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March 17, 2021

BMW Accelerates Shift to Electric with First-Ever i4 Gran Coupe

The BMW Group is accelerating its move to go fully electric. This, as the German automaker pulled the wraps off its first-ever i4—its fully electric gran coupe.

Mazda will be assembling its CX-30 in Malaysia very soon. According to investor reports on Bermaz Auto, the assembler and distributor of Mazda vehicles in both Malaysia and the Philippines, was given the green light by Mazda Corporation to start assembling its compact crossover in Kulim, Kedah province.

Chances are you’ve seen them in your favorite movies and TV series. No, we’re not talking about A-List celebrities (though many stars drive themselves around in one). We’re talking about hybrid cars, especially the ones from Toyota. Starting with the Prius, Toyota’s hybrid cars have established themselves as reliable choices for amazing fuel economy. It’s no wonder why you see hybrids almost everywhere in most other countries!

“Hey, Mercedes!”

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand celebrated a new milestone: the cumulative production of six million units.

White was globally the most popular car color for more than a decade, but Nissan Global Color designer, Myung-Eun Lee, says this is shifting. She shares what got her into the automotive industry and her prediction of what could be the next new thing in vehicle colors.

Demand for Chery’s all-new Tiggo 7 Pro has been so high that the first batch of the compact SUV, launched only last January 27, was sold out within 30 days. And there is already a growing waiting list for the next shipment scheduled to arrive this March.

RSA Calls Out Toll Regulatory Board on Non-Issuance of Skyway Stage 3 Operating Permit

“Skyway 3 will remain open,” San Miguel Corporation president Ramon S. Ang said, following a misunderstanding between its infrastructure unit and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

BMW is showing off the newest version of its man-machine interface, the iDrive 8—an operating system that promises a deeper level of customization and integration, while serving as a smarter, more natural partner in any situation. The system will be rolled out across vehicle classes starting with the BMW iX and the BMW i4.

When Kia showed off its new logo and brand identity, the Korean carmaker promised that it’ll come hand-in-hand with a new design language. Well, that design language has now been unveiled with its first-ever dedicated battery electric vehicle—the 2022 Kia EV6.

UPDATE 2: Ramon S. Ang reveals reason behind miscommunication.

UPDATE: SMC says they will not close Skyway Stage 3 after all.

Bring out the popcorn, because the saga between the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and Skyway Stage 3 project is not over.

When was your last Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS)? If it has been a while, consider this a timely offer from Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the country.

Kia Philippines is offering huge discounts on its remaining Picanto, Sorento, and Carnival units until the end of March.

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the Philippines, launches Shop. Click. Drive., a new online shopping platform that provides customers with a convenient way of buying a new Chevrolet vehicle, anytime, at the safety and comfort of their homes or while out on-the-move.

With the launch of the refreshed 2021 Navara looming near, Nissan Philippines is extending its Big Buys, Big Savings promo for those who’re interested to snag some deals on the pre-refreshed pickup truck.

In their bid to become a “global Volkswagen,” Volkswagen Philippines understands the importance of halo models, and with that, they’re seriously considering to bring in the Golf R hot hatch.

Review: 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport

This here is the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport, my new favorite sports sedan. At P 3.808 million, it’s more expensive than most, if not all of the local German offerings—the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but none can hold a candle to it. At the heart of all this is what the brand calls the “Lexus Driving Signature.” It’s supposed to deliver a more linear, more engaging drive in every aspect. It sure sounds like market nonsense at first, but at the end of the day, it does just that: deliver a better sports sedan.

W Express Corporation which was formerly known as DHL Philippines, sees growth in the logistics industry as more and more companies rely on their indispensable business solution. From the initial two units of the Dongfeng Captain E delivered last October 2020, W Express saw the value for money, ease of maintenance, and reliability of these light duty trucks. These were the important factors considered by W Express in their fleet expansion thus the repeat purchase of these tool of trade.

Motorists travelling to their hometowns and reuniting with their families will definitely need to exercise much caution and strict adherence to safety protocols. The same should be done with their vehicles, ensuring they are in tip-top shape for the long travels that may lie ahead.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) reminds customers of their last chance to avail the “Honda PM Service New Year Deals” promo, which features different discounts and deals offered until March 31, 2021 at select Honda Cars dealerships and service centers nationwide.

At this historic crossroads for Volkswagen, the way forward has been chosen: the future that is vibrant, electric, and energetic, but still firmly rooted in its origins. With that, Volkswagen Philippines is ready to charge into the future with the “New Volkswagen.”

It is the announcement Philippine motorsport patrons, racers, and racing fans have been waiting for: the Toyota Vios Cup is back. The country’s leading automaker has confirmed its plans to re-open its one-make racing series this year, despite the on-going pandemic.

MG Philippines continues to offer extraordinary deals for both cash discounts or low down payments on your favorite MG cars and SUVs with the “Onward and Forward With MG” sales promo. Through this campaign, MG Philippines enjoins the Filipino motoring public as it moves on from the challenges of the past year, now stronger and eager to progress into 2021 with a renewed spirit.

As the summer season officially starts, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) serves its customers hot promo deals for the Mirage, Mirage G4, Xpander, Montero, and Strada.

Mazda3, MX-5 Hit by DTI Safeguard Tariff

Mazda Philippines is the latest car manufacturer to announce the effect of the DTI’s Safeguard Duty, but unlike other brands, it will so far affect just two models: the Mazda3 and MX-5.

Volkswagen is confident of turning a new chapter here in the Philippines starting this year. In its seventh (going eighth) year in the market, VW Philippines is going global in its image, products, and services.

Last February 26, 2021, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) achieved a 1,000 safe-days milestone. The feat is a reflection of the commitment of MMPC in maintaining a safe working environment for its employees as it completed a total of 5.6 million working hours with no major or lost time accidents.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the official name of Suzuki’s Indian operations has hit a new milestone: the export of two million vehicles. The milestone was marked by the export of three models—the S-Presso, Swift, and Vitara Brezza which left the Mundra Port in Gujarat Province for South Africa (check out our Indian experience with Suzuki here).

United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the official distributor of Chery vehicles in the Philippines, officially added Chery Camarines Sur to its rapidly expanding network of dealerships in the Philippines.

Summer is here. As the sun beats down, imagine sliding into the cool confines of your brand-new Lexus. Whether heading to the beach, or doing errands, these Lexus models can do the job, and thanks to their special offers it’s now easier on the wallet.

Hino PH Engages HMR Auctions for Inventory Clearance

Hino Motors Philippines Corporation (Hino) is collaborating with HMR Auction Services Inc. (HMR Auctions) to conduct the Inventory Clearance Truck Auction on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

After being shown off exclusively with turbo power in Thailand, it’s increasingly likely that the much-anticipated City hatchback might arrive in the Philippines sporting the very same engine as the sedan version. This comes after Honda Indonesia previews the City hatchback.

The Toyota Hiace Super Grandia better watch out: the all-new 2022 Hyundai Staria is coming out to get you.

Renault will build two new sister models for alliance partner, Mitsubishi Motors starting in 2023, a reversal of the Japanese carmaker’s plan to withdraw from the European market.

Just a couple weeks after launching the official LEGO Certified Store (LCS) website, Ban Kee Trading Inc. launched a loyalty program that rewards LEGO fans for shopping in LCS branches, and will soon be applicable to the online store. This comes just in time for car enthusiasts to earn points by purchasing the new LEGO Creator Expert Porsche 911.

The next Toyota underpinned by a jointly-developed platform with Subaru is upon the world. The new vehicle, underpinned by the new e-TNGA platform will be revealed as a design study first as the X Prologue coming this March 17.

PIAA Philippines Warns People of Fake OTO Horns Flooding the Market

PIAA Philippines is issuing a warning to consumers who might be misled into purchasing fake PIAA OTO Style Horns. This comes as the official distributor as been alerted of counterfeit horns entering the market.

When you buy a Subaru, you’re not the only one that’s safe; your wallet is safe—safe from the DTI’s safeguard tariff, that is.

UPDATE: Toyota Motor PH confirmed it (3/26).

At the launch of the new Vios GR-S, Toyota Motor Philippines may have let one big cat slip out of the bag: more GAZOO Racing models are coming.

With the launch of the Ranger FX4 MAX, Ford Philippines is aiming to solidify its position as a leader in the local pickup truck segment, a segment which they now consider as their “bread-and-butter.”

After showing off what it could do on the racetrack with its very own one-make race, Toyota Motor Philippines is capitalizing on that with the launch of a sporty new variant of its best-selling Vios: the 2021 Vios GR-S.

Ford Philippines is blurring the lines between the Ranger and Ranger Raptor with the market introduction of the first-ever Ranger FX4 MAX. This straight-from-the-showroom Ranger variant carries a strong aftermarket appeal giving it increased off-road capability; at a price that’s a steal.

Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) has now brought Geely closer to the Bulakenyos with the opening of Geely Baliuag, Bulacan. Geely Baliuag is the ninth dealership outlet in the Geely’s increasing network.

Volvo Cars is putting to production the 2022 XC60 this May, an updated version of their best-selling vehicle that now comes equipped with an Android-powered infotainment system with Google apps and services built in.

After showing it off in camouflaged form, Hyundai is now offering the world its first glimpse of its first-ever high-performance SUV: the 2022 Hyundai Kona N.

The new Arocs has been officially added to the Mercedes-Benz truck line-up in the Philippines. Also distributed by the Auto Nation Group, the new Arocs is now ready to take on any challenging job on the road.

Mitsubishi PH Sales Grew 44 Percent in February

Despite fewer selling days in February, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) recorded a solid 44 percent increase versus January 2021.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is recalling an additional ,365 vehicles due to faulty Takata airbags. This recall covers the front driver’s airbag inflator in Accord, CR-V, and Legend models manufactured between 1995 to 1999, and is a follow-up to an initial list published in 2018. The breakdown is as follows:

Hisense Home Appliances Group, a major Chinese home appliances maker, is on course to buy Japanese auto air conditioning supplier Sanden Holdings Corporation.

Toyota owners are in for an early summer treat this March 11 to March 13, 2021 as Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) announces its Car Maintenance Weekend in all Toyota dealers and service centers nationwide.

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