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October 24, 2018

Honda Moves BR-V Production Back to Philippines

The Philippine automotive industry got a huge boost with Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) move to localize the BR-V’s production to their Santa Rosa, Laguna assembly plant.

The holiday season comes early to toy car collectors with the addition of the Lamborghini Aventador S to the Petron Toy Car Collection, available from now until November 4 at participating Petron stations nationwide.

Despite rising inflation and peso-dollar exchange rates, Filipinos are taking advantage of low rates and waived fees for auto loans, resulting in a 12 percent rise in applications and bookings for such loans for BPI Family Savings Bank (BFSB).

LTO Just Doubled Down on the Modified Car Ban

After a dialogue between off-roading groups, aftermarket industry players, and the LTO, we have some bad news to report for all you modders out there: the government agency isn’t issuing a moratorium on the apprehension of modified vehicles.

All the brouhaha brought about by the LTO’s modified vehicle crackdown on the grounds of safety has the legitimate aftermarket industry up in arms. To simply say that a change of wheels already makes a vehicle unsafe totally disregards the amount of R&D that has gone through making these wheels.

Interbrand, a global brand consultancy company released their annual list of the 2018 Best Global Brands. With a theme of “Activating Brave,” the 2018 Best Global Brands Report examines the roles a brand strength plays in the “bold transformation of the world’s leading businesses to drive lasting economic value.”

In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Toyota Motor Philippines is offering pay low, pay light, or outright cash discounts on the Vios, Innova, Wigo, Hiace, Hilux, Avanza, Fortuner, and Corolla Altis. With only one week remaining (promotion period ends October 31), get as much as P 100,000 off your favorite Toyota vehicle.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) says that sales experienced a “minimal” decline of 6 percent ending the third quarter of 2018. A total of 9,483 units were sold compared to the 10,085 units in the third quarter of 2017.

Despite the challenges facing advanced vehicle technology in the Asia & Oceania setting, Nissan firmly believes that the future remains electric, connected, and autonomous. That’s what Vincent Wijnen, senior vice president for Nissan Asia & Oceania revealed in an interview.

Every now and then, a carmaker comes up with an offering unbridled by tradition that it comes across as a breath of fresh air. The latest one from BMW’s stable, the X2, is exactly that. It’s a compact crossover that ditches convention and despite of their increasingly jampacked SUV portfolio, is a standout in almost every way.

Meet the latest in Manila crime prevention: Grab. As part of their “Safer Everyday” campaign, Grab is now going “all cop” thanks to its partnership with various government agencies.

Suzuki to Show Off Next-Generation Vehicles at PIMS 2018

Suzuki Philippines demonstrates its continued efforts to innovate and offer Filipinos vehicles that serve as their partners in life, moving with them now and toward the future, as it joins this year’s Philippine International Motor Show.

Ride-sharing giant Grab has announced the start of its “Safer Everyday” campaign which aims to bolster not just rider, but driver safety as well through various on- and offline initiatives. As a result, the industry giant says they will raise the safety standards for the TNVS industry as a whole.

Everyone aspires for German-quality vehicles. Noted for its timeless appeal and robust engineering, they are the most visible display of discerning taste. Now, with the arrival of the Volkswagen Santana which starts at P 686,000, everyone can now enjoy German engineering at its finest.

For Peugeot, the future is electric. After showing off the beautiful e-LEGEND CONCEPT, the French carmaker is putting all its chips on electrification technology, particularly when it comes to their next-generation sports vehicles.

BMW is finally completing its Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) line with the introduction of the first-ever X7. The largest of BMW’s SUV line-up, it’s the “bid daddy” with comfortable seating for 7. Yet, they say it will retain all the off-road prowess, excellent ride comfort, and agile on-road handling that all SAVs are known for.

Hyundai Motor Company has been recognized as the Brand of the Year 2018 by the Red Dot Awards. This adds to the five previously received Communication Design accolades for 2018 for the Korean carmaker’s creative and innovative design.

Public Service Announcement: Do Not Join the Mass Registration (Protest) Planned on Monday

Hey guys, we’re all passionate about this LTO crackdown on modified vehicles, but let cool heads prevail. It’s been reported that a mass registration is planned for Monday, October 22, 2018 at the LTO East Avenue as a sort of “protest action.” Please, goodness sake, DO NOT JOIN SUCH PROTEST ACTION.

Hyundai Philippines Brings in Facelifted 2018 Tucson (w/ Specs)

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines brings in the updated 2018 Tucson. It brings much-needed aesthetic and mechanical changes that helps it compete in the crowded compact crossover segment.

With over 6,500 applicants racing up to own one of 1,000 Ford GTs, it was inevitable that not everyone would get one. To rectify that, Ford just announced that they’re increasing production of its famed supercar to 1,350 vehicles.

Hyundai has once again received recognition for the all-new 2019 Santa Fe and the 2018 Kona, this time from the Industrial Designers Society of America or IDSA.

If you happen to find yourself at the swanky Ginza area of Tokyo, swing by Nissan Crossing to take a glimpse of the P 56-million Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign, the 50-unit limited production supercar that commemorates the 50th anniversary of both the GT-R and Italdesign.

Philippine Market Fiesta, EcoSport Not Affected by European Engine Problems

Ford Philippines is assuring its customers that vehicles fitted with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost locally are not, in anyway, affected by the engine overheating issue affecting United Kingdom units.

Toyota Motor Philippines is presenting its vision of “Future Mobility” at the upcoming 7th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). Running from Wednesday, October 24 to Sunday, 28, 2018 at the World Trade Center, the biggest carmaker in the country joins 16 other CAMPI brands in this biennial show.

Over 400 private and public utility drivers in Iloilo were trained to be smarter and safer drivers under Ford’s Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program.

In a lead up to its global reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda has ramped up their striptease of the all-new 2019 Mazda3. The first is a short video released today.

With their complete shift to Euro 4 compliant Cummins engines for their truck line, Foton Philippines is now touting their 2018 line-up as their most advanced, most reliable, and most affordable to maintain yet.

The LTO Should Read This: Car Modification for Dummies

Okay, so the LTO has finally clarified that all modifications prejudicial to road and environmental safety, including rim sizes, is subject to Department Order 2010-32. We won’t waste our time posting a selfie video of ourselves doing an interview, but instead we just decided to bust up some myths which can probably help the LTO in coming up with some proper guidelines.

The LTO, various off-road clubs, and 4x4 enthusiasts held a dialogue to flesh out what the government agency calls the “arbitrary and subjectively apprehending of modified vehicles.” To this end, the LTO clarifies that they are not arbitrarily and subjectively apprehending owners of modified vehicles. However, this will not stop them from implementing an existing law.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai passenger cars and commercial vehicles (CV) in the Philippines, unveiled its new Hyundai Modern Jeepney at the Hyundai Power Solutions Business Mobility Expo held at the LausGroup Event Centre in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Why don’t you skip the skinny jeans at that mall-wide sale this weekend and head over to your nearest Honda Car dealership instead.

As a whole, the Philippine automotive industry isn’t doing well. Citing factors such as the increase in new vehicle excise tax, rise in both inflation and fuel prices, and the devaluation of the peso, CAMPI says that they’re bracing for either a flat or negative growth for 2018.

Ford Philippines is expanding coverage of the Ford Island Conquest this month to reach more customers in Metro Manila as well as in North and South Luzon.

The LTO Doesn't Know Cars and That's a Problem

The LTO just opened a can of worms. After a crackdown on modified 4x4s (and the resulting backlash on social media), they’ve doubled down and said that they’re doing this in the interest of safety. And while they can cling on legal basis for their actions, they also know jack shit about cars and that’s going to cost you.

United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the official distributor of Foton in the Philippines strengthens its aftersales service capability and reach with the new EC Mobile Service Truck program.

What is it like to drive a truck? Well, give the Ford Everest a try and it’ll give you a pretty good idea. While the Everest is now a common sight on the streets of Manila, it’s completely different to actually drive one.

United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the official distributor of Foton vehicles in the Philippines remains bullish with regard to its performance heading into the third quarter of 2018. As a lead up to the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), UAAGI outlined its various plans and products that will see them through 2018 and beyond.

Toyota’s global recall for its hybrid Prius models has finally reached the Philippines. An advisory from Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) confirms that several Prius models have an issue with its wiring harness, which, if left unchecked, can cause a risk of fire.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is now making it more cost-effective for Grab partner-drivers to buy and maintain a Toyota vehicle. Though TMP’s affiliate, Toyota Financial Services Philippines (TFSPH), Grab partner-drivers now have access to exclusive ownership packages.

Fresh from its announcement of an unprecedented 38 percent growth in 2018, Nissan Philippines, Inc., is expanding its footprint with the official inauguration of a new dealership located in Zamboanga City.

2019 Mitsubishi Strada Set for November 9 Global Launch

UPDATED: Here is the 2019 Mitsubishi Strada (11/09).

Mark your calendars: Mitsubishi Motors has just revealed that the 2019 Strada (aka Triton aka L200) will make its global debut on November 9, 2018. Along with this announcement, Mitsubishi Motors has also released a new teaser photo.

Subaru has given its Impreza compact sedan and XV compact crossover a minor refresh for the 2019 model year. Though the changes are so far limited to its home country of Japan, these minuscule changes may find its way eventually to export markets such as the Philippines.

The much-anticipated 2019 Ford Ranger and first-ever Ranger Raptor made a huge splash last September. In fact, it’s already in the middle of an ongoing public test drive tour. Funny thing though is that no one was able to get hold of the complete specs/brochure of all 2019 variants…until now.

Is the PUV Modernization doomed to fail? The initial signs are worrisome as the pioneering cooperative, SETSCO is bleeding money, a report published in Entrepreneur Philippines.

Is There Legal Basis for the LTO's Crackdown on Modified 4x4s?

It took us a while to get into this issue mainly because we didn’t want to sound like a spokesperson for the DOTr or the LTO. Thus, we had to dig deep and find out for ourselves the legal basis (if any) for the LTO’s apprehension of modified vehicles, especially 4x4s and off-roaders.

MG Philippines to Introduce 3 Models By Year-End 2018

In line with its partnership with The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), MG Philippines enters the local market with the introduction of 3 new passenger vehicles: the MG RX5 compact SUV, the MG 6 sedan, and the MG ZS crossover.

At a gathering of its 6 recognized car clubs, Bermaz Auto Philippines, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country showcased its newest “Mazda Collection.” This year, the collection consists of the 2019 Mazda6, MX-5, and CX-9 models. These three will take centerstage at Mazda’s display at the Philippine International Motor Show or PIMS running from October 24 to 28, 2018.

MG Now Officially Distributed in the Philippines by The Covenant Car Company, Inc.

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) proudly announces that it was recently appointed as the official distributor of the MG brand in the Philippines. With this, TCCCI happily offers the motoring public more choices for top-quality products, coupled with an attractive value proposition.

With Subaru bowing out of the turbocharged crossover race, Mazda, it seems, wants to stay in the thick of it. Just launched in Japan is the updated CX-5—a car that borrows the CX-9’s forced induction powerplant and sticks it right in front of Subaru’s face.

If you think the Civic Type R is a bit too mild for your taste, consider this student-built monster Civic with 600 horsepower.

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