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| Photos by Ulysses Ang and Ford Press |
March 13, 2014
10 Nifty Things You Probably Missed on the Ford EcoSport
Hyundai Philippines Sales Up 9 Percent as of February
Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, enjoyed a promising 9% growth as of February ending year-to-date sales of 3,953 units against year-ago levels of only 3,624 units. In February alone, sales increased by 5% to 1,710 units.
Nissan Philippines Officers Visits North EDSA Dealership
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| (L-R) Nissan Philippines, Inc. General Manager for Marketing, SJ Huh; Nissan Motor Asia Pacific Vice President for Business Management, Shinichi Koyama; Nissan Global Company Ltd. General Manager, Paul Miles; Nissan Philippines, Inc. President and Managing Director, Kenji Naito, Tetra Sales and Services Inc. Vice-P and COO and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Executive Vice President Takao Katagiri, Nissan Philippines, Inc General Manager for Sales, Lee Junia, Tetra Sales and Services Inc. Group General Manager, Ronald Olit, Nissan North Edsa Assitant General Manager and dealer operator, Ato Mendoza and Nissan North Edsa General Sales Manager, Jeremy Ballesteros. |
One of the country's biggest Nissan dealership - Nissan North Edsa was humbled by the visit of Nissan Motors Limited of Japan's executives and the top officers of the newly incorporated, Nissan Philippines Inc. NPI is set to handle marketing and sales and once again to establish a strong presence in the Philippine market.
"Over 40 years of history returns" promised by Nissan Motor Corporation Vice Chairman Toshiyuki Shiga on his speech during the recent new models launch. Nissan is truly about to get into motion once again.
Kia Picanto Offers Flair and Performance, Now Starting at P 450,000
A car is said to be an extension of one’s personality on the road. Now, who wouldn’t want to be represented by a car brimming with style, innovation, and practicality?
Right off the bat, Kia Picanto merits a second, longer glance from you and other onlookers because of its clean, flowing lines and distinctive shape. The wide rear stance, air dam blend, and iconic radiator grille then complete an elegant style unique to the Picanto. The 5-seater, 4-door hatchback is definitely the sub-compact car that will fit well with equally dynamic lifestyles.
March 11, 2014
First Drive: 2014 Ford EcoSport 1.5 Titanium
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
UPDATE 2: Here is our Full Review of the EcoSport 1.5 Titanium.
HUA HIN, THAILAND – One after the other, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber blared through the six-speaker system as the sixteen car convoy reached its first stop: a hole-in-the-wall mango and sticky rice shop. Then, everyone whipped out their smartphones and took a snapshot, sharing this newfound discovery with friends and followers through Instagram. This certainly doesn’t seem like your everyday test drive, then again, the Ford EcoSport is not your everyday car. It’s a pioneer in a segment all to its own; a vehicle crafted specifically for the urban warrior.
Rolls-Royce Unveils Ghost Series II at Geneva Motor Show
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled Ghost Series II to the world at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show. Ghost Series II delivers the latest industry-leading technology from Rolls-Royce clad in a subtle re-design. It exudes the timeless yet cool, modern luxury that the car’s customers - the Captains of Industry, entrepreneurs and successful businessmen and women who are the wealth and job creators in our economies – demand.
March 10, 2014
Ford Philippines Sales Rise 48 Percent; Ranger is Now Philippines's Best-Selling Pick-Up Truck
Ford Philippines today announced its best-ever performance for the month of February with overall retail sales rising 48 percent year-over-year to 1,277 units.
The exceptional month was led by the Ranger’s best-ever monthly performance, as well as strong performances from the Everest, Explorer and Fiesta nameplates.
Honda Spruces Up Odyssey and Pilot with Rear Entertainment System (and Huge Discounts)
With great space comes great comfort—as genuine 8-seaters, few can ever match the refinement of the Honda Odyssey MPV and Pilot mid-sized crossover. And now, just in time for the kid’s summer vacation, Honda Cars Philippines is now throwing in a rear entertainment system for free. The catch is, you’ve got to buy your Odyssey or Pilot before March 31.
Both the Odyssey and Pilot is now kitted free with a rear entertainment system that includes a 10-inch roof-mounted DVD entertainment monitor. The system also has AV inputs and comes with wireless earphones and a remote control. Along with the rear entertainment system, both models get spiffy genuine accessories. The Odyssey now gets standard splash guards while the Pilot gets running boards for easier ingress/egress. And to top it all off, they’re now available at a substantial discount: P 250,000 off the Odyssey and P 100,000 off the Pilot.
So, if you are in the market for an 8-seater MPV or crossover and have been holding off, you’re in luck. This deal is available at all of Honda’s 31 dealerships nationwide.
Toyota Offers Summer Deals on Vios and Innova (Up to P 35,000 Off Until March 31)
Anne Curtis Goes for Audi
It-girl Anne Curtis continues to hold court in every facet of the entertainment domain – earning her the title “Princess of All Media.”
Consequently, her life – including personal choices as a consumer – understandably gets a lot of attention and scrutiny. This makes the star a very bankable endorser who imbues a halo effect on everything she touches. But the truth is that Anne indeed is very fastidious about product quality anyway. As a very public celebrity, she is highly critical and particular with, say, the beauty products she uses. A staggering six-million-plus followers on Twitter (@annecurtissmith) are taking notice.
March 8, 2014
UPDATED: Nissan Modernizes its Compact Car, Launches the Sylphy (w/ Complete Specs)
EDITOR’S NOTE: The photos published here are of the global Nissan Teana model. We’ll try to get official photos from Nissan Philippines as well as give you the complete specs in another update. We gave them some time, but they didn’t make it as of press time.
UPDATE: The complete specs are now available after the break.
Nissan’s opening salvo for the Philippine market is a global model that’s sold in more than 120 markets worldwide including the USA, Japan, China, and Thailand. It’s one of Nissan’s global core models and one that’s replacing the brand’s storied brand, the Sentra. Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing Nissan’s new compact sedan (C-segment): the Sylphy.
UPDATED: Nissan Philippines Enters the Executive Sedan Battle with the Altima (w/ Complete Specs)
EDITOR’S NOTE: The photos published here are of the global Nissan Teana model. We’ll try to get official photos from Nissan Philippines as well as give you the complete specs in another update. We gave them some time, but they didn’t make it as of press time.
UPDATE: The complete specs are now available after the break.
Nissan Philippines, Inc. is readying its assault in the executive sedan segment by resurrecting a short-lived nameplate in the Philippine market: the Altima. Known as the ‘Teana’ in other markets (as well as its predecessor), Nissan Philippines has decided to adopt the North American nameplate for one reason: the Philippine-market Altima is actually built and shipped from Nissan’s assembly plant in the United States. As such, Nissan Philippines says that the all-new Altima is aiming to raise the bar when it comes to styling, comfort, performance, fuel efficiency, innovative features, and safety.
March 7, 2014
One Company, One Direction, One Nissan: Nissan Philippines Officially Debuts
Global company, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. takes the lead of managing the automotive brand in the Philippines by introducing Nissan Philippines, Inc. as its national sales company. This development was formalized and announced late last year.
Kia Signifies Interest in Joining Philippine Basketball Association
News of Kia's possible involvement in the PBA Pro League has been making the rounds of sports and automotive media of late.
Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, has just confirmed that it is looking into the possibility of joining the PBA for the next season. If everything comes into fruition, it will mark the first entry of a car brand in the league since 1983.
Honda Cars Expands to Calamba, Laguna
The city of Calamba in Laguna plays host to Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.’s 31st full dealership in the country, Honda Cars Calamba (HCCL). In continuous quest in bringing its products and services closer to its customers, HCCL is strategically located along the National Highway Barangay Milagrosa, Calamba, approximately 1.5kms distance from Sto. Tomas, Batangas City (SLEX) exit.
Honda’s latest dealership, an elegant and contemporary structure, is a good combination of classic and modern architectural design. The dealership boasts of a comfortable and well-designed interior that demonstrates the premium Honda image – established, advanced and pro-active to clients’ needs. Led by Mr. Anthony N. Cheng, President of Honda Cars Calamba, this dealer continues to uphold Honda’s tradition of providing outstanding products and excellent after-sales services for total customer satisfaction.
March 6, 2014
BMW Launches Yet Another Segment-Bending Vehicle, the X4
BMW continues its product diversification by launching the X4 which is essentially an X3 with a more coupe-like roofline. From the outside, the X4 is clearly sportier with the larger air intakes, sweeping roofline (highest actually above the driver), and muscular rear-end. The X4 is available with LED headlight technology along with L-shaped LED tail lamps. It measures 4,671 mm making it longer than the X3 but is also 36 mm lower (1,624 mm height).
March 5, 2014
Subaru WRX STI Races Stick Bomb
Well, I'm lost for words on this one. Just watch it.
If you're interested on how they made this outrageous stunt, click after the break to watch the "Making Of". Enjoy.
Suzuki Philippines Quietly Updates Grand Vitara for 2014 (w/ Complete Specs)
Suzuki Philippines has quietly updated their compact crossover, the Grand Vitara, for the 2014 model year. And though the changes are purely cosmetic, the biggest news is a much more affordable price tag: P 1,160,000. In other words, for the price of a typical compact sedan, you can make your way up to a Japan-built compact crossover.
Kia's 4th Run-Up to 20th Anniversary Promo Flies Lucky Kia Buyer to Brazil
Bigger surprises and bigger treats are at stake in the fourth quarter offering of Kia Drive to 20, a year-long quarterly promo in celebration of Kia’s 20th year in the Philippines.
Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, began a year-long promo for Kia buyers and test-drive participants last June 2013 to mark 20 memorable years in the automotive industry.
UPDATED: Apple Brings iOS into Automobiles (w Video)
UPDATE: Volvo shows us how Apple CarPlay works in the upcoming all-new XC90. See the video after the break.
Apple brings its iOS to automobiles with the introduction of CarPlay at the Geneva International Motor Show. With CarPlay, Apple brings its intuitive system (which can be accessed via voice, touch, or knobs/controls) and brings a whole new level to controlling your iPhone through the car.
Mazda Hazumi Concept Points Clearly to All-New Mazda2
Mazda pulled the wraps off its newest concept car, the Hazumi at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show and we like what we see. According to Mazda, the Hazumi is a “foreshadowing of Mazda’s next-generation subcompact car”—in other words, it’s the all-new Mazda2. Indeed, if there’s a car that deserves some of that KODO and Skyactiv love, it’s Mazda’s spunky little B-segment hatchback.
March 4, 2014
Here's a Ford Mustang for the Ladies
Here’s one Ford Mustang merchandise ladies won’t mind owning: a limited-edition OPI nail lacquer inspired by the iconic pony car’s 50th anniversary. As far as collaborations go, this is one of the more unexpected ones but Ford figured that women like to express their passion and bold personalities with nail lacquer; and since the Ford Mustang is an equally passionate and bold car—boom. They both figure it’s a match made in heaven.
The limited edition collection will debut starting July and OPI Products will carry several shades of Ford Mustang-inspired nail lacquer headlined by the Mustang’s hero shade: Race Red.
Nothing Says Soccer Mom More than the Subaru Viziv 2 Concept
Your eyes are not fooling you—it’s sort of déjà vu for Subaru who’s showing off the latest iteration of their forward-thinking Viziv Concept. After it was introduced at last year’s Geneva International Motor Show and turned into the Evolution Concept at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, it has further evolved into the Viziv 2 Concept, and boy is it showing its love for soccer moms. How? Well, for starters it has grown soccer-ball like front and rear lamps.
Jeep Launches a Trail-rated Small SUV, Calls it Renegade
Jeep has just released a trail-rated small SUV called the Renegade. Jeep has actually called the Renegade the most capable small SUV and the best part? It’s a global vehicle meaning there’s good chance we’ll get to see it here in the Philippines!
Honda Lays Down the Gauntlet with the Civic Type R Concept (w/ Video)
After months of teasing, Honda has finally pulled the wraps off its highly-anticipated Civic Type R Concept. It’s clearly a thinly-disguised model that will eventually bow in for the European market (for now) during 2015.
Review: 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0 V
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
March 3, 2014
Michelin to Introduce Total Performance Award with 1,000,000 Euros (US$ 1,378,000) Prize
When the Le Mans 24 Hours race happens in June 2014 in Europe, Michelin will introduce the Michelin Total Performance Award – a new competition that seeks to speed up innovation in favor of not only performance on the racetrack but also in sustainable mobility.
Originally announced in June 2013, a grant will be awarded to the first team which succeeds in fulfilling five criteria relating to performance, longevity and energy efficiency. When these five conditions are met, one million euros will be brought back into the financing of research into sustainable mobility by an independent academic institute.
Chevron Volunteers at PAWS Animal Shelter
They were either shot, run over, abandoned, beaten, or starved. Volunteers from Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex fuels and lubricants, took an afternoon off work to care for these abused animals that were being treated at PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society) rehabilitation center in Quezon City. The volunteers donated 22 boxes of pet food and prepared meals for the shelter’s 256 cats and 74 dogs. The activity was part of Chevron’s annual “Week of Caring” program that advocates diversity and the spirit of volunteerism in its employees and like stakeholders.
“Chevron is one of the few big companies to go to PAWS and support animal welfare. This effort opens up new opportunities for us in strengthening our advocacy to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering and adoption,” said Charlene Laxamana, PAWS administrative officer.
Terrain Conquered: Isuzu D-Max LS 4x4 Visits Ilocos Norte
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
March 2, 2014
Lexus Adds F-Sport Model to RC Line
Lexus is adding yet another model in the RC Coupe line-up: the RC F-Sport. Sandwiching the regular RC and the performance-oriented RC F, the RC F-Sport features a unique “F” mesh grille as well as unique 19-inch alloy wheels with machine-finish and dark metallic paint. Inside, the RC F-Sport inherits the innovative LFA moving center ring instrument cluster and perforated leather on the steering wheel and shift knob. The RC F-Sport also gets an exclusive Rioja Red interior and seats with unique contrasting stitching.
Nissan Develops "Smart Rearview Mirror" for Clearer Visibility
Nissan Motor Company, has announced the development of the Smart rearview mirror, the world's first LCD monitor that not only provides clear rearward visibility under various conditions, but also allows the driver the ability to switch between the LCD monitor and the traditional rearview mirror, depending on the driver's preference. Nissan will introduce the Smart rearview mirror at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
UPDATED: Volvo Reveals Third of Three New Concepts, the Concept Estate (w/ Video)
UPDATE: Volvo Philippines has also provided us a video of the Concept Estate in action. See it after the break.
Volvo is finally revealing its third of three concept cars built on the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture—the Concept Estate at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. But aside from showing off how their future products might look, the Concept Estate also shows Volvo’s new interior design—one that focuses on simplicity.
Suzuki Launches Service Camp and Auto Festival in Palawan
The growing Suzuki car customer base in Palawan will get a free 23-point check-up and special discounts on spare parts and services when Suzuki @ Work goes to the city on March 7 and 8 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Suzuki Auto Palawan, San Manuel, Puerto Prinsesa City.
February 27, 2014
Hyundai Intrado is Advanced Fuel Cell Concept, Design Linked to Future Tucson?
At the Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai is showing off its newest fuel cell concept, the Intrado. This is the first model to be designed under the direction of Peter Schreyer, who became the President and Chief Design Officer of the Hyundai Motor Group in January 2013.
February 26, 2014
Isuzu Philippine Sales Rise 9.8 Percent in January, Reveals Timeline for Product Updates in 2014
The robust sales performance of the all-new Isuzu D-MAX has carried the momentum of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) in January as the company recorded a 9.8% growth.
Sales of the all-new D-MAX in January reached 261 units, a 146.2% spike from the 106 units the pickup model logged in the same month in 2013. The all-new D-MAX’s sales movement continues months following its introduction in September 2013.
Rob Dyrdek Sets Guinness World Record in Chevrolet Sonic (w/ Video)
Who says it’s not exciting to go backwards? Television star and former professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek recently proved that the Chevrolet Sonic can jump backward and break a Guinness World Record in the process. Driving a Sonic Hatchback, Dyrdek broke the record for “Farthest Reverse Ramp Jump by a Car” with a total of 89 feet and 3.25 inches (approximately 27.2 meters).
The MINI Clubman Lives, Concept to Bow at Geneva
The rumors of MINI killing off the Clubman seems to be just that: rumors as MINI revealed the Clubman Concept for the 2014 Geneva Auto Show. And pundits know if MINI parent company BMW attaches the word, “Concept” to the name, it’s a thinly-veiled, almost production-ready car. So what makes the second-generation Clubman different? Well, for one it’s got six doors. Yes, six doors if you were to include the split-opening tailgate just like the original Clubman.
UPDATED: Ford Updates Expedition with EcoBoost Power (It's in the US Only for Now)
UPDATE 1: Now available in the Philippines (4/12/2015).
The death of the full-sized body-on-frame SUV is greatly exaggerated. Ford recently unveiled a refreshed Expedition, still available in both standard and extended wheelbase variants, for the North American market. The biggest news is that the 2015 Expedition shuns V8 power and replaces it is a sole powerplant: a 3.5-liter V6 with Ford’s EcoBoost power.
February 25, 2014
Review: Chevrolet Spin 1.5 LTZ
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
February 24, 2014
BMW Goes Front-Wheel Drive with 2 Series Active Sport Tourer...Wait, What?!
Call it blasphemy, but BMW has finally thrown in the towel and is introducing the brand’s first front-wheel drive vehicle. There’s good reason to BMW’s madness though: the 2 Series Active Sport Tourer wants to achieve “particularly high levels of versatility and functionality in the premium compact class”. In other words, BMW is doing that Mercedes-Benz did with the B-Class. Done and dusted.
PACCI Holds Organizational Meeting, Elects New Officers
The Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council, Inc. (PACCI) held its 2014 Organizational Meeting on February 7, 2014, determining its new Board of Trustees, electing its Key Officers, and previewing the goals it has set for the year.
Kia Extends Help to Customers Affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan)
Roughly three months after Super Typhoon Yolanda, known internationally as Haiyan, devastated most of the Visayas region, victims are still in the long and arduous process of rehabilitation. No one was spared from nature’s wrath, including one of Kia’s regional dealerships, Kia Ormoc.
Ford Updates Focus with New Look, Features for 2015
Ford has used, of all things, the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain to debut a refreshed Focus that’s expected to debut in markets including the Philippines as a 2015 model. Headlining the changes of course, is the debut of Ford’s new design language—something already seen in the refreshed Fiesta and EcoSport models.
Electric Vehicle Summit 2013 Slated February 27-28, 2014 (Yes, You Read That Right)
It is all systems go for the Electric Vehicle Summit 2013 at the Multipurpose Hall of Meralco, Pasig City on February 27-28, 2014. The summit was originally scheduled on November 28-29, 2013 but was reset due to the devastation then brought by Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas that necessitated the urgent attention of government agencies on relief operations.
Petron Value Card Members Hit 1.4M in January 2014
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| For being the lucky 1-millionth PETRON Value Card member, Ms. Puso Gabiola (third from left) was rewarded with bonus treats. With her are PETRON representatives (L-R): Cards Head Billy Centeno, VP-National Sales Division Archie B. Gupalor, and AVP-Marketing Ana Neri. |
February 23, 2014
Philippine Car Price Guide: February 2014
Yes we know we're a bit late this month. We wanted to include several new models into the Philippine Car Price Guide before the monthly update (at least you don't have to wait until March). Anyway, here are the new additions for this month's update:
- BMW 4 Series
- Chevrolet Sonic 1.4 LT
- Ford EcoSport
- Honda Accord
- Honda City (Price Update)
- Hyundai Accent CRDi Sedan
- Hyundai Grand i10
- Hyundai Grand Santa Fe
- Jaguar XJL 2.0 T
- Lexus CT200h
- Mitsubishi Lancer EX (Price Update)
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GX
- Mitsubishi Strada 2.5 (Price Update)
- Peugeot 208 GTi
- Suzuki Jimny (Price Update)
- Suzuki Swift DZire AT
- Toyota Innova
- Toyota Wigo
- Volkswagen Jetta 1.2 TSI
- Volvo V40 Cross Country
February 21, 2014
First-Time Car Buyer? The Toyota Wigo is the Perfect Choice (w/ Complete Specs)
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
You are looking at the most important vehicle for Toyota Motor Philippines. Officially launched just a few days ago in the Queen City of the South, Cebu, the Toyota Wigo is the Japanese automaker’s first foray into the sub B-segment category and the one that’s expected to lift Toyota’s Philippine sales past 90,000 vehicles annually (they’re currently doing 70,000-plus). With the come-on of being “Easy to Own, Easy to Drive, Easy to Enjoy”, the Wigo is aimed at first-time car buyers who want a no-nonsense vehicle that can fit their increasingly mobile and sophisticated lifestyle. And the Wigo delivers.
Ground Breaking Ceremony Lays Foundation for Volkswagen Cebu, Opening Planned Late 2014
Iconic Dealership, Inc. (IDI) formally held a ground breaking ceremony for its first dealership in the Queen City of the South – Volkswagen Cebu. The simple ceremony was led by Volkswagen official distributor Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI) President & CEO, Mr. John Philip S. Orbeta. Present in the event to support the Volkswagen project was Arch. Edwin Gumila from Group 3, Mr. Joey Gaisano of White Gold, Inc., Mr. Erwin Locsin (Branch Manager of Volkswagen BGC), Hon. Mayor Mike Rama, Mr. Rene Mariano (President, Triplewell), Ms. Christine Donato (Sales and Network Development Director), and Mr. Boyet Libiran, Project Manager (Libiran Architect Associates).
Volkswagen Cebu will be located at A. Soriano Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City. The soon to rise state of the art facility is expected to be fully operational towards the end of 2014.
Get Free Gas When You Buy Michelin Tires
Need a new set of tires? Consider getting a spiffy set of new Michelins. For every purchase of Michelin tires (at participating dealers, of course), gets you a Petron e-Card loaded with P 500 if you buy 2 (two) tires with the same pattern and tire size and P 1,000 if you buy 4 (four) tires.
The Michelin Free Gas Promo runs until March 31. For a complete list of participating tire dealers, check out Michelin's official website at www.michelin.com.ph.
Suzuki Kicks Off Service Camp Series in Naga
Suzuki customers in Naga can enjoy a free 23-point car check-up as Suzuki Philippines rolls out the first leg of its 2014 Free Check-up Service Campaign (FCSC) in Suzuki Auto Naga on February 21-22, 2014.
February 18, 2014
Review: 2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 4x2 A/T
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
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