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August 20, 2014

Car Awards Group to Kick Off Search for 2014-2015 Philippine Car of the Year, Truck of the Year


Celebrating its 11th year, the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), the country’s premier automotive award-giving body, is formally launching their 2014-2015 Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-P) and Truck of the Year-Philippines (TOTY-P) testing season on September 3, 2014 at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang.
Set to attend this year’s launch are top executives from the motoring industry, as well as special guest of the organization.

Electric Vehicle Maker Aims to Produce 500 Units Before Year Ends


Electric Vehicles (EVs) may be the future in the Philippines, but in modern cities around the world, they are already a reality and an integral part of mainstream transport. During an EV Summit earlier this year, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (eVAP) projected that there would be at least a million EVs in Philippine roads by 2020.

August 18, 2014

First Drive: 2014 Honda Brio and Brio Amaze

Photos by Ulysses Ang
The legendary Soichiro Honda once said, “A company is most clearly defined not by its people or its history, but by its products.” Today, the car company that bears his name, Honda, is known for putting engineering excellent above all else. In every segment they enter, they refused to be the copycat; instead they take the road less traveled in the pursuit of making their products uniquely their own. Having lost their engineering way in the early part of this decade, Honda is now starting to get back into the groove. The all-new Accord, City, and Jazz are all definitive signs of an engineering resurgence. And now, that continues down market with the introduction of the all-new Brio and Brio Amaze.

From Track to Street: Michelin Pilot Sport Experience 2014

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Michelin Press
Michelin has always believed that the best test bed for its tires is motorsports. For more than a century, Michelin has been committed to bring exceptional performance through tires in every racing principle it participates in from Formula One to the 24 Hours of Le Mans to the World Rally Championship. Through the spirit of competition, the French tire brand has developed ‘Michelin Total Performance’, a philosophy that combines seemingly conflicting virtues into one cohesive ideology that dictates each and every tire that they produce. Through its research and development, including grueling tests on the world’s most demanding race tracks, Michelin has managed to combine exceptional grip without compromises to longevity and fuel economy.

August 17, 2014

Asia United Bank Offers Leasing for BMW Vehicles


Asia United Bank, through its subsidiary, Asia United Leasing & Finance Corporation (AULFC) is offering people the chance to drive home a BMW without breaking the bank with its leasing program. Through this first-in-the-Philippines leasing program, people can choose any brand-new BMW without having to worry about registration, insurance, and maintenance.

Rolls-Royce Debuts in Forza Motorsport 5


Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the epitome of luxury, today makes its video game debut. Wraith, the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce in history, is available exclusively in Forza Motorsport 5 for Xbox One.

August 15, 2014

Subaru Adds New Variants to WRX and WRX STI


Motor Image Pilipinas, Subaru’s exclusive distributor in the Philippines, has officially revealed the pricing and specs of two new additions to its WRX and WRX STI line. These two new models are set to arrive in mid-September and are specifically designed with the ‘tuner’ crowd in mind. Both models offer a much more affordable price point with only a slight reduction in standard convenience features.

Chevrolet Philippines Adds LTX Variant to Trailblazer Line


Already the third best-selling mid-sized SUV in the market, Chevrolet’s Philippine distributor, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) doesn’t want to rest on their laurels. Having sold 2,211 units already from January to June of this year, the Trailblazer is finally getting yet another variant, the Trailblazer LTX which is designed to bridge the features gap of the 4x2 model with the 4x4.

Oakley Launches Special Edition Scuderia Ferrari Sunglasses


Premiere sport and lifestyle brand Oakley partners with Ferrari, the epitome of sports car luxury, to launch the special edition Scuderia Ferrari Polarized Carbon Blade Sunglasses.

August 13, 2014

Volkswagen Invites Diecast Car Collectors to a Fun-Filled Weekend at BGC Showroom


There are more than enough reasons to visit the country’s most digitized showroom – Volkswagen BGC. This weekend, drop by on August 16, Saturday from 9AM to 6PM and spend a fun weekend with your family while enjoying the following activities:

Hyundai Philippine Sales Up 6 Percent in July


Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, registered a promising 6% year-on-year growth in July to a total of 1,952 units.

CAC-Kia Formalizes Supply Deal with TOTAL Philippines


Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, formalized its agreement to source its engine oil requirements from Total Philippines. Under the terms of the agreement, Total Lubricants will be one of Kia Philippines’ recommended partners for the sale of lubricants across all Kia’s local after sales service networks.

August 12, 2014

Chevrolet Adds LT Variant to Malibu Line; Yours for P 1,398,888


After launching its executive sedan offering, the Malibu almost a year ago, Chevrolet, through its Philippine distributor The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) is expanding the line-up with the addition of the LT variant available starting today. Priced at P 1,398,888 (the LTZ is P 1,528,888), the Malibu LT is a more value-oriented variant for people who want the comfort and space of a mid-sized executive sedan without the extra frills.

Review: 2014 Honda City VX Aero Sport Modulo

Photos by Ulysses Ang
It’s so easy to dismiss the buyers of entry-level cars as those who don’t care about design, engineering, and technology. In fact, the colloquial saying of: “basta tumatakbo, okay na” (as long as it’s running, it’s okay) stems from that mentality. Thankfully, the proliferation of smart phones and tablets has had a positive effect on the consumer mindset. Today, even the most cutting-edge technology has filtered down. Now, everyone’s got Facebook and gestures such as ‘swiping’ and ‘pinching’ are more associated with screen actions rather than something a bit kinky. As more and more buyers become technophiles, their taste in cars evolve as well. What were seen as ‘must haves’ are now ‘standard’ and what were seen as something straight out of science fiction are now reality. This is the ultra-competitive environment that car manufacturers find themselves in and one that the all-new Honda City thrives in.

August 11, 2014

Ferrari Philippine Distributor Launches 458 Spider


Autostrada Motore, Inc., distributor of Ferrari cars in the Philippines, has officially presented to the local market the Ferrari 458 Spider.

The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8. It is the brand’s first mid-rear engine convertible which has won the International Engine of the Year award for its engineering excellence in terms of driveability, performance, economy and refinement.

Mazda Philippines Sets 3-Month Sales Record


Mazda Philippines registered its best three consecutive sales months on record for May, June and July 2014. Year to date July total sales of 1,787 vehicles represents a 50% improvement over the same period last year, and more than double the total sales the year before. The record 3 months was set at the back of sales of the all new Mazda3 Skyactiv, Mazda2 and CX-5 Skyactiv Crossover.

Ford Philippine Sales Jump 35 Percent in July


Ford Philippines today announced its best-ever performance for the month of July with total retail sales jumping 35 percent year-over-year to 1,723 units. The record July was led by an all-time record month for Ranger in the Philippines, as well as continued strong demand for the EcoSport, Explorer and Everest nameplates.

Subaru to Hold All-Wheel Drive Experience at Alabang Town Center this August 15-17


Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP), the authorized distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, along with its dealer in Alabang, Whitehorn Motors Inc., invites customers to visit Alabang Town Center and test drive the Subaru XV and the Subaru Forester on the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Course during the Subaru All-Wheel Drive Experience from August 15-17, 2014 on the 2nd Floor of the Alabang Town Center Multi-Level Parking located at the corner of Commerce Avenue and Madrigal Avenue.

5th Philippine International Motor Show Promises to be Fun for Whole Family


More than being a haven for car lovers and motoring enthusiasts, the 5th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) boasts of various activities to keep the family, especially the little ones, entertained with one-a-kind motoring experience.

Kaikkonen Puts Up Strong Challenge to Portugal in Round 2 of Philippine GT Championship


Round 2 of the 2014 Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring Car Championship once again brought 17 racing machines out on the asphalt of the Batangas Racing Circuit last the June 27. The grid was made up of 3 cars competing in GT 300, 3 in GT 200, 8 in GT 150, and 3 more in the GT 100 class.

August 8, 2014

Hyundai Gears Up for Green Dealerships


Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) is aggressively expanding its nationwide dealership network as it inaugurates today (August 8, 2014) its newest branch in Davao City with four others scheduled to launch before year end.

August 7, 2014

Bridgestone Ecommunity Slated this Weekend


Showcasing its commitment to the environment, Bridgestone is holding ‘ECOMMUNITY’, an exhibit open to the public this weekend, August 9 to 10, at the Glorietta Activity Center in Ayala Center, Makati. ECOMMUNITY is proof of Bridgestone’s continuous commitment in working towards a sustainable society together with its customers, partners, and communities.

Strong Demand for Ford Ranger Across Asia-Pacific in First Half of 2014


Ford Motor Company today announced Ford Ranger sales in Asia Pacific rose 16 percent in the first half of 2014 to over 40,600 units.

The Asia Pacific markets (e.g:Australia, New Zealand the ASEAN markets) have been among Ford’s biggest selling markets for the popular Ranger one-ton pick-up truck since 2010.

Toyota Motor Philippines Breaches 10K Monthly Sales Mark


The number one car company in the country, Toyota, has once again made history in the automotive industry by recording 10,123 units in a single month last July. Coming from a 9,000 performance just last May, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) proves once again that it can go even further by breaching the 10,000 sales mark last month. This is the first time any local car manufacturer experienced such performance in terms of vehicle sales.

August 5, 2014

Review: 2014 Toyota Yaris 1.3 E

Photos by Ulysses Ang
The Toyota Yaris always has a special place in my heart. I’ve had the privilege of owning the Echo—the pre-Yaris nameplate—way back in 2001 before replacing it with a Yaris in 2007. It was, for me, the perfect city car: zippy, roomy for its size, extremely fuel efficient and downright painless to own. Despite the market getting crowded with more and more sub-compact hatchbacks (it is the fastest growing passenger car segment in the country, after all), I always end up in the cuddly embrace of the Yaris’s cutesy styling. Thus, consider me surprised when Toyota pulled the wraps off the 2014 Yaris—a car that cannot be described as cute anymore. Will its new angry look put off a long-time Yaris loyalist?

August 4, 2014

BYD Marks Philippine Racing Debut as F0 Places Second


The BYD F0 marked its racing debut with a second place finish at the Circuit Showdown First Philippine Micro Series held last week at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) in Rosario, Batangas.

Subaru BRZ Awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick


The Subaru BRZ is the seventh model bestowed with the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS)’s Top Safety Pick (TSP). It joins the Impreza, Subaru XV, Legacy, Outback, and the Forester. The Legacy, Outback, and Forester are awarded TSP+ when equipped with the optional Eyesight system.

August 3, 2014

3 Additional Kia Dealerships Now Adhere to Kia's Global Space Identity Concept


Owing to its commitment to serve and surprise Kia customers, Kia Marcos Highway, Kia Pasay, and Kia Quirino will now bear the universal standard for all Kia dealerships. This upgrade on overall brand image found in facilities is referred to as the Global Space Identity or GSI.

Isuzu D-Max Multisport Team Continues Winning Streak; Sets Out to Compete in International Races


In 2010 Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) formed its own mountain-biking team composed of some of the country’s most accomplished athletes in the booming sporting discipline. The team promptly went on to dominate virtually every cycling competition both locally, as well as a few abroad. Four years later, it has evolved into a well-rounded group as the Isuzu D-Max Multisport Team and, along with TV celebrity/athlete Matteo Guidicelli, continues on its winning ways.

AVID Thought Leadership Forum Tackled Opportunities and Challenges of ASEAN Integration in 2015

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) opened up a dialogue on the opportunities and challenges posed by the ASEAN integration in 2015 in its fourth Thought Leadership Forum (TLF) which was held at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) last week.