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January 20, 2017

Petron's Viber Sticker Set is All About Positive Vibes

Looking for new ways to express yourself in your Viber chats? Oil industry leader Petron Corporation has just released its set of Petron Best Day stickers, downloadable for free on your Viber from the Viber sticker market.

The Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists (SPMJ) and Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement last January 17, 2017 at the Palms Country Club in Alabang.

Michelin Philippines has come out with a peculiar PR campaign advocating that there’s nothing wrong with using older tires. The French tire brand, through their Philippine office says that the DOT (the numeric code signifying the tire’s fabrication date) doesn’t dictate the safety of a tire, but rather proper tire maintenance. In fact, they’ve come up with a witty campaign for it: Tires are Not Bananas. Unfortunately, for motorists that’s not the entire truth.

AVID Caps Off 2016 with 60 Percent Growth

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) annual sales remarkably grew by 60 percent in 2016, totaling 93,179 units. Fourth Quarter sales capped off to an impressive year as it climbed by 26 percent with 24,434 units from 19,374 units in the same period in 2015.

Last weekend, a post on Facebook went viral showing a road crash that occurred during the 24-hour, 1,200-kilometer BOSS Ironman Challenge held in Central and Northern Luzon last Saturday. The incident prompted the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) to warn the public once more about the dangers of illegal road races.

Driver focus and attention are key in cars with high-performance and that’s why Ford is going with all-digital instruments in its all-new Ford GT supercar. This set-up quickly and easily presents information to the driver based on five special driving modes.

The Mustang, the world’s best-selling sports coupe gets a host of improvements that make it the most advanced Pony Car from Ford ever. The improvements include more powerful engines, better handling, and a host of both technological and aesthetic improvements to offer even more customization to Mustang owners.

LTO to Implement DIY Registration for Motor Vehicles

The Land Transportation Office or LTO just signed Administrative Order 2017-035 which aims to streamline the car registration process by allowing dealers to report motor vehicle sales via a “Do-It-Yourself” or DIY system.

Is Subaru finally killing off its 6-cylinder engine? When quizzed at the 2017 Impreza launch about the flexibility of their all-new Subaru Global Platform, the answer from Subaru engineers present seem to be in the affirmative.

In an exclusive interview with Nikkei, Mazda is moving forward with the development of its next-generation of powertrains which will debut with the 2018 Mazda3 (Axela in Japan). The Hiroshima-based carmaker is targeting a 30 percent increase in fuel efficiency over the current Skyactiv thanks to an innovative new engine technology.

It’s not every day you have a committed man thinking of having an illicit affair, but that’s exactly what happened when I got introduced to the shapely new 2017 Subaru Impreza. As a proud owner of an immaculate 2008 model (the rare hatchback no less), I’ve always found it difficult to find a suitable replacement to her charms. After every test drive, I always come back to my beloved Empress’s sweet embrace and I think to myself: ‘till death do us part. That is until I met Empress’s sultry younger sister.

Prosperous Beginnings with Audi Driving Weekend Happening This January 21-22

Audi Philippines welcomes the Lunar New Year with the Audi Driving Weekend, wishing guests good luck and prosperous beginnings for the year ahead. Happening from January 21 to 22, 2017 at the Audi Pavilion, located at 30th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Audi Philippines invites everyone to experience what the Ingolstadt, Germany-based luxury car brand is all about.

Attributed mainly to the steadily rising demand for automotive vehicles in the country, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, hit record sales ending the year 2016. Hyundai closed its Full Year 2016 sales with a 53 percent growth as compared to the previous year. Vehicle sales reached 8,674 units in the 4th Quarter alone, equating to a 62 percent Year-on-Year increase.

EDITOR’S NOTE (6): We simulate the prices of 42 vehicles under the final bicameral version of the TRAIN bill. Read it here. (12/14/2017).

EDITOR’S NOTE (5): The House of Representatives and Senate have agreed on a compromised version of the new vehicle excise tax which excludes pick-up trucks and EVs. See the story here (12/12/2017).

EDITOR’S NOTE (4): The senate just approved a new version of TRAIN that is friendlier to luxury vehicles. See the full story here. (11/28/2017).

EDITOR’S NOTE (3): A version of the bill has just passed the House Ways and Means Committee. You can check how it will affect vehicle prices here (5/8/2017).

EDITOR’S NOTE (2): We have put up a comparative study of this Department of Finance proposal versus House Bill 4774. You can check out the story here (1/29/2017).

EDITOR’S NOTE (1): This report pertains to the Department of Finance’s initial recommendation to increase the excise tax on new vehicles. A new version, House Bill 4774 is being considered as well. In both cases, it’s important to know that NOTHING IS FINAL. The pricing scenario here may change once the law has been passed. Regardless, we will update this with a more detailed breakdown once that happens (1/25/2017).

This will be the biggest motoring headline for 2017 and one that will have a long lasting repercussion for the entire automotive industry. With the automotive industry enjoying a robust double-digit growth during the past few years, a new regulation is being proposed that may curtail this growth. This regulation is the proposed change to the current vehicle excise tax.

Autohub Group Committed to Improving Workforce Skills

The Autohub Group is committed to upgrading the skills and standards of its workforce by becoming an Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) Certified Institution. As the only international automotive awarding organization, IMI works with government and industry leaders across the world to improve training standards and skills within the sector.

Pilipinas Shell solidifies its position as the official fuels partner and aftermarket lubricant supplier of BMW as it renews its collaboration with Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and service provider of the premium automotive brand. Strengthening the alliance built in 2014, Shell continues its part in powering an improved driving experience for Filipino BMW drivers through its Shell-manufactured BMW engine oils.

Petron is the Official Fuel of 12th BOSS Ironman Challenge 2017

Petron Corporation is continuing its support for the ultimate motorsport endurance event, the BOSS Ironman Challenge. Founded by the BMW Owners Society of Saferiders (BOSS), the challenge is the first of its kind to be organized in the country, debuting in 2005.

Ushering in the Year of the Rooster, Foton Philippines is offering special low down offers on all its best-selling vehicles: View, Gratour, Toplander, and Thunder to welcome in the New Year.

Since the Subaru XV is essentially a raised and macho-fied Impreza hatchback, it’s almost possible to not to talk about it during the ASEAN market 2017 Impreza launch. At a media roundtable with Mr. Glenn Tan, Executive Director of Tan Chong International Ltd, the parent company of Motor Image, revealed some interesting facts about the all-new Subaru XV.

With the Philippine launch of the 2017 Subaru Impreza still two months away, information about it will slowly trickle into the internet. We discussed what makes the all-new Impreza so impressive, we also took a closer look at the Impreza tS, we also took is for a spin. Now, we got our hands on what could be the preliminary Philippine specs of the 2017 Impreza. We say it’s preliminary because it’s based on the model which distributor Motor Image has committed to three counties: Singapore, Taiwan, and the Philippines. There could be some minor tweaking here and there, but expect the major specs to remain solid.

Nissan Philippines Offers More Style with Juke N-Style

If you think the Nissan Juke isn’t a stand out enough in terms of styling, then you should consider the new Juke N-Style. Limited to just 500 units, the Juke N-Style offers aesthetic enhancements to make Nissan’s subcompact crossover look even more impressive.

Most, if not all Japanese carmakers have an in-house tuning division that gives their vehicles a little bit of something extra be it through looks or performance. In the case of Subaru, it’s Subaru Technica International or STI. And though the 2017 Impreza, known by its model codename ‘GK’, is fresh off the boat for its ASEAN debut in Singapore, tucked at the side of distributor Motor Image’s booth are two units decked out in yummy STI parts.

This is the 2017 Impreza, an important vehicle for Subaru because it lays the foundation for their future. Part of their “Prominence 2020” vision, it’s the cornerstone by which the brand aims to enhance their design and technologies to reach a broader audience. With its regional introduction here in Singapore, we also did a First Drive. For those who want more details, here is as a dossier. Here are 11 things you should know about the 2017 Subaru Impreza.

Suzuki Philippines (SPH) posted a record-breaking 37 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth as they wrapped up a fruitful year marked by product launches, dealership inaugurations, and events which have brought the products closet to Filipino consumers.

2017 NAIAS: The 2018 Lexus LS has Come a Long Way (w/ 14 Photos)

Since the Lexus brand launched 28 years ago, it has managed to ruffle the feather of the German premium brands with its comfort, smoothness, build quality, and dependability. And now, at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, Lexus is writing a new chapter of that legacy with the launch of the all-new LS flagship sedan.

If there’s one constant criticism leveled against the Toyota Camry is that it’s the automotive equivalent of vanilla ice cream. Though it’s been stylistically been more aggressive in the past few generations, try as Toyota has, it’s still too dull behind the wheel. Well, that’s all about to change as the Camry migrates over to the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) which is poised to inject some driving fun into Toyota’s executive sedan.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. proudly announces a record breaking sales performance in 2016 with a total of 23,199 vehicle sales or 20 percent growth, compared to the same period in 2015 with 19,315 vehicles sold. The December 2016 sales also set a highest monthly record of 2,805 units. The reported sales increase is attributed to the brand’s main contributors, particularly the introduction of the All-New BR-V, the All-New Civic and the New City.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is starting the year on an optimistic note as the company posted record sales milestones in 2016.

Twelve years after Ford teased the return of the Bronco (some of the accompany photos in this story is a design concept done way back in 2004), they have finally confirmed the rumors: it’s coming back to American showrooms in 2020. In the same breath, they’ve also announced the return of their mid-sized pickup truck on American soil: the Ranger. That one is arriving stateside in 2019. While it’s hard to fully understand why Americans are having their panties in a twist over the Bronco and Ranger, what’s more important is what this means for the global Ranger and Everest.

The diesel engine has been embroiled in a lot of controversy lately. With several carmakers caught cheating on emissions, could the love affair with this frugal oil burner be over? Is the future finally all about fancy gasoline hybrids or complicated electric vehicles? Though stringent emissions have yet to be implemented in the Philippines (the country is still at Euro 4 while others are moving towards Euro 6), one carmaker has spearheaded the move for a truly clean diesel; one that doesn’t require a cheat device to meet the most demanding emissions standard in the world: Mazda.

2017 NAIAS: 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is Roomier, More Premium

Chevrolet used the North American International Auto Show to take the wraps off its 7-seater mid-sized crossover, the Traverse. Boasting a more refined styling, the 2018 Traverse delivers the best-in-class third-row legroom, maximum cargo room, and passenger volume together with an enhanced set of safety features. Could this be better than the Ford Explorer this time around?

Start the new year with a new ride and new adventures as Chevrolet Philippines, offers exciting deals and free air travel certificate through its Happy Chevy New Year Promo. The promo offers all-in low down payment on select Chevrolet models:

After a highly competitive season, Lexus Team SARD clinches the 2016 Japan Super GT title with the help of Motul oils and lubricants.

There a slight air of disappointment when Kia unveiled the production version of the Stinger. It’s certainly not the same lightweight, no frills sports car concept that took the world by surprise at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. In the span of three years it has grown two more doors to become Kia’s sports sedan. Yes, the Stinger is a sports sedan. Still, it manages to fulfill the GT Concept’s premise which was to build the sportiest Kia ever.

Volkswagen is playing the crossover game correctly right now by offering a larger version of its Tiguan SUV. And get this: it comes with an optional third-row. Previewed at the North American International Auto Show, the long wheelbase Tiguan, formally known as the Tiguan Allspace in Europe or simply Tiguan for the US, could this be the start of a Volkswagen renaissance.

Having a Hard Time Customizing Your Ford GT? No Problem

You want to know how the 0.1 percent shop for their new Ford GT? Well, wonder no more as Ford Performance is offering a glimpse of that with this unique order kit.

Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Company are forming SmartDeviceLink Consortium, a nonprofit organization working to manage an open source software platform with the goal of giving consumers more choice in how they connect and control their smartphone apps on the road.

2018 Subaru WRX and WRX STI: Same Engine, Better Handling (w/ 18 Photos)

First, the bad news: you’re not getting a brand-new engine or transmission for your 2018 Subaru WRX or WRX STI. Now that’s done, here’s the good news: they’ve been substantially upgraded making it corner and ride better. Subaru says they’ve also made them more premium too.

BAIC Philippines is now making available the country’s first and only Euro-4 emissions compliant one-truck truck, the BAIC H5 Bayanihan. Arriving with three optional body styles, the cab & chassis H5 Bayanihan is certainly a formidable mini-truck that out powers and out performs the competition.

Carmakers keep new model launch schedules close to their chest so it’s hard to come up with an accurate prediction on the new stuff coming to showroom floors. Coming from a strong year, the automotive industry looks to continue that upward trend in 2017, the new excise tax be damned. With new or revamped vehicles, would-be buyers are sure to be busy. Peering into the crystal ball, here are 8 cars that’ll arrive within the next 365 days.

EVs Should be Used for Tourist Areas - EVAP

In preparation for the first-ever ASEAN Electric Vehicle Summit to be held in Manila this year, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines sent a representative to Vietnam to study EV applications in a country with driving terrains and conditions similar to those in the Philippines.

A third party investigating body tapped by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has released the results of its investigation on the alleged Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) of Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2010-2015 models. Horiba Mira Ltd., an automotive engineering company based in the United Kingdom, has found no technical cause that explains SUA incidents involving sudden unintended acceleration together with perceived inability to stop the vehicle.

Honda Breaks Ground on Baliuag, Bulacan Dealership

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony in Bulacan last December 20, 2016 to signify the start of construction of the second Honda car dealership in Bulacan, Honda Cars Baliuag (HCBG).

Imagine doing burnouts in an electrified Ford Mustang. Sounds like a fantasy? Not quite. Ford has announced that its iconic pony car is going hybrid. It’s going to be just one of 13 new global electrified (hybrid or pure electric) that the company is planning to launch in the next five years.

Philippine Car Price Guide: January 2017

Happy new year. We have updated the Philippine Car Price Guide this January taking into account the new models and/or price adjustments that have happened so far (late November-December 2016). You can click this link to go straight to the Car Prices (it’s now a permanent link) or continue below to find out what’s new:

Filipino talent shone once more on the global stage as the team fielded by Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) to the 11th Isuzu World Technical Competition, known as the I1 Grand Prix (GP), secured the leading spots in the event’s categories.

Those wanting a more powerful version of the two-door Subaru BRZ will have to wait longer. Subaru just announced their line-up at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2017 and while the show itself is worth a visit (check our 2016 experience here and here), there’s still no turbocharged BRZ in sight.

Mazda is on a roll and everything they make from the diminutive Mazda2 to the iconic MX-5 drive like winners. As impervious as they seem, they’ll have to stumble at one point as praises for KODO and Skyactiv can’t go on forever. And though it’s more of a misstep than an outright fall, it has finally happened and it’s with the CX-3. To be fair, it’s unequivocally the best to drive in its segment; heck it’s even more captivating than most crossovers a segment up. Yet, taken in the greater context of the Mazda automotive universe, the CX-3 feels more of a good story than a great one.

8 New Year's Resolutions for the Car Guy

It’s that time of the year where we all make goals to be a better version of ourselves—a better person (including fitness goals), a better son/daughter, better worker, better spouse. How about becoming a better car owner?

Once again, Volvo Philippines visited the Chosen Children Village Foundation, Inc. in Silang, Cavite to lend its support in aid of the rehabilitation and development of children in this home. As one of the partners of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (NordCham), Volvo also shared its blessings with the children through a monetary donation. Special guests, including the Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines, Mr. Harald Fries and his wife Susan, were comfortably transported to the village onboard the new Volvo XC90.

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