Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) continues to expand its dealership network as it recently opened its 32nd full-service dealership, Honda Cars CamSur (Pili) - HCCP. In constantly providing total customer satisfaction, Honda marks its official entry in Bicol region and brings world-class quality products and services easily accessible to Bicolanos. The dealership is located along San Jose, National Highway, Pili, Camarines Sur with sales operations from Monday to Sunday (8:00AM to 6:30PM) and service operations from Monday to Saturday (8:00AM to 5:00PM).

The all-new Ford Transit 15-passenger wagon makes its debut in the United States and Canada with the industry’s only five-row side-curtain airbag.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Dearborn, MICHIGAN—Ford underscored the importance of its licensing business (which brings in more than US$ 2 billion per year) by introducing yet another addition to its successful product tie-ups: the Ford F-150 Power Wheels. The ride-on toy, which is developed and sold by Fisher-Price takes the iconic F-150 to an entirely new dimension: one that kids will love and enjoy. It will be sold for US$ 349.99 (~PHP 16,100.00) beginning in September for the US market. This marks the third-generation ride-on toy inspired by the F-150 and though pricey, it actually can tackle rough terrain and even features LED headlights just like the real thing!

The 5th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) will treat this year’s visitors to an exclusive tour of the local motoring history with an exhibit of 12 iconic vehicles to highlight this year’s theme “Progress in Motion”.
Organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), the country’s premiere automotive exhibition will showcase a rare collection of automobiles from the 1950’s to the 2010’s that shaped the automotive landscape of the country in the last 60 years.

Toyota Motor Corporation has revealed the exterior design and Japan pricing of its hydrogen fuel cell sedan, first unveiled as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last year.

The car will launch in Japan before April 2015, and preparations are underway for launches in the U.S. and European markets in the summer of 2015.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, inaugurates Official Honda Accessory Corner business in two pilot dealers Honda Cars Greenhills (HCGH)  and Honda Cars San Pablo (HCSP) .

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Dearborn, Michigan—At the eve of the Further with Ford Trend Conference, Ford Motor Company unveiled the all-new, second-generation Edge crossover at their world headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan Considered now as part of Ford’s “global product portfolio”, the all-new Edge could find its way to markets such as South East Asia and the Philippines where it is seriously being considered (it’s actually sold already in markets such as China). Innovation and design come together truly as the 2015 Edge packs a fresh new design, more interior technology, and more fuel-efficient drivetrains than its predecessor.

So, Honda has finally released their all-new, Jazz. But where does it sit next to its competition? Well, we’ve stacked it up against its most likely competition in the sub-compact, gasoline-powered hatchback segment: Chevrolet Sonic 1.4 LTZ, Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost, Kia Rio 1.4 EX, Mazda2 1.5, and Toyota Yaris 1.5 G. We actually wanted to pit it against the Suzuki Swift 1.4 as well, but data for its interior dimensions are rather hard to find.

UPDATE 1: See how the 2014 Honda Jazz stacks up against the competition (6/25).

Honda Cars Philippines is continuing its product-led comeback with the release of the all-new, third-generation Jazz—the sub-compact hatchback that promises to be the only car you need for all the lives you need. Dynamically styled with an intelligently designed interior, the all-new Jazz also promises to be one of the sportiest, most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.

Eagerly awaited by both the motoring public and the automobile industry, Sunshine Television (STV) will again launch its annual awards program to seek out the Philippines’ most popular automobiles. The 3-month public poll for the Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFPCA) gets underway on July 1, 2014 with a banner field of candidate models vying for much-coveted honors.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Dismissing the Tata Xenon based on looks alone is like giving Kate Upton the cold shoulder just because she’s fat. Filipinos are certainly drawn to cars first and foremost for how it looks. We love the angles and the curves. But let me tell you this: pass on the Xenon at your own peril. Beneath the oddball looks sit one of the most class-competitive pick-up drivetrain and chassis you can find. Yes, Philippines—the Xenon’s worth a look if you give it a shot.

The Mona Lisa, The Beatles, The MINI—how do you improve on the original? This is a common conundrum facing instantly recognizable, unequivocal classics. In the case of the MINI, a car with a long and storied history, they have taken not just the car’s DNA, but its very spirit and crafted something new and yet familiar at the same time. It begins with a clean sheet design where each and every surface is made sleeker and curvier. And then, it goes to the interior, with a new man-machine interface that puts the driver in unparalleled control. Finally, under the body, a new drivetrain developed from the ground-up to give the most smiles per kilometer. In short, to say that the 2014 MINI is all-new is an understatement; yet a passing glance is enough to say, this is a MINI through and through. Meet the all-new MINI, the new original.

Fueled by the drive to continually create customer experiences that truly matter, Ayala-owned Honda Cars Makati, Inc. (HCMI) has come up with several means and ways to attend to the needs and requirements of its customers at their utmost convenience.

The number one automotive company in the country, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC), continues to focus its efforts in genuine customer service as seen in its dealer expansion this 2014. Just this month, the company opened two (2) new dealerships in Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Taytay, Rizal ready to serve its customers in nearby areas. To date, Toyota’s network of dealerships has already reached 43 and this number is expected to increase further by the end of the year.

Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Group, has received the prestigious Lifetime Design Achievement Award from EyesOn Design.

Michelin and their team-up with the Audi Sport Team proved fruitful yet again with a one-two triumph at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans. Both the new Audi R18 e-tron Quattro racecars were fitted with a new type of Michelin racing tires.

The rains are here and Suzuki is helping its customers prepare their cars for the floods and traffic. Suzuki Philippines, the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company in the country, is offering Free Check-Up Service Campaign to its loyal customers. On June 20 and 21, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Suzuki customers in Quezon City can avail of the free 23-point car check-up during the Suzuki @ Work service camp at Suzuki Auto Commonwealth.

Once again, Chevrolet is starring in one of this year’s most awaited and biggest movies: Transformers: Age of Extinction. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this trailer courtesy of the folks from Chevrolet Philippines.

Transformers: Age of Extinction will show in Philippine cinemas on June 25.

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 sending lucky BMW buyers to the BMW World 2014, the biggest single-brand motor show, to be held at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Rainy weather and wet roads demand greater care and precaution whilst driving. Just a few meters may make that significant difference you need to avoid an accident.

Chery Cars Philippines aims to empower wage and salary workers so that they can have their own vehicles or start their own businesses through easy loan access.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), reaches 2,500 All New City reservations since the introduction of the model last April 22. Accumulated All New City reservations in just a month signals how HCPI’s primary model has successfully set new standards in the subcompact category.

In front of nearly 300,000 spectators, Audi continued its unique string of victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours. In the 82nd running of the world’s most important endurance race, Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) and Lucas di Grassi/Marc Gené/Tom Kristensen (BR/E/DK) made for a one-two Audi victory.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

No matter how you look at it, the C-segment is both getting crowded and shrinking at the same time. It’s crowded because there are at least 12 choices out there from Japanese, Korean, American, and German makes; it’s shrinking because the higher price tag of these once so-called “people’s car” has made buyers either move up towards crossovers (seen as better value) or move down towards B-segment cars (seen as more affordable to own and maintain). These facts could be a potential bummer if you consider compact cars to form an integral part of your vehicle line-up. In other words, you end up either shaping up or shipping out. In the case of the all-new Mazda3, it’s been shaped into the sharpest katana out there. Hattori Hanzo better watch out, there’s a new killer sedan on the loose.

Sorry for the delay—admitted it was us slacking off. No actually, it’s been a very busy May for us so we forgot to post the Philippine Car Price Guide. Anyway, we’re making up for it by combining it with the June edition.
Here’s a quick rundown on the newest additions and updates this month:

• BMW X5
• Chevrolet Spin (price increase)
• Ford Everest (price decrese)
• Ford Ranger (new variants)
• Honda Civic Modulo and MUGEN
• Hyundai (various model variant and price adjustments)
• Mazda2 1.3 Speed
• Mazda6 Skyactiv (price increase)
• Mazda CX-5 Pro (price increase)
• Mitsubishi Lancer EX 1.6 MX (price increase)
• Nissan (model adjustments)
• Suzuki Ertiga
• Suzuki Swift

Now is the best time to catch the Volkswagen Jetta and Tiguan as the limited introductory offer draws to an end. The two models from Volkswagen’s stable will revert to its original pricing by 30 June 2014, so this is the perfect moment to purchase a Volkswagen with the Jetta being offered at P1,098,000 and the Tiguan at P1,990,000.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) racked up sales that totaled 3,217 units in May, reflecting 23% year-on-year growth from the 2,615 units posted in the same month last year.  Enjoying sustained double-digit growth since the start of the year, AVID saw its year-to-date sales up by 16% to a total of 14,929 units.

Termite-infested walls, leaky ceilings, rusted roofs, faulty electrical outlets and dilapidated bathrooms. These were some of the conditions that 132 volunteers consisting of employees and contractors from Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex fuel and lubricants, and Chevron Holdings Inc. (CHI), a pioneer multi-functional shared services center, tackled on a simultaneous Brigada Eskwela effort in Laurel and Bayanan Elementary School in Batangas, San Agustin Elementary School in La Union and Tandayag Elementary School in Negros Oriental.

A total of 17 drivers lined-up on the grid at the first leg of the 2014 Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring Car Championship. Held last June 1 at the Batangas Racing Circuit, competitors were divided into four classes based on horsepower, with 2 cars racing in GT 300, 4 in GT 200, 9 in GT 150, and 2 in GT 100.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, notched up an exceptional 23% growth in sales for the month of May to 2,094 units versus the 1,708 units posted in the same month last year. Coming from months of steady growth, the upswing in the May sales performance contributed to the 5% year-to-date sales growth of Hyundai to a total of 9,723 units.

It might seem that tomatoes and cars have nothing in common. But researchers at Ford Motor Company and H.J. Heinz Company see the possibility of an innovative union.

Researchers at Ford and Heinz are investigating the use of tomato fibers in developing sustainable, composite materials for use in vehicle manufacturing. Specifically, dried tomato skins could become the wiring brackets in a Ford vehicle or the storage bin a Ford customer uses to hold coins and other small objects.

Last June 4-8, 2014, Yamaha held their Yamaha International Motorshow at SM MOA, Atrium Hall. This event shows off the innovative and unique features of its local and global models, as well as its various new products for 2014. Yamaha aims to bring in to every customer the new Yamaha exciting world, which will be showcased in this 5-day event.

Remember that video where Tanner Foust drove the hell out of a 2015 Volkswagen GTI? Well, here is something even more special. Watch a 600-horsepower McLaren F1 GTR, the one they use at the 24-Hours of Le Mans being driven with GoPros attached. Yes, the car is about 20 years old, but the sound is gloriously awesome. BMW V12 FTW!

Subaru and its tuning division, Subaru Technica International (STI) has successfully shaken down its 2014 Nurburgring 24-Hour Endurance Race car in the lead up to the race which will be held at the grueling Nurburgring Circuit in Germany from June 19-22. This year marks the seventh consecutive year that Subaru and STI will participate at the event.

Well, the cat’s out of the bag. Officially. Nissan has unveiled its all-new, 12th generation pick-up truck, the Navara (officially known as the NP300 Navara). This new global market model is backed-up by Nissan’s 80-history in the pick-up truck genre and promises to meet the demands of individuals and business owners alike.

The all-new NP300 Navara boasts of better fuel economy, improved performance, a more rigid frame, and more importantly to owners, lower running costs.

As the summer season comes to a close and the rainy days soon to arrive, one needs a reliable and safe vehicle that will take you places without sacrificing your budget. This month, the number one automotive company in the country, extends its various offerings that are bound to excite you! Choose from several financing options that will suit your budget with Toyota’s promotions this June!

Isuzu executives held a ceremonial toast to open the 2014 Isuzu Truck Fest Manila at the SMX

Already having a firm hold on the country’s commercial vehicle segment, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) in its 2014 Truck Fest Manila showcases the diversity of Isuzu’s product range, which ensures the brand’s continued leadership in the local market.

It seems there is proof in the pudding. Subaru announced that in a final timed run on the Isle of Man TT Course, Mark Higgins driving a 2015 Subaru WRX STI (our 2014) breaks his lap record of the fabled 37-mile course with an average lap speed of 117.510 MPH (189.114 km/h) and a time of 19 minutes and 15 seconds. In Higgins’ record lap earlier this week, several errors caused him to lose time and he was determined to get more out of car. This new lap record breaks the 116.470 MPH average and time of 19:26 set Wednesday. The previous record of 115.36 MPH was set in 2011 in a WRX STI.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

India is one of the most misunderstood countries in the world. From an outsider looking in, it’s simply the country of snake-charmers, curry, and turbans. The truth, however, couldn’t be any further. In fact, India is a true microcosm of the world; a country where polar opposites meet and seem to coexist: overflowing wealthy to extreme poverty, highly-urbanized super cities to untouched rural landscapes. This is the sort of world where Suzuki flourishes, one where they are considered the unrivalled number one.

Ford Motor Company and Samsung SDI, an affiliate of Samsung Group,announced research on different levels of hybrid technology that could one day be produced in high volume on non-hybrid vehicles for greater fuel savings.

The sub-compact hatchback segment just got more interesting as Suzuki Philippines, Inc., the only integrated motorcycle and automobile company in the country launched a new variant of its popular and well-loved Swift. The new Swift 1.2 continues to have the same sporty style and zippy drive but now with even better fuel efficiency and lower emissions thanks to its new powertrain.

CAC executives led by Chairman, Jose Ch. Alvarez (2nd from L), and CAC President, Ginia R. Domingo (rightmost), were all smiles as they welcomed Head Coach Manny Pacquiao. PBA Commissioner, Atty. Angelico “Chito” Salud and Team Kia’s manager, Eric Pineda, were also on-hand to witness the historic announcement.

History on the hard court was made as Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, welcomed Congressman Manny Pacquiao as Team Kia Head Coach.

During a Press Conference held last June 9, 2014 at the CAC Headquarters in Makati, CAC formally announced to members of the media the sports icon’s new role.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno (3rd from right) graced the occasion and took part in the ceremonial drive with IPC President Nobuo Izumina (3rd from left) and Isuzu CDO Assistant General Manager George Ongchua (extreme right). Also present at launch, from left: IPC VP for Sales Daisuke Inaba, IPC SVP for Sales Arthur Balmadrid, and, Isuzu CDO President Frank Rolida.

There can be no doubting it now: The Isuzu D-Max leads the pack when it comes to off-road driving.

This was demonstrated once more as the 2014 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 Drive Series continued to impress in its fourth staging, which was held from June 6 to 8, 2014 in Cagayan de Oro City. The off-road driving activity, which already saw three previous editions in Pampanga, Cebu and Bacolod, consistently showed participants the unmatched capabilities and value-for-money proposition of the D-Max pickup.

It’s time to celebrate freedom and show off that Ayos Vibe at the #OneViberPH party on June 11, at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Showcasing the best of the Philippines in music and art, #OneViberPH is the freedom party for the modern Filipino.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The horsepower race is so last decade; nowadays, car manufacturers strive to extract more mileage out of every drop of fuel. Unworldly technology such as gasoline-electric hybrids, energy storing capacitors, and the like has now become mainstream. Of course, the most proven engine technology that gives more mileage for every drop of fuel is diesel. It’s been around for as long as the automobile has existed and yet, manufacturers are finding ways to make it more powerful, more refined, and at the end of the day, more fuel efficient. One such example is the new Hyundai Accent CRDi sedan.

The number one car company in the country has once again made history in the automotive industry by recording 9,132 units in a single month last May. Coming from two consecutive months (March & April) of selling more than 8,000 units, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) proved that it can go even further by breaching the 9k sales mark last month.

Ford Philippines today announced its best-ever May sales performance, with sales rising 39 percent from a year earlier to 1,711 units driven by the all-new EcoSport, all-new Ranger, and Everest.  This brings Ford’s year-to-date sales to 7,167 units, up 43 percent from a year earlier.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) bagged its fourth distributorship excellence award at the Hyundai Global Distributorship Conference. This new victory now totals five major international citations from Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) Korea for the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the appointment of Fintan Knight as Director of Sales and Marketing. He replaces Jolyon Nash who has decided to leave Rolls-Royce at the end of June to pursue interests outside the company.