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April 30, 2019

Future Hyundai and Kia Vehicles May Be Tuned Using a Smartphone App

Hyundai and Kia are certainly embracing smartphone-based car technologies that go beyond the usual infotainment. After announcing the first-ever smartphone-based car key system, the Korean automaker has now developed a way to adjust the performance of its electric vehicles by simply using a smartphone-based app.

To celebrate World Land Rover Day, Land Rover has announced plans for the new Defender to complete a final phase of field testing with the Tusk Trust, on location in Kenya. A Defender prototype wearing a unique camouflage will experience life at the Borana Conservancy as part of Land Rover’s 15-year partnership with Tusk Trust.

Autoitalia Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Piaggio products in the country widens its portfolio with new cargo solutions made especially for urban areas. The line includes new 3-wheeled APÉ diesel models and the first-ever four-wheeled Piaggio in the country.

Watching people gawk at the Ford Ranger Wildtrak as it parked itself on a busy street in Makati made the entire trip worth it. See the Ranger’s always had the “capability” part nailed down—it was and still is the best truck if you wanted sheer ability to go off-roading or haul stuff. It’s the “smart” part that’s seen a slew of competitors try and take the Ranger’s crown. This 2019, ford has had to take the ace out of their sleeve but nonetheless, it blows everyone else out of the water in the process.

Would You Have Preferred the Kia Forte or the Chinese Market Kia K3?

Kia Philippines sprung a surprise at the Manila International Auto Show by reviving the Forte compact sedan for the local market, including the introduction of a high-performance variant, the Forte GT. But what if, just what if, they decided to look to China like they did the Soluto? We’d be getting the all-new Kia K3 instead.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) reports that First Quarter 2019 sales still fell 3 percent to 22,497 units compared to 23,038 during the same period last year. That said, the group saw March 2019 sales hit a positive 8 percent. The 7,952 units sold during the month is up compared to 7,380 units in 2018 indicating that the automotive industry is beginning to recover.

Eleven brands will showcase their model line-ups and offer test drives at the biggest outdoor test drive festival. Slated this May 2 to 5 at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds, the Phoenix Petroleum 2019 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival will offer a one-stop shop for prospective car buyers.

“China is the most competitive automotive market in the world,” declares Immo Buschmann, Senior Director for Sales at SAIC Volkswagen. At 27.5 percent or 22.784 million vehicles sold, it’s currently the biggest car market in the world—bigger than the USA (17.284 million) and Japan (4.891 million) combined. Yet, less than four decades ago, it was dismissed by everyone.

This piece of news flew past below most radars, so in case you missed it: Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country decided to increase the price of the all-new 2019 Forester.

Venue, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade—currently, Hyundai is offering no less than 5 SUVs priced and positioned fairly close to each other. Now, there’s the question of the second-generation Creta to consider as well.

Brembo Holds Special Sale at Vios Racing Festival

The Toyota Vios Cup is back as the Vios Racing Festival. And with it, AutoPerformance PH, the exclusive distributor of Brembo brakes in the Philippines is preparing an activity-filled day at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds today.

There's a Problem with Shell's New Campaign

Okay, so Pilipinas Shell recently launched a new campaign starring three new ambassadors: Maine Mendoza, Drew Arellano, and Nico Bolzico. While we don’t question the effectiveness of using celebrities to sell fuel, we do have a beef with the cars they’re using.

Isuzu Philippines embarks on a new campaign that sees them collaborating more closely with its dealers, business partners, suppliers, and of course, the various Isuzu clubs and owners across the country.

We hear you love wings and lots of downforce, so here’s a Nissan GT-R with a humongous wing grafted on its front-end to the point that from some angles, it’s actually hard to tell which is the front and rear ends.

One of the most iconic cars in the current Honda lineup, the Civic Type R, has been transformed into a life-size Lego model in Australia.

Do you think this non-road worthy, undrivable Ford Escort is worth 90,000 euros (~ P 5.22 million)? Well, if bling is your thing then probably because it’s made from silver, gold, and diamonds.

Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL) and Subaru Corporation joined forces to build the Japanese carmaker’s first assembly plant in Asia outside Japan. Representing a significant investment, but more importantly, a cementing of a long-term partnership, the new Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) or TCSAT plant will serve the growing demand for Subaru vehicles under the Motor Image distribution network.

Hyundai Philippines Sales Jump 12.5 Percent for January-March 2019

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) reports that its Q1 2019 (First Quarter 2019) sales grew 12.5 percent compared to the same period last year. The official distributor of Hyundai passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the country reported sales of 9,949 units, up from 8,847 units in 2018.

Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL) says that there’s a possibility that the next-generation Subaru XV could be assembled at the newly-inaugurated 100,000-square meter facility located in Bangkok Thailand’s Ladkrabang Industrial Estate.

A study done by the American Automobile Association (AAA) has confirmed what car companies like Mazda already know: adaptive driving beam headlight technology (Adaptive LED Headlights in Mazda-speak) improves safety, especially when driving at night.

The global recall concerning faulty Takata airbag inflators hasn’t even completely settled down yet, and another one looks to be on the way.

Attention all Toyota vehicle owners, do you have what it takes to be the next racing superstar? Then answer the call and join the first leg of the Toyota Vios Autocross Challenge this coming April 27 to April 28, 2019, 9:00 AM at Block 16 of the Mall of Asia open grounds.

Honda Cars Philippines Launches 2019 Brio, Price Starts at P 585,000 (w/ 17 Photos, Brochure)

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. introduces its newest entry in the A-segment passenger car category: the all-new 2019 Brio. This is a response to customers who aspire to own and experience Honda’s signature sporty and practical characteristics in an affordable package.

Subaru Corporation Senior General Manager for Sales and Marketing, Mr. Tomohiro Ishitobi admits that the car company’s own success is to blame for the recent spat of scandals involving vehicle recalls (brake switch, valve springs, power steering, among others) and safety-related data falsification.

Admittedly, the SsangYong Tivoli was not a looker. When it appeared on my driveway, I nearly missed it, and walked right past. I suppose it did not help that Techno Grey was clearly not my color. Add to that, my first drive out in the little crossover made me eyeroll — the brakes were too soft and sensitive, making the car jerky; and, being only on a 1.6-liter engine, the power was not as responsive as I was used to. Day One—color me unimpressed.

This year, Hyundai has managed to pick up its eighth 10 Best Interiors award with the 2019 Santa Fe. Earning the honor from a field of 32 vehicle nominees with new or significantly redesigned interior, 8 jurors from Wards Auto scored them based on aesthetics, comfort, fit-and-finish, material quality and ergonomics. While value is a consideration, there is no price cap for entries.

These Are the World's Most Instagrammed Cars in 2018

Insurance company Veygo has released some interesting statistics in the past including the most desired car brand and most desired supercar. Now, they’ve come up with yet another interesting study and this time, it deals with the world’s most Instagrammed car.

Mercedes-Benz’s parent company will have a new CEO come this May and he’s shaking the company quite a bit. According to a Reuters report (via Automotive News), Ola Kallenius will take helm and is determined to make efficiency gains by 2021 in both Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and the Daimler Trucks division.

Large, boxy, and fitted with 7 seats—Volkswagen’s Teramont SUV certainly has the right recipe for success. Known as the Atlas in the U.S. where it originated, tailored to American needs, the Teramont has since taken a decidedly more luxurious approach; a reflection of Volkswagen’s premium mainstream positioning in markets such as the Middle East, China, and yes, even the Philippines.

Aston Martin has revealed the final production-ready iteration of its first all-electric production car, with the Rapide E making its world debut at China’s Auto Shanghai.

Nissan is on a roll. After revealing the all-new Almera (Versa) sub-compact sedan in the U.S., they did the same with the Sylphy compact sedan at Auto Shanghai. One of the people responsible for this new design direction is Shinichiro Irie, a program design director based at the Nissan Global Design Center.

How much are you willing to pay for a Hot Wheels slapped with some Supreme decals? Apparently, a lot of money for a lot of folks.

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