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February 21, 2017

Review: 2017 Hyundai Veloster Turbo


Better late than never is an adage perfectly suited to the Hyundai Veloster. While the rest of the world enjoyed its unique and quirky style since 2011, the Philippines had to wait a full five years before this compact hatchback officially made its way to Hyundai showrooms. Those five years was excruciatingly long, filled in-between with “will they” or “won’t they” statements. But now that the Veloster is finally in Manila, in the performance-oriented Turbo guise no less, is it worth the wait?

February 20, 2017

Ford Invests in Argo AI in Bid for Autonomous Driving Tech


Ford Motor Company announced it is investing US$1 billion during the next five years in Argo AI, an artificial intelligence company, to develop a virtual driver system for the automaker’s autonomous vehicle coming in 2021 – and for potential license to other companies.

Savory Treats at Shangri-la's High Street Cafe for Volvo Owners


In continued dedication to serving a platter of exceptional services to its valued clientele, Volvo Philippines once again offers their Keys to a Gourmet Experience program. In partnership with Shangri-la at the Fort, Volvo car owners from 1994 to present, need only to present their Volvo car key at the café reception to avail themselves of a 50 percent complimentary rate at High Street Café.

February 19, 2017

FAQ: Everything You to Need to Know About Temporary Plates and No OR/CR, No Travel


UPDATE 2: Standardized temporary plates has been postponed. Read it here (3/8).

UPDATE 1: The LTO has suspended the No OR/CR, No Travel for now. Read it here (2/23).

Standardized temporary plates? No OR/CR, No Travel policy? Confused with all this? Get all the answers to your questions here. For ease of reading, we have indicated key words in bold.

BMW Buyers Get Flown to Munich


For years, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, has paved the way in pushing the boundaries of premium mobility in the Philippines. In 2016, the brand continued its 14-year streak as the leader of the luxury car segment. To mark this milestone, BMW is providing its valued clientele with an exclusive opportunity to visit its hometown, Munich, Germany.

February 18, 2017

2017 Porsche Panamera Lands in Manila (w/ 19 Photos)


The world’s only true sports car in the luxury sedan world, the Porsche Panamera, sees a complete revamp that now makes it a true embodiment of a luxury sedan and sports car in one. Developed for sports car drivers who appreciate the comfort of four doors and four seats, the all-new Panamera packs high-performance capabilities with true grand touring comfort.

Save As Much As P 200,000 When You Buy the Subaru XV


Motor Image Pilipinas says now is the best time to drive home a Subaru XV. The exclusive distributor of Subaru in the country is offering the best-selling compact crossover for as much as P 200,000 off with their “Drive and Save” promo.

Hyundai Breaks Ground on Commercial Vehicle Showroom


Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the Philippines’ official distributor of Hyundai vehicles, in partnership with the Areza Group, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hyundai Trucks & Buses dealership. Hyundai Trucks & Buses Calamba is expected to be open for business by June 2017.

February 17, 2017

The LTO's Problems Will Affect Your Car Buying Experience


UPDATE 3: No OR/CR, No Travel Policy here back. Read it here (3/8).

UPDATE 2: The LTO has suspended the No OR/CR, No Travel Policy. Read it here. (2/23).

UPDATE 1: Read our FAQ here (2/19).

Plate or no plate, standardized temporary plate or not, the Land Transportation Office or LTO is planning to implement the penalties prescribed in Republic Act 4136 otherwise known as the Traffic Code of the Philippines, particularly the fine for operating an unregistered vehicle. And while everything seems rosy if you talk to the LTO itself, the situation on the street is very different. In fact, there’s a very big problem. And it will affect your car buying experience; perhaps even more than the impending excise tax increase.

2018 Kia Picanto is Now a Turbocharged Super Mini (w/ 13 Photos)


Kia’s cutesy super mini is getting an extensive update this 2017 (for the 2018 model year) featuring a bolder exterior design and modern cabin. The all-new Kia Picanto, which officially bows in at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, will go on sale in Europe starting mid this year with other markets to follow shortly.

Volkswagen to Showcase Vehicles at "Mabuhay Germany"


Volkswagen Philippines, the Number One European car brand in the country, will be among the key participants in the “Mabuhay Germany 2017” trade, culture, and lifestyle event happening at Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig City on February 18 and 19.

The 2018 Hyundai Accent Looks Like a Mini Elantra (w/ 13 Photos)


Hyundai just showed off the all-new Accent at the Canadian International Auto Show. Since its launch in 1994, the car has steadily gained popularity and built a firm foundation for the fifth-generation model.

February 16, 2017

Toyota Global Hybrid Sales Surpass 10 Million Units


Toyota Motor Corporation is proud to announce cumulative global hybrid vehicle (HV) sales of 10.05 million units as of January 31, surpassing the 10 million unit mark. More than a numerical milestone, this demonstrates the staying power of a technology that is now emerging as a mainstream solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

Ford Invests US$ 200 Million on New Wind Tunnel


Consumers’ appetite for vehicles with greater fuel efficiency and performance has led Ford to invest in a new aerodynamic testing complex that will house a next-generation rolling road wind tunnel and state-of-the-art climatic chamber. The new facility will come complete with testing advancements that better match the technological development of Ford products – both production vehicles and racing vehicles.

Volkswagen Philippines to Introduce Commercial Vehicles, New Sub-B Segment Car in 2017


After being crowned as the country’s best-selling European car brand, Volkswagen Philippines remains bullish this year. Mr. Klaus Schadewald, Chief Operating Adviser of Volkswagen Philippines revealed that the company is confident in doubling their 2016 sales. This brings the German brand past the 2,000-unit mark this year.

Volkswagen Philippines Introduces New CEO


Volkswagen Philippines, the best-selling European car brand in the country, held an appreciation night on February 15 for members of the local media at the Atrium of the Enderun Colleges, McKinley Hill in Taguig.

February 15, 2017

LTO Mandates Uniform Temporary Plates


UPDATE 6: LTO postpones uniform temporary plates, but No OR/CR, No Travel is back. Read it here. (3/8).

UPDATE 5: LTO suspends No OR/CR, No Travel Policy. Read it here. (2/23).

UPDATE 4: Read our FAQ here (2/19).

UPDATE 3: LTO is now implementing a No OR/CR, No Travel policy as prescribed by law (2/18).

UPDATE 2: Oh, now there are fines involved (2/16).

UPDATE 1: We have updated the article with new information (2/15).

It seems that the Land Transportation Office or LTO is raising the white flag when it comes to the issuance of vehicle license plates; you know, the metallic kind? Stating the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code” of the Philippines, the LTO is issuing new and very specific guidelines covering the use of conduction stickers in lieu of license plates effective today, February 15, 2017.

You Can Look All You Want at the 2017 Mitsubishi Grand Lancer (w/ Video)


Reports of the Mitsubishi Lancer’s demise are greatly exaggerated, but only if you live in China or Taiwan. China Motors Corporation (CMC), a Taiwan-based automaker has been cranking out market-specific designs of Mitsubishi models for quite some time. The company, which is partly owned by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, has them tweaking the three-diamond’s long-serving compact sedan that’s been re-christened, Grand Lancer.

Isuzu Philippines Ensures Transport Solution to Leading Logistics Provider


Two of the country’s leading transport and logistics specialists have linked together in their common goal of addressing the domestic economy’s mobility requirements.

February 14, 2017

Mitsubishi Confirms Return of Eclipse as a Crossover


Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is confirming that the Eclipse name is returning; only this time, it’ll be on a crossover. As previously reported, the Eclipse name will be used on a new compact crossover. The Eclipse Cross will make its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Ces Drilon Chosen as Volvo Ironmark Awardee


Since 2012, Volvo Philippines has recognized upstanding individuals through the Volvo Ironmark Award. Given to a very select few, including Manny Pacquiao on its first year, this discerning accolade recognizes the achievements and notable contributions of an individual in his or her field. In addition, that individual’s success in overcoming both personal or professional endeavors are also given due credit especially if he or she has set such high standards, provided industry benchmarks or pushed the envelope in innovative ideas and programs.

How Much Does It Cost to Run the 2017 Honda Civic RS Turbo?


Thanks to the continued trend towards downsized engines, carmakers are now adopting technologies once reserved for performance-oriented cars. One such technology is turbocharging. By forcing more air into the combustion chamber using an exhaust gas-driven turbine, the engine is made to produce more power despite a smaller displacement. Even the “every man’s car”, the compact car class is now home to three choices using turbocharged engines. The best seller among them is the all-new Civic RS.

February 13, 2017

PIAA Helps Toyota Return Back to Winning Ways in WRC


Toyota returned to the winner’s circle in the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the first time since Rally China in 1999. After finishing second in the opening Monte Carlo Rally last January, the Yaris WRC scored its first win at the Rally Sweden with Jari-Matti Latvala in the driver’s seat.

Tata Motors Opens Tarlac Dealership


Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc. (PTAJ), the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors in the Philippines officially opened Tata Motors Tarlac last January 27, 2017.

3 Safest Vehicles Ever Tested by NCAP Are Made by Volvo


Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, has cemented its position amongst the leaders of automotive safety innovation with its new S90 sedan and V90 wagon by being the first car maker to score a full six points in the Autonomous Emergency Braking for Pedestrians (AEB Pedestrian) test procedure and an overall 5-star rating for both cars.

Honda's "Most Wonderful Deal of the Year" Awards BR-V


Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. recently awarded the winners of “It’s The Most Wonderful Deal of the Year” campaign at Honda Cars Kalookan (HCKI) last February 3, 2017.

February 12, 2017

Ford Philippines Sales Continue to Rise in January 2017


Ford Philippines announced that January retail sales rose 2.5 percent year-over-year to 2,519 vehicles, led by continued strong demand for its EcoSport, Everest, and Ranger nameplates.

Video: Volkswagen Philippines Spreads Positive Love Vibes


After all those “hugot” videos from fast food giant Jollibee, it’s time to spread some positive love vibes this Valentine’s Day. Luckily for us, Volkswagen Philippines is doing just that with the “Be My Love Bug” Valentine’s campaign. Oh, and it’s the perfect way to introduce the new company tagline: “It’s More Than Just a Car.” Enjoy the video after the break.