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November 30, 2014

Thailand Motor Expo 2014: 31st Thailand Motor Expo 2014 Kicks Off


Re-invigorating the stagnant Thai automotive industry, Inter-Media Consultant Co., Ltd. has formally opened the doors to the 31st Thailand Motor Expo at the Impact Challenger Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. The show brings the biggest brands and names together showcasing the capability and readiness of Thailand to maintain its status as ASEAN’s main automotive hub.

Ford Re-Opens Tacloban Dealership


Ford Philippines celebrated the re-opening of Ford Tacloban in Leyte a one year after super typhoon Yolanda struck the Eastern Visayas and destroyed the facility.

Video: Ferrari California T Driven Around Monaco

Ferrari’s Head of Development test-driver, Raffaele De Simone, gives a thrilling taste of the Ferrari California T’s driving prowess on the challenging streets and roads of the Principality of Monaco. He takes his viewers through the new car’s performance as it tackles the Col de Turini mountain pass, one of the toughest stages on the famous Monte Carlo Rally, the legendary Tunnel and, of course, the Monaco Grand Prix’s famous Loews hairpin.

Video is after the break. Happy Sunday!

Volkswagen Holds 2nd Leg of Fuel Eco Run


Following the successful first leg last October 21st, Volkswagen Philippines continues its Eco Fun Run together with its partner, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum.

Volvo Marks 20th Year in the Philippines


Marking its 20th year in the country, Volvo Philippines continues to offer its distinct mark of premium ownership experience to its valued patrons and brand enthusiasts. Established in November 1994 with a clear vision to be an esteemed car brand, it has since then reaped a multitude of rewards and accolades, including the coveted Volvo Diamond Award. Given only in its first full year of operation, this recognition is given to outstanding performance in the areas of vehicle sales, parts and service operations, competitive positioning and customer satisfaction.

November 25, 2014

Honda Cars Philippines Updates CR-V for 2015


Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines surprises the market once more as they uncover their New CR-V at Enderun Tent, McKinley Hill. The event marks HCPI’s 7th newest offering for the Philippine Market, following the Accord, City, Jazz, Brio, Brio Amaze and the Civic.

First Drive: 2014 Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4WD

Photos by Ulysses Ang
For Isuzu, a lot is hinging on the success of the all-new mu-X. The mid-sized 7-seater SUV market is the country’s fastest growing segment and yet, their previous effort, the Alterra, barely made a dent in the market. After lessons were learned, they got back to the drawing board and pretty much re-designed, re-engineered, and even re-named their effort. Fast-forward years later and you have five Isuzu mu-Xs parked in a row in the scenic province of Palawan. The mu-X’s first drive just happens to be a road trip in paradise.

November 24, 2014

Lexus Manila Launches RC and RCF


Aggressiveness and dynamism blend together into one bold, sensual package as Lexus Manila unveils not one, but two additions to its growing line-up: the RC and RCF. Engineered as a standalone model as opposed to being simply a two-door derivative of an existing sedan model, the RC and RCF have been honed on the world’s most famous race tracks. And now, they are ready to attack the streets of Manila.

Tata Motors Quezon Avenue Officially Open to the Public


Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. (PTAJ), the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles in the Philippines, continues to expand through its newest dealership to date, Tata Quezon Avenue, on November 21, 2014.

Michelin Takes 'Fill Up with Air' Safety Campaign to the Philippines


Michelin underscored its Road Safety advocacy with the launch of its Fill Up with Air (FUWA) Safety Campaign on Friday November 21, 2014 at S&R Alabang Open Parking Lot along Alabang-Zapote Road in Alabang, Muntinlupa. An inspection tent setup onsite invited all S&R members to have their vehicles’ tire pressure checked and adjusted for free. The Michelin tire experts also provided more tire safety advices to the participants and an assessment of the tires’ condition.

X-Men Inspired Kia Sorento to Debut at Australian Open 2015


Kia Motors today announced details of a new collaboration with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment to promote X-Men: Days of Future Past on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD and Kia’s sponsorship of the Australian Open 2015.

UAAP Basketball MVP Kiefer Ravena Stays with Suzuki


To continue bringing great value and fuel efficient cars to the young and active market, Suzuki Philippines (SPH) recently renewed partnership with UAAP Men’s Basketball MVP Kiefer Ravena as its endorser for the second straight year.

November 21, 2014

Subaru XV STI Performance is Finally Here


After being previewed in Malaysia last July, Motor Image Pilipinas, the authorized distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, has announced the arrival of the new Subaru XV STI Performance. It’s the newest addition to the Subaru XV line-up.

Philippine Car Price Guide: October-November 2014

The much awaited, much delayed Philippine Car Price Guide is finally here. It’s been a good two months since the last update, but you know what they say, patience is a virtue. So sit back, relax, and glance through the most up-to-date Car Price Guide researched by yours truly. Seems you don’t need a back office to do these things!

Here are the new things in this update:
  • BMW M135i
  • BMW M235i
  • BMW M3
  • BMW M4
  • Ford Escape
  • Ford Explorer Sport
  • Ford Ranger Wildtrak (price adjustment)
  • Honda Brio (price adjustment)
  • Honda City (new variants)
  • Honda Civic (new variants)
  • Honda CR-V (new variants)
  • Honda Jazz (price adjustment)
  • Hyundai Grand Starex (new variants)
  • Lexus RC F
  • Mitsubishi Mirage (price adjustment)
  • Tata Ace
  • Tata Indica
  • Tata Indigo
  • Tata Xenon (price adjustment)
  • Toyota RAV4 (price adjustment)
  • Toyota Wigo (price adjustment)
  • Volvo S60 (new variant)

First Ayala Auto Fair Happening on November 26-28 at Ayala Triangle Gardens


This November, three powerful automotive brands come together to bring you the first Ayala Auto Fair organized by Ayala Automotive Holdings Corporation. Taking centerstage at the Ayala Triangle Gardens from November 26-28, Ayala-owned dealers of Honda, Isuzu, and Volkswagen, will showcase some of the best vehicles in the country today.

Hyundai Sales Up 18 Percent in October


Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, saw its sales accelerate to 1,982 units for the month of October, reflecting solid growth of 18% year-on-year. To-date, sales reached a total of 19,675 units for the first 10 months of the year, up by 10% from the same period last year.

Bikefest 2014 Happening on November 29 at SM MOA Grounds


Harley-Davidson of Manila and Harley Owners Group (HOG) join forces to stage one of the biggest gatherings of premium motorbike enthusiasts in the Philippines: BIKEFEST 2014. A whole day of fun activities will be held at the SM MOA grounds, planetarium parking lot, Pasay City, on the 29th of November 2014, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM the next day.

BMW Named As Official Premium Mobility Partner for APEC 2015


Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, recently forged ties with the Philippine Government to roll out over 200 BMW luxury vehicles to serve as VIP mobility shuttle for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) event to be hosted by the Philippines in 2015. Secretary Albert Del Rosario of the Department of Foreign Affairs, together with Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez, Chairman of ACC, led representatives from the national governement and key officers of ACC to formalize the partnership in a signing ceremony held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.

November 20, 2014

Ford Philippines Hosts Opening of Largest Dealership in the Country


Ford Philippines celebrates the continued expansion of its nationwide dealer network with a gala event to mark the opening of Ford Alabang, the biggest Ford dealership in the country.

Honda Accessories Corner Now Open in Alabang and Global City Dealerships


Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, opens additional Honda Accessory Corner business in Honda Cars Alabang (HCAL)  and Honda Cars Global City (HCGC)  with the continuous effort to provide its valued customers an enhanced driving enjoyment and ownership experience.

Singapore Airlines Offer Exclusive Travel Deals to BMW Owners


There’s more reason to travel in luxury as an exclusive travel promo awaits BMW car owners nationwide. In partnership with Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, the world’s most awarded airline Singapore Airlines (SIA) brings exceptional fares to 16 destinations in three continents.

November 19, 2014

UPDATED: 2015 Mitsubishi Strada Unveiled


UPDATE 4: It has officially launched (3/20).

UPDATE 3: Here is the official Philippine brochure. (3/7).

UPDATE 2: More info of the Philippine-spec model via an interview with Mr. Namiki. (2/14).

UPDATE 1: More info, pics of 2015 Mitsubishi Strada/Triton live at the 31st Thailand Motor Expo 2014 (12/1).

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has formally unveiled the all-new Triton (our Strada) in Thailand. It’s the Triton’s first full re-design after nine long years and it’s already on sale in Thailand. It will soon hit other markets, including the Philippines, in 2015.

All-New Mazda CX-3 is the Urbanite's Crossover


Mazda used the Los Angeles Auto Show to unveil a new addition to its Skyactiv-equipped crossover range: the CX-3. The CX-3 will first launch in Japan in 2015 followed by the rest of the world soon thereafter. Mazda believes it will become a core product in their ever-expanding model range.

Instant Cars and Motorcycles at Stake in Petron Fast Prize Promo


Loyal Petron customers will have the instant sur-prize of their lives when the oil industry leader rolls out its biggest ever promo, starting from November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015.

Smash Your Way to the Australian Open 2015 in Kia's Newest Promo


Now on its 4th smashing year, Kia will once again bring one lucky test-drive participant to the Land Down Under to witness world-class tennis action at the Australian Open 2015!

Volvo Gives Back with 20/20 Platinum Program


Volvo Philippines celebrates its 20th year with a grand gesture as it offers its valued clients and Volvo enthusiasts a myriad of exclusive offers tailored to make their Volvo ownership a more rewarding experience.

Honda Global City Pioneers Night Service Operations


Honda Cars Global City (HCGC), situated along 28th Street corner 9th Avenue, City Center, Bonifacio Global City, launches its Night Service Program beginning this month of November; extending its service operations to a total of 19 hours.

November 18, 2014

Review: 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Hatchback

Photos by Ulysses Ang
About two years ago, I was given the opportunity to drive the Sonic (sedan, hatchback), Chevrolet’s replacement to the solid but otherwise unremarkable Aveo. And while I had a great time loving the delectably designed exterior, premium feeling interior, and the respectably solid driving manners. The experience was without its hiccups, but in the end, you know the General is heading in the right direction with their revitalized sub-compact.