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

June 29, 2017

Mitsubishi Hits Highest Monthly Production Level in Philippines

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation’s (MMPC) production in May soared to its highest level since it started operations in 1964. From an average monthly output of 3,000 at the start of 2017, the manufacturing plant was able to produce 1,703 units of Adventure, 1,577 units of L300, and 1,043 units of Mirage models for a total of 4,323 units this May.

The vehicles are expected to be the stars of the show at the forthcoming 1st ASEAN Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit at the World Trade Center today until tomorrow. Member companies of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) will display their latest electric vehicles. The big boys from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) on the other hand will showcase their latest state-of-the-art electric and hybrid vehicles that are expected to bring in the crowd.

Terra Motors to Launch New E-Bike Model

Japan-based Terra Motors is ready to introduce its latest e-bike model, the D750 at the 1st ASEAN EV and Hybrid Vehicles Summit.

The 5.9-liter V12 in the Aston Martin Rapide’s hood is no joke rocketing this ultra-luxury 4-seater from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 306 km/h. Topping that, it seems, sounds like a difficult task. It’s one though that Aston Martin is taking up with the confirmation of their all-electric RapidE.

A total of 31 drivers, in 9 cars, competing in 4 categories entered the inaugural GT Radial x 4 Oras ng Pilipinas last June 4 at the Batangas Racing Circuit. It was a day blessed with clear, sunny weather that saw a lot of on-track action with the #6 BMW-AutoPerformance M3 taking the FM1 Class and overall victory.

When you buy a new car, you expect it to roll right out of the factory in pristine condition, right? Unfortunately, that’s not what happens. Chances are, it’s been sitting for quite some time at the plant, in a vehicle stockyard, or in a showroom. Yes, it’ll be spot cleaned and buffed up here and there prior to the release, but it won’t replace a full-on professional detail.

One Last Ride: Driving Up North with the Isuzu Crosswind

It’s not every day that test drive events start with a question from the hosts, but that’s exactly what happened here when Isuzu made everyone ponder their most memorable trip with the Crosswind. As one of the country’s longest-running nameplates, the Crosswind has gained a huge and loyal following since its introduction in 2001. Known for its versatility, durability, and reliability, the Crosswind is adaptable vehicle fit for almost every Juan, whether it’s for family, friends, or business associates.

Mitsubishi Philippines to Gain New President and CEO by August

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is set to have a new President and CEO come August 1.

On its third successful run, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) will hold the Hyundai National Car Wash Weekend on July 1 to 2 at authorized Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Color is a major factor is making a car purchase. In fact, some are willing to pay extra for a particular color or wait for a few more weeks for their desired color to be available. The words of French artist, Pierre Bonnard, ring true: Color does not add a pleasant quality to design – it reinforces it.

Kia Philippines Launches New 2017 Sorento Variant (w/ Specs)

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines is finally bringing in a more affordable variant of its mid-sized SUV offering, the Sorento. After launching with a sole EX AWD variant in 2015, this new EX 4x2 joins the 7-seater SUV fray with a more affordable price point.

Interested in getting a new Isuzu mu-X or D-Max or Mitsubishi L300 or Adventure? Better get them now. Apart from the looming excise tax increase, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has set a December 31, 2017 deadline for the initial (new car) registration of these vehicles and other non-Euro 4 compliant vehicles in the country.

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding Hyundai’s new B-segment crossover, the Kona. After years of being left behind in a market now dominated by the likes of the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and even the Subaru XV, Hyundai is giving urbanites with a strong sense of individuality a new choice.

Conquer new roads with a brand-new Chevrolet truck as Chevrolet Philippines, offers all-in low down payment on its powerful Colorado pickup truck and mighty Trailblazer midsize SUV through the Chevrolet Truck Month Promo.

Ford’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine has been voted 2017 International Engine of the Year “Best Engine Under 1.0-liter” for the sixth year in a row, meaning the compact and powerful three-cylinder petrol engine remains undefeated in its category since launch in 2012.

Bloomberg Says Automakers, Developing Nations Must Commit to Auto Safety

American automobile manufacturers have made enormous progress in recent decades to ensure that the cars we drive here in the U.S. are safer. American consumers now take airbags and anti-collision systems for granted when they buy a car, and the long-term trend is clear: Lives are being saved on our roads. And it’s a great time to celebrate those accomplishments at the 25th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles in Detroit.

Hyundai Philippines Sales Up 6 Percent for First 5 Months of 2017

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, posted 2,801 unit sales for the month of May. This propelled total January to May 2017 sales to 14,163 units, up by 6 percent compared to the 13,410 units sold over the 5-month period of 2016.

Nothing excites the drivers of the FlatOut Race Series (FORS) quite like the next race day. Thus, with barely a two week break since the last event, they returned to the Batangas Racing Circuit on June 3 for Round 4 of the 2017 season.

Volvo Philippines to Hold 3rd National Alumni Golf Cup

The third installment of the annual Volvo National Alumni Golf Cup once again sees guests and participants come together for a round of golf at Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club, Calamba, Laguna on July 3, 2017.

It’s easy to fall in love. The challenge is staying in love. This may sound like a life quote, but it also aptly describes owning a car. Suffice to say, after 1,527 kilometers (or 1,519 kilometers since rolling off the Mazda Makati showroom) I’m happy to report that it’s still all love with the 2017 Mazda3 Speed.

EVAP, CAMPI Gear Up for 1st ASEAN Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit

The organizing committee of the very first ASEAN Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit composed of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), Meralco, and the Board of Investments met with the ASEAN National Organizing Committee to thresh out the final details of the landmark event slated on June 29 to 30 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Last June 12, Shell Advance celebrated the nation’s Independence Day with a motorcycle group ride to Tagaytay. A brigade of clubs, enthusiasts, celebrities, and members of the media gathered at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) grounds for an enjoyable trip to the cool southern destination.

The explosion of the small sedan segment in the Philippines, fueled in particular by ride-sharing apps like Uber and Grab, meant that carmakers are all scrambling for a piece of that lucrative pie. Normally content on delivering more of lifestyle-oriented vehicles, Chevrolet has gotten right smack into the fray with the Sail. Replacing the slow-selling Sonic sedan (the hatchback is still around), the Sail, is for all intents and purposes, a car you get when accountants take charge. It’s simple, straightforward, and priced to sell. It should be a winner by anyone’s book; that is, until you actually drive it.

Working for Our Future: Toyota Motor Philippines Leads By Example

One Toyota is sold in the Philippines every four minutes—an amazing feat since they already corner a good 45 percent market share. With such a huge impact to all sectors of society, it’s just about right that Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) would serve a responsible role when it comes to environmentally-conscious motoring. But what’s even more surprising is how Toyota has become the leader in environmentally-conscious manufacturing as well.

The eagerly awaited Volvo V90 Cross Country has finally come to the Philippines, completing the line-up of Volvos’ 90 Series cars.

Mazda Philippines Enhances Mazda2 Sedan and Hatchback (w/ 11 Photos, Specs)

Mazda Philippines just updated the diminutive Mazda2 subcompact hatchback/sedan boosting not only its driving dynamics, but its safety and aesthetics as well.

Bringing Waku-Doki to a New Level

Waku-doki, Toyota’s underlying theme for the Vios Cup, means, “heart-pumping excitement.” It’s the kind of feeling that most would expect in motorsport, more so from first-timers who attends a race with no expectations. This was exactly what happened to me at the second round of the 2017 Vios Cup. It was one of the rainiest Saturdays at the Clark International Speedway, with rainfall the likes of Typhoon Signal Number 2. However, what started out as a gloomy day turned out to be the advantage (and challenge) that racers and spectators turned out for.

Motul and Subaru STI Strengthens Partnership

Subaru and its motorsports division, Subaru Tecnica International or STI strengthened its partnership once more with lubricant specialist Motul. Already being used by STI for their Super GT challenger, the BRZ GT300, Motul was chosen once more for Subaru’s three-peat bid at the 24-Hour Nürburgring Challenge.

Although it’s common to see co-branding arrangements that evoke a car’s high-tech elements or cutting-edge design, sometimes carmakers do something entirely unexpected. Here are 11 quirky and/or weird collaborations that prove that sometimes making money is more important than making cars.

Shell Reformulates V-Power Fuel For Added Performance, Efficiency

After over five years of tireless work by R&D experts, Shell unveils brand new formulations for its premium Shell V-Power fuels. Shell V-Power is the only fuel co-engineered with and recommended by the iconic Formula 1 race team, Scuderia Ferrari. Shell’s most advanced Shell V-Power fuels are now formulated with its proprietary Dynaflex Technology.

Ford Philippines’ ultimate test drive experience continues to expand its presence this month as Ford Island Conquest goes to Taguig and further down south of Luzon in Naga, Camarines Sur.

This coming Father’s Day weekend, celebrate driving with Mazda Philippines as it brings back Zoom Fest, the most comprehensive display of the latest Mazda offerings to date. Featuring Mazda’s stunning Kodo-designed and Skyactiv Technology-engineered lineup, the three-day showcase will happen from Friday, June 16 to Sunday, 18, 2017 at the Big Bear strip of Bonifacio High Street in BGC, Taguig City. Zoom Fest will also highlight test drive opportunities for the public with the latest Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6 and BT-50, along with the CX-3, the all-new CX-5 and CX-9 crossovers, and the MX-5 RF, all available for a spin.

Give the Gift of Ferrari This Father's Day

There are few things better than tinkering with the engine or sitting through an Formula 1 race for any car lover. If he happens to be your father, your brother, or a friend, chances are, finding the perfect gift to satisfy that hankering for horsepower can be extremely difficult. What more if he’s a self-proclaimed Ferraristi?

Fuel Autotek PH, the authorized distributor of MOMO Tires, Deestone Tires, Roadwing Tires, and Kaizen Tires in the Philippines officially launches its new website and E-Catalogue section. The new website has been designed to provide a user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout, allowing customers to access detailed product information and videos with the option to share information across all major social networking sites.

The top dealers from Philippines were among the 116 dealers from 13 markets recently named GM International (GMI) Grandmasters during the annual program in New York City.

This is the Base Model of the 2018 Subaru XV (w/ 13 Photos, Specs)

At the 2018 Subaru XV’s regional launch in Taiwan last week, most of the attention was showered on the range-topping 2.0i-S and for very good reason: its package is unbeatable. But tucked nondescriptly at the corner of the launch venue is the base 2.0i. In fact, blink (like most of the motoring media) and you might have missed it. Thankfully, it didn’t escape us. Here are 9 photos of the base 2.0i and how it differs from the range-topping 2.0i-S.

Six years ago, when it was spun out as its own distinct model (it used to be a variant of the Impreza), Subaru successfully carved a market for itself. No one, probably not even Subaru, thought that a slightly-smaller-but-not-too-small compact crossover would quickly become one of its most loved and best-selling core models. Hoping that lightning would strike twice, the all-wheel drive specialist isn’t taking any chances.

Meet the Man Who's Going to Help Modernize the Jeepney

Mark Victor Bautista was a fresh graduate from the University of Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts, Industrial Design Department when he submitted a much-celebrated entry in the 1986 Industrial Design Exhibition of the Design Center of the Philippines. What Bautista presented was a new way of how public utility companies can increase their passenger capacity without buying additional vehicles.

Online Auto Portal Raises $AUD 3.1 Million in Funding

AutoDeal, a Philippine-based automotive portal, has announced that it has received an investment of $AUD 3.1 Million from Frontier Digital Ventures (FDV), a leading operator of online classifieds businesses in frontier and emerging markets.

You Can Win a New Chevrolet Camaro by Just Gassing Up at Caltex

Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), unveiled its “True Power from Within” nationwide promotion for Caltex customers. The promotion runs until July 31, 2017 in conjunction with the release of the latest Michael Bay global blockbuster movie, Transformers: The Last Knight.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. showers everyone with the biggest savings and the most exciting deals this rainy season. Customers may avail of exclusive discounts and low down payment schemes by purchasing select Honda Vehicles from June 1 to 30, 2017.

Kia Offers Back to School Savings on Picanto

Make that first impression when you roll into school with your brand-new Kia Picanto. Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, is offering a price-off this month with their More Savings, More Allowance promo.

Uber has met with the local government of Angeles City, Pampanga for a potential roll out of the service in the area. Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has been very supportive of bringing the ride-sharing service to the city.

Ford Philippines announced its best-ever May performance with retail sales rising 4 percent year-over-year to 3,036 vehicles, led by strong demand for its Everest, Ranger and EcoSport nameplates.

Chevrolet Philippines Continues All-In Low Down Promo for Father's Day

This Father’s Day season, Chevrolet Philippines treats dads and their families with special freebies and an all-in low down payment on select vehicles through its Father’s Day Blowout Treats Promo.

The Subaru XV has gone a long way. From its first-generation model as a body-cladded Impreza hatchback (it was known as the Outback Sport in the US if you don’t believe it), this third-generation model is now upon us. Slated to make its Philippine market debut in September of this year, the all-new Subaru XV could be all the crossover you’ll ever need. You don’t believe it? Well, here are 6 reasons why. (Read our First Drive as well as more details on the base 2.0i model).

Gear Up for Round 2 of Toyota Vios Cup This Weekend

The number one automotive brand in the Philippines is gearing up for the 2017 Toyota Vios Cup second leg slated on June 10 at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

On May 30, 1967, Mazda Motor Corporation began its legacy of doing what was said couldn’t be done. This was the day the independent Japanese company started to sell the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S: the world’s first production twin-rotor, rotary-engine car. It was Mazda’s first sports car, and for a company more well known for its small passenger cars and work trucks up to that date, this was a huge step into the big leagues.

Honda is once again giving its award-winning Civic an incremental improvement with the introduction of the 1.8 E CVT Navi model. Slated to be a limited edition model, it adds GPS navigation and selected Modulo accessories on top of the already solidly loaded 1.8 E CVT.

After a lengthy and conclusive report from a UK-based automotive engineering company released in January of this year, it looked like Mitsubishi Philippines (MMPC) will finally be able to put the Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) issue of the Montero Sport behind them; that is until the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) threw a curve ball today. The DTI just issued a preliminary order to MMPC to recall all of 2010-2015 Montero Sport SUVs equipped with automatic transmissions.

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