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June 22, 2017

Mid-Season Madness Hits Round 4 of FlatOut Race Series

Nothing excites the drivers of the FlatOut Race Series (FORS) quite like the next race day. Thus, with barely a two week break since the last event, they returned to the Batangas Racing Circuit on June 3 for Round 4 of the 2017 season.

Volvo Philippines to Hold 3rd National Alumni Golf Cup

The third installment of the annual Volvo National Alumni Golf Cup once again sees guests and participants come together for a round of golf at Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club, Calamba, Laguna on July 3, 2017.

It’s easy to fall in love. The challenge is staying in love. This may sound like a life quote, but it also aptly describes owning a car. Suffice to say, after 1,527 kilometers (or 1,519 kilometers since rolling off the Mazda Makati showroom) I’m happy to report that it’s still all love with the 2017 Mazda3 Speed.

EVAP, CAMPI Gear Up for 1st ASEAN Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit

The organizing committee of the very first ASEAN Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit composed of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), Meralco, and the Board of Investments met with the ASEAN National Organizing Committee to thresh out the final details of the landmark event slated on June 29 to 30 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Last June 12, Shell Advance celebrated the nation’s Independence Day with a motorcycle group ride to Tagaytay. A brigade of clubs, enthusiasts, celebrities, and members of the media gathered at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) grounds for an enjoyable trip to the cool southern destination.

The explosion of the small sedan segment in the Philippines, fueled in particular by ride-sharing apps like Uber and Grab, meant that carmakers are all scrambling for a piece of that lucrative pie. Normally content on delivering more of lifestyle-oriented vehicles, Chevrolet has gotten right smack into the fray with the Sail. Replacing the slow-selling Sonic sedan (the hatchback is still around), the Sail, is for all intents and purposes, a car you get when accountants take charge. It’s simple, straightforward, and priced to sell. It should be a winner by anyone’s book; that is, until you actually drive it.

Working for Our Future: Toyota Motor Philippines Leads By Example

One Toyota is sold in the Philippines every four minutes—an amazing feat since they already corner a good 45 percent market share. With such a huge impact to all sectors of society, it’s just about right that Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) would serve a responsible role when it comes to environmentally-conscious motoring. But what’s even more surprising is how Toyota has become the leader in environmentally-conscious manufacturing as well.

The eagerly awaited Volvo V90 Cross Country has finally come to the Philippines, completing the line-up of Volvos’ 90 Series cars.

Mazda Philippines Enhances Mazda2 Sedan and Hatchback (w/ 11 Photos, Specs)

Mazda Philippines just updated the diminutive Mazda2 subcompact hatchback/sedan boosting not only its driving dynamics, but its safety and aesthetics as well.

Bringing Waku-Doki to a New Level

Waku-doki, Toyota’s underlying theme for the Vios Cup, means, “heart-pumping excitement.” It’s the kind of feeling that most would expect in motorsport, more so from first-timers who attends a race with no expectations. This was exactly what happened to me at the second round of the 2017 Vios Cup. It was one of the rainiest Saturdays at the Clark International Speedway, with rainfall the likes of Typhoon Signal Number 2. However, what started out as a gloomy day turned out to be the advantage (and challenge) that racers and spectators turned out for.

Motul and Subaru STI Strengthens Partnership

Subaru and its motorsports division, Subaru Tecnica International or STI strengthened its partnership once more with lubricant specialist Motul. Already being used by STI for their Super GT challenger, the BRZ GT300, Motul was chosen once more for Subaru’s three-peat bid at the 24-Hour Nürburgring Challenge.

Although it’s common to see co-branding arrangements that evoke a car’s high-tech elements or cutting-edge design, sometimes carmakers do something entirely unexpected. Here are 11 quirky and/or weird collaborations that prove that sometimes making money is more important than making cars.

Shell Reformulates V-Power Fuel For Added Performance, Efficiency

After over five years of tireless work by R&D experts, Shell unveils brand new formulations for its premium Shell V-Power fuels. Shell V-Power is the only fuel co-engineered with and recommended by the iconic Formula 1 race team, Scuderia Ferrari. Shell’s most advanced Shell V-Power fuels are now formulated with its proprietary Dynaflex Technology.

Ford Philippines’ ultimate test drive experience continues to expand its presence this month as Ford Island Conquest goes to Taguig and further down south of Luzon in Naga, Camarines Sur.

This coming Father’s Day weekend, celebrate driving with Mazda Philippines as it brings back Zoom Fest, the most comprehensive display of the latest Mazda offerings to date. Featuring Mazda’s stunning Kodo-designed and Skyactiv Technology-engineered lineup, the three-day showcase will happen from Friday, June 16 to Sunday, 18, 2017 at the Big Bear strip of Bonifacio High Street in BGC, Taguig City. Zoom Fest will also highlight test drive opportunities for the public with the latest Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6 and BT-50, along with the CX-3, the all-new CX-5 and CX-9 crossovers, and the MX-5 RF, all available for a spin.

Give the Gift of Ferrari This Father's Day

There are few things better than tinkering with the engine or sitting through an Formula 1 race for any car lover. If he happens to be your father, your brother, or a friend, chances are, finding the perfect gift to satisfy that hankering for horsepower can be extremely difficult. What more if he’s a self-proclaimed Ferraristi?

Fuel Autotek PH, the authorized distributor of MOMO Tires, Deestone Tires, Roadwing Tires, and Kaizen Tires in the Philippines officially launches its new website and E-Catalogue section. The new website has been designed to provide a user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout, allowing customers to access detailed product information and videos with the option to share information across all major social networking sites.

The top dealers from Philippines were among the 116 dealers from 13 markets recently named GM International (GMI) Grandmasters during the annual program in New York City.

This is the Base Model of the 2018 Subaru XV (w/ 13 Photos, Specs)

At the 2018 Subaru XV’s regional launch in Taiwan last week, most of the attention was showered on the range-topping 2.0i-S and for very good reason: its package is unbeatable. But tucked nondescriptly at the corner of the launch venue is the base 2.0i. In fact, blink (like most of the motoring media) and you might have missed it. Thankfully, it didn’t escape us. Here are 9 photos of the base 2.0i and how it differs from the range-topping 2.0i-S.

Six years ago, when it was spun out as its own distinct model (it used to be a variant of the Impreza), Subaru successfully carved a market for itself. No one, probably not even Subaru, thought that a slightly-smaller-but-not-too-small compact crossover would quickly become one of its most loved and best-selling core models. Hoping that lightning would strike twice, the all-wheel drive specialist isn’t taking any chances.

Meet the Man Who's Going to Help Modernize the Jeepney

Mark Victor Bautista was a fresh graduate from the University of Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts, Industrial Design Department when he submitted a much-celebrated entry in the 1986 Industrial Design Exhibition of the Design Center of the Philippines. What Bautista presented was a new way of how public utility companies can increase their passenger capacity without buying additional vehicles.

Online Auto Portal Raises $AUD 3.1 Million in Funding

AutoDeal, a Philippine-based automotive portal, has announced that it has received an investment of $AUD 3.1 Million from Frontier Digital Ventures (FDV), a leading operator of online classifieds businesses in frontier and emerging markets.

You Can Win a New Chevrolet Camaro by Just Gassing Up at Caltex

Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), unveiled its “True Power from Within” nationwide promotion for Caltex customers. The promotion runs until July 31, 2017 in conjunction with the release of the latest Michael Bay global blockbuster movie, Transformers: The Last Knight.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. showers everyone with the biggest savings and the most exciting deals this rainy season. Customers may avail of exclusive discounts and low down payment schemes by purchasing select Honda Vehicles from June 1 to 30, 2017.

Kia Offers Back to School Savings on Picanto

Make that first impression when you roll into school with your brand-new Kia Picanto. Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, is offering a price-off this month with their More Savings, More Allowance promo.

Uber has met with the local government of Angeles City, Pampanga for a potential roll out of the service in the area. Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has been very supportive of bringing the ride-sharing service to the city.

Ford Philippines announced its best-ever May performance with retail sales rising 4 percent year-over-year to 3,036 vehicles, led by strong demand for its Everest, Ranger and EcoSport nameplates.

Chevrolet Philippines Continues All-In Low Down Promo for Father's Day

This Father’s Day season, Chevrolet Philippines treats dads and their families with special freebies and an all-in low down payment on select vehicles through its Father’s Day Blowout Treats Promo.

The Subaru XV has gone a long way. From its first-generation model as a body-cladded Impreza hatchback (it was known as the Outback Sport in the US if you don’t believe it), this third-generation model is now upon us. Slated to make its Philippine market debut in September of this year, the all-new Subaru XV could be all the crossover you’ll ever need. You don’t believe it? Well, here are 6 reasons why. (Read our First Drive as well as more details on the base 2.0i model).

Gear Up for Round 2 of Toyota Vios Cup This Weekend

The number one automotive brand in the Philippines is gearing up for the 2017 Toyota Vios Cup second leg slated on June 10 at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

On May 30, 1967, Mazda Motor Corporation began its legacy of doing what was said couldn’t be done. This was the day the independent Japanese company started to sell the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S: the world’s first production twin-rotor, rotary-engine car. It was Mazda’s first sports car, and for a company more well known for its small passenger cars and work trucks up to that date, this was a huge step into the big leagues.

Honda is once again giving its award-winning Civic an incremental improvement with the introduction of the 1.8 E CVT Navi model. Slated to be a limited edition model, it adds GPS navigation and selected Modulo accessories on top of the already solidly loaded 1.8 E CVT.

After a lengthy and conclusive report from a UK-based automotive engineering company released in January of this year, it looked like Mitsubishi Philippines (MMPC) will finally be able to put the Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) issue of the Montero Sport behind them; that is until the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) threw a curve ball today. The DTI just issued a preliminary order to MMPC to recall all of 2010-2015 Montero Sport SUVs equipped with automatic transmissions.

Bicol public high school teachers will soon have multi-media projectors, laptops, microscopes, and other quality learning equipment after attending a free project submission training for Caltex Fuel Your School, a program where Caltex will match every liter of fuel purchase with a one Peso donation from August 1 to September 30, 2017 in 22 Caltex stations in the Bicol region.

Above photo shows from left to right: Daisy Palor, project manager of Amcham Foundation; Ramon Fiel Abcede, regional director for DepEd Region 5; and Joel Gaviola, assistant manager for Policy, Gov’t and Public Affairs of Chevron Philippines Inc. during the teachers training held recently in Legaspi City, Albay.

Mitsubishi Celebrates Centennial with One-of-a-Kind Motorshow

In celebration of Mitsubishi’s 100 years anniversary, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) will be holding a grand expo from June 8 to 11, 2017 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Dubbed as the Mitsubishi 100 Years Anniversary Expo, this motor show promises to excite the public as it brings a one of a kind and truly memorable experience not only to Mitsubishi fans but to any car enthusiasts. The Mitsubishi 100 Years Anniversary Expo is open to public from 12NNto 9PM on June 8 and from 10AM to 9PM on June 9 to 11 and admission is free!

Honda Limited the Civic's Power for Durability - Report

When Honda released the power and torque figures for the North American market Civic Si, there was an air of disappointment. Though expected to slot in-between the regular Turbo and Type-R models in terms of power and price, everyone thought it could and should have made more than 205 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque (in comparison, the regular Civic Turbo does 173 horsepower and 220 Nm); everyone but Honda, it seems.

Good news to all travelers going to and from Cebu. Uber Philippines and GMR-MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), the operator of the Mactan Cebu International Airport, announced together that passengers can now book an Uber ride as they arrive or depart the Queen City of the South.

Quick, clear any mental cache you may have of the SsangYong Korando. From a company that was grabbing headlines more for producing “kill-it-with-fire” styled vehicles, here’s something that won’t turn you to stone when looking at it. The 2017 Korando is actually palatable—no, scratch that, it’s actually quite handsome any which way you look at it. The question is: is this Giugiaro-penned crossover’s beauty merely skin deep?

Ramon Ang Enters as BMW Philippines' Director - Report

Business tycoon Ramon Ang is entering into Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC) as a director and shareholder. This was all but confirmed after both Ang and ACC Chairman Jose “Pepito” Alvarez talked to The Philippine STAR today.

Auto Options, “the wheel and tire specialist for timeless machines” located along Timog Avenue has officially inaugurated their new home. In time for the company’s 28th year, they are moving from their original location to a larger, more modern facility located at 21 Timog Avenue.

Quick: name a destination you can get to from Manila in about an hour and a half using your fancy super car? No matter how many horsepower it packs, the usual answers would be Tagaytay or when traffic permits, probably Batangas or Subic. But what if there’s a way to get to more alluring destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, or Cebu in the same amount of time at the cost less than owning a super car? That’s the concept behind FoilaFly, a new division of the ever-growing Foilacar Industries.

The Philippine Roadtrip: A Purpose-Driven Adventure

We’ve all got our own version of wanderlust. Some are looking to scale peaks and reach for the skies, others want to surf the waves, and there are those who look for lush greenery in search of hidden vistas. Our country is filled with many gorgeous spots and the trio behind The Philippine Roadtrip, aka “The Baconeers” composed of architects Alfie Agunoy, Francis Sta. Romana, and photographer Paul Quiambao wanted to experience traveling as much of the Philippines as they could.

2018 Subaru XV is the Safest Car Ever Made

UPDATE 1: The 2018 Subaru XV was just launched for the Asian market. Read it here (6/8).

Showing their unparalleled commitment to safety, Subaru Corporation announced that the all-new Subaru XV is the safest car ever made. This was judged by the Japan New Car Assessment Program or JNCAP after the Subaru XV went through a battery of crash tests including frontal, offset, side impact, side impact pole, rollover, and pedestrian safety.

Petron Proves Blaze 100 Euro 6 in Marathon Performance Run

Since 2005, market leader Petron Corporation has tested its cutting-edge fuels in real world driving conditions to validate its laboratory findings. This has resulted in fuel innovations that best match the requirements of Filipino motorists, for all types of vehicles, on all types of terrain.

Porsche rolled out a special 911 that commemorates a milestone of the “sports car for everyday driving.” An unmistakable automotive icon, this special 911 Carrera S in “Irish Green” celebrates the one millionth 911 to roll off the Porsche assembly line. Apart from its color, this particular model sports numerous exclusive features that follow the original 911 from 1963.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the Philippines’ official distributor of Hyundai vehicles, recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for a Hyundai Trucks & Buses dealership that is strategically located in the eastern part of the metropolis.

EVAP Witnesses Japan's Turnover of Hybrid Vehicles to DOE

It was a historic event last May 19, 2017 when Japanese ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa led the turnover of twenty four (24) hybrid cars to Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi of the Department of Energy under Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA). The grant funded the acquisition of the Toyota Prius cars which have lower carbon emissions compared to an internal combustion engine car.

Hino Motors Philippines Corporation (HMP) broadens its capability to customize its trucks and buses in line with the unique needs and requirements of Filipino customers. From mobile clinics to tourist buses to even mobile courts, Hino has done them all.

The wheels of a vehicle are critical not just to its form, but more importantly, to its functionality as well. As your only four points of contact with the road, the wheels (and tires) ensure that you’re always in control while supporting all its weight. This is why Wheel Gallery, the exclusive Philippine distributor of Black Rhino wheels is concerned about the prevalent of fake wheels.

It look 2,000 horsepower to do it, but the Toyota Land Cruiser officially earned the title of “World’s Fastest SUV” after clocking in 370 km/h (230 mph). It shattered the record by more than 30 km/h (19 mph) as verified by GPS and video before running out of usable pavement. With enough track, this special “Land Speed Cruiser” could be expected to go even faster.

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