February 2017 | CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

February 28, 2017

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is Officially Back as Eclipse Cross (w/ 21 Photos)

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is back. And no, your eyes aren’t deceiving you; it’s a crossover. Set to debut at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show next week, Mitsubishi is resurrecting the nameplate of its storied coupe, calling it the Eclipse Cross. The Eclipse Cross is a global model that will be sold in Europe first, but will eventually make it to other markets such as Japan, North America, Australia, and other regions.

In line with the roll out of its Philippine-produced Mirage G4, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has revealed bullish expansion plans in the Southeast Asian region. In a report by the Nikkei Asian Review, Mitsubishi is planning to broaden its dealership network across the region by 20 percent while doubling its workforce in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand by 2020.

To a huge degree, the 2017 Strada GT answers all the criticisms leveled against Mitsubishi’s pickup truck offering when it first came out two years ago. From the removal of the toothy chrome grille to the application of the latest MIVEC clean diesel engine, the Strada GT has finally hit all the right notes and this should easily sway the buying public to take notice of it once more.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Presents First Locally Assembled Mirage G4 to President Duterte

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is betting big on the continued growth of the local automotive industry as the company presented the first Mirage G4 manufactured at its 21-hectare assembly plant in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Ford is ready to terrorize racetracks everywhere with the new Ford GT Competition Series. Built atop the winning foundation that’s the Ford GT, the Competition Series has gone on a diet, particularly on the upper areas that shifts the center of gravity lower. This maximizes road-holding and enables drivers to fully exploit the 647 horsepower, 3.5-liter twin turbo V6 engine.

Volkswagen Philippine is wasting no time in bringing in their commercial vehicle line-up in a bid to double their sales in 2017. Just a few weeks after announcing that it’s now authorized to sell the brand’s commercial vehicles, their first salvo, the Crafter, is ready to make its Philippine market debut at the Manila International Auto Show at the end of March.

Chupa Chups: Not Just Sweet Treats Anymore

There are many who still remember Chupa Chups as a childhood treat that’s sweet as it is comforting. But now, Chupa Chups has evolved from being just a candy treat into something that can freshen up any household, office, or even automotive interiors.

Actress Margot Robbie has been revealed as Nissan’s new electric vehicle (EV) ambassador by racing the carmaker’s radical all-electric BladeGlider sports car around the world-famous Monaco Grand Prix circuit, at midnight.

Around 2.7 four-wheeled vehicles are stolen every day, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) records. In fact, it went to as high as 3.18 per day in November 2015! No one wants to be a victim certainly, but in case it does happen, here are some tips to help when your car gets stolen.

Carlos Ghosn Steps Down as Nissan CEO

The man credited to the revitalization of Nissan is stepping down as its Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2017. Carlos Ghosn, who has served as Nissan’s CEO for the past 18 years is being replaced by Hiroto Saikawa. Ghosn though will continue to serve as Nissan’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, a role he is expected to continue after the company’s general shareholders meeting in June.

UPDATE 1: And now, LTO is reiterating the No OR/CR, No Travel once more. (3/8).

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has deferred the implementation of the No OR/CR, No Travel Policy for 3 months (90 days) effective today (but there is a catch) . This agreement was reached from a meeting chaired by LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante with vehicle dealers.

True to their promise of protecting automobiles and motorists, Prestone has reached another milestone in their journey of providing trusted, proven, and quality car care solutions.

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA), which comprises motorcycle manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kymco, breached the 1 million sales mark for the first time as it capped off 2016 with a 34 percent year-on-year (YoY) sales growth.

If reports are to be believed, then you’re looking at the last normally-aspirated V12 Ferrari ever. Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the Ferrari 812 Superfast. Set to be launched at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, the 812 Superfast is the most powerful and fastest car in Ferrari’s 70-year history and takes over the reins from the F12berlinetta and F12tdf.

10 Reasons to Love the 2017 Audi A4

The compact executive sedan segment is packed with choices, making it a nightmare for car makers but a boon for consumers who’re now spoiled for choices. In designing and engineering the all-new A4, Audi welcomed the challenge with inspiration and determination as they’ve vastly improved the already impressive A4. Last year, pundits bestowed accolade after accolade on the A4 making it a car that not only deserves a look, but a whole lot of loving as well.

Luxury British brand Aston Martin has officially unveiled the all-new DB11 in Manila. The first product launched under the company’s “Second Century” plan, DB11 is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting grand tourer in the finest Aston Martin tradition. With the vehicle unveiled for the first time in the Philippines today, the DB11 has already garnered much attention in the market.

Motul Aims for World Endurance Championship Glory with Rebellion Racing

Motul has just signed up to be the official lubricant partner of the Rebellion Racing team. The Swiss-based outfit will enter two Oreca 07-Gibson LMP2 prototypes at the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans and 8 other rounds of the World Endurance Championship. At the same time, they will be entering in the North American Endurance Cup which includes the Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring 12 Hours.

Chevron Philippines Inc., marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, looks forward to more milestones in 2017 after wrapping up a fruitful 2016 marked by retail expansion, new, and strengthened partnerships, and more customer value rewards propositions.

Better late than never is an adage perfectly suited to the Hyundai Veloster. While the rest of the world enjoyed its unique and quirky style since 2011, the Philippines had to wait a full five years before this compact hatchback officially made its way to Hyundai showrooms. Those five years was excruciatingly long, filled in-between with “will they” or “won’t they” statements. But now that the Veloster is finally in Manila, in the performance-oriented Turbo guise no less, is it worth the wait?

Ford Invests in Argo AI in Bid for Autonomous Driving Tech

Ford Motor Company announced it is investing US$1 billion during the next five years in Argo AI, an artificial intelligence company, to develop a virtual driver system for the automaker’s autonomous vehicle coming in 2021 – and for potential license to other companies.

In continued dedication to serving a platter of exceptional services to its valued clientele, Volvo Philippines once again offers their Keys to a Gourmet Experience program. In partnership with Shangri-la at the Fort, Volvo car owners from 1994 to present, need only to present their Volvo car key at the café reception to avail themselves of a 50 percent complimentary rate at High Street Café.

FAQ: Everything You to Need to Know About Temporary Plates and No OR/CR, No Travel

UPDATE 2: Standardized temporary plates has been postponed. Read it here (3/8).

UPDATE 1: The LTO has suspended the No OR/CR, No Travel for now. Read it here (2/23).

Standardized temporary plates? No OR/CR, No Travel policy? Confused with all this? Get all the answers to your questions here. For ease of reading, we have indicated key words in bold.

For years, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, has paved the way in pushing the boundaries of premium mobility in the Philippines. In 2016, the brand continued its 14-year streak as the leader of the luxury car segment. To mark this milestone, BMW is providing its valued clientele with an exclusive opportunity to visit its hometown, Munich, Germany.

2017 Porsche Panamera Lands in Manila (w/ 19 Photos)

The world’s only true sports car in the luxury sedan world, the Porsche Panamera, sees a complete revamp that now makes it a true embodiment of a luxury sedan and sports car in one. Developed for sports car drivers who appreciate the comfort of four doors and four seats, the all-new Panamera packs high-performance capabilities with true grand touring comfort.

Motor Image Pilipinas says now is the best time to drive home a Subaru XV. The exclusive distributor of Subaru in the country is offering the best-selling compact crossover for as much as P 200,000 off with their “Drive and Save” promo.

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the Philippines’ official distributor of Hyundai vehicles, in partnership with the Areza Group, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hyundai Trucks & Buses dealership. Hyundai Trucks & Buses Calamba is expected to be open for business by June 2017.

The LTO's Problems Will Affect Your Car Buying Experience

UPDATE 3: No OR/CR, No Travel Policy here back. Read it here (3/8).

UPDATE 2: The LTO has suspended the No OR/CR, No Travel Policy. Read it here. (2/23).

UPDATE 1: Read our FAQ here (2/19).

Plate or no plate, standardized temporary plate or not, the Land Transportation Office or LTO is planning to implement the penalties prescribed in Republic Act 4136 otherwise known as the Traffic Code of the Philippines, particularly the fine for operating an unregistered vehicle. And while everything seems rosy if you talk to the LTO itself, the situation on the street is very different. In fact, there’s a very big problem. And it will affect your car buying experience; perhaps even more than the impending excise tax increase.

Kia’s cutesy super mini is getting an extensive update this 2017 (for the 2018 model year) featuring a bolder exterior design and modern cabin. The all-new Kia Picanto, which officially bows in at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, will go on sale in Europe starting mid this year with other markets to follow shortly.

Volkswagen Philippines, the Number One European car brand in the country, will be among the key participants in the “Mabuhay Germany 2017” trade, culture, and lifestyle event happening at Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig City on February 18 and 19.

Hyundai just showed off the all-new Accent at the Canadian International Auto Show. Since its launch in 1994, the car has steadily gained popularity and built a firm foundation for the fifth-generation model.

Toyota Global Hybrid Sales Surpass 10 Million Units

Toyota Motor Corporation is proud to announce cumulative global hybrid vehicle (HV) sales of 10.05 million units as of January 31, surpassing the 10 million unit mark. More than a numerical milestone, this demonstrates the staying power of a technology that is now emerging as a mainstream solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

Consumers’ appetite for vehicles with greater fuel efficiency and performance has led Ford to invest in a new aerodynamic testing complex that will house a next-generation rolling road wind tunnel and state-of-the-art climatic chamber. The new facility will come complete with testing advancements that better match the technological development of Ford products – both production vehicles and racing vehicles.

After being crowned as the country’s best-selling European car brand, Volkswagen Philippines remains bullish this year. Mr. Klaus Schadewald, Chief Operating Adviser of Volkswagen Philippines revealed that the company is confident in doubling their 2016 sales. This brings the German brand past the 2,000-unit mark this year.

Volkswagen Philippines, the best-selling European car brand in the country, held an appreciation night on February 15 for members of the local media at the Atrium of the Enderun Colleges, McKinley Hill in Taguig.

LTO Mandates Uniform Temporary Plates

UPDATE 6: LTO postpones uniform temporary plates, but No OR/CR, No Travel is back. Read it here. (3/8).

UPDATE 5: LTO suspends No OR/CR, No Travel Policy. Read it here. (2/23).

UPDATE 4: Read our FAQ here (2/19).

UPDATE 3: LTO is now implementing a No OR/CR, No Travel policy as prescribed by law (2/18).

UPDATE 2: Oh, now there are fines involved (2/16).

UPDATE 1: We have updated the article with new information (2/15).

It seems that the Land Transportation Office or LTO is raising the white flag when it comes to the issuance of vehicle license plates; you know, the metallic kind? Stating the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code” of the Philippines, the LTO is issuing new and very specific guidelines covering the use of conduction stickers in lieu of license plates effective today, February 15, 2017.

Reports of the Mitsubishi Lancer’s demise are greatly exaggerated, but only if you live in China or Taiwan. China Motors Corporation (CMC), a Taiwan-based automaker has been cranking out market-specific designs of Mitsubishi models for quite some time. The company, which is partly owned by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, has them tweaking the three-diamond’s long-serving compact sedan that’s been re-christened, Grand Lancer.

Two of the country’s leading transport and logistics specialists have linked together in their common goal of addressing the domestic economy’s mobility requirements.

Mitsubishi Confirms Return of Eclipse as a Crossover

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is confirming that the Eclipse name is returning; only this time, it’ll be on a crossover. As previously reported, the Eclipse name will be used on a new compact crossover. The Eclipse Cross will make its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Since 2012, Volvo Philippines has recognized upstanding individuals through the Volvo Ironmark Award. Given to a very select few, including Manny Pacquiao on its first year, this discerning accolade recognizes the achievements and notable contributions of an individual in his or her field. In addition, that individual’s success in overcoming both personal or professional endeavors are also given due credit especially if he or she has set such high standards, provided industry benchmarks or pushed the envelope in innovative ideas and programs.

Thanks to the continued trend towards downsized engines, carmakers are now adopting technologies once reserved for performance-oriented cars. One such technology is turbocharging. By forcing more air into the combustion chamber using an exhaust gas-driven turbine, the engine is made to produce more power despite a smaller displacement. Even the “every man’s car”, the compact car class is now home to three choices using turbocharged engines. The best seller among them is the all-new Civic RS.

PIAA Helps Toyota Return Back to Winning Ways in WRC

Toyota returned to the winner’s circle in the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the first time since Rally China in 1999. After finishing second in the opening Monte Carlo Rally last January, the Yaris WRC scored its first win at the Rally Sweden with Jari-Matti Latvala in the driver’s seat.

Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc. (PTAJ), the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors in the Philippines officially opened Tata Motors Tarlac last January 27, 2017.

Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, has cemented its position amongst the leaders of automotive safety innovation with its new S90 sedan and V90 wagon by being the first car maker to score a full six points in the Autonomous Emergency Braking for Pedestrians (AEB Pedestrian) test procedure and an overall 5-star rating for both cars.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. recently awarded the winners of “It’s The Most Wonderful Deal of the Year” campaign at Honda Cars Kalookan (HCKI) last February 3, 2017.

Ford Philippines Sales Continue to Rise in January 2017

Ford Philippines announced that January retail sales rose 2.5 percent year-over-year to 2,519 vehicles, led by continued strong demand for its EcoSport, Everest, and Ranger nameplates.

After all those “hugot” videos from fast food giant Jollibee, it’s time to spread some positive love vibes this Valentine’s Day. Luckily for us, Volkswagen Philippines is doing just that with the “Be My Love Bug” Valentine’s campaign. Oh, and it’s the perfect way to introduce the new company tagline: “It’s More Than Just a Car.” Enjoy the video after the break.

5 Common Refueling Myths Debunked

Refueling your car is an often misunderstood act and it can be quite confusing to uninitiated car owners. Most won’t even care what goes on after the nozzle goes into the tank for as long as the fuel needle reads “full” after a couple of minutes. This carefree attitude towards pumping gas has led to the spread of refueling myths, some of which have spread again and again.

Porsche successfully achieved another record year with deliveries of 5,589 cars in the Asia Pacific region. Once again, Porsche Asia Pacific exceeded its 2015 record. Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia continue to be the key drivers of growth in the region while Thailand and the Philippines show significant positive development.

The ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) announced that the full squad of four Ford GTs will compete at the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours, one year on from the marque’s triumphant return to the endurance race that everyone wants to win.

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