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August 8, 2017

7-Seater, Diesel-Powered 2018 Honda CR-V Lands in the Philippines (w/ 29 Photos, Specs, Video)

Seven seats. Diesel engine. These are the two key words that describe the perfect SUV for Filipino families; words that now amply describe the all-new 2018 Honda CR-V. As Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI)’s first ever diesel offering, the fifth-generation CR-V arrives to potentially steal the thunder (and sales) away from lumbering ladder-on-frame SUVs with its exceptional driving performance, all-around riding comfort, bold and sophisticated styling, and premium and upscale interior.

Mazda has just announced the next phase of its long-term vision for technology development: “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030.” And at the cornerstone is the confirmation of one of the most highly anticipated engine technology yet: gasoline compression ignition. Called Skyactiv-X, Mazda will debut this next-generation engine as early as 2019.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines has launched the all-new Picanto. Now on its third-generation, the 2018 Picanto (read our First Drive Impressions) brings with it a more youthful and energetic appearance, high-quality and high-tech cabin, and assertive yet frugal performance.

Ford Philippines today announced record July retail sales that rose 8 percent year-over-year to 2,973 vehicles.

A few weeks back, I happened to experience what I thought was one of the best balanced sportscars in the world: the Porsche 718 Boxster. At the time, I thought Stuttgart’s effort would be hard to beat. That was, until I snuggled into the driver’s seat of a 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF. Now, I can unequivocally say that if I were in the market for an open-top two-seater sportscar (and had all the budget in the world), I would choose the Mazda.

Mazda Philippines Sets Record First-Half Sales in 2017

Bermaz Auto Philippines (BAP), the official distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the country, today reported another record-setting feat, this time for the month of July, as it carries on with a strong year-on-year upward trend in total sales performance for the first seven months of 2017.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), recently celebrated two decades of success following the gathering of its biggest event for their recognized Isuzu clubs; Team Isuzu Pilipinas, Team Isuzu Car Enthusiast and mu-X Owners Philippines.

Is Ford going to debut an all-new engine for the Asian version of the EcoSport? If the report from Autocar India is true, then the answer is yes. Seems Ford is keen on replacing the EcoSport’s current 1.5-liter Sigma with something a little more potent.

It’s August and that means the height of rainy season. And while everyone can enjoy the cooler weather, the rainy season also brings with it unpredictable weather. One moment, it can be hot and sunny, the next, it could be dark with torrential rainfall. The heavy rains also bring with it one perennial problem for all motorists: limited visibility.

Caltex Rolls Out Fuel Your School CSR Project in Bicol

“The best way to begin democratizing access to powerful technology is through our public schools where even the last, the least, and the lost can also experience it. Now, more than ever, we need to invest in the minds of our young people,” said Vice President Leni Robredo during the recent roll out of Caltex Fuel Your School (FYS) Bicol in Naga City.

Toyota and Mazda has entered into an alliance that aims to further strengthen the partnership between the two Japanese automakers. The agreement preserves the independence and equality for both companies, but will allow them to synergize and advance future car products.

Ferrari Backtracks, Looks at Producing Its First SUV

After vehemently denying that they’re going to build an ultraluxury SUV, Ferrari has done a 180 and has all but confirmed what was once unthinkable: a Ferrari SUV.

As Mazda zooms in on its centennial year in 2020, the Hiroshima-based automaker announced a classic car program last year. Today, they have announced the first model to benefit from this program: the MX-5 NA.

This Custom-Built Subaru WRX STI is the Fastest 4-Door Sedan at the Nürburgring Nordschleife (w/ Video)

Subaru just set a new lap record for a four-door sedan at the 20.6-kilometer Nürburgring Nordschleife race track, achieving a time of 6:57.5. The time was achieved using the Nürburgring timing equipment and was officially verified by track officials.

MiLi, a premium brand of mobile solution products has just launched a range of officially licensed Ferrari products. Show off your inner Tifosi with this range of products bearing the iconic Ferrari Prancing Horse. And like all of other MiLi offerings, this range is designed to support your fast-paced lifestyle by providing portable power and storage solutions.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority or MMDA reports that on the average, 10 bus-related accidents occur daily in Metro Manila. This is despite the presence of an existing law, Republic Act No. 10916, otherwise known as the Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016.

The class-defining Ford Ranger pick-up truck underscores its popularity in the highly competitive mid-size pickup truck segment across Asia Pacific, achieving record sales for the first half of 2017. Retail sales of the Ranger during the first six months rose more than 21 percent from the previous year to a record 63,525 vehicles.

Goodyear Launches EfficientGrip Performance SUV: Quiet Comfort for Premium SUVs

Responding to the increased demand for SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) and crossovers globally, Goodyear has launched a new luxury performance tire that delivers a quieter driving experience with maximized comfort and exceptional wet braking performance: EfficientGrip Performance SUV.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI), has partnered with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), to take its advocacy for education in environmental stewardship on a regional scale as the Philippine auto industry’s champion for biodiversity in the ASEAN region.

Reflective of last year’s strong market performance, Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) continues to impress the industry with yet another record-breaking growth. SPH posted strong sales for the first half of the year, achieving a 35 percent year-on-year increase on the back of effective brand-building efforts in numerous platforms, particularly in recent months.

Though the 911 has always taken the lion’s share of attention in Porsche’s lineup, one cannot underestimate what the Boxster has achieved. After its appearance in the carmaker’s lineup in the late 1990s, it enabled Porsche to rediscover the magic of a mid-engined sportscar. Through gradual development and enlargement in both power and engine capacity over three generations (986, 987, and 981) it closed the gap ever so dangerously close to the venerable 911. And now, there’s the 718 Boxster. Designated internally as the 982, it enters the market with an engine almost half the size of the previous top-of-the-line Boxster. Normally, this would be unthinkable in the sportscar horsepower race, but in this case, less is more.

Honda Ranks Highest in After Sales Service Satisfaction in the Philippines

Honda ranks highest in overall service satisfaction among the 11 mass market brands included in the JD Power 2017 Philippine Customer Service Index (CSI). Honda scores 803 and performs particularly well in four of the five factors: service quality; vehicle pick-up; service facility; and service advisor. Hyundai (798) ranks second, followed by Mitsubishi (797).

From the confines of Manila’s busy streets to the tight roads of Baguio City, the three newest offerings of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI)—the 2018 City, Jazz, and Mobilio passed their first road trip test with flying colors.

Volvo Philippines Offering XC60 At P 300,000 Off for a Limited Time

Volvo Philippines is offering the last remaining units of its best-selling mid-sized SUV to enthusiasts who want a Volvo that can cruise around city roads and still feel capable and comfortable carousing down country trails. Sweetening the deal, it is up for grabs with a P 300,000 discount off the retail price.

UPDATE: Ford is now offering to fix the 2011-17 Explorers for free (10/14).

Reuters via Automotive News reports that the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA is now upgrading and expanding a probe into 1.33 million 2011-2017 Ford Explorer SUVs over reports of “exhaust odors in vehicle compartments and exposure to carbon monoxide that may be linked to crashes and injuries.”

Ford Celebrates 100 Years of Writing Truck History

Exactly one hundred years ago, on July 27, 1917, Ford Motor Company set off on an adventure that would change the automotive industry forever. It began with the Model TT, a truck based on the hugely successful Model T car, and grew, over the course of a century, into the world’s best-selling truck brand.

Buyers in the market for a new non-Euro 4 emissions compliant vehicle just got a bit of a reprieve. After the DENR set a December 31, 2017 deadline for the initial (new) registration of non-Euro 4 compliant vehicles, the LTO has issued a Memorandum Circular that allows the registration of non-compliant vehicles under one specific clause.

“I used to remember that there was no good place to eat here,” recalls Bermaz Auto Philippines President and CEO Steven Tan. “Chino Roces Avenue Extension was a place more commonly associated with car dealerships, offices, and warehouses.”

Thirty years have passed since the launch of one of the most iconic childhood hero cars of all time: the Ferrari F40. And to celebrate its milestone, Ferrari looked back at the last car to carry Enzo Ferrari’s “signature.”

There’s nothing worse than having your daily drive interrupted by tire trouble. To help make sure that every journey is smooth and comfortable, Goodyear is recommending these 5 simple checks you can do to keep your tires in running order.

Volkswagen Philippines Sales Up 133 Percent in H1 2017; Jetta, Golf GTS Now at Dealerships

Volkswagen Philippines, the best-selling European car brand in the country in 2016, has recently reported a unit sales increase of 133 percent for the first half of 2017 compared to the same period last year.

After ending 2016 strong by breaching the one million sales mark for the first time, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) achieves another win by recording 13 percent year-on-year sales growth in the first half (H1) of 2017. MDPPA is on track to achieve its motorcycle sales forecast of 8 percent to 12 percent increase for this year.

Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the country, together with the Automobile Association Philippines, the country’s biggest and oldest automobile club, renew their partnership for the AAP’s Motor Sports Development Program with the formal handover of five brand new Mazda2 S SKYACTIV hatchbacks for exclusive use in the training of future racing talents.

Review: 2017 Audi A4 2.0 TDI

The premium luxury sedan class has always looked in the direction of BMW or Mercedes-Benz for leadership. And while others remain content driving something with a blue-and-white roundel or a three-pointed star upfront, out of nowhere, the 2017 Audi A4 has them beat. Delivering a stirring performance without sacrificing comfort and all of the latest technology without overwhelming users, it’s now the unequivocal pack leader.

AVID Members Cap Off First Half 2017 with 6 Percent Growth

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors posted a remarkable 6 percent growth in the first semester of 2017, pushing total sales to 48,348 units from 45,470 units over the same period in 2016. Quarter-on-quarter sales performance was likewise solid as it closed Q2 2017 with 25,031 units from 23,317 units in Q1 2017. The continued upsurge in AVID sales is only a testament of the burgeoning demand for imported vehicles in the Philippines.

After groundbreaking 5 dealerships in April and recently launching the Gratour business dealerships to the market, Foton continues its dealership expansion in the Philippines with the opening of Foton Camarines Sur.

Two weeks to its global debut at the 25th GAIKINDO Indonesia Auto Show (GIIAS), Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has dropped more information about its next-generation MPV including three photos that show it in its entirety.

It’s written in every Mazda brochure: Jinba-Ittai. These four Japanese characters, translated as the feeling of oneness between rider and horse, is something that has shaped Mazda for over three generations.

Ford Forza Triathlon Team Gears Up for Ironman 70.3 Cebu

The Ford Forza Triathlon Team is gearing up for a strong finish in this year’s Ironman 70.3 with new members and a more rigorous training that started early this year.

Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 is now acknowledged as the best gasoline in the country, based on tests conducted by SGS, a global leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification; ISP - The Testing Institute, one of the world’s top testing laboratories for automotive fuels and lubricants; and The Millbrook Proving Ground, one of Europe’s largest vehicle testing centers.

To support customer satisfaction with a bigger inventory for their vehicles, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has inaugurated its latest warehouse located in Taguig City.

Audi Philippines Launches the Untaggable Q2 (w/ 21 Photos, Specs)

Audi Philippines launched the newest member of the Q family with the first-ever Q2. Built as a premium urban crossover, it fuses Audi’s progressive design with great driving dynamics and high levels of functionality.

Honda Displays Refreshed Line-Up at SM Mall of Asia

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s Automobile unit in the Philippines, invites customers to visit and see Honda’s exciting line up of vehicles at Honda’s display event at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium starting today until July 27, 2017.

Porsche has seen a clear upwards trend in the first six months of this year: With 126,497 vehicles delivered worldwide, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG exceeded the high figure from the previous year by 7 percent in the first half of 2017.

2018 Chevrolet Trax Now Available at Chevy Dealerships

After trickling in at select dealerships as early as a few months ago, Chevy’s global sub-compact crossover, the Trax is now available across the entire Chevy dealership network. The 2018 Trax focuses on improvements to up its refinement, fit and finish, and material choices.

Mercedes-Benz was supposed to rock the premium segment with its first-ever pickup truck: the X-Class. After showing it off as a “concept” late last year, they’ve finally unwrapped the Nissan NP300 Navara-based production model. And you know what? It’s just meh.

In yet another milestone achievement, HARI, the official distributor of Hyundai passenger and commercial vehicles in the country and 2016 Hyundai Motor Company Global Distributor of the Year, opens the second half of the year with a remarkable back-to-back recognition for service excellence.

Kia is set to make its comeback to the local professional sports scene as it announces its return to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The team has declared that they will play the 2017 Governor’s Cup as Kia Picanto, after the brand’s best-selling vehicle.

So you’ve saved up and bought a brand-new car. Congratulations. Now, the question beckons: should you break it in? That’s a common question facing new car buyers and one with straightforward answer.

Ford Philippines Appoints New Managing Director

Ford Motor Company has announced the appointment of Bertrand Lessard as managing director, Ford Philippines, effective August 1. He will report directly to Mark Kaufman, president, Ford ASEAN.

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