The country’s biggest and grandest consolidated test drive activity held last November 12-15, 2015 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds attracted an impressive turn-out of visitors and logged a huge number of test drives.  During the Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Test Drive (AFPCTD), the latest models available to the local market were featured and free test drives by the Philippines’ leading manufacturers and distributors were offered, all in a single venue. This unique pre-Christmas test drive program gave prospective car buyers and enthusiasts the opportunity to see or test drive the widest range of competing makes and models without having to go through the ordeal of having to run from one dealer to another in search of the model of their choice.

Representatives of Ayala-owned Honda Cars Makati, Inc. (HCMI) have once again proven the team’s expertise in the Body Repair and Paint arena after bagging major awards in the recently concluded 7th Body and Paint National Customer Service Skills Competition at Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

With a history spanning over 80 years, Nissan is currently the sixth largest automaker in the world and is home to some of the most iconic models ever made such as the Skyline GT-R, Fairlady Z, and Sylvia. With a name originating from “Nihon Sangyo” meaning Japan Industries, Nissan has a distinction of being one of the few automakers not named after its founder, a nod to its social responsibility.

By Ulysses Ang and Nissan Press

Aiming to bring some spice and excitement to its line-up, Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) has confirmed the impending arrival of the high-performance GT-R sports car into the country by the second half of 2016. The revelation was made by NPI President Antonio ‘Toti’ Zara at the NISMO Festival held at the Fuji International Speedway.

Nissan car owners will now have more reason to rediscover the excitement of Nissan, as Nissan Philippines has been steadily expanding its network reach via an aggressive expansion drive for its dealership network nationwide.

Since Peugeot’s re-launch in the Philippines in 2012, it’s been steadily adding new vehicles to its line-up. Now, it’s finally going back to the segment which started it all: the C-segment (compact car). Eurobrands Distributor, Inc. (EDI) is introducing the 2016 Peugeot 308 available in two body styles: hatchback and touring. Either way, they fuse function and efficiency with technological features and design.

Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (MIPI), the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country is treating you to exciting various payment schemes with low down payment, low monthly amortization up to 60 months, zero percent interest packages, and cash discounts deals until December 31, 2015.

Ford Motor Company today announced the appointment of Lance Mosley as managing director of Ford Philippines effective December 1, 2015.

The leadership of the Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) expressed elation upon announcing that their latest flagship model—the Isuzu mu-X—has recently breached the 10,000 mark, one year after being introduced locally.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is set to prove its mettle in the eyes of the public as they conduct this year’s Isuzu Off-Road Fest.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Blame APEC. The week with the Ford Focus was supposed to be one of fun and frugality; instead, it ended up as one filled with frustration. And it’s not because of the car. More than anything, it did make the horrendous Manila traffic crawl actually comfortable, but it didn’t validate the one thing that should’ve marked the Focus’s biggest improvement: fuel economy. Yes, with an average speed of 11 km/h (actually dipping to single digits by Friday), the Focus 1.5 EcoBoost eked out just 5.28 km/L.

Nissan is bringing to market the 2016 version of its sub-compact Almera—a car that’s been substantially refreshed in hopes of becoming the Filipino family’s first new car of choice. Lost in ubiquity before, the refreshed Almera offers new exterior and interior changes as well as the availability of a new drivetrain that reduces running costs.

Mitsubishi Motors has promised an update for its surprisingly brisk-selling Mirage (at least for the North American market). Making its debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2017 Mirage takes on the Attrage / G4’s front face along with a menu of detail improvements.

The class-defining new Ford Ranger has received the highest safety rating among all pickup trucks being tested by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP) with the highest evaluation of 15.45/16 points.

There are more reasons to be merry this Christmas as Volvo Philippines gives you complimentary treats for every purchase of a new Volvo. Choose from a selection of sought-after Apple and Samsung gadgets, appliances, and gift certificates that will make your Volvo ownership even more enjoyable.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia Motors vehicles in the Philippines, rolled out an early holiday treat for its fans with the Kia Forte Days of Christmas promo.
From now to December 31, 2015, all three variants of the all-new Kia Forte are available for as low as P 60,000 off of its original prices!

Mazda is finally bringing its KODO and Skyactiv treatment to the mid-sized crossover category with the introduction of the all-new CX-9 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Tailored for the North American market, Mazda expects to sell 80 percent of its annual CX-9 production there. Sales start in the spring of 2016.

The new Ford Explorer Sport arrives in the Philippines with more smart technologies powered by the ground-breaking EcoBoost engine technology. The new Explorer Sport delivers an ideal combination of form and function that has redefined yet again how the industry will think about the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment.

Ford is giving its compact crossover a substantial makeover for the 2017 model year, at least in North America. Launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the refreshed Escape packs two new EcoBoost engines as well as new connectivity and creature comfort features.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Despite its name, it seemed like the Chevrolet Captiva was merely content as the wallflower of the compact crossover segment. While everyone else boasted head-turning good looks or formidable performance (or both), the Captiva had an available diesel variant and seven seats. Sure, it was enough for a select few to part money for one, but the vast majority of Filipinos passed on it. Well, Chevrolet has finally understood that having a diesel and seven seats maybe good for few, but an updated styling and some spec tweaks are much more important. Enter the 2015 Captiva, a compact crossover that’s now slicker than your average.

As part of its commitment to “rediscover expectations”, Nissan Philippines is finally bringing car parts ordering to the modern era. Starting today, Nissan owners is bringing its parts network closer to its customer through the Nissan Parts Online platform. Through this special website, owners and enthusiasts can easily view and purchase genuine Nissan parts, accessories, and merchandise all from the comfort of their homes.

UPDATE 1: The post is updated with the official Press Release from CAGI (11/22).

The Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) has finally unveiled the much-awaited winners of the 2015 Car of the Year – Philippines and 2015 Truck of the Year – Philippines at a formal awards ceremony held at the Fontana Leisure Parks & Casino in Clark Field, Pampanga.

Toyota revealed the final piece of the IMV puzzle with the Indonesian launch of the all-new 2016 Innova. And like the Hilux and the Fortuner which were revealed before it, it successfully levels up the game in every aspect imaginable from design to drivetrain to sophistication. This could very well be the Filipino family’s next default choice.

Ever since the first-generation model, the Audi TT has always pushed the envelope in design and technology for the brand with four rings. The daring lines and cutting-edge engineering has always served as a barometer of technology which eventually trickles to the rest of the Audi line-up. The third-generation model, just launched by Audi Philippines, continues that tradition by offering an unforgettable mix of emotion, dynamism, and the high-tech.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the local arm of Japanese carmaker Isuzu, has recently snatched a monumental feat in the automotive industry as it breach the 200,000-sales barrier last October after more than 18 years in the market.

Ford Motor Company presents a series of entertaining short films that celebrate the theme of Small but Mighty. The shorts, created by emerging filmmakers from around the world, celebrate small acts and ideas that pack a mighty punch. The theme of Small but Mighty is inspired by Ford’s much-celebrated range of EcoBoost engines.

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, turned over a fleet of BMW 7 Series vehicles to the APEC 2015 National Organizing Council (APEC-NOC). As the APEC 2015 Summit’s official premium mobility partner, BMW is sponsoring vehicles to serve as shuttles for esteemed delegates throughout the international summit.

Just leave it to your dealers to have loose lips when it comes to a new model launch. We’re still a good two months away from the official sale of the 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, but brochures and spec sheets have begun to leak out even if the official website has most of its links labeled as “Coming Soon”.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, was recently presented the highly-coveted 2015 Kia Zenith Club Award in Livingstone, Zambia. The distinction is conferred by Kia Motors Corporation to a select group of global distributors that have exemplified excellence in their respective local markets.

In an effort to uphold safety and maintain satisfaction among Nissan customers, Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI), has issued a voluntary recall campaign for select vehicle models due to faulty passenger airbag inflators. This effort follows the lead of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., in light of the defective Smokeless Passenger Inflators (SPI) from Japanese auto parts supplier Takata.

You know it’s the Holiday Season when fuel companies start offering you toys for fueling up. After the success of its previous collectible promotion, Petron is now offering something for all Lamborghini fans out there.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, announces the availability of the New City 1.5 E CVT Special Edition. The New City 1.5 E CVT Special Edition is equipped with new features exclusive to the Philippine market.

After taking it for a spin around Adelaide some months back, Ford Philippines has finally unveiled the 2016 Focus for the Philippine market. The refreshed Focus boasts of a more modern exterior, refined interior, and new levels of sophistication to its class. It also comes in a simplified number of variants all powered by a single engine.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Since taking over in 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation’s President Akio Toyoda had one simple goal for the company: make cars that bring joy to the driving experience. Roughly six years on, the world’s largest automaker has been delivering on this promise by creating cars that are uniquely designed and well-engineered. But what sort of future does Toyota foresee? What kind of driving wonder can people expect decades from now?

Photos by Ulysses Ang

You can’t help but think that all this talk about Dynamic Shield design and Mitsubishi’s SUV vision at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show only served as previews to the main event: the 2016 Montero Sport. Forget the glitz and the glamour of the concept cars and JDM models—this is the one of the most important and most awaited cars of 2016. After a two-hour bus ride to Fujinomiya, a small town near Mt. Fuji, a fleet of Montero Sports stood proud. Contrary to other media drive events, there were no rules here. As long as non-drivers stayed away from the track, you can flog it as hard as you’d like. Flogged it everyone did and everything is right with the world.

Sharing the stage with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Tetsuro Aikawa is a new crossover painted in an unforgettable shade of retina-searing yellow: the eX or Electric Crossover Concept. It’s bold and dynamic interpretation of the brand’s Dynamic Shield design is sure to capture the imagination of the public worldwide, but beyond that, it signals a new direction for Mitsubishi as a whole.

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Nissan Press

Autonomous driving is the name of the game for manufacturers at the Tokyo Motor Show. Over at Nissan, they presented their vision of automated driving along with zero emissions in the form of the IDS Concept.

Porsche unveiled a new variant of its performance crossover, the Macan at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015: the Macan GTS. Like the rest of the GTS range, the Macan GTS features black accents, unique wheels, seats, and GTS specific badging.

A year after its revival, Nissan has announced the market expansion of its Datsun sub-brand to other markets such as Africa, the Middle East, South East Asia, and more. This announcement was made at a special event at the Nissan Global Headquarters in Yokohama. The announcement coincided with the first anniversary of Datsun’s sales start in South Africa—the fourth market where Datsun was re-launched.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Driven by “The Power of Dreams”, Honda has always been striving to create new values by converging people’s dreams with the dreams of its own engineers and designers. Since the Super Cub’s debut in 1958, Honda has offered mobility solutions that not only provide dependable Point A to Point B transportation, but also allow people to expand their potential. Though lost in the past few years, Honda is again showing that renowned DNA once more.

Another 19 vehicles went through the Car Awards Group, Inc.'s (CAGI) testfest last October 27, 2015 at the Fontana Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga. This third testing day brought the award giving body one-step closer in the search for the 2015 Car of the Year – Philippines (COTY – P) and Truck of Year Philippines (TOTY – P).

Petron, the country’s leading fuel brand, was the the official fuel sponsor of the 2nd Tour de Cebu, held last October 3 to 5, 2015. Twenty-two vintage sports cars manufactured on or before 1972 participated in the event.

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Subaru Press

Fuji Heavy Industries, the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, used the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015 to show the first and most important piece of its mid-term “Prominence 2020” corporate vision: the Impreza 5-Door Concept. Although purely a design concept previewing Subaru’s entry-level model, the Impreza 5-Door Concept does show cues that hint at the design direction of the entire future line-up.

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Mazda Press

“Never Stop Challenging” has guided Mazda in everything it has done—from the revival of the classic roadster formula in the MX-5 to the engineering behind Skyactiv technology. Of all their accomplishments though, it’s the mass production of the piston-less rotary or Wankel engine starting with the Cosmo Sport and its application in motorsports, particularly the 787B Le Mans racer, that has made it household name for enthusiasts.

Euro 4 Caltex with Techron gasoline is now available in Caltex stations in Metro Manila and select major cities with full availability nationwide by the end of the year.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) recently lend an i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) unit to Visayan Electric Company (VECO) for demo purposes. VECO is the second largest electric utility in the Philippines. It serves the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay, Naga and four municipalities of the greater part of Metro Cebu - Liloan, Consolacion, Minglanilla and San Fernando.

After an exciting year of aggressive and highly engaging marketing campaigns for its new generation products like Zest, Bolt and GenX Nano, Tata Motors is all set to make huge strides in marketing its new product line-up, inspired by its Horizonext strategy. The Company has signed-up the football player star, 4 consecutive times Best Player of the World, Lionel Messi, in a long-term association as it global brand ambassador to promote and endorse its passenger vehicles, globally. To start with, Tata Motors will first roll-out the association campaign, #madeofgreat, starring Lionel Messi.

Carmudi Philippines, the country’s premier online vehicle marketplace, recently forged a partnership with the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) that will culminate with Carmudi’s role as presenter of the 2015 Car of the Year – Philippines (COTY-P) and 2015 Truck of the Year – Philippines  (TOTY-P) awards.

The awarding ceremonies are set to be held on November 13, 2015 at the Fontana Golden Pavillion as part of the Fontana Clark Auto Motorama 2015.  (From left to right): Kris Lim, Head of PR and Marketing, Carmudi Philippines; Subir Lohani, Managing Director, Carmudi Philippines;  Robby Consunji, President, CAGI; and Ronnie Trinidad, Corporate Secretary, CAGI.

Suzuki Philippines Inc (SPH) had a full calendar of events in September, inaugurating no less than three dealerships and holding a groundbreaking ceremony of another outlet across four key cities in Luzon, to continue to bring the Suzuki Way of Life to more Filipinos nationwide.