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July 18, 2014

Suzuki Philippines Launches Ertiga (w/ Specs)


Barely a monthly after introducing the Swift 1.2 hatchback, Suzuki Philippines has unveiled yet another addition to their growing automobile line-up: the Ertiga. Dubbed as a “Lifestyle Utility Vehicle” or LUV for short, the Ertiga takes a completely different approach to the very competitive but lucrative compact 7-seater MPV or multi-purpose utility vehicle market.

Hyundai Philippines Retains Momentum with 12 Percent Growth in June


Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, continued its positive sales performance with 12% year-on-year growth in June, bringing its tally to 1,928 units sold versus 1,726 units sold in the prior year. For the first semester of this year, Hyundai managed to grow by 6% equivalent to a total of 11,651 units.

AVID Sales Up 21 Percent in June

In June, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) registered total sales of 2,973 units, up by 21% from 2,447 units sold in the same month last year.  This led to first semester growth of 17% or a total of 17,902 units, driven by the marked performance of both the Passenger Cars (PC) and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segments.

July 17, 2014

Subaru Holds Tanabata Festival this Weekend


Motor Image Pilipinas Inc., will be holding its Tanabata Festival, running on its second year, at all Subaru Showrooms nationwide from July 18 to July 20, 2014.

Mazda Unveils All-New Mazda2 Sub-Compact in Japan; Production Goes Underway (w/ Video)


Mazda has finally pulled the wraps off its all-new Mazda2 sub-compact hatchback, the latest model to receive the full Skyactiv treatment. The flood of photos came at the same time as when Mazda announced that the all-new Mazda2 started production at its Hofu Plant No. 1 in Yamaguchi, Japan. The global launch starts in Japan this autumn, with the world soon to follow.

Filipino, Japanese Companies to Build Electric Vehicles in the Philippines


NEUES Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of the NKC Metalworks Group of Osaka, Japan and Kart Plaza Manufacturing Corp., the Philippine leading electric golf kart distributor and servicing company, today announced a partnership that will see both companies engage in the local manufacturing of affordable and economical Electric Vehicles, which will be made available in the Philippine automotive market.

44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015 Announces Show Dates


The Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA) has just announced the dates for the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. To be held at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, the show will open on Thursday, October 29, 2015 and will run all the way to Sunday, November 8, 2015.

July 15, 2014

Review: 2014 Peugeot 5008 2.0 HDI Allure

Photos by Ulysses Ang
The birth of the third child usually signifies the cruel end to owning any car that’s remotely stylish. The dream of owning something that’s out-of-this-world fun is replaced by something much more down-to-earth. Adjectives such as “sporty” and “dynamic” are replaced with “comfortable” and “practical”. Thankfully, modern day moms and dads are blessed with a new player out there; one that manages to blend practicality with some French flair. Meet the Peugeot 5008—a sexy MPV that’s also quite sensible.

July 14, 2014

Land Rover Philippines and Asia to Africa Safari Brought in Peter Allison to Manila


Land Rover Philippines (LRPhils) Motors, Inc. in collaboration with Asia To Africa (A To A) Safaris brought in Peter Allison, a wildlife enthusiast and author of two bestselling books about his experiences working in the African bush – “Whatever You Do, Don’t Run” and “Don’t Look behind You” to Manila.

Michelin to Become Sole MotoGP Tire Supplier from 2016



Michelin will be the sole supplier of tires to teams participating in the MotoGP World Championship series which will be held in various European countries starting 2016. This was announced by Dorna Sports, promoter and organizer of the event, which is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

Motor Image Launches Subaru XV STI Performance, Coming to PHL in September

Event Photos by Ulysses Ang
Cementing its foothold as the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the region, Motor Image has unveiled the new Subaru XV STI Performance Edition at its new 3S Center in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. The Subaru XV STI Performance Edition combines the rugged sportiness of the Subaru XV urban crossover with STI’s world-renowned engineering prowess to create a vehicle with enhanced aesthetics and performance from improved handling and aerodynamics. At the same time, the launch of the XV STI Performance Edition marks a stronger market presence for Subaru’s tuning division, Subaru Technica International or better known as STI.

July 13, 2014

Honda Cars Philippines Announces Voluntary Safety Recall


Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces the voluntary recall of 1,760 units of selected Honda Fit, City, Civic, and Accord sold in the Philippines due to faulty inflation device of the front passenger airbag.

Ford Philippines Continues Sales Growth in June; Now 36 Percent Up Year-Over-Year


Ford Philippines today announced an all-time best quarter, driven by a record-breaking performance for the month of June with retail sales of 1,697 units, an increase of 36 percent year-over-year.

The record June sales also contributed to the highest second quarter performance in the Philippines at 5,172 units, a 45 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales currently stand at 8,864 units, up 42 percent compared to last year and marking Ford’s best-ever mid-year performance in the country.

Chevrolet Philippines Achieves Record Sales for First Semester of 2014


Riding its steady momentum since last year, Chevrolet Philippines - The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) continues its sustained growth for the first two quarters of 2014. Chevrolet sold a total of 4,066 units for the first six months of the year, so far its all-time best half year performance. June sales totaled 701 units, resulting in one of the highest performing months for Chevrolet in the Philippines.

MFI Supports Mazda Philippines's Need for Skilled Local Technicans


Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country has partnered with MFI Foundation, Inc. (formerly Meralco Foundation, Inc.), a non-profit science foundation that has been providing top-notch technical training and education in the Philippines for more than 30 years, under its Industrial Technician Program (ITP) specializing in Automotive Technology.

July 8, 2014

Concept One and Saffiro Tires are Now Official Rims and Tires of the 2014 Hyundai Lateral Drift Championships


The 2014 Hyundai Lateral Drift Championship Series continues its partnership with Wheel Gallery, the official distributors Concept One wheels and Saffiro tires.

Toyota Vios Cup Race 2 Slated for July 26!


Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is again geared up to continue the fun in its all-out motorsports festival this July 26, 2014 (Saturday) at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. Let the number one automotive company in the country take you once again to a day filled with heart racing excitement during the 2nd leg of the highly acclaimed 2014 Vios Cup!

Further with Ford 2014: The Ford Trends Conference


“Innovation, by nature, is disruptive. If you can build upon an existing set of gears and everything is working smoothly, then you’re not revolutionizing yourself enough,” said Clay Christensen, a professor at the Harvard Business School and one of the most influential business thinkers in the world, as he opened the annual Ford Trends Conference. Sharing the stage with world-renowned American designer Kenneth Cole, Cole ended the night with a simple yet profound statement: “Today, companies do a lot of similar products, but what sets a great company apart is a powerful brand.”

Uber Cuts Prices by 40 Percent this Rainy Season


Across three Asian cities, Uber is announcing a price cut on its flagship product, uberBLACK.

Uber, with a global presence in more than 130 cities, 25 of which are in Asia Pacific, is offering price reductions on its uberBLACK services in Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Reduction is as high as 50% off its regular prices in some of these cities, making it cheaper than travelling in taxis.

2014 Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 vs 2014 Toyota Wigo 1.0 G A/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Oh my, how the world turns. Hyundai was once known for being value-for-money cars. They were solid but crude cars with a price tag that made it close to being disposable after a couple of years of use (or abuse). On the other hand, Toyota produced refined and quality cars which certainly cost more, but are seemingly built to survive a nuclear war. Today though, the world moves to a different beat. With the Wigo sub-compact Toyota has moved, for the first time in its Philippine history, way into the basic transportation genre; while Hyundai has leveled up several notches with its i10 (now known as the Grand i10). Has the automotive world turned upside down? Is the P 728,000 Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 really worth it against the P 534,000 Toyota Wigo 1.0 G? Well, it’s time to find out.

July 7, 2014

Free Pepsi with Your Petron Value Card


Petron Value Card holders get a free refreshing drink each time they fuel up at any participating Petron service station.

Philippines Celebrates World Volkswagen Day


More than 150 classic and custom Volkswagen cars gathered last June 22, 2014 at the Camp Aguinaldo Parade Grounds, Quezon City in celebration of the World Volkswagen Day.

2014 Range Rover Sport Now in the Philippines (w/ Video)


Land Rover Philippines (LRPhils) Motors, Inc., the official and exclusive importer and distributor of Land Rover vehicles in the country welcomed the all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport—the brand’s most dynamic and sportiest model that still manages to embody the Land Rover spirit of unparalleled all-terrain capability and Range Rover’s opulent luxury.

July 6, 2014

CAC Marks 20th Anniversary with "Green" Cause


It has been 20 years since Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) made a splash in the automotive industry, and now, they continue to be a formidable influence in the Filipino driving experience.

As exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, CAC has offered the Korean automaker giant’s quality and innovative lineup, while maintaining a signature Family-like Care after-sales service to millions of Filipinos since 1994.

Isuzu Ends D-Max 4x4 Drive Series with Biggest Challenge in Davao


The Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 has successfully demonstrated its unmatched capabilities in tackling tough terrain to thousands of truck lovers and off-road driving enthusiasts coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. But the popular pickup model faced—and, more importantly, surpassed—its biggest challenge at the final leg of the driving series that was designed to showcase its performance.

Further with Ford 2014: Ford and Intel Team Up for Project Mobii


As vehicles become an integral part of the Internet of Things, Ford and Intel are researching new opportunities for the connected car, including giving drivers the ability to remotely peer into their car using a smartphone, or a vehicle that could identify its owner using facial recognition software.

July 4, 2014

Honda Launches CR-V Cruiser Edition


Honda Cars Philippines has added a new variant to their CR-V: the Cruiser Edition. Available in both 2.0 and 2.4-liter variants, the CR-V Cruiser Edition brings more entertainment options to Honda’s compact crossover.

Toyota Offers Biggest Savings this July


Be prepared for Toyota’s biggest offer of savings in 2014 this July! This month, the number one automotive company in the country, makes it easier for you with packages that will make owning a Toyota so easy. Choose from various financing options that will suit everyone’s lifestyle with Toyota’s promotions this month!

MINI Opens in Cebu


MINI Philippines has broadened its reach by venturing into the Visayas and Mindanao regions through the opening of MINI Cebu in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Located along A.S. Fortuna St. in Mandaue City and headed by Kris Lyndon Go and Brian Chua, President and Vice President, respectively, MINI Cebu is an affiliate of the Autocentral Group which also operates Suzuki, Subaru, Ford and JMC dealerships in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost Wins International Engine of the Year for Third Time


A small petrol engine that powers Ford cars including the new Fiesta has fought off competition from premium brands and supercars to win the “Oscars” of the engine world for an unprecedented third time in a row.

Ford Motor Company’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine – which lowers fuel consumption without sacrificing power – was named 2014 International Engine of the Year for its drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology.

CAVITEX Now Uses MPTC's Prepaid EasyDrive Pass


Motorists can now use EasyDrive stickers for a most convenient and speedy passage along the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), courtesy of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC).

July 1, 2014

Review: 2014 Toyota Innova 2.5 V

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Nine years is a long time in anyone’s book. In the same year YouTube was launched and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI, Toyota hatched a new product that revolutionized the Asian Utility Vehicle or AUV segment by killing it. The product’s name: the Toyota Innova. Of course, a lot has happened since then and new players have entered into the segment. Still, it seems that the more things change, the more it stays the same; especially true when it comes to the Innova—a product that’s essentially unchanged since its debut in 2005. Still here it is, still in prime fighting form two face lifts later.