Jaguar Cars Philippines recently launches the XKR-S. Find out more about the all-new Jaguar sports car by watching the video.

Backed by ton bands and athletes such as Formula One driver Michael Schumacher, Moto GP World Champion Valentino Rossi, Drifting Professional Vaughn Gittin Jr., and Gymkhana legend Ken Block, Monster Energy is finally in the Philippines.

Launched in stunning Rebel Blue, the new Volvo V40 R-Design is a perfect match for those who want a head-turner that radiates a truly stylish and dynamic look. The visual promise of a life in the fast lane is confirmed by the driver-centric interior and an intense, agile driving experience with performance up to 254 horsepower.

"The V40 R-Design is designed around the performance-minded individual with a passion for those things that add extra spice to life. The meticulous attention to detail covers the expressive design as well as the agile, precise performance," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Corporation.

Jakarta, Indonesia—Motor Image Pilipinas has taken the local market by storm since it opened its first showroom in 2006. Through their efforts, they have single-handedly raised Subaru as one of the most sought after and prestigious car brands in the country. Six years on, there are no signs of slowing down as Motor Image Pilipinas announced future plans at the recently concluded Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

It’s all go for the Car of the Year Awards 2012-2013.

This after the Car Awards Group Inc. held its successful launch last Friday at the Eton Centris, the official venue for the Launch and the Testing of the annual event, at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Boulevard in Quezon City.

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the Philippines, held an exclusive unveiling of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the first four-door Coupe in the history of the brand.

Certainly a work of art, this new exclusive model is the true embodiment of aesthetics, sportiness, comfort and luxury in perfection. The lean elegance of this vehicle is truly an exceptional phenomenon.

Owners of the all-new Ford Focus can learn a thing or two about driving skills that can maximize their fuel economy – and they can have a little fun in the process. 

EcoMode is a handy software application aimed at helping coach customers in the art of eco-driving – and then rewards those that practice more fuel-efficient driving skills with in-car kudos displayed on the instrument cluster.

Mazda Motor Corporation will debut the refreshed CX-9 at the Australian Motor Show on October 18, 2012. It will be sold soon thereafter, at least to the Australian market.

As you can clearly see, the 2013 CX-9 carries the new KODO - Soul of Motion design theme. The 2013 CX-9 has a new front and rear facia which include changes to the headlights, grille, and bumpers. Inside, the CX-9 boasts of an improved infotainment system which now features voice-activated and speech recognition for commonly used commands.

In terms of internals, the CX-9 will continue on unchanged and will be solely available with a 3.7-liter V6 from the MZI family. This engine will continue to be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Jaguar Cars Philippines held the First Jaguar Drift Fest powered by Monster Energy Drink and Victoria Court on September 22, 2012 at Kings Playground, Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) complex, Taguig. Miss Formula Drift USA Melyssa Grace hosted the event together with drift expert Ian King of Car Porn Racing.

Last September 8, 2012, the Round 4 of the Hyundai Lateral Drift (LD) Championship Series was held at the Quirino Grand Stand, Manila City. The grandstand was not only transformed to a replica of a Philippine inauguration event but also the drift series happening at the same time together with the launch of the all-new 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Toyota Motor Philippines seems to be taking “kaizen”, the Japanese word for continuous improvement, to the next level. Often, kaizen is associated with the manufacturing and production process, but it seems it extends to their product line-up. Take for instance the Toyota Fortuner and Hilux, two of the three vehicles developed under the Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) program. It has already seen at least two major upgrades since their respective launches, responding to the ever-changing demands of customers. And now, both the Fortuner and Hilux show off their biggest change yet: an all-new heart.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

When you think of driving in the US, you often think about big displacement V8s. It seems anything less will make you puny. Well, times are changing. Upon landing at the San Francisco International Airport, it’s immediately clear that Americans are downsizing; driving cars which have two or even four cylinders less than the mythical engines that power their muscle cars. Credit high gas prices, credit Greenpeace, I don’t really care. Whatever’s causing Americans to consider more fuel-efficient vehicles in this day and age should be named a saint. Finally, they’re on the same page as the rest of the world.

Ford Philippines brings back the Big Deal retail promotion, offering customers even bigger savings on popular vehicles like the all-new Ford Fiesta, the Ford Escape and Ford Everest.
For as low as PhP 78,000 all-in low down payment, customers can drive home their very own all-new Ford Fiesta or the all-action Ford Escape SUV. Customers can also get the Ford Everest for a PhP118,000 all-in low down payment.

The excitement is heating up for the Petron "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" promo, with the winners announced for the first grand draw held on August 24, namely: Albert Lim of Pasig and Raymundo De Leon of Marikina.  These lucky Petron customers won a free trip for two to the Singapore Grand Prix, inclusive of round-trip air fare, 4D/3N hotel accommodations, 3-days Marina Bay Grandstand race tickets, a Universal Studios day pass, travel insurance, and an F1 survival kit.

The "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" promo is an e-raffle running from July 15 to September 15, 2012, where gassing up with Petron and paying with your MasterCard gives you the chance to win a free trip to the Formula One Grand Prix.

The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) officially designated Eton Centris as the official Launch and Testing Venue of the 2012-2013 Car of the Year Awards.

This was announced by CAGI president Ferman Lao during the turnover of the symbolic Eton Centris key to the organization, which has more than 50 motoring journalists from various publications and media entities in the country, early this week at the said venue at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Boulevard in Quezon City.

The Volvo XC70 was hailed as the 2012 Executive Crossover at the 8th Annual C! Awards and has once again proven that it is the top choice when it comes to excellent cross country transport.

The Volvo XC70 is a sophisticated and elegant car for an active urban life and a reliable partner for all kinds of exciting adventures. A unique soft nose, characterized by a larger grille and headlamps, it is complemented with the dark colored body panels for an exclusive, rugged impression. The tailgate's upper section has a sportier forward-leaning stance. The tailgate overlaps the tail lamps, providing an even wider opening. The glass goes further down at the sides, enhancing rear view while the rails are integrated into the A-pillar moldings.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) improves its ever reliable Fortuner and Hilux models in September.  With new engine specifications and interior entertainment improvements, both the Fortuner and Hilux prove to be a more road-worthy vehicle. Toyota aims to strengthen its SUV and Pick-up segment through its globally known International Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) line-up.

Mazda Motor Corporation announced today that Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc. will start the new distributorship of Mazda vehicles, parts, and accessories in the Philippines from January 1, 2013.

The major shareholders of Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc. will be Bermaz Motor International Ltd, an indirect subsidiary of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, and Berjaya Philippines Inc. Berjaya Corporation Berhad is a major Malaysian conglomerate listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad while Berjaya Philippines Inc. is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. Berjaya Corporation is also the Mazda distributor in Malaysia through its subsidiary company Bermaz Motor Sdn. Bhd.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) posts 19% growth in sales to 15,735 units sold in the first eight months of the year from 13, 271 units sold in the same period last year. The Passenger Car (PC) segment generated the bulk of the sales, rising by 59%, to 9,940 units sold versus the 6,241 units sold in the prior year. This noteworthy performance was spearheaded by the i10, Accent and Elantra models that grew by 60%, 57% and 55%, respectively. The EON is also picking up with an 18% share of total PC sales.

August alone experienced a 2% increase, again with the PC segment pulling up the growth by 72% to 1,014 units sold compared to 591 units sold in the same month a year ago.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) registered 24% growth in total sales with 19,875 units sold in the first eight months of the year versus 16,020 units in the same period last year. January-August 2012 also posted an increase in the Passenger Car (PC) segment, driving overall sales up by 50% to 12,049 units sold compared to 8,047 units sold from January-August last year. Top three contributors to positive sales were British United Automobiles, Inc., The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) and Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI). 

AVID also showed a year-on-year growth of 1.8%, with 1,858 units sold in August as opposed to 1,825 units sold last year.

Ford Philippines today reported August retail sales of 574 units, reflecting the impact of the recent monsoons and flooding experienced across the country last month.

The start of deliveries of the all-new Ford Focus in the last week of the month gave a boost the company’s overall performance, with retail sales of 42 units adding to the August total.

Don't have Discovery Channel? No worries. We have the Chevrolet Colorado Power-Up Series right here! This video is set to play from Episode 1 and will automatically play through all the aired episodes. Enjoy.

The Philippine Team is ready! last September 8, 2012, Motor Image Pilipinas held its 5th year of the Subaru Impreza Challenge at the Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City with almost a hundred of participants who signed up and tried to make it to the top 10 who will be flown to Singapore for the Singapore Finals for a chance to win an All-new Subaru Impreza 2.0i worth Php1,158,000.00.

The Covenant Car Company Incorporated (TCCCI) whets the appetite of truck lovers as its all-new Chevrolet Colorado takes main stage in a four-part feature series in the Discovery Channel, titled – “The Chevrolet Colorado - Power-up Series”.  These exciting video features imparts to viewers the various key highlights of the new Colorado that redefines expectations of an impressive truck. Shot in Mt. Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija, the pick-up truck was subjected to several tests that demonstrate its unique and powerful capabilities.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Motor Image Pilipinas has finally given the all-new fourth-generation Subaru Impreza a star-studded welcoming party by formally introducing it at the culmination activity of the Subaru Impreza Challenge at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The all-new Impreza features a bolder, more dynamic design along with an all-new highly-efficient powertrain. In addition, the Impreza gains increased interior room, higher levels of refinement, new amenities, and high-grade interior materials. All in all, Subaru is confident that the Impreza will offer a more rewarding driving and ownership experience like never before.

Simply can't have enough of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe? Well, here's a feast for your eyes as Hyundai Automotive Resources, Inc. (HARI) has produced a video locally celebrating the Genesis Coupe going sideways.

American Honda Motor Co., the North American arm of Honda Cars has finally released a flood gate of images and information about the 2013 Accord. The biggest news is a reduction in both length and wheelbase in the 2013 model compared to the outgoing one. Other than that, the Accord is slated to get Honda's new-generation "Earth Dreams" engines available in two configurations: a 2.4-liter inline-4 and a 3.5-liter V6.

The winners for Petron Corporation’s annual student art competition were honored in ceremonies held last 30 August 2012, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. Themed Lakbay Alalay Para Sa Kalikasan —A Journey of Nurturing Nature, this year’s competition focused on the different ways of caring for and protecting the environment, such as Petron's own efforts to protect biodiversity through coastal management, reforestation, mangrove planting, creating fish sanctuaries and artificial reefs, and protecting sea turtles.

A record-breaking 1,700 entries were submitted in the three competition categories, namely: painting (oil/acrylic and water-based media); photography; and printmaking.  Three National Artists—Benedicto Cabrera, who served as chairman; Napoleon Abueva and Abdulmari Imao—were among the 9 judges of the painting category.  The photography category was chaired by Wig Tysmans, while the printmaking category was chaired by Raul Isidro.  To kick off the awarding ceremony, the Vision Petron judges symbolically planted seedlings to signify their commitment to saving and preserving the environment for future generations.

If you are into high velocity action, chances are that the engine performance, precision handling and even the vehicle’s aerodynamic design and profile are at the top of the checklist when considering a sports car.  Luxuries like ample cabin space, impressive dashboard design and even a top-of-the-line entertainment system are easily sacrificed.  But it doesn’t always have to be this way.

So what do you get when you cross the best luxuries of a premium Hyundai sedan and the high performance engineering of a sports car?  You get the new 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. 

In celebration of BMW’s continued leadership in the premium automotive segment, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, is pleased to announce a Special Pricing Program for all BMW models from September 1 until the end of the month, bringing Joy beyond driving experience.

“As a way to give back to our valued clients and celebrate the sustained leadership of BMW in the premium luxury segment, we are offering this special pricing program for all our model variants,” said Glen Dasig, ACC’s Executive Director for Sales and Marketing. “We hope that this program will encourage consumers to invest on a premium vehicle. There’s definitely joy when you choose a BMW.”

For more information on how to avail of BMW’s Special Pricing Program and for the complete list of BMW models, visit the BMW dealership nearest you.

Land Rover and the Department of Tourism has teamed up with a new campaign entitled, "Land Rovering: More Fun in the Philippines".

This is the first in a series of TV commercials. This one features the Range Rover Evoque playing in the Paoay Sand Dunes as well as other places in Ilocos Norte.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) said its recently held 4th Philippine International Motor Show provided the public an opportunity to “experience a world-class motor show” as it vowed to cooperate closely with the government in re-crafting a road map that will further strengthen the auto industry.

Thanking the public for their support, Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, CAMPI president and vice president of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, said: “We have managed to draw around 50,000 visitors to the four-day event. But more important than the numbers, we have given our fellow Filipinos another opportunity to experience a world-class motor show that showcased the latest in automotive technology and motoring trends without having to set foot on foreign soil.”

LRPhils Motors, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles in the Philippines is embarking on a unique tie-up with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) by launching a new tourism awareness campaign entitled: “Land Rovering: More Fun in the Philippines”.

Chairman Richard J. Gordon of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) receives a PhP 1 million donation from Ford Group Philippines AVP for Government Affairs, Josie Gonzalez (middle) and AVP for Communications, Anika Salceda-Wycoco (far right) to support ongoing relief efforts and capacity-building activities of the PRC across the Philippines.

Well, it's officially the "-ber" months, and new car launches will undoubtedly slow down. But hey, that doesn't mean there aren't any new cars in the market. In fact, we've got some new ones in this update of the Philippine Car Price Guide, including some models which have been previewed at the 2012 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). This month's update includes:

• Chevrolet Captiva (facelifted)
• Chevrolet Sonic
• Chevrolet Tahoe (return)
• Hyundai i10 1.1 (return)
• Hyundai i10 1.2 GLS Premium
• Hyundai i30 (return)
• Isuzu Alterra Urban Cruiser X (price adjustment)
• Isuzu Crosswind X (price adjustment)
• Kia Optima 2.4 EX
• Lexus LX 570 (price adjustment)
• Lexus RX450h (price adjustment)
• Mitsubishi Mirage
• Nissan Navara TechXtreme
• Subaru Impreza
• Toyota Fortuner VNT
• Toyota Hiace (price adjustment)
• Toyota Hilux VNT
• Toyota Innova (price adjustment)
• Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (price adjustment)
• Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (price adjustment)
• Toyota Vios 1.3 J Limited
• Toyota Vios 1.5 TRD

There have been reports of SMS and e-mail circulation informing that the customers have won a Toyota Lottery, Toyota Contest, etc. and require personal details like your bank account number to claim your prize money or prize vehicle.

DO NOT respond to these messages. Toyota will never require you to give out such information, and official Toyota contests or promotions will always be publicized in newspapers and our official website.

Dishonest characters will find any means possible to take advantage of you. We urge our customers to be on high alert and not to fall prey to these scams that are on the rise.

To check if such messages are legitimate, do not hesitate to confirm with us through our CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER HOTLINE (CAC) (02) 819-2912.

According to the folks at Top Gear Philippines, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive distributor of Chevrolet vehicles in the country has quietly rolled the all-new Sonic (i.e. new Aveo) into showrooms.

Initially available as a 4-door sedan, the all-new Sonic is powered by Chevrolet's new generation 1.4-liter engine with 99 horsepower. Inside, the Sonic gains the motorcycle inspired instrument cluster first seen in the Spark. The Spark is available in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic versions (not dual clutch, not CVT).

The all-new Chevrolet Sonic 4-door is priced at P 778,888 for the manual and P 828,888 for the automatic model. The 5-door hatchback will be launched next month.

Source: Top Gear Philippines

Ford of Europe revealed the refreshed and updated Fiesta at the company's "Go Further" product event which was hosted by Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. The new Fiesta shows off a new design direction as well as even more technology in the already high-tech B-segment car.

Among the key highlights of the 2013 Fiesta include the debut of the voice-activated in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC, Active City Stop, and the European debut of MyKey. The Fiesta will also be made available with the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine which is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.

Photo Courtesy of Volvo Press

Volvo Philippines shares the pride with the All-New Volvo V40 receiving top rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP collision test. The overall result is the best ever recorded by the institute.

"A fantastic result. We are very proud to have one of the world's safest cars and we're taking yet another important step toward our 2020 target - that nobody should die or be seriously injured in a Volvo," says Thomas Broberg, Senior Technical Advisor Safety at Volvo Car Corporation.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Photo Courtesy of Ford Press

Ford Motor Company today celebrates the company's 350 millionth vehicle – a Ford Focus, which is the world's best-selling car for the first half of 2012.

Ford is celebrating the production milestone at its newest global manufacturing facility located in Rayong, Thailand, approximately 200 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Bangkok. Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant is a $450 million facility, opened in May to produce the new Focus, which also is built in four other countries. FTM represents the latest in Ford's global manufacturing capabilities, with new stamping presses, flexible body shops and robotic capabilities that enable it to produce up to six different vehicles simultaneously.

Photo courtesy of Toyota Press

The biggest complaint when the revised Toyota Hilux and Fortuner came out was that the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo models (2.5 G) was still rocking the old 102 horsepower engine. This certainly pales in comparison to its chief rivals from Mitsubishi.

Well, all that's about to change.

Photo Courtesy of Mazda Press

After months of teasing, Mazda has finally taken the covers off the all-new Mazda6 executive sedan at its worldwide premiere at the Moscow International Automobile Salon last August 31.

From a glance, it's clear that the all-new Mazda6 isn't your regular mid-size sedan. It's the first passenger car to take on the design cues of the Mazda TAKERI concept car. Upfront, it incorporates the "signature wing" facia along with a strong hood crease and flowing body lines that expresses motion even when standing perfectly still. The Mazda6 is also the first car from the car company to have LED and "halo ring light guides".

Photo Courtesy of Mitsubishi Press

The recent 4th CAMPI Philippine International Motor Show showcased Mitsubishi Motors Philippines’ soon to be launched entry in the very competitive sub-compact passenger car segment, the stylish and eco-friendly all new Mitsubishi Mirage.   The all new Mirage features excellent fuel economy, very environment friendly with very low carbon emission, optimized equipment for exceptional value and most of all its fun and easy to drive. 

Ford Philippines joins the crusade for breast cancer awareness as it recently partnered with Avon for its 2012 Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer (KGBC) campaign.

Ford will showcase an exclusive pink-stickered all-new Ford Fiesta Sport Plus hatchback which will be used as the official vehicle for the KGBC campaign themed “Let’s Walk the Talk.”

KGBC’s 2012 series takes Avon’s call to action a step further by inviting Filipinos to come face to face with breast cancer and deepen their involvement in the cause. Actress Sarah Lahbati, Avon KGBC ambassador will use the pink Ford Fiesta in events tied to the campaign and during its culminating activity on October 21.

“We are proud to partner with Avon in this worthy advocacy. The Ford Fiesta is the perfect car to represent our commitment to raising the awareness for breast cancer as it proves to be a popular choice of vehicle among our lady drivers,” said Anika Salceda-Wycoco, AVP for communications, Ford Philippines.

Catch the pink Ford Fiesta at Avon’s various events which will culminate in the annual Walk and Run Event on October 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds.

To know more, log on to www.facebook.com/fordfiestaphilippines

Photo Courtesy of Volvo Press

Volvo means, “I roll” in Latin and roll it does as a new trade partner in the Visayas region signed on to deliver the dynamic range of Volvo cars in Bacolod, Iloilo and nearby provinces.

Distributed by its local partner Grandcars, Incorporated, Volvo Iloilo and Bacolod are now open to serve loyal Volvo enthusiasts with its trademark quality and customer care. “It is with much pride and pleasure that we have officially rolled onto Bacolod and Iloilo roads. We promise to continue our dedication to providing world-class Volvo vehicles coupled by quality customer service to the eager Visayan market”, quips Roselyn Dimalanta, 1st Executive Vice President of Volvo Philippines.

Motor Image Pilipinas anticipated endurance competition, the Subaru Impreza Challenge on September 8, 2012 at the Bonifacio High Street, Activity Area, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The Subaru Impreza Challenge is an endurance competition requiring participants to place their palm on a specific area on the car. The last person standing wins the competition and gets a chance to compete for the ultimate prize of a brand-new Subaru Impreza worth P1.158 million.