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February 12, 2018

Subaru Set to Discontinue Boxer Diesel, Concentrate on Fuel-Saving Tech

In order to keep its iconic horizontally-opposed engines beating under future models to come, Subaru Corporation is turning to some cutting-edge technologies to make them more fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly.

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation (SMCACDC), the exclusive distributor of BMW in the Philippines, launched the all-new BMW X3, a car that is set to write the next chapter in its model line’s success story with an even more striking, dynamic design language, powerful yet also efficient drive systems, and luxurious appointments.

As the Philippine economy steadily grows, so does the demand for commercial vehicles such as light-duty trucks, considered to be the backbone of trade and commerce. According to consolidated figures of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID), more than 500,000 vehicles were sold locally in 2017, a 17.5 percent spike over 2016’s figure, with the commercial vehicle segment alone grew an incredible 26.4 percent in 2017.

Foton Philippines is ushering a new era of clean diesel engines by launching a range of vehicles powered by the Euro 4 compliant Blue Energy technology. Specifically engineered and built for Foton by Cummins, Foton Philippines has unveiled its “blue energized” models in both the passenger car and light-duty truck segments.

2018 Ford Ranger Raptor vs 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Diesel: Tale of the Tape

Ford says that the first-ever Ranger Raptor is unlike any performance truck the world has seen. Inspired by the grueling world of Baja desert racing, it’s not meant to just go over obstacles, but actually jump over them as well. Of course, one doesn’t have to look far to see that Chevrolet’s actually built their own hardcore version of the Colorado. Dubbed the ZR2, it’s a US-only model for now. But what happens if they do meet face-to-face on Manila streets? Well, this tale of the tape will tell.

Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, gives you more reasons to celebrate the incoming Year of the Dog.

Admittedly, practicality is the least interesting reason to buy a car. There’s no giddiness in choosing that diesel-fed SUV over that swoopy turbocharged sportscar just because it saves you more gas. And yet, that’s the mindset that a vast majority of buyers will find themselves in come their next car purchase. Forget about saving the environment or feeding your enthusiast soul for that matter, it’s all about which one gives you more savings; which one extends your peso so that you can feed your family and meet the monthly financing dues of your new car at the same time. This is the sort of market the Nissan Leaf finds itself in.

Peugeot Philippines Completes 2018 Line-Up with All-New Traveller Premium MPV (w/ Specs)

Completing its new vehicle lineup for the year, Peugeot Philippines is launching the all-new Peugeot Traveller. Replacing the much-maligned Expert Tepee, the Traveller is made to look, feel, and drive like a premium MPV.

Launched last November, Peugeot Philippines brought in the all-new 3008—the brand’s fresh, bold approach to the compact SUV segment. While it defied SUV convention by focusing on elements such as driving dynamics, weight, and performance, fans clamored for the return of a diesel variant, something Peugeot has built a strong reputation for locally.

After showing off the Mazda6’s more mature, more upscale aesthetic at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Japanese carmaker has finally shown how the same look applies to the Sports Wagon model.

Repair on the Go with Pioneer Adhesives' Automoto Car & Motorcycle Repair Kit

Mechanical breakdowns are always the worst thing that can happen to a motorist, be it on two or four wheels. And sometimes, machine failure is inevitable, even on relatively brand-new cars or motorcycles.

Two years after revealing that some locally available Nissan vehicles are affected by the global Takata airbag recall, Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) is reminding its customers to have these effective airbags replaced. Through the service campaign, Nissan customers can have their airbags replaced at their Authorized Nissan Dealership of choice at no additional cost.

Kia may soon have a new Philippine distributor. In a disclosure made to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Ayala Corporation says that they are “considered to be the preferred bidder” to become the new exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles.

Ford Unveils First-Ever Ranger Raptor (w/ Video)

Six months after Ford showed it off as a camouflaged model, Ford’s first-ever Ranger Raptor has finally been unveiled in Thailand today.

Volvo Philippines is introducing a new variant of their award-winning XC90: the XC90 D4. Designed for a demanding audience, the XC90 wraps Scandinavian design and intelligent technology in one luxurious package.

Foton dealerships across the country gathered for their annual Dealers’ Appreciation Night. Led by United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the official distributor of Foton vehicles in the country, the event was graced by the company’s dealer principals, partners from financial institutions, the media, and executives from Foton International Group.

As part of its corporate social responsibility program, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s leader in commercial vehicle segment, has formally signed a memorandum of agreement with GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKP)—the socio-civic arm of GMA Network—in response to provide vehicle assistance and emergency relief operations to communities across the country.

Hyundai Can't Contain Excitement; Releases First Images of All-New Santa Fe

Hyundai Motor unveils its first images of the next-generation Santa Fe which will be making its world premiere in the next few days. The Korean carmaker’s largest passenger car offering, it represents Hyundai’s strong SUV heritage and continues its global success story.

There was much ado about the Subaru EyeSight during its launch in Singapore last month. Seeing as how this is already the third-generation of the EyeSight to launch, with some regions having already enjoyed it as a dealer option, there is a level of expectation, considering Subaru’s claims that it has been tested in most—if not all—Southeast Asian countries where the brand is currently distributed.

One in three Southeast Asian consumers planning to buy a car are open to purchasing an electric vehicle or EV, a Nissan-commissioned study shows. The study, done by Frost & Sullivan, a global consulting company, demonstrates the region’s strong potential to speed up electrification of mobility.

Mitsubishi Xpander Scores 4 out 5 Stars in ASEAN NCAP; MMPC Announces VIP Preview Night

The ASEAN New Car Assessment Program or NCAP released data on the upcoming Mitsubishi Xpander MPV. The organization, which aims to enhance safety standards, raise consumer awareness, and encourage a market for safer vehicles in the Southeast Asian (ASEAN) region scored the Xpander with a 4 out of 5-star rating.

Despite having a quiet year with no new vehicle offerings in the market (or even minor updates at that), Ford Philippines managed to cap off 2017 with a record-breaking 36,623 units sold. It marks the best year ever for the American carmaker. This year, Ford aims to continue that stellar growth by launching not one, not two, but seven new vehicles for the Philippine market.

Shown at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017, the Mazda Vision Coupe has been named as the Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year at the 33rd Festival Automobile International held in Paris, France.

Morris Garages Philippines (MG Philippines) opens 2018 by launching a compact SUV that carries the British brand’s new design language: the 2018 MG ZS.

Ford Philippines capped off the tenth year of its Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program by expanding its presence and reaching close to 3,000 private and public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers nationwide.

UPDATED: Ford Ranger Raptor is Launching on February 7; Manila Launch Coming Sooner Than Expected

UPDATE: Here is the link to the full launch story (2/8).

Ford fans, better buckle up. It’s three days before the launch of Asia Pacific’s first-ever Ford Performance vehicle: the Ranger Raptor. Sibling to the F-150 Raptor and inspired by Baja-racing, the Ranger Raptor is making its debut in the Kingdom of Thailand on February 7, 2018.

In a lead up to the Nissan Futures event in Singapore, Nissan commissioned Frost & Sullivan, a global consulting company to conduct a study focusing on the slow adoption and acceptance of EV technology in the Southeast Asia region.

When it comes to global environmental leadership, the number of vehicles that customers buy around the world have a greater impact than the number of concept cars launched at motor shows. Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced that it reached a major milestone in annual sales of electrified powertrains in 2017 with over 1.52 million sold worldwide.

Chevrolet Philippines Boards TRAIN; Announces New Prices Effective February

The TRAIN stops for no one. After holding out last January, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCI), the exclusive distributor of Chevrolet vehicles in the country has finally released their new vehicle prices taking into account the revised new vehicle excise tax.

BMW Philippines Releases Vehicle Prices Inclusive of New Excise Tax

San Miguel Asia Carmakers Corporation (SMAC), the new entity that exclusively distributes BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the country has announced their new official prices inclusive of TRAIN. Effective this month, their new price list also lists the two variants (and of course, prices) of the upcoming all-new X3 which is slated to launch on February 9.

I’m no stranger to the 2018 Honda CR-V. After sampling the 1.6 SX Diesel last year, I loved it. It may not be the most beautiful looking or fastest compact crossover out there, but it’s certainly the best all-rounder. It has comfort, flexibility, frugality—key attributes that would normally be on top of a would-be buyer’s list. It’s so good that I named it as my Top Pick of 2017.

In its commitment to fuel the many journeys of Filipinos, leading independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum has started upgrading its stations nationwide to a new and better look.

Pagani to Enter Philippine Market Under Autohub Group of Companies

Is the Philippines ready for a nine-digit (at least one hundred million pesos) supercar? Well, wonder no more as Pagani is set to enter the market under the Autohub Group of Companies.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi cemented its position as one of the world’s biggest automotive alliance by selling a combined total of 10,608,366 units in the 12 months to December 31, 2017.

Suzuki Philippines (SPH) celebrates another successful year packed with strong sales performance and ushers in another exciting year with a gathering of its growing Team Suzuki Philippines (TSP) family.

Nissan Philippines is on an SUV offensive by updating two of their local offerings for 2018. The smallest (Juke) and largest (Patrol Royale) receives updates coming into this month that adds style, convenience, and value.

Volkswagen Philippines Brings In New Golf GTS Variant for 2018

Volkswagen Philippines is now offering a new variant of its best-selling Golf GTS sports wagon, the Highline, to jump start 2018.

Last year was a record year for Bermaz Auto Philippines (BAP), the official distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the country. Selling 5,244 units in the full calendar year of 2017, it represents a 28 percent increase in sales compared to the same period in 2016. It is, in fact, Mazda’s best year in terms of sales since BAP took over the Mazda distributorship five years ago.

Nissan Philippines Increases Vehicle Prices Due to Excise Tax

Nissan Philippines joins the growing list of car companies that have formally announced their new SRP (Suggested Retail Price) taking into account the revised new vehicle excise tax. And like other carmakers, the passage of TRAIN means an increase throughout the line-up, including (surprisingly) the Navara pickup truck.

Forget the Mirage siblings, the Montero Sport is Mitsubishi’s bread-and-butter model in the Philippines. Shifting close to 20,000 units of them last year, the futuristic robot-like styling has become a regular sight on the roads. Above all, it’s opened up the mid-sized SUV category to people who wouldn’t consider them in the first place; people who would usually want something sleek or easy to drive. A week behind the top-of-the-line Montero Sport 4WD GT reveals this: it’s the 7-seater SUV that offers surprisingly good on-road manners, a well-thought-of safety package, and excellent value.

HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI) President, Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, joined peers and fellow Gawad Kalinga (GK) supporters at the 5th Global Social Business Summit, with the theme “Scaling Towards Social Progress” at the Hyundai Center for Green Innovation located in GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan.

6 Ways the 2018 Volvo XC40 Proves It's Designed Around You (w/ Video)

With a company slogan that reads “Designed Around You”, Volvo Cars is proud of putting people ahead when it comes to their design and engineering. The lovely 2018 XC40, the Swedish carmaker’s first foray into the premium small crossover market is a perfect example of that.

Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., the regional headquarters of Honda in the Asia & Oceania (A&O) region, announced that they achieved their best-ever automobile sales in 2017 in the A&O region with retail sales reaching 793,636 units, a 12 percent increase from 2016 sales volume of 707,951 units. Honda also set all-time annual sales records in five countries, which are Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Pakistan.

True to the ethos of delivering unrivaled quality service and expertise, Aston Martin Manila organized the inaugural Aston Martin Track Day for the Aston Martin Owners Club – Manila (AMOC-Manila) members at the Clark International Speedway.

This Traditional Japanese Inn Fixes Your Mess

Staying at a ryokan is the best way to experience traditional Japanese hospitality. Typically featuring tatami (woodened board) floors and communal baths, guests sleep on futons spread out on the floor. But Nissan is giving one ryokan the modern twist by adding a dash of their ProPILOT Park technology.

With Volvo Cars announcing a bold move to introduce a fully-electrified (hybrid or purely electric) vehicle line-up starting next year, Volvo Cars Philippines has officially confirmed that they will be following this lead by bringing in the T8 Twin Engine technology by the third quarter of this year.

Bishamon Automotive Lifters is Trusted by Car Dealers and Service Centers

Considered as the backbone of automotive repair and maintenance centers, car lift systems are crucial for maintaining fast and efficient aftersales service. With reliability and dependability being a key element to sustain profitability, investing in the right equipment can make or break a company.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) sales closed the on a positive note as it recorded sales growth across all comparable periods, propelled by the strong consumer appetite ahead of the TRAIN implementation.

2018 Nissan GT-R NISMO Arrives in Manila (w/ 13 Photos, Specs)

After achieving a 48-percent year-on-year increase in sales, Nissan Philippines is now looking to inject some excitement to its line-up. Two years after promising its arrival into the country, NISMO is finally here. And leading the charge is the 2018 Nissan GT-R NISMO, the brand’s highest performance sportscar aimed squarely against high-performance exotic cars.

In a letter addressed to Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Hackett, the US-based Center for Auto Safety is renewing its request for Ford to conduct a full recall of 1.3-million 2011-2017 Explorers because of suspected carbon monoxide leaks. This is the organization’s second call to action, the first being in October 2017 after Ford “failed to take seriously the thousands of consumer complaints which had been filed with NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), Ford, and the Center for Auto Safety.”

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