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March 23, 2014

Yamaha Motor Philippines Holds First Technician GP

L-R: Mr. Vince Alquizalas, SVC-Education Supervisor; Yukio Fukada, Division Director; Tomoyoshi Inoue, Service Manager; Sam Macapulay, SVC-Educ. Asst. Supervisor

The pioneer in the motorcycle industry, Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc., continues to create relevant events that uplift the standards of service in the country. The first-ever Technician GP (TGP) happened last March 19, 2014 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. With the tagline, Making a Difference in the Race for Service Excellence, the TGP was a big leap in upgrading the skills of Yamaha’s technicians.

The battle was participated by certified YTA technicians with a minimum level YTA silver who is a regular employee with at least one year of work experience in Yamaha 3s shops. Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc. sparked the birth of excellent technicians who have the ability to provide exceptional service resulting to superior one-on-one customer care.

Subaru Launches Most Affordable Impreza Yet: 2.0i CVT at P 1,128,000

The compact car war is certainly heating up this 2014 as Subaru distributor, Motor Image Pilipinas launches its most affordable Impreza yet, the 2.0i. Priced at just P 1,128,000, the 2014 Subaru Impreza 2.0i comes equipped with the company’s efficient and responsive Lineartronic CVT as standard. It replaces the even more expensive 2.0i M/T that cost P 30,000 more. It’s also cheaper than the previous generation (GH7) Impreza’s automatic transmission that would have been P 60,000 more.

And yet, a glance at the 2014 Impreza 2.0i spec sheet reveals even more technology for the price.

Volvo Philippines is officially launching their 2014 line-up summed up in one theme: “Smart Luxury”. For Volvo, Smart Luxury is a new and fresher take of making driving pleasurable. Designed around people, the 2014 Volvos make life less complicated. The entire design is always form follows function whether inside or outside and gives you the best value for money. And of course, rest assured that it’s still one of the safest cars on the road today.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

The all-new Mazda6 has been awarded the maximum five-star overall rating by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s new car assessment program (NCAP). With this latest result, the all-new Mazda6 adopting Mazda’s next-generation lightweight and high-rigidity SKYACTIV-Body, has now received the highest possible safety ratings from Japan, the USA and Europe.

Philippine Car Price Guide: March 2014

Here is the March 2014 installment of the Philippine Car Price Guide. Several key additions and/or updates this month are:

City 1.3 Mugen
City 1.5 Mugen
Hyundai Grand i10 (price update)
Mitsubishi Adventure (price update)
Mitsubishi Lancer EX (price update)
Nissan Altima
Nissan Sylphy
Peugeot 3008 (price update)
Peugeot 5008 (price update)
Peugeot Expert Tepee
Peugeot RCZ (price update)
Subaru Forester 2.0 i-Premium

With the entry of new exciting models, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) managed to grow its sales by 18% as of February or 5,866 units from 4,963 units in the same period last year.

Known more for their spring cushions, O-sulee is branching out to vehicle anti-theft systems and to make their product different, they’re making a wireless car alarm. Yes, you read that right—a wireless car alarm. The O-sulee Wireless Alarm is a complete car alarm system that doesn’t need any splicing, wiring, or anything of the sort.

The Hyundai Shell World Rally Team has celebrated a landmark result in Rally Mexico with both Hyundai i20 WRC cars finishing the grueling 22-stage rally in style and lead driver Thierry Neuville scoring a maiden podium for the team in third place.

Subaru Launches Mid-Grade Forester: the 2.0i-Premium

Always been wanting a Subaru Forester, but find the 2.0i-L a bit bare and the XT a bit too expensive? Well, you’re in luck. Motor Image Pilipinas has quietly introduced (official debut is slated at the 2014 Manila International Auto Show on April 3), a new variant of its best-selling Forester crossover dubbed the 2.0i-Premium. Essentially, it’s got 90-percent of the XT’s goodies at a much more affordable price point. Sounds good? Read on.

Scott McLaughlin entered the history books today as he scored the first V8 Supercars victory for Volvo Polestar Racing in the Australian Grand Prix weekend with Formula 1 in Melbourne.

“This is just unbelievable, something you never forget! The car was fantastic, an awesome day for everyone at GRM and Polestar,” said McLaughlin.

Formula 1 Car Sounds: 2014 vs 2013 - The Terrible Truth

There have been a lot of complaints about how the 2014 Formula One cars sound compared to their 2013 counterparts. Apparently, it’s the lack of that aural scream normally associated with high-revving purpose-built race cars. How bad? Well, check this video.

Ford EcoBoost Powers Prototype to 12 Hours of Sebring Victory

A prototype vehicle running Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 has claimed victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring last weekend. Considered to be one of the most demanding racetracks in the US, Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas, and Marino Franchitti took the Roush Yates-prepped Riley-Ford to victory lane.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Pick-ups—they don’t normally score high when being considered as daily drivers. With the exception of those who actually need the bed (construction or mining people to name a few), they’re not exactly the most ideal vehicles to ferry the kids to school, date the wife, and the dog to his vet appointment. Or are they? Times are changing and pick-ups are just about as refined, sophisticated, and luxurious as some executive sedans. The Ford Ranger, especially in its 3.2 Wildtrak guise is long considered to be tops in this segment. However, Chevrolet seems to have the answer with the 2014 Colorado 2.8 LTZ. Though the changes are headlined by a revamped powertrain, it does get more toys to go head-to-head against the Ranger. The question is: can it win?

Surf & Share Your #AyosNaSummer Wish, Win Summer Siren Festival Passes For Your Barkada

Be part of the hottest 3-day beach party for FREE when you share your #AyosNaSummer wish with your AyosDito.ph barkada! Simply Surf & Share on AyosDito.ph to win FREE Summer Siren tickets for you and your friends!

A total of 35 Summer Siren passes and 10 limited edition Ayos Loudbasstard speaker docks will be given away to lucky Ka-Ayos who will share their #AyosNaSummer wish on AyosDito.ph. Join to get the chance to meet great people at the Summer Siren Festival happening on April 4-6 at Crystal Beach, Zambales! It’s very easy to join and win the ultimate beach adventure for your barkada. Tara na!

After posting ground breaking figures last year, Chevrolet Philippines continues to deliver impressive growth in sales for the first two months of 2014. Chevrolet’s January and February figures have shown a 70% increase with a total of 1,298 unit sales compared to 760 units sold during the same time in 2013.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, makes summer adventures more worthwhile with Kia’s Hot Summer Deals. For a limited time only, you can drive home a Kia Carens and Kia Sportage at reduced prices!

MIAS Organizer Releases Exhibitor List

Worldbex Services International, organizers of the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the country’s biggest annual motoring event has released the list of participating brands as the official countdown begins to the show which is slated to run April 3 to 6 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, MIAS will once again use up the entire WTC complex including the adjacent Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC). Unfortunately, because CAMPI is also slated to run their biennial Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) around mid this year, there are some conspicuously absent brands from this year’s MIAS.

After staging the very successful Vios Cup Exhibition Race last January of this year… the number one automotive company in the country is now giving a chance for petrol heads to learn the basics and other advanced skills on racing! Customers can now enroll in the Toyota Racing School, as stirred by the Toyota Vios Cup! Come into full throttle with the “race-ready” Vios, a 1.5G M/T variant with several TRD modifications; that will prepare you to drive like a Champion!

10 Nifty Things You Probably Missed on the Ford EcoSport

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Ford Press

By now, we’ve all become more familiar with Ford’s segment-busting, made-for-the-urban-jungle SUV, the EcoSport. Though it’s been thoroughly discussed at the Bangkok Motor Show last year, launched in the Philippines early this year, and driven at the Deep Dive and Drive in Hua Hin, Thailand, there are still some features, ten to be exact, that almost everyone glossed over. These features may not necessarily make it to a design analysis / review / feature, they’re nonetheless reasons why the Ford EcoSport is one nifty vehicle worthy of your hard-earned money.

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.

(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.

Nissan Motors Ltd of Japan and the new Nissan Philippines Inc. paid visit to Nissan North Edsa to launch their newest models - Nissan Sylphy and Nissan Altima

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.

First Drive: 2014 Ford EcoSport 1.5 Titanium

Photos by Ulysses Ang

UPDATE: We included a video of the Ford EcoSport in action.

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 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.

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.

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)

The summer season is here and what better way to scorch a great deal than through Toyota’s Hot Summer Deals happening from March 3 – 31, 2014! Customers can purchase Toyota’s best-selling vehicles, the All-New Vios and the New Innova with discounts as much as P35,000!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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. ~~Sadly though, this product is only available in the USA~~. It will be sold internationally (this has been confirmed). Though this is lady stuff, who knows what men will do? Perhaps some will keep some as touch-up paint for their Mustang?

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 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!

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.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

I can’t remember the first time I felt so excited about driving a Toyota Corolla. After all, its reputation precedes it; it’s been the butt of jokes over its dull as cardboard driving experience. But, it’s cemented its reputation as a no-nonsense, ultra-reliable-until-the-world-ends type of car that’s created a following of over 40 million user-choosers. For all intents and purposes, Toyota could have continued churning out Corollas in the same recipe as the original, but instead they injected some new flavors. The question is: is this tangy new twist going to do wonders to the Corolla formula or is this simply the automotive equivalent of New Coke?

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.

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

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Staring out into the distance, the landscape looks hot and barren as far as the eye can see. Amidst the midday sun, it sears the retina with an almost blinding effect. It’s a scene seemingly lifted straight out of the desert planet of Tatooine in Star Wars or Arrakis from Dune. It looks a desolate, foreboding place until your ears pick up the faint hint of an engine at full throttle; and before you know it, a mechanical beast comes into full view, drifting into a 180-degree spin, kicking up the powdery fine sand into the dry, arid air. This is no alien planet; this is the Paoay sand dunes, the personal playground of the Isuzu D-Max.

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 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.

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.

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.

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