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January 16, 2013

Mercedes-Benz Updates E-Class


Mercedes-Benz introduces the extensively updated 2014 E-Class Sedan and Wagon, featuring highly efficient engines, an array of new driver assistance systems and even more refined styling. No less than eleven new or optimized assistance systems from the future S-Class celebrate their world premiere in both the sedan and wagon models. They combine a host of comfort and safety features, referred to by Mercedes-Benz as "intelligent drive." These groundbreaking systems include technologies that can help prevent accidents with pedestrians or vehicles crossing in front, Active Lane Keeping Assist for avoiding collisions with oncoming traffic and anti-glare continuous high-beam headlamps. All this and more ensures that Mercedes-Benz maintains its pioneering role in vehicle safety. The new E-Class also takes a major step forward in terms of efficiency, thanks to the new four-cylinder diesel engine. An extensive package of design updates round-off the new and compelling features of the MY14 E-Class, delivering an accomplished combination of efficiency, intelligence and style.

Jeep Redesigns Grand Cherokee for 2014


Jeep has given its Grand Cherokee line some re-designs for the 2014 model year. And believe it or not, the changes are more than just skin deep. In fact, the Grand Cherokee features a slew of new engines, some drivetrain changes as well as exterior and interior changes.

January 15, 2013

HARI Ends 2012 with 8 Percent Growth


Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, ends 2012 on a positive note with 8% growth in total sales. HARI registered a total of 21,996 units sold for the whole year from 20,297 units sold in 2011.

Toyota Furia Concept is Glimpse at Upcoming Corolla


Toyota revealed the Corolla Furia Concept at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This exciting compact sedan concept hints at the styling cues consumers can expect to see on the next-generation Corolla. The concept represents an exterior styling study by Toyota designers, and it builds on the brand's product development priority to develop more dramatic, expressively designed vehicles.

Honda Urban SUV Concept is Jazz-Based Crossover, Production Version to Launch End 2013


An all-new Honda "Urban SUV Concept" vehicle made its world debut today at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The dynamic and youthful concept hints at the styling direction of an all-new small SUV slated to launch in Japan by the end of 2013.

Chevrolet Corvette Now Available in Gran Turismo 5!


As Chevrolet takes the wraps off the all-new Corvette Stingray, fans of Sony Computer Entertainment's PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system will have the first chance to push the car to the limits in the critically acclaimed Gran Turismo®5 racing game.

Volvo S60 Chosen as IIHS Top Safety Pick+


The Volvo S60 sports sedan can add another award to its list of accolades after the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced the winners of their new Top Safety Pick+ awards.

IIHS created the Top Safety Pick+ award to recognize good or acceptable performance in the new small overlap collision test. The S60 is one of two midsize luxury vehicles to currently earn the Top Safety Pick+ award.

IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal or poor based on performance in a moderate overlap frontal crash, small overlap frontal crash, side impact and rollover, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. Top Safety Pick+ winners must earn good ratings for occupant protection in at least four of five evaluations, with no less than acceptable in the fifth test.

Review: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Photos by Ulysses Ang
People of a certain age certainly remember the Willys Jeep—the formidable, but diminutive off-roader that conquered seemingly unconquerable terrain and in the process, was key in the liberation of countries, the Philippines included. The image of Douglas MacArthur, sporting his Aviator sunglasses and riding the Jeep was synonymous with the fight for freedom and democracy. It shouldn’t come as any surprise why the Jeep enjoys such a following; given the key role it played in helping the Philippines gain its independence.

January 14, 2013

The Stingray is Back: Chevrolet Reveals All-New Corvette in Detroit


Chevrolet is redefining modern performance with today's debut of the all-new Corvette Stingray. And only a Corvette with the perfect balance of technology, design and performance can wear the iconic Stingray designation.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower and 610 Nm. It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model.

Honda Offers New Year Treats


Holidays may be over but Honda Cars Philippines, Inc is offering improved treats for New Year. With more banks signing up, Honda has now expanded financing schemes that customers may avail through the Honda Financing Options (HFO). BPI Family Savings Bank, RCBC Savings Bank, BDO, PS Bank, Eastwest Bank and Unionbank are proud partners of the Honda Financing Options Program.

Lexus Releases Official 2014 IS Photos


Although the all-new Lexus IS compact sport sedan is expected to make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 15, 2013, Lexus has released some photographs as a sort of teaser.

Ms. Universe First Runner-Up Returns to Manila in an Audi A8


Ms. Universe First Runner-Up Janine Tugonon returns to Manila in the luxurious Audi A8 last January 7, Monday. Ms. Tugonon visited her alma matter University of Sto. Tomas for a motorcade and to receive the University’s Outstanding Achievement Award for bringing honor to her country. Ms. Tugonon has not only shown beauty, grace and exceptional intelligence in the recent Ms. Universe pageant but is a true winner which perfectly represents the innovative design and advanced technology of the Audi brand.

January 13, 2013

Monopoly to Update Pieces, Race Car May Disappear

Starting today, the fate of the Scottie dog, race car, top hat and the five other beloved tokens in the classic MONOPOLY game is in the hands of fans through a worldwide vote that will determine which token will be eliminated from the game. Will the shoe outpace the racecar? Will the battleship cruise past the wheelbarrow? Will fans be pressed if the iron is removed? Don't leave this one to "chance" - it's up to fans to make sure that their favorite token will pass "GO!" and not "go directly to jail" by voting every day at Facebook.com/Monopoly, now through February 5, 2013.

January 11, 2013

Nissan to Officially Debut Almera on January 16!

Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) is welcoming 2013 with the official introduction of Nissan’s much-anticipated best selling global sedan – the Nissan Almera. NMPI will launch the all-new Almera on January 16th, formalizing its entry into the highly competitive B-segment.   

The Nissan Almera has been enjoying acclaimed success particularly in the U.S., Thailand and China, and has sold more than 500,000 units worldwide. NMPI is confident that its success will also be reflected in the Philippines.

Philippine Car Price Guide: January 2013

Happy New Year! This is the first edition of the Philippine Car Price Guide for the year. Normally, January is a very slow month for the motoring industry, but do not worry. There are some movements both up and down as well as some models that were sneakily introduced. Here are the updates for this month:
  • Honda Accord 3.5 EX (Japan Model)
  • Hyundai Accent CRD VGT
  • Hyundai Genesis 2.0 T
  • Hyundai Genesis 2.0 T Brembo
  • Hyundai Genesis 3.8 V6 Brembo
  • Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GLS Premium (price adjustment)
  • Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Limited 4WD
  • Kia Carnival LX (price adjustment)
  • Kia Forte 1.6 LX
  • Kia Forte Koup 2.0 EX
  • Kia Rio 1.2 LX
  • Kia Rio 1.2 SLX
  • Kia Rio 1.4 EX (price adjustment)
  • Kia Sorento (facelifted model)
  • Kia Sportage (price adjustment)
  • Mitsubishi Montero (price adjustment)
  • Mitsubishi Pajero (price adjustment)
  • Mitsubishi Strada (price adjustment)
  • Nissan Almera
  • Nissan Navara (price adjustment)
  • Nissan Urvan (price adjustment)
  • Suzuki Celerio 1.0 DX
  • Toyota Land Cruiser (price adjustment)
  • Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (price adjustment)
  • Toyota RAV4

January 10, 2013

40 Cars to Watch Out For in 2013: Part 4 of 4


Barely a week has gone by, and it looks like it’s going to be yet another banner year for the Philippine automotive industry. Building on the high of record sales last year and the continued robust growth of the economy (this year’s an election year after all), car manufacturers and distributors are setting their sights on 2013 to be an exciting year for those hoping to purchase a new car.

Although there’s no way to be completely certain of what’s going to arrive at a showroom near you, an educated guess (and some luck) is all that’s needed to find out what’s in store for the coming 12 months. Peering into the magical crystal ball, here is CarGuide.PH’s fearless forecast on the new and exciting vehicles that lay ahead this 2013.

Link to Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

January 9, 2013

HARI President and CEO on Innovation Leadership at 37th Annual Convention of PCHA


Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo was Keynote Speaker at the 37th Annual Convention of the Philippine College of Hospital Administrators (PCHA). Held at the Century Park Hotel, Ms. Agudo aligned her presentation with the convention theme, “Beyond Vision—Knowing to Plan Your Hospital’s Future.”

40 Cars to Watch Out For in 2013: Part 3 of 4


Barely a week has gone by, and it looks like it’s going to be yet another banner year for the Philippine automotive industry. Building on the high of record sales last year and the continued robust growth of the economy (this year’s an election year after all), car manufacturers and distributors are setting their sights on 2013 to be an exciting year for those hoping to purchase a new car.

Although there’s no way to be completely certain of what’s going to arrive at a showroom near you, an educated guess (and some luck) is all that’s needed to find out what’s in store for the coming 12 months. Peering into the magical crystal ball, here is CarGuide.PH’s fearless forecast on the new and exciting vehicles that lay ahead this 2013.

Link to Part 1, Part 2

January 8, 2013

40 Cars to Watch Out For in 2013: Part 2 of 4


Barely a week has gone by, and it looks like it’s going to be yet another banner year for the Philippine automotive industry. Building on the high of record sales last year and the continued robust growth of the economy (this year’s an election year after all), car manufacturers and distributors are setting their sights on 2013 to be an exciting year for those hoping to purchase a new car.

Although there’s no way to be completely certain of what’s going to arrive at a showroom near you, an educated guess (and some luck) is all that’s needed to find out what’s in store for the coming 12 months. Peering into the magical crystal ball, here is CarGuide.PH’s fearless forecast on the new and exciting vehicles that lay ahead this 2013.

Link to Part 1

Review: 2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GLS Premium

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Erase everything you know about yesterday’s Hyundai Sonata. Forget those memories, delete those mental images. About the only significant thing the all-new model has in common with its predecessor is the name on the trunk lid. Completely redesigned for 2011, the Sonata dumps the consistent ho-hum nature in favor for something truly dynamic and exhilarating.