driving and ownership experience like never before.

September 10, 2012

HARI Shows Off 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe: Video


Simply can't have enough of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe? Well, here's a feast for your eyes as Hyundai Automotive Resources, Inc. (HARI) has produced a video locally celebrating the Genesis Coupe going sideways.

Honda Releases Flood Gates on 2013 Accord Info


American Honda Motor Co., the North American arm of Honda Cars has finally released a flood gate of images and information about the 2013 Accord. The biggest news is a reduction in both length and wheelbase in the 2013 model compared to the outgoing one. Other than that, the Accord is slated to get Honda's new-generation "Earth Dreams" engines available in two configurations: a 2.4-liter inline-4 and a 3.5-liter V6.

Winners of 2012 Petron Student Art Competition Announced


The winners for Petron Corporation’s annual student art competition were honored in ceremonies held last 30 August 2012, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. Themed Lakbay Alalay Para Sa Kalikasan —A Journey of Nurturing Nature, this year’s competition focused on the different ways of caring for and protecting the environment, such as Petron's own efforts to protect biodiversity through coastal management, reforestation, mangrove planting, creating fish sanctuaries and artificial reefs, and protecting sea turtles.

A record-breaking 1,700 entries were submitted in the three competition categories, namely: painting (oil/acrylic and water-based media); photography; and printmaking.  Three National Artists—Benedicto Cabrera, who served as chairman; Napoleon Abueva and Abdulmari Imao—were among the 9 judges of the painting category.  The photography category was chaired by Wig Tysmans, while the printmaking category was chaired by Raul Isidro.  To kick off the awarding ceremony, the Vision Petron judges symbolically planted seedlings to signify their commitment to saving and preserving the environment for future generations.

HARI Launches 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe


If you are into high velocity action, chances are that the engine performance, precision handling and even the vehicle’s aerodynamic design and profile are at the top of the checklist when considering a sports car.  Luxuries like ample cabin space, impressive dashboard design and even a top-of-the-line entertainment system are easily sacrificed.  But it doesn’t always have to be this way.

So what do you get when you cross the best luxuries of a premium Hyundai sedan and the high performance engineering of a sports car?  You get the new 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.