Earlier this year, Motor Image Pilipinas, the distributor of Subaru automobiles in the country, shocked the automotive press when it announced plans to "kill off" the Subaru Impreza because of the success of its crossover sibling, the XV.

In an interview with Tan Chong International Executive Director Mr. Glenn Tan, the parent company of Motor Image, distributor of Subaru automobiles in the ASEAN region revealed that the company is planning to launch the all-new Subaru WRX and WRX STI at the upcoming Manila International Auto Show 2014 in April of next year.

In the most dramatic event to-date, The MediaCorp Subaru Challenge 2013 – The Asian Face-Off, now in its 12th year, entered its third day, seeing more than half the remaining number of contestants dropping out, with another local contestant being pulled out of the arena on a wheelchair after fainting last night.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The MediaCorp Subaru Challenge 2013 - The Asian Face-Off, now in its 12th year, entered its second day, seeing a remaining 145 contestants from across the region competing for the chance of winning a Subaru car.

It was a very long night for the contestants, in an effort to stay awake, local contestants sang the Singapore National Anthem, which could be heard all along Orchard Road. Since then, participants from Singapore, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, have stood strong, patiently waiting for their 1pm break, keeping their palm firmly on one of ten Subaru Imprezas stationed at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza.

The introduction of the All-New Isuzu D-MAX pickup on September 18, 2013, has powered Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s (IPC) performance for the same month, allowing the company to outpace the local commercial vehicle segment’s total growth.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The MediaCorp Subaru Challenge 2013 - The Asian Face-Off, now in its 12th year, commenced today, seeing 400 contestants from across the region enduring the scorching Singapore midday sun, which saw four local contestants drop out within the first seven minutes, and caused a Thai regional contestant to faint within the first half hour. After fainting, second time Thai participant Ponpaisan Prapasedtee, 27, was taken out of the arena in a wheelchair.

You've seen it roaming the streets, now see how it was made--this is the Hyundai Tucson Zombie Survival Machine inspired by the hit show, The Walking Dead. This should make for interesting Sunday viewing. Have a great week ahead, everyone! :-)

More than 150 student teams from 16 countries across Asia and the Middle East are preparing to hit the streets of Manila, Philippines in February 2014 to compete in the fifth annual Shell Eco-marathon Asia.

The super-mileage competition will welcome a record number of participating teams this year, as it moves for the first time from the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to Luneta Park in the heart of Manila (Philippines).

In this day and age where the cars we drive say a lot about our personality, owning a “Bowtie” has never been cooler. Beginning this October, American automobile manufacturer Chevrolet has made it more convenient and more affordable for customers to drive away with their very own Chevy.

Mr. Glenn Tan, Executive Director of Tan Chong International Limited leads the official coutdown.

The region’s most anticipated endurance challenge kicked off at Ngee Ann City’s Civic Plaza at 1PM sharp this afternoon. This event, now on its 12th year, saw 400 contestants from Singapore, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam reporting for the final qualifying round of the Mediacorp Subaru Challenge, for the chance of winning the grand prize; a Subaru Impreza 2.0i 6-speed manual worth PHP 1,158,000.

As the country’s number 1 motorcycle manufacturer and distributor, Honda Philippines, Inc. is consistently providing motorcycles of the highest quality.  In every bike produced, Honda is committed to the highest goal of fulfilling every customer’s dream.  And in the pursuit of realizing these Filipinos’ dreams, Honda has won the trust of customers –becoming Number 1, both in motorcycle industry sales and in the heart of Filipinos.

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the Philippines, turned over a check donation worth P500, 000.00 to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), to provide assistance to those who have been affected by the recent calamities in the country. Led by ACC president Maricar Parco, the proceeds from the recent BMW Xpo 2013 were formally handed over to PRC Chairman Richard Gordon last October 22.

“At the heart of the BMW brand is the promise to spread JOY,” said ACC President Maricar Parco. “We are confident that the funds raised from the BMW Xpo 2013 will be efficiently used to aid our fellow countrymen struck by recent calamities through the capacity of the Philippine Red Cross.”

Motorists around Paranaque can have worry-free and safe-driving by availing of free diagnostics for their car’s computer or engine control unit (ECU) from Bosch at Caltex.

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuel and lubricants in the Philippines, and leading global automotive technology supplier Bosch offered a free car check-up last Oct. 18 at the Bosch Car Services workshop, Caltex San Isidro Dr. A Santos Ave (formerly Sucat Road), Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

CAGAYAN DE ORO—The Atrium of Limketkai Mall buzzed with excitement when the all-new Isuzu D-Max was unveiled by Mr. Nobuo Izumina, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) President and Mr. Frank Rolida, Isuzu Cagayan de Oro President. The D-Max’s Cagayan de Oro debut was the ideal since the city and the surrounding areas account for 50 percent of IPC’s sales in Mindanao. The launch was also meant to address the region’s demand for a vehicle that can serve various business functions and agriculture-related requirements, as well as cater to the weekend recreational needs such as mountain trekking or trips to the farm.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Compact crossovers started out as a niche, catering to urbanites who wanted a bit more versatility and ruggedness to their ride. Today, it’s one of the most hotly contested segments in the automotive industry and every single car manufacturer has one. However, before everyone else got into the fray, there’s one that successfully weathered the ups and downs, and continues to be sought-after: the Toyota RAV4. Now on its fourth-generation, the RAV4 has undergone its most dramatic transformation yet. But is it a cracker to drive or is its beauty merely skin deep?

Hyundai Motor Company, the official automotive partner of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, today launched one of its flagship programs, “Be There With Hyundai (BTWH).” Through the program, users can participate in creating and selecting national team slogans of the countries qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. The slogans with the most votes will be announced at the end of April and will be displayed on the national team buses which will carry the players during the event.

Two weeks ago, Daimler AG President of Central/Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia, Mr. Peter Alexander Trettin was in the country for a whirlwind visit to affirm Daimler AG’s strong support to Philippine distributor, CATS Motors, Inc.

Mitsubishi Motors Phils. Corp. (MMPC) adds more excitement to its passenger car lineup with the official unveiling of the all-new Mirage G4. Designed to address the need for a practical and yet stylish compact sedan that will perfectly suit diverse lifestyles, the Mirage G4 which stands for Mirage Global 4-door sedan offers great cabin and trunk spaces, class-leading features and amenities providing customers with an exceptional value for money. The all-new Mirage G4 is available in GLS and GLX variants and in both Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and 5-speed manual transmission (MT) models. This compact sedan is a completely built unit from Mitsubishi Motors Thailand.

The Honda Group of Companies in the Philippines has expressed its sincerest sympathy to the victims of the earthquake that has stricken the island province of Bohol in Central Visayas Region. Through Honda Foundation, Inc., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s (Japan) local subsidiaries will provide (1) million pesos to help assist in the recovery and relief efforts of the province.

The Honda Group of Companies in the Philippines, composed of Honda Philippines, Inc. (Manufacturer and distributor Honda motorcycles and power products), Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (Manufacturer and distributor of Honda automobiles), Honda Parts Manufacturing Corp. (Manufacturer of automobile component parts) and Honda Trading Philippines Ecozone Corp. (Trading company), is one with the nation in continuously praying for the immediate healing of the victims and their families and the recovery of the affected areas.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) sincerely extends its sympathy to the victims of the recent devastating earthquake that hit Central Visayas particularly the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, and other nearby areas. The calamity took the lives of hundreds of individuals and irreparably damaged historic and tourist spots in the region.

As a sign of compassion and as a humble effort to provide assistance to the casualties, MMPC donated Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P 500,000) to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC). On the occasion of the formal launch of the Mirage G4 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, MMPC President and Chief Executive Officer, MR. Hikosaburo Shibata turned over the check donation to the PNRC.

Mr. Shibata emphasized that MPC is always ready to provide humanitarian assistance and actively do its role as a responsible corporate citizen. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of the three guiding principles that the company adopts. “We at MMPC hope that this amount wil help the PNRC to provide immediate aid to those affected by the calamity,” Mr. Shibata said. “MMPC will further strive not only to bring out quality vehicles in the country, but also help in enriching the nation in every best way that it can,” he added.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), in collaboration with FOX Philippines, gets zombie-fied, just in time for the premiere of Season 4 of the most watched and anticipated drama series on cable TV.

While speed, consistency and reliability are the ingredients that have helped the Volkswagen Motorsport duo on the way to their first world crown, the performance, strength and longevity of the tires provided to them by the French tire manufacturer proved valuable allies in their bid to claim the ultimate prize.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Driven by Vision—these words sum up Foton’s stratospheric rise in the Philippine market. In just a few short years, Foton grew from being a relatively unknown (and untested) Chinese vehicle manufacturer to one of the country’s preferred brands of commercial vehicles. With an expansive line-up covering pick-ups, vans, trucks, and heavy equipment, Foton is an all-encompassing brand for all business needs. Now, Foton is venturing into a new territory: the upscale van market and they’re doing so with the new View Traveller.

The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Mr Torsten Müller-Ötvös, today officially inaugurated Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manila. Appointed in June this year, the new authorized dealership will host customers in a temporary facility in Global City until a new showroom is opened next year.

To Spark more smiles and fun moments, Chevrolet Philippines launches the Share a Spark promo campaign. The promo activity is an online contest that encourages participants to share a photo of their happy and fun moments in the Share a Spark Facebook App. At the end of the contest period, one lucky photo uploader will get to drive home his/her very own Chevrolet Spark. “The Spark is a globe-trotting city car that packs a big punch. This mini-car allows you to enjoy tech-savvy features with a surprising amount of cargo and passenger room, you never have to leave a friend or excitement behind. The Share-a-Spark campaign reinforces and promotes the Filipinos’ inherent positive attitude and optimism and ultimately rewards a lucky winner with his very own Chevrolet Spark – said Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, President and Managing Director.

Mazda Philippines-backed racing driver and IndyCar hopeful Michele Bumgarner pulled off a top-10 finish in her Mazda Road to Indy debut and bagged a few contingency awards along the way.

The All-new Hyundai Azera served as Ms. World 2013 Megan Young’s official transport in the string of activities that awaited her as the first Filipina to win the much-coveted international beauty title. The Azera, the Hyundai model lauded for its sense of poise and class, was Ms. Young’s reliable companion to, among many, her official visit to Malacañang Palace and during her homecoming in Olongapo City.

Sun exposure is typically associated with activities such as spending a day in the beach or playing outdoors. But did you know that sun exposure inside your car can also increase your risk for wrinkles, age spots, facial sagging, and even skin cancer?

On September 18, 2013, production began of the new Porsche 918 Spyder. Michelin will be the sole tire supplier for this new hybrid super car, of which 918 units will be produced.

Volvo Polestar Racing will take part in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) races at Shanghai International Circuit in China with newly crowned Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC) champion Thed Björk.

Ford Philippines today reported that it finished the month of September in record fashion – achieving its best-ever performance for both the month and third quarter.

Continued strength in demand for its full lineup of global Ford vehicles – led by the class-defining all-new Ranger pickup - helped Ford deliver its best-ever September retail sales of 1,231 units, helping drive its all-time best third quarter with sales up 46 percent to 3,330 units.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), in collaboration with FOX Philippines, gets zombie-fied, just in time for the premiere of Season 4 of the most watched and anticipated drama series on cable TV.

After launching Peugeot Las Piñas, Peugeot Cagayan de Oro, Peugeot Quirino, Peugeot Cebu, Peugeot Nueva Ecija and Peugeot Lipa earlier this year, Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI), official importer of Peugeot vehicles in the country, together with Green Valley Auto Sales Corp., formally opened last October 10, 2013 the doors of Peugeot Pasig. Like all the previous Peugeot dealerships before it, Peugeot Pasig aims to provide the full Peugeot ownership experience to its customers while ascribing fully to Peugeot international standards. No less than Peugeot’s Regional Sales Director, Vincent Comyn, was on hand to formally open the dealership. The EDI management team tasked to launch Peugeot Pasig, meanwhile, was headed by EDI Chairman Johnny Hernandez.

The Haruroot Riders Club, a group of big bike enthusiasts from all over the country who have banded together some 40 years ago, is calling on all its members to join the club in a grand anniversary celebration on October 12, 2013.

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Porsche Press

Fifty years. Normally, that’s the time when age begins to take its toll; when the body doesn’t feel as lively, as agile, and as quick as it once was. However, the people at Porsche look at fifty very differently. Fifty makes one faster, stronger, and better than ever before; and judging by the iconic 911 sports car, Porsche seems to have discovered the fountain of youth.

Ford Philippines topped the recent 2013 J.D. Power Asia Pacific Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study for the Philippines, helping to highlight the Company’s commitment to provide an unmatched customer experience across its expanding network of nationwide Ford dealerships.

The introduction of Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4 marked another milestone in fuels technology in the country since it is still the first and only locally produced premium plus gasoline that meets all the parameters of the more stringent and environment-friendly Euro 4 standard.

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, continues to strengthen the presence of Caltex in high growth areas. Caltex with Techron, the only fuel with the unbeatable cleaning power of Techron, recently opened its 7th station in Lipa City, a recreational, religious, commercial, industrial and educational center in the region.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Fifty percent of the Philippine passenger car market—by any standard, a car that’s as sellable as this is also the most influential. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise then that the all-new Toyota Vios is the most important car of the year. Forget cup car racing or DJ parties, I finally got behind the wheel of this hotly-anticipated vehicle and here’s my verdict: damn, they got it right this time.

Calling all Mitsubishi owners!

Are you just dying to show off your classic Mitsubishi vehicle? Or maybe you want to let the whole nation know that your freshly-modified Mitsubishi vehicle is the coolest one of all?

Get your chance to show us what you got on October 18 - 20 at the Mitsubishi Fun Camp Concourse!

Wilkstark Marketing Corporation, the official distributor of Turtle Wax in the Philippines, launches the next generation Turtle Wax ICE® Premium Car Care Products.

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, today announced the arrival of the All-New BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, an innovative new concept that combines a Sedan’s dynamic, sports genes with the practicality and versatility of a Touring.

In a move to keep the tradition and commitment to continuous innovation,  Jaguar  Cars,  Inc. (JCI) unveiled the Jaguar F-Type today at the Jaguar Lifestyle Centre at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Celebrating its 10th year, the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), the country’s premier automotive award-giving body, formally launched the 2013-2014 season of the Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-P) and the Truck of the Year-Philippines (TOTY-P) at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang.

Being part of festivals is something that Filipinos are no strangers to. However, it is not every day that Filipinos get to experience and be part of a motorsports / racing festival in the Philippines. That is just about to change this October 12, 2013. The number one automotive company in the country, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) invites you to not miss the chance in experiencing waku-doki, or heart-racing fun, at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga! Just a short ride away from Manila, get to witness an electrifying racing competition as some of your favorite celebrities like Rhian Ramos and Aljur Abrenica go wheel-to-wheel as they compete in being the first champion of the Vios Cup! Led by the best-selling vehicle in the Philippines, see the Vios “race-ready” dashing in the tracks of the speedway!

Hyundai Motor Company, the fastest growing automotive company by brand, saw its brand value surge 20.5 percent from a year earlier to $9 billion, marking its highest-ever ranking of No. 43, according to brand consultancy Interbrand’s 2013 Best 100 Global Brands.

The lucky 1-millionth Petron Value Card (PVC) holder was recognized in simple ceremonies held at the Petron Sierra Madre gasoline station along EDSA, Mandaluyong City, last 06 September 2013. The lucky Petron Value Card holder was Ms. Puso Gabiola, a University of the Philippines graduate now working as a brand manager in a food solutions company. In recognition of this milestone, she received Php 8,000-worth of bonus points on her Petron Value Card, two sets of 8,000 Mabuhay Miles that can be used for two round-trip domestic flights on Philippine Airlines, and 8-liters of Petron Ultron.

While the term “haruroot” may loosely be translated to describe the act of speeding, or revving up one’s engine to achieve a faster acceleration, the members of this motorcycle riders’ club are hardly anything but speed addicts. They are in fact the most cautious type of riders, preferring to keep to their lane and stay on the safe side to avoid accidents.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

“That's a nice car,” said my wife's officemate as I dropped her off. This just proves that the Hyundai Accent CRDi Hatchback, even its modest MT guise still evokes the looks and style that can make people comment like that. Hyundai may have destined the CRDi MT as a fleet-friendly car, but it still has the right stuff to be of serious consideration.

In celebration of BMW’s continued leadership in the premium automotive segment, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, will be holding its biggest event for the year, the BMW XPO 2013, from October 4-6.