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November 18, 2018

Honda CR-V Bags 2 Major Awards at ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards 2018


The 2018 CR-V has won two major safety-related awards at the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Award 2018 cementing the first-ever 7-seater diesel SUV from Honda’s reputation for safety.

Isuzu and Shell Sign Partnership


Isuzu Philippines Corporation and Shell Philippines signed a partnership that gives free fuel to all Isuzu buyers.

Chevrolet's FNR-CarryAll Concept Previews Future SUV Design


Chevrolet is spreading the Camaro influence to other products in its portfolio. Showed off in China, the Bowtie Brand presented its latest “Find New Roads” or FNR Concept, the FNR-CarryAll.

November 17, 2018

China's Highest-Quality, Safest Car Brand, GAC, Arrives in the Philippines


Guangzhou Automobile Motor Corporation or GAC Motor is finally in the Philippines after it appointed Legado Motors, Inc. (LMI) as its exclusive distributor.

Toyota Motor Philippines to Launch All-New 2019 Camry this December


About a year after its global unveil in the US, the all-new Camry is slated to arrive in the Philippines this December. This has been confirmed with the first official teaser released by Toyota Motor Philippines just today (see below).

Petron Sends Off Philippine Team to Rainforest Challenge Grand Finals


Petron Corporation proved its commitment to Philippine motorsports anew as it sends off the country’s representatives to the Rainforest Challenge (RFC). Considered to be the most extreme off-road competition and the ultimate challenge for 4x4 enthusiasts, the Philippine team will compete against 30 other teams from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The finals will be held from November 23 to December 5, 2018 in Kelantan, Malaysia.

November 16, 2018

This is the Toyota Corolla We'll Likely Get (w/ 15 Photos)


Toyota unveils the all-new 2020 Corolla sedan simultaneously at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in China and in the United States. The new model delivers enhanced performance achieved by the GA-C platform, and an active, energetic appearance.

Hyundai Group Invests Additional US$ 250 Million in Grab


Hyundai Motor Group and Grab Holdings Inc. (Grab), Southeast Asia’s leading O2O (online to offline) mobile platform, announced an agreement under which Hyundai Motor Company (“Hyundai”) and Kia Motors Corporation (“Kia”) will invest an additional US$250 million (P 13.15 trillion) into Grab and establish a partnership to pilot EV programs across Southeast Asia.

Honda to Revive Passport Nameplate for All-New 2019 SUV


Honda is reviving the Passport nameplate for its all-new mid-sized 5-seater SUV that’s made to slot between the CR-V and Pilot. Set to make its global debut at the 2018 LA Auto Show, Honda showed off a teaser photo showing the new Passport’s on- and off-road abilities.

Harley-Davidson Philippines Announces 2019 Line-Up with Revised Prices


Harley-Davidson Motor Company announces its 2019 model year lineup to serve the growing demand among Philippines motorcycle enthusiasts. Effective today, Sportster motorcycle models are priced from P 650,000, while the recently-refreshed Softail models start at P 1,100,000.

Isuzu to Expand to Calapan Soon


Isuzu Philippines Corporation signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Mina de Oro Motors Inc. to establish a new dealership in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

Pickup Trucks Hold Value the Longest in the Philippines


According to data released by one of the world’s leading classifieds platform, OLX, if resale value is an important consideration in purchasing a car, go for a pickup truck.

LTO Mulls Idea to Certify Road Worthiness Through Modification Service Centers and Providers


After a backlash regarding the LTO’s crackdown on modified vehicles, the Department of Transportation is now recommending an accreditation process for “modification service centers/providers.”

November 15, 2018

Mazda Says Beauty is a Universal Language


“Did you see the new Mazda3?” asked Yasushi Nakamuta, General Manager of Mazda Design Division, the moment we sat down. Referring to a string of spy shots floating around the internet, we nodded in agreement. “What do you think of it?” Sounding like a trick question, we answered once more in the affirmative and added that the spy shots probably don’t do the car proper justice. “Ah, yes,” Nakamuta-san continued. “You still haven’t seen a lot.”

The Third-Generation, 2020 Kia Soul is Upon Us


Kia is giving its unique and funky Soul crossover a global debut at the upcoming LA Auto Show.

Gono Shines in Philippine Motorsports Anew


Luis Gono shone once more in local motorsports at two very different disciplines.

Foton Philippines Adds to Gratour Family with the Gratour TM and Gratour iM6 (w/ Specs)


Foton Philippines is adding two new additions to its Gratour line with the market preview of the Gratour TM and Gratour iM6.

Michelin Tires Now Available at Mitsubishi Dealers as Part of Aftersales Service


Michelin tires and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines have joined hands to make after sales service at Mitsubishi service centers much more convenient for customers.

November 14, 2018

Mazda Wants to Inspire People with Their Design


Mazda’s decision to put evocative design as one of its cornerstones has paid off. Their KODO: Soul of Motion, together with Skyactiv technology and Jinba-ittai has enabled them to grow 50 percent in terms of retail sales in the ASEAN region in the past 4 fiscal years. Given their meteoric rise, everyone is excited with what comes next.

Duterte Moves to Suspend Second Round of Fuel Excise Tax


It looks like motorists will have a bit of a reprieve come January 1, 2019 as President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the suspension of the second round of excise tax on fuel.

MACC Chooses Volkswagen Santana as Mobility Partner


MAN Automotive Concessionaires Corporation (MACC) has just recently become the third company in the Philippines, after CW Home Depot and Diamond Rent-A-Car, to choose the Santana sub-compact sedan for its corporate fleet.

44 Percent of Ford Philippines October Sales Driven by Ranger


Ford Philippines announced that October retail sales hit 1,625 units, led by the Ranger pickup and Everest mid-sized SUV.

Honda 4-Day Sale Offers Deals and Discounts on More Models


Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is having a 4-Day Sale once more this November 15-18, 2018. Now, special deals and discounts may be had of up to P 65,000.

November 13, 2018

Naomi Osaka Shows Off Her Brand New Ride


Two months after she was announced as a brand ambassador for Nissan, 21-year old Naomi Osaka just showed off her brand-new ride and it’s something that fits her competitive spirit.

3 Simple Tips to Help Novice Drivers Get Accustomed to the Race Track


Since 2003, MINI drivers around the world have been learning more about their cars’ famed go-kart handling at the MINI Driving Experience.  Whatever the location, whatever the track, the underlying principle is the same: by learning how to handle their car at the extreme, drivers will ultimately become better and safer drivers in everyday traffic.

Toyota Classics 2018 Donates Proceeds to Philippine Paralympic Committee


Toyota Motor Philippines announces the success of its charity concert last Wednesday, November 7, 2018. Due to the overwhelming support of the public, the Toyota Classics 2018 has reached record-breaking ticket sales of over P 2 million.

Chevrolet Philippines Offering Accessories Package for All Trailblazer, Colorado, Trax, Sail, and Spark Buyers


The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet vehicles in the country can see the 2018 line-up up close at the Chevrolet Motorama 2018.

Volvo Philippines Previews First-Ever XC40


Volvo’s newest baby, the first-ever XC40 made a special appearance at the Lifestyle Asia Power Gala.

November 12, 2018

The All-New 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan Looks Familiar


UPDATED: Here is it (11/16).

After showing off the Corolla in hatchback and wagon form, Toyota is set to complete its compact car trifecta with the global unveil of the all-new Corolla sedan. Set to make its debut simultaneously in at least two major markets—North America and China, the all-new Corolla is set for a 2019 release, just in time for the 2020 model year.

This P 400 Part is Causing a Massive Headache for Subaru (and Now, They're Answering Your Questions)


Modern cars have thousands of parts all working together to make sure it operates as the manufacturer intended. With that, a vehicle is just as strong as its weakest link. In the case of Subaru, a P 400.00 part is now responsible for a global recall of more than 400,000 units—including those currently running in the country.

Likely to gain notoriety in the future, Part # 13217AA521 or the Valve Spring will possibly fracture under stress. According to Subaru themselves, an abnormal noise may be observed from the engine and in some cases, it may cause the engine to stall and be unable to restart.

Now, before you try throwing your valve spring in disgust, here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about this particular recall which should shed more light into this matter.


What is the recall about and why do they need to replace valve springs?

According to Subaru Corporation, the recall is to replace engine valve springs which could possibly fracture under stress.  When this occurs, an abnormal noise may be observed from the vehicle’s engine, the engine could stall, and be unable to restart.

Will my vehicle experience valve springs failure?

As advised by Subaru Corporation, Motor Image needs to do a recall to ascertain that all affected vehicles are checked.  Please contact your nearest servicing dealer and provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and they will check if your vehicle model is affected by this recall.

How do I check my vehicle’s VIN number?

You would be able to check your vehicle’s VIN number at the following locations:

  • Front shock absorber top mounting inside the engine compartment 
  • Below the right front floor carpet 
  • B pillar (by the driver’s door)
  • Front Windshield (left side of vehicle) 
  • Vehicle Sales Invoice or Certificate of Registration

Currently, I own a vehicle involved in the recall campaign. Do I have to wait for a notification letter from Subaru before I can bring my vehicle in?

Yes, Motor Image’s Customer Service Department will be reaching out to owners of the vehicles affected by the recall. Should your Subaru Vehicle be a pre-owned one, we also recommend contacting any of the Motor Image Pilipinas hotline numbers at (02) 882 9788 local 102; (0925) 711 8475 or (0917) 851 4095.

When will MIP start recalling affected vehicles?

As of this moment, Motor Image Pilipinas is working with Subaru Corporation to coordinate the arrival of parts. Once this is clear, they will start to inform customers about when they can bring in their vehicles.

Will the process involve a full engine pull-out?

Motor Image Pilipinas cannot confirm the extent of work involved at the current moment as they are still getting information from Subaru Corporation. An update will be sent out once they receive more details.

Do I have to pay for the rectification work if my vehicle is involved in this recall campaign?

No. This service will be performed free of charge.

How much time is required to complete the job satisfactorily?

Motor Image is unable at this point to confirm how long it will take to conduct the rectification work as we have to assess every customer’s car and will update each customer accordingly.

Editor’s Note: If the Australian market is used as a gauge, the work will entail somewhere between 10-12 hours per vehicle.

Will this process be warrantied?

Yes, a 1-year warranty or 20,000-kilometer warranty (whichever comes first) will be provided after the work has been completed.

If your vehicle has undergone modification outside of Subaru Specifications, do I still have to undergo the Recall?

Yes, for all affected recall vehicles, Motor Image will have to perform the recall work as per Subaru Corporation’s Job Description. However, they cannot be responsible for any malfunction caused by the incompatibility of the original Subaru parts with non-standard parts which may have been part of any modification work. Any malfunction or performance issues which arise after the recall campaign shall be the responsibility of the customers who have modified their vehicles.

Alternatively, owners of modified vehicles can revert their vehicles to original factory specification before sending them in for the recall work.

For the customers who will not allow us to do the recall campaign because they have replaced their valve springs with aftermarket parts, Motor Image will be requesting them to sign an indemnity form.