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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

A lot of things have been talked about the 2019 Mitsubishi Strada. Given its newfound good looks, naturally, most of the chatter has been focused on the aesthetic. There are some who also dabbled on how the Strada features improved on- and off-road performance.

Future Jaguar Land Rover vehicles will be able to tell if you’re feeling unwell and adjust settings to combat motion sickness.

Hyundai Philippines’ After-Sales Service team was crowned champion of the first Hyundai Trucks and Bus World Skills Olympics (WSO), held last October at Hyundai’s Global Learning Center in Cheonan, South Korea. This triumph follows the Philippine team’s previous accomplishment of bagging gold at the World Skills Olympics - Asia and Pacific Leg, held at the Hyundai Logistics Center (HLC) in Calamba Laguna, last July.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation recently signed a partnership with Lalamove, Asia’s leading on-demand delivery app, to offer the best deals for Lalamove partner drivers.


With a reputable history of providing the best commercial vehicles for Filipino businesses, Isuzu is geared up to make it easy for Lalamove drivers to upgrade or acquire Isuzu vehicles. This partnership entails both discounts for all existing Lalamove partner drivers with free 3 years of LTO registration. With a cash discount of P 15,000 and P 20,000 worth of Preventive Maintenance Services coupons, drivers will have a beneficial head start for their Lalamove journey.

Leveraging the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s global manufacturing footprint, they’ve announced one of the first products in their shift towards common platforms and common production facilities: the return of the Mitsubishi Express (aka L300 / Space Gear).

Mitsubishi FUSO is wanting to get into the Modern PUV game. And with that, they’ve previewed their very own PUV Class 2 model: the Canter Commute.

Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), continues to provide better rewards and services to new Chevrolet owners through Caltex Save Plus as it recently announced the renewal of its partnership with The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI).

Shopping online this November 11 or Singles Day (11.11) exponentially increases the chances of you getting laid. For the first time ever, MINI Philippines is selling 20 units of the limited-edition MINI Monte Carlo on Lazada Philippines, exclusively.

Attention: Subaru owners—do you want to be sort of a Subaru brand ambassador? If you’re able to convince your friends or relatives to test drive and/or buy a brand-new Subaru from today until November 20, 2018, you stand to win service vouchers for every successful referral.

It was only going to be a matter of time when Toyota’s sporty Gazoo Racing or GR badge would make its way to its off-road vehicles like the Hilux. Well, the time is now: meet the Hilux GR Sport.

After a series of teasers, Mitsubishi Motors has finally pulled the wraps off the 2019 Triton (our local market Strada) in Thailand. Coinciding with the pickup truck’s 40th anniversary within the Mitsubishi line-up, the revitalized Strada goes on sale in Thailand next week with other markets to follow soon thereafter.

Faulty valve springs are starting to affect more than one Japanese automaker. After Subaru issued a recall spanning 400,000 units globally, Mazda just announced that they’re doing the same for 640,000 vehicles globally.

Busy bees, rejoice: professional car maintenance is now available right at your doorstep. Meet MyCasa, a 24/7 mobile car care service that offers basic automotive jobs such as change oil, change brake pads, brake rotor resurfacing, engine decarbonizing, glass coating, and exterior detailing anytime, anywhere.

Ford Philippines is extending its one-of-a-kind employee pricing promotion for the Everest mid-sized SUV. This allows buyers to get savings up to P 153,000 up to the end of November 2018.

Continuing the rapid expansion of its nationwide dealership network, Isuzu Philippines Corporation held the grand opening of its dealership in Taytay, Rizal. Isuzu Taytay now brings its unmatched Isuzu Advantage right at the doorstep of one of the country’s top municipalities and provinces.

Continuing its 30th anniversary celebration, Toyota Motor Philippines is giving away big holiday deals for selected models at all Toyota showrooms this November.

In the ASEAN region, including the Philippines, Chevrolet owns the Storm moniker in the pickup truck segment with the Colorado High Country Storm. In Brazil however, it’s the other way around as its crosstown rival, Ford, whipped out the Ranger Storm specially for the Sao Paulo International Motor Show.

A whole year of adrenaline-filled racing has now come to a close. The Petron FlatOut Race Series (Petron FORS) returned to the Clark International Speedway last October 27 for the eighth and final time this 2018. Although it still attracted a healthy group of 97 entries, the main highlight of that day were the drivers who sealed their championship titles in the Time Attack and Grid races.

This weekend, Mercedes-Benz Philippines is slashing their prices by as much as P 500,000 on selected variants of the CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLC-Class, C-Class, and E-Class.

The successful staging of the Tony Award winning play M Butterfly not just highlighted the talent of the Filipino thespians, but also the loving heart of the organizers.

One of the pillars of Nissan Intelligent Mobility is Intelligent Integration. While the aim is to have cars communicate using a common infrastructure, in the here and now, it also points to how vehicles work and operate to help a customer with his daily routine. After showing off the Navara EnGuard Concept in Europe, Nissan is now giving a bit of a Brazilian twist to the same concept with the Frontier Sentinel.

We all know the drill with the Ford Ranger—for years, perhaps decades even, they’ve inculcated it into our heads of how it’s “Built Ford Tough”, of how it’s so capable off-road that it can probably outwrestle Dwayne Johnson with both arms tied behind its back while also doing “The Rock eyebrow.” So, we’re not talking about any of that—we’re not going to question its trail prowess. Instead, I’m going to focus on its more sophisticated side and that way prove once and for all, this truck isn’t a one-trick pony.

While the ASEAN region is still waiting for the promised arrival of the CX-8, Mazda has just announced that their 7-seater crossover has undergone a refresh in its home market of Japan. And just like its CX-5 sibling, the CX-8 now gets the option of a turbocharged gasoline engine among a slew of other improvements.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) together with Carworld Incorporated (CWI) recently inaugurated its new FUSO dealership outlet last October 26.

The future of the car dealership is interactive and connected; that’s the direction Ford Philippines is going when it unveiled its newest brand retail identity: Ford Signature and Interior Refresh. The first Philippine dealership compliant with this new retail identity is the newly opened Ford Clark.

Fresh from the introduction of its BJ20 compact crossover and M50S compact MPV, Bayan Auto is now adding the new M60 to their line-up. A mid-sized MPV, the M60 pushes the best features of the M50S into what the distributor calls “the modern-day station wagon.”

Exhilarating performance just got more refined as Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru announces the availability of the 2019 WRX and WRX STI. Subaru’s performance flagship, the 2019 WRX and WRX STI both have subtle yet much-appreciated upgrades that improve their comfort and convenience without sacrificing any of its dynamic qualities.

It was quite a weird interview. Just as he sat down, NISMO Chief Product Specialist Hiroshi Tamura immediately said, “Do not ask me about the next GT-R—I cannot say when it will be launched!” He also added that despite murmurs of the future GT-R becoming an EV Concept, it may not necessarily be the case. In any case, the final product, should there be any, will be up to the “customer voice.”

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), through its corporate social responsibility arm, HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI), has teamed up with UP-PGH and the UP-PGH Cancer Institute on a pioneering initiative for women empowerment through proactive healthcare, entitled the “Alagang Breastfriend” project.

Suzuki Philippines, Inc. donated 16 vehicles to ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation (ALKFI) for use in two of ALKFI’s flagship programs—Bantay Bata 163 and Batay Kalikasan.

Furthering its commitment to an all-electric future, General Motors is developing e-bikes as a means to give their customers “freedom of movement beyond the traditional vehicle.”

It was only a matter of time, but Mazda has formally announced that by next year, the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup will move over to the more powerful 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G motor.

Bullish on the all-new Forester and models equipped with Subaru EyeSight technology, Motor Image Pilipinas recently revealed that they are expanding their dealership presence to 34 dealerships within the next two years.

Just like most other Hondas, the Brio was exported from the carmaker’s manufacturing hub in Thailand. Well, it seems that there’s a bit of a twist when it comes to the second-generation Brio. It’s now coming out of Indonesia.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation shows support for Clean Air Asia (CAA), the City Government of Marikina, and the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) in their advocacy for better air quality and healthier living.

Dampened by the high inflation, interest rate hike, and a surge in oil prices, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) sales witnessed a slowdown, recording 65,917 units sold, a 13 percent year-to-date decline from last year’s 75,949 units sold. In Q3 2018, the association slipped by 18 percent with 22,774 units sold against Q3 2017’s 27,605 units sold.

Now that Nissan Philippines has whetted your appetite for the 370Z, here’s a dream project you can consider if you’re lucky enough to get your grimy hands on one: the Nissan Motorsports Project Clubsport 23.