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February 19, 2020

Toyota Teases its Yaris-based SUV

After the sketch, comes the teaser. Toyota’s new Yaris-based SUV is almost upon us, but before then, they’ve released the world’s first glimpse into their yet-unnamed crossover.

10 Things Chairman Alfred Ty Revealed About Toyota Motor Philippines

A change of leadership is often viewed either as a time of great promise or uncertainty. In the case of Toyota Motor Philippines though, it’s a show of stability amidst the ever-changing automotive landscape. And while most of the attention has been showered upon either outgoing President Satoru Suzuki or incoming President Atsuhiro Okamoto, this is an opportune time to look back at some Toyota’s accomplishments in the Philippines.

While the headline at the 2020 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study was Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis beating both Lexus and Porsche, there’s also one interesting takeaway in the study: the Nissan Leaf just beat everyone else as the most dependable compact car.

Put a smile on your face, because the BMW Joyfest returns this February 21 to 23, 2020 at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) recently acquired 96 brand new units of fleet vehicles from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC). The recent purchase comprised of 48 units of L300, 46 units of Montero Sport, and 2 units of Pajero. The acquisition of these units is part of PMFTC fleet expansion.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) introduced Atsuhiro Okamoto as TMP’s incoming president in a formal ceremony witnessed by members of the business community at the Grand Hyatt Manila. The event highlighted TMP’s successes in the past 4 years under the leadership of outgoing president Satoru Suzuki, and presented a glimpse of how Toyota will transform into a mobility company, which aims to improve people’s daily lives through various mobility solutions.

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive distributor of Chevrolet in the Philippines has released an official statement regarding General Motor’s decision to withdraw the Chevrolet brand from the Thailand market, and to sell its Rayong manufacturing facility.

UPDATED: Chevrolet to Stop Production in Thailand, To Pull Out of Thai Market by End of 2020

UPDATE: Chevrolet PH has released an official statement. Read it here (2/18).

Today is a sad day for Chevrolet. General Motors, the parent company of the bowtie brand said that they have put up their Rayong, Thailand manufacturing facility up for sale, and that they’re withdrawing altogether from the highly-competitive Thai domestic market by the end of the year.

Kia Motors has revealed the first official images of the All-New Kia Sorento today, ahead of its first public appearance at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show in a few weeks time.

British United Automobiles, the exclusive distributor of MINI in the Philippines, announces the arrival of the 2020 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and John Cooper Works Countryman—a pair of 300-plus horsepower, factory-tuned premium compacts that now rightfully earn their place as part of MINI’s top-tier JCW family.

I don’t want to admit it, but it’s clear: Volkswagen’s fumbling in the Philippine market. Most dare not say this out of fear of losing ad revenue, but I would be doing you, my dear reader, a great disservice if I didn’t say otherwise. If you want proof to see how far they’ve gone down, there’s no clearer sign than this: the Santana GTS. It’s a million-plus-peso hatchback/wagon that, frankly, shouldn’t exist.

Zenith has worked with Land Rover to create a special edition watch celebrating the all-new Land Rover Defender.

Pop quiz: which Japanese carmaker you think is worth more? Nissan or Subaru? If you guessed Nissan, well you’re right…at least until last Friday.

Do you think there’s a market for an executive sedan with the ride height of an SUV? MG thinks so and to prove it, here’s the MG RC-6.

Volvo Cars and Geely Automobile is considering a merger in a bid to accelerate their financial and technological synergies.

The demise of diesel has been greatly exaggerated. Despite investing a large chunk of its product development on electric vehicles, Volkswagen has also announced that its eight-generation Golf is still getting a high-performance diesel. The Golf GTD will make its official global debut this March.

Ford is Discounting the EcoSport by as Much as P 130k, Ranger by P 100k

Ford Philippines is offering cash discounts on pretty much their entire line-up sans the Ranger Raptor and Mustang from now until March 31, 2020. This gives customers more deals for a longer period of time.

When Mazda first came out with the all-new Mazda3 and refreshed Mazda6, one of the complaints lashed out on these two vehicles is the lack of front fog lights. Though engineers did manage to tuck the function into the headlights, it still was a concern for those who’re used to seeing additional set of driving lights mounted closer to the ground.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) together with Toyota Cagayan de Oro, Inc. (TCO) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the leading automotive company’s newest dealership in Mindanao - Toyota Dipolog City.

Dear Xian, you know why Nadine Lustre didn’t answer your “Mustang bouquet”? It’s because you were trying to give her the WRONG Mustang. But hey, we understand your confusion; we’re so confused as well.

Research company J.D. Power has released its 2020 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, and the result is quite surprising.

Did you just buy a 2020 Toyota GR Supra? Well, that’s too bad because here comes the 2021 model, and guess what? It comes with more power as standard.

Toyota Motor PH is Recalling RAV4s for Airbag-Related Issue

Yet another car model joins the growing list requiring new airbags due to faulty ones installed by the now-defunct Takata, but not for the usual reason. Toyota Motor Philippines is announcing that 1,157 units of the RAV4 will require a new driver’s airbag.

Disgraced former Nissan President Carlos Ghosn may have escaped Japan, but that’s not stopping his former employer from suing him to the tune of 10 billion yen (around 5 billion pesos).

In their first full year as the distributors of Kia, AC Motors, a wholly-owned company of Ayala Corporation saw its sales rise to 5,019 units compared to 2,238 units in 2018. The 124 percent increase is, undoubtedly, spectacular, but still a far cry from the projected 10,000-unit per annum sales they mentioned at the start of 2019.

Honda shocked the world in announcing that the all-new Jazz/Fit will be available only in a gasoline-electric hybrid set-up. True enough, when it was unveiled globally at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, it debuted a new 2-motor hybrid system that’s part of Honda’s e:HEV brand push.

Fans of the Rallye Red color on the Honda Civic RS Turbo, here’s some bad news for you. Honda Cars Philippines is phasing this bright, sporty hue out. The good news? Here is a more formal, darker shade called Ignite Red Metallic.

Hey BMW owner, have you been a good boy? Have you followed the prescribed service schedule? Have you kept your Bimmer in stock condition? Well, here’s a reward for you: a three year, 100,000-kilometer extension on your original warranty.

Confused on where to spend the Valentine’s Day weekend? How about spending some of it over at Subaru Bonifacio Global City, Subaru C5 – Pasig, Subaru Greenhills, or Subaru Manila Bay. If you do, you can score a free Starbucks Gift Certificate.

Confirmed: the 2020 Maxus T60 is Arriving First Week of March

Attention pickup buyers: mark your calendars because there’s a new choice coming, and it’s from Maxus—a Chinese-by-way-of-England brand.

Ever wondered what it’ll be like to ride inside a poké ball? Well, here’s the closest thing, and it’s the brainchild of McLaren F1 designer, Gordon Murray.

Some parents will probably know that car rides have this magical effect of lulling babies and toddlers to sleep. Apparently, there’s a reason behind this and it’s down to the naturally soothing sound frequencies of internal combustion engines. But what happens if everyone shifts to electric? What then?

Geely hits the ground in Mindanao with the launching of Geely Cagayan de Oro. Grand Cars, Incorporated was selected as the partner dealer in the area by Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), the exclusive distributor of Geely in the Philippines. Celebrating its opening, the several Coolray sub-compact SUVs were released to its new owners.

Boldly facing the dawn of a new era, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) will open its doors once more this April 2 to 5, 2020 at the World Trade Center Manila (WTCMM).

First Philippine Drive: 2020 Kia Seltos 2.0 SX

With Director Bong Joon-ho and his movie, Parasite winning big at the Academy Awards, it’s yet another visible sign that Korea’s ready for the limelight. Their successful invasion of global popular culture, from gadgets to music to food, and now, to movies has left an indelible mark in the way people think and act. Selling 324 units in two months, the Kia Seltos could very well be that invasive force in the crossover segment.

Staying connected is one of the “must-haves” for Filipino motorists. With more time stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, infotainment has become integral to help pass the hours-long crawl. And while some are content with the usual AM/FM, what about those who play their personalized Spotify playlist or rely Waze or Google Maps for directions?

Nissan Philippines is offering free checkups for air conditioning, brakes, and suspension at participating dealerships nationwide with its Car Care Support promo which runs today until March 31, 2020.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) celebrates the Chinese New Year with its “GR8 Deals!” promo until February 29, 2020.

Isuzu Pasig is the Overall Champion at Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s 15th Dealer of the Year Awards (DOYA). The 2019 DOYA capped off a challenging, but fulfilling year for the IPC dealer network’s sales force and aftersales operations.

The Kia Seltos's Intelligent Variable Transmission Restores My Faith in CVTs

We’re currently resting up in Baler, Aurora giving the 2020 Kia Seltos its first out-of-town shakedown. Oh, and before you ask, yes, we’ll be coming up with our initial impressions soon, and yes, we’ll also be doing a full-fledged review too. But before all that, let’s talk all about the IVT because, holy shit, it blew my mind.

Just two months after its brand launch, Chery Auto Philippines, through its distributor United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), officially opened its first complete 3S dealership in Mindanao.

There’s a lot to love about Volvo recently. From barely surviving in Ford’s corporate shadow, they’ve now entered a new era of renaissance—one where they’ve managed to come up with winner after winner. While the brand has a compelling range of vehicles, at the core of all this is the XC60. It’s globally their best-selling model, and single-handedly a showcase of what they’ve accomplished thus far.

Lexus is living up to their tagline, “the relentless pursuit of perfection” by announcing a special campaign on selected RX350 SUVs simply because these SUVs shifted too roughly for their standards.

Nissan developed the 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO to be the pinnacle of the iconic nameplate. For maximum performance, the engine was upgraded, its aerodynamics further enhanced, and weight was shed through the meticulous use of exotic materials.

Monday blues got you down? Well, worry not. Honda’s turned your web browser into a mobile gaming platform with its “Beat That!” driving video game (click here to try it out). The best part is since it runs on HTML5, there’s absolutely nothing to install—all you need is a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

Goodyear Philippines’s retail and service center, Goodyear Autocare chain of stores, is awarded the Silver winner in the Car Servicing category at the Reader’s Digest 2020 Quality Service Awards.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), continues its support for the country’s PUV Modernization Program with the turn over of the first batch of Hyundai HD50S Class 2 Modern PUVs to the Public Transport Alliance of Gensan (PTAG), led by PTAG President Robert N. Cang. 15 out of the 326 units orderered by PTAG were turned over.

United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the exclusive distributor of Foton vehicles in the country opened its 29th dealership, and its fourth in Mindanao.

Toyota Motor Philippines Recalling Selected 2019 Alphard MPVs and Coaster Buses

Toyota Motor Philippines is recalling selected Alphard and Coaster models due to seat belts which may not lock properly in the event of a crash.

The entire run of the Ford GT may have been spoken for, but that didn’t stop the guys at Ford Performance from releasing a mid-cycle refresh that boosts the outputs of the supercar’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6.

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