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August 25, 2014

Yokohama Philippine GT Championship Goes to Clark International Speedway on August 31

The Yokohama Philippine GT Championship is moving to the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga this August 30 and 31 for Round 3 of the 6-leg 2014 season.

The series has so far managed to form a grid of 17 drivers in every race for GT 300, GT 200, GT 150, and GT 100. But all in all, there are 20 drivers competing in this year's championship. And after just 2 races, we now have clear favorites in each of the four GT classes.

Isuzu D-Max X-Series is a Young Person's Pick-Up Truck

Tapping into the Generation Y or the Millennials’s mindset, Isuzu Philippines Corporation adds a new variant to their D-Max pick-up truck line designed for the young urbanite in mind. The new D-Max X-Series is aimed for the “fun, digital lifestyle of the metropolitan set.”

Mazda’s exclusive distributor in the Philippines, Berjaya Auto Philippines, turned over 15 of the 25 limited edition MX-5 Anniversary Edition to owners in a simple ceremony held at the company’s new vehicle stockyard in Batino, Laguna.

For the first seven months of the year, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) rallied its sales to a total of 20,938 units, up by 15% compared to the same period last year. July sales notched up by 8% to 3,036 units marked by strong showing from both the Passenger Car (PC) and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segments.

Personable, committed, and excellent– these are the basic tenets of Kia’s signature Power to Surprise and Family-like Care service and throughout its many dealerships nationwide, this stands to be true.

Bridgestone Takes Comprehensive Approach in Preserving the Environment and Building Communities

Bridgestone’s commitment to being a tire company that pioneers best practices and holds steadfast in its pursuit of being a constructive member of the global community is in full swing in the Philippines.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wet and Wild: Round 2 of the 2014 Toyota Vios Cup

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Toyota Press

Jason Choachuy (Car No. 37) of Toyota Balintawak dominated Round 2 of the 2014 Toyota Vios Cup at the Clark International Speedway last Saturday, July 26 with a stunning back-to-back win in Race 3 and 4. With changing weather conditions in the days leading up to the race, everyone was expecting a wet weekend for all 28 Toyota Vios Cup Racers. The traffic situation on NLEX brought on by the Inglesia ni Cristo Centennial proved to be of little worry as thousands of speed freaks still filled up the grand stands to watch the action in the One-Make Race.

With dynamic ability, comfort, elegance and a host of innovations designed to further enhance a luxurious driving experience, the new BMW 5 Series once again raises the bar for the premium executive sedan segment. It has sealed its position as the global leader in its class with over one million units sold, earning a unique status in the segment. A new chapter dawns in its impressive success story with precise modifications to the cars’ design, and innovative additions to the range of available equipment. Two (2) models of the New BMW 5 Series, namely the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, are now available in the Philippine market.

Chery Cars Philippines has recently introduced its latest automobile offering that should capture the imagination of young, upwardly mobile Filipino professionals: the Chery Fulwin2.

The Subaru Palm Challenge: Philippine Leg is back again to find the 10 contestants to represent the Philippines in the Subaru Palm Challenge - Asian Face-Off. Take part in one of the three legs and get a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Singapore:

Car enthusiasts in Manila can now view the latest Suzuki automobiles as Suzuki Philippines opens its latest showroom in SM City San Lazaro, Manila. The new store, a satellite showroom for Suzuki Auto U.N. Avenue, will feature Suzuki’s latest automobiles such as the Swift 1.2 hatchback and the Ertiga compact family car.

Philippine Car Price Guide: July-August 2014

Considering that the “Ghost Month” has just set in, we figured there wouldn’t be any new car launches until the third of week of August. Therefore, consider this as our “late for July” but “early for August” Philippine Car Price Guide. For this update, we have the following additions/changes:

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Chevrolet Malibu LT (new variant)
Chevrolet Spin (price adjustment)
Honda CR-V Cruiser Edition (new variant)
Honda Jazz
Kia Picanto (price adjustment)
Kia Sorento (price adjustment)
Kia Soul (price adjustment)
Kia Sportage (price adjustment)
MINI Cooper / Cooper S
Mitsubishi Adventure (price adjustment)
Suzuki Ertiga
Suzuki Swift 1.2 (new variant)
Tata Manza Aura (new variant)
Tata Vista Ignis (new variant)

There are also some models that have bitten the dust, but we will just let you find them for yourselves. Happy hunting!

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Subaru WRX STI—it’s one of those cars that need little introduction. However, in case you do need a refresher (shame on you); they represent the pinnacle of Subaru’s technical know-how. Borne out of the World Rally Championship, they’re fitted with a massaged turbocharged Flat-4 engine and all-wheel drive as standard from Day One. They are, in short, the automotive equivalent of Thor: the God of Thunder and Lighting with biceps (or fender flares, if you prefer) to make even the manliest man swoon. However, for all the space it occupied on bedroom walls and laptop wallpapers, it had one big problem: they weren’t for the faint of heart. They were like driving a sledgehammer with four wheels and a windshield. Thankfully though, Subaru and the engineering gurus at Subaru Technica International or STI have rectified that erratic behavior in the all-new model. Not only is this the best handling WRX STI ever. This is the most refined WRX STI ever.

Tailgating with One Tough Truck: The Ford Ranger Tailgate Challenge

Photos Courtesy of Dux Carvajal of Ford Press

Tailgating—it’s the quintessentially American Male thing where groups of bros hang around in parking lots (typically during a big game) with hot food sizzling on a grille and cold drinks chilling in a cooler. Although you can try doing that here in the Philippines, you’ll earn the irk of security guards even before you could unfold your bench out. So what’s the best thing you can do? Go out of town, to the middle of nowhere (preferably where trail meets road), and then whip out the grille. Of course, you need a very capable go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle and a group of the manliest men in the motoring beat to drive out of the comforts of Manila and cook burgers. And so, that’s exactly what happened with the Ford Ranger Tailgate Challenge.

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, continues to dominate the Philippine luxury vehicle segment as it reached first half of 2014 with a total of 352 units sold, accounting for a total of 36% over-all market share. BMW’s core model, The 3 Series, is recorded as ACC’s top performer, closely followed by its most popular SAV, The BMW X3, contributing to a 6% increase in total sales compared to the same period last year. This correlates with BMW’s global performance, which saw a 10.2% YTD growth versus last year.

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines is keen on setting a new benchmark in design and innovation with the launch of the all-new 4 Series Gran Coupe. The first-ever four-door coupe in the premium mid-sized segment, the 4 Series Gran Coupe seamlessly blends the unmistakable look of a sports coupe with the practicality and functionality of a four door sedan.

Car buyers now have more choices with the arrival of the new Tata Manza Aura and Vista Ignis. Launched recently by the Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc., the official and exclusive distributor of Tata vehicles in the Philippines at their new Cainta showroom along Ortigas Avenue Extension, the Manza Aura and Vista Ignis are powered by the highly efficient and refined Quadrajet diesel engine which promises high fuel efficiency. At the same time, these models were designed with good passenger comfort and worry-free ownership in mind.

Carmudi, the world’s fastest growing online car classified, is all set to change the experience of shopping for car enthusiasts in the Philippines. The online car classifieds has officially launched its mobile application which will allow users to browse thousands of cars on the go. Hosting over 20,000 vehicles online, Carmudi’s app will give users an excellent experience of buying cars while on the move, thus allowing them the same sense of ease and comfort out and about as they would experience in front of their PCs at home.

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