July 31, 2017

Honda Ranks Highest in After Sales Service Satisfaction in the Philippines


Honda ranks highest in overall service satisfaction among the 11 mass market brands included in the JD Power 2017 Philippine Customer Service Index (CSI). Honda scores 803 and performs particularly well in four of the five factors: service quality; vehicle pick-up; service facility; and service advisor. Hyundai (798) ranks second, followed by Mitsubishi (797).

A Quick Baguio Getaway with the Honda City, Jazz, and Mobilio


From the confines of Manila’s busy streets to the tight roads of Baguio City, the three newest offerings of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI)—the 2018 City, Jazz, and Mobilio passed their first road trip test with flying colors.

July 29, 2017

Volvo Philippines Offering XC60 At P 300,000 Off for a Limited Time


Volvo Philippines is offering the last remaining units of its best-selling mid-sized SUV to enthusiasts who want a Volvo that can cruise around city roads and still feel capable and comfortable carousing down country trails. Sweetening the deal, it is up for grabs with a P 300,000 discount off the retail price.

UPDATED: 2011-2017 Ford Explorer Probed for Exhaust Odors, Excessive Carbon Monoxide - Report


UPDATE: Ford is now offering to fix the 2011-17 Explorers for free (10/14).

Reuters via Automotive News reports that the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA is now upgrading and expanding a probe into 1.33 million 2011-2017 Ford Explorer SUVs over reports of “exhaust odors in vehicle compartments and exposure to carbon monoxide that may be linked to crashes and injuries.”

July 28, 2017

Ford Celebrates 100 Years of Writing Truck History


Exactly one hundred years ago, on July 27, 1917, Ford Motor Company set off on an adventure that would change the automotive industry forever. It began with the Model TT, a truck based on the hugely successful Model T car, and grew, over the course of a century, into the world’s best-selling truck brand.

Non-Euro 4 Vehicles Get New Registration Reprieve


Buyers in the market for a new non-Euro 4 emissions compliant vehicle just got a bit of a reprieve. After the DENR set a December 31, 2017 deadline for the initial (new) registration of non-Euro 4 compliant vehicles, the LTO has issued a Memorandum Circular that allows the registration of non-compliant vehicles under one specific clause.

This Restaurant in a Mazda Dealership Serves the Best Japanese Food in Town


“I used to remember that there was no good place to eat here,” recalls Bermaz Auto Philippines President and CEO Steven Tan. “Chino Roces Avenue Extension was a place more commonly associated with car dealerships, offices, and warehouses.”

Ferrari Celebrates 30th Anniversary of the F40


Thirty years have passed since the launch of one of the most iconic childhood hero cars of all time: the Ferrari F40. And to celebrate its milestone, Ferrari looked back at the last car to carry Enzo Ferrari’s “signature.”

5 Simple Tire Checks for A Safe and Enjoyable Drive


There’s nothing worse than having your daily drive interrupted by tire trouble. To help make sure that every journey is smooth and comfortable, Goodyear is recommending these 5 simple checks you can do to keep your tires in running order.

July 27, 2017

Volkswagen Philippines Sales Up 133 Percent in H1 2017; Jetta, Golf GTS Now at Dealerships


Volkswagen Philippines, the best-selling European car brand in the country in 2016, has recently reported a unit sales increase of 133 percent for the first half of 2017 compared to the same period last year.

Motorcycle Sales Up 13 Percent; On Track for 2017 Targets


After ending 2016 strong by breaching the one million sales mark for the first time, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) achieves another win by recording 13 percent year-on-year sales growth in the first half (H1) of 2017. MDPPA is on track to achieve its motorcycle sales forecast of 8 percent to 12 percent increase for this year.

Mazda and AAP Strengthen Partnership Through MSDP


Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the country, together with the Automobile Association Philippines, the country’s biggest and oldest automobile club, renew their partnership for the AAP’s Motor Sports Development Program with the formal handover of five brand new Mazda2 S SKYACTIV hatchbacks for exclusive use in the training of future racing talents.

July 25, 2017

Review: 2017 Audi A4 2.0 TDI


The premium luxury sedan class has always looked in the direction of BMW or Mercedes-Benz for leadership. And while others remain content driving something with a blue-and-white roundel or a three-pointed star upfront, out of nowhere, the 2017 Audi A4 has them beat. Delivering a stirring performance without sacrificing comfort and all of the latest technology without overwhelming users, it’s now the unequivocal pack leader.

July 24, 2017

AVID Members Cap Off First Half 2017 with 6 Percent Growth


The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors posted a remarkable 6 percent growth in the first semester of 2017, pushing total sales to 48,348 units from 45,470 units over the same period in 2016. Quarter-on-quarter sales performance was likewise solid as it closed Q2 2017 with 25,031 units from 23,317 units in Q1 2017. The continued upsurge in AVID sales is only a testament of the burgeoning demand for imported vehicles in the Philippines.

Foton Opens in Camarines Sur


After groundbreaking 5 dealerships in April and recently launching the Gratour business dealerships to the market, Foton continues its dealership expansion in the Philippines with the opening of Foton Camarines Sur.

Mitsubishi Reveals More Info on Upcoming Next-Gen MPV


Two weeks to its global debut at the 25th GAIKINDO Indonesia Auto Show (GIIAS), Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has dropped more information about its next-generation MPV including three photos that show it in its entirety.

Jinba-Ittai: The Theory of Everything Mazda


It’s written in every Mazda brochure: Jinba-Ittai. These four Japanese characters, translated as the feeling of oneness between rider and horse, is something that has shaped Mazda for over three generations.

July 23, 2017

Ford Forza Triathlon Team Gears Up for Ironman 70.3 Cebu


The Ford Forza Triathlon Team is gearing up for a strong finish in this year’s Ironman 70.3 with new members and a more rigorous training that started early this year.

Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 is Most Advanced Fuel in Philippines


Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 is now acknowledged as the best gasoline in the country, based on tests conducted by SGS, a global leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification; ISP - The Testing Institute, one of the world’s top testing laboratories for automotive fuels and lubricants; and The Millbrook Proving Ground, one of Europe’s largest vehicle testing centers.

Isuzu Philippines Inaugurates New Parts Warehouse


To support customer satisfaction with a bigger inventory for their vehicles, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has inaugurated its latest warehouse located in Taguig City.

July 21, 2017

Audi Philippines Launches the Untaggable Q2 (w/ 21 Photos, Specs)


Audi Philippines launched the newest member of the Q family with the first-ever Q2. Built as a premium urban crossover, it fuses Audi’s progressive design with great driving dynamics and high levels of functionality.

July 20, 2017

Honda Displays Refreshed Line-Up at SM Mall of Asia


Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s Automobile unit in the Philippines, invites customers to visit and see Honda’s exciting line up of vehicles at Honda’s display event at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium starting today until July 27, 2017.

Porsche Enjoys Best First Half Year Sales Ever


Porsche has seen a clear upwards trend in the first six months of this year: With 126,497 vehicles delivered worldwide, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG exceeded the high figure from the previous year by 7 percent in the first half of 2017.

July 19, 2017

2018 Chevrolet Trax Now Available at Chevy Dealerships


After trickling in at select dealerships as early as a few months ago, Chevy’s global sub-compact crossover, the Trax is now available across the entire Chevy dealership network. The 2018 Trax focuses on improvements to up its refinement, fit and finish, and material choices.

Mercedes-Benz Launches Its First Pickup Truck and It's Generally Meh (w/ 21 photos, Specs)


Mercedes-Benz was supposed to rock the premium segment with its first-ever pickup truck: the X-Class. After showing it off as a “concept” late last year, they’ve finally unwrapped the Nissan NP300 Navara-based production model. And you know what? It’s just meh.

Hyundai Philippines Recognized for Service Excellence


In yet another milestone achievement, HARI, the official distributor of Hyundai passenger and commercial vehicles in the country and 2016 Hyundai Motor Company Global Distributor of the Year, opens the second half of the year with a remarkable back-to-back recognition for service excellence.

Kia Returns to Philippine Basketball Association


Kia is set to make its comeback to the local professional sports scene as it announces its return to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The team has declared that they will play the 2017 Governor’s Cup as Kia Picanto, after the brand’s best-selling vehicle.

5 Things to Consider When Breaking-In Your New Car


So you’ve saved up and bought a brand-new car. Congratulations. Now, the question beckons: should you break it in? That’s a common question facing new car buyers and one with straightforward answer.

July 18, 2017

Ford Philippines Appoints New Managing Director


Ford Motor Company has announced the appointment of Bertrand Lessard as managing director, Ford Philippines, effective August 1. He will report directly to Mark Kaufman, president, Ford ASEAN.

Review: 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Club Edition


Only a handful of car companies could definitely say that their history is closely linked with a particular model. In the case of Volkswagen, it goes a step further: it’s in their very name. Meaning “People’s Car” in German, the very first Volkswagen was the Type 1; though the world knows it best as the “Beetle”. First launched in 1938, it enjoyed a long 65-year production run producing some 21 million examples as a result. Though Volkswagen has long since moved on from the Beetle, producing the likes of the Polo and Golf, it re-imagined the Beetle once more.

July 17, 2017

Honda Jazz Gets a 2018 Update Too; Prices, Equipment Up


After enhancing the City and Mobilio for the 2018 model year, Honda Cars Philippines is not leaving its sub-compact hatchback out. The Jazz also receives additional features and sportier updates that aim to give hatchback customers the same Honda driving experience as well as the unmatched utility and convenience expected from the Jazz.

Honda Cars Philippines Rolls Out Redesigned Mobilio for 2018


Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. refreshes the Mobilio for 2018. The 7-seater Multi-purpose Utility Vehicle (MUV) now comes with a bolder and sportier exterior, enhanced interior, and upgraded comfort and safety features that satisfy the Filipino families’ needs and expectations in an all-around vehicle.

Subaru Gives Levorg a WRX-like Treatment for 2018 (w/ 17 Photos)


Subaru has just announced a “big minor change” for its sports wagon, the Levorg. Going on sale starting this August (in Japan at least), the 2018 Levorg offers refreshed aesthetics, improved levels of riding comfort and quietness, and better safety.

Born for Freedom, Built for the City Streets: 2017 Harley-Davidson Street Rod Launched


Harley-Davidson of Manila launches the all-new 2017 Street Rod, a new kind of motorcycle that offers the same open road feeling of freedom, but engineered to thrive in the city. Built to take on the cityscape, the Street Rod is about offering exhilarating performance in a confidence-inspiring package.

8 Things You Should Know About Ford SYNC


With car owners wanting to stay connected even when on the road, carmakers have all scrambled to come up with suitable solutions that integrate many new functions like music streaming and in-car internet with more traditional entertainment options such as radio, USB, and Bluetooth. Additionally, the “infotainment” solution must be reliable and easy-to-use. This is how Ford SYNC came about. Though it’s been out for quite some time, it’s great to get familiar with one of the pioneers.

July 15, 2017

Avoid An Off-Roading Nightmare with this CTEK Battery Manager


With 4x4-equipped vehicles becoming more user-friendly and capable, off-roading or trailing has steadily become a pastime for many car enthusiasts. However, for all of the allure that the great outdoors has to offer, it does come with its own set of challenges. Imagine this scenario: after a relaxing day by the river, you decide to head back home. Only this time, your rig won’t start. It seems your battery went dead after being drained by your portable refrigerator and your sound system. With no cell service, how are you going to call for help?

All-New 2018 Honda Accord is More Dynamic, Sporty (w/ 13 Photos, Specs)


UPDATE: Included are key specifications for the North American market (7/15).

Honda shows off a dynamic new direction for their best-selling executive sedan. With the US market introduction of the all-new, 10th generation Accord, Honda is going for a more stylish, sporty, and premium sedan powered by all-new engines and packed with a host of new technology features.

July 14, 2017

FlatOut Race Series Moved to Clark for Round 5


Fresh from a double header race weekend featuring Round 4 and the 4 Oras ng Pilipinas endurance race, the FlatOut Race Series’ (FORS) 2017 season continues with a visit to Clark International Speedway (CIS) last July 1 for Round 5.

Peugeot Philippines Offers Paris Getaway to Trade-In Customers


Peugeot Philippines offers its customers the opportunity to experience Paris, the City of Lights, with the #PeugeotDriveToParis program. Aimed at those trading in their current vehicles for a brand-new Peugeot, customers will get to enjoy Paris with a 3-day, 2-night vacation courtesy of Peugeot.

Hyundai Builds Their First Hot Hatch: Meet the i30 N (w/ Specs, 11 Photos)


UPDATE: Key specifications are now included (7/16).

Inspired by Hyundai Motorsport’s experience in the World Rally Championship (WRC), Hyundai Motor shows off the i30 N hot hatch—the brand’s first high-performance car under the N lineup. Built atop the standard i30, it’s been tweaked and massaged from the ground up to deliver maximum driving fun in both everyday situations as well as on the track.

Hyundai Philippines Presents CV Line at Philbus & Truck Expo 2017


Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the Philippines’ official distributor of Hyundai passenger and commercial vehicles, will be showcasing the H350 luxury van along with the best-selling  Hyundai Trucks and Buses line-up at the Philippines Bus & Truck Expo 2017 from July 14 to July 16 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

These Amazing Photos Were Taken with a Car's Onboard Camera


From film to digital, DSLR to smartphone cameras, photographers have been constantly experimenting on using different formats and mediums for their craft. The latest one is using a car’s on-board camera. Using the all-new Volvo XC60 on-board safety cameras, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Barbara Davidson created a special collection of photographers.

July 13, 2017

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is Simple, Mad Genius


Aston Martin is revealing more details about the Valkyrie including the latest evolution to its styling and the first glimpse of its cockpit. The most hardcore hyper car ever, Aston Martin and partner Red Bull Advanced Technologies have been working extensively to bring what’s essentially a Formula One car for the road.

Suzuki Supports Gawad Kalinga's SipaG Program


Reflecting its continued support to aspiring Filipino football players and stronger partnership with the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Suzuki Philippines (SPH), the country’s pioneer compact car manufacturer, recently distributed soccer balls and other items to Gawad Kalinga’s (GK) sports program SipaG.

July 12, 2017

Is the Honda Civic Type R Sold Out?


In the latest back and forth between Subaru and Honda for sports sedan/hot hatch supremacy, it seems that Honda is gaining the upper hand. According to an inside source at Honda, it appears that after just a day of being officially available for reservation at Honda dealerships nationwide, the Civic Type R is already sold out.

Ford Philippines Delivers Best All-Time Quarterly Sales Performance


Ford Philippines today announced a record June performance with retail sales increasing 17 percent year-over-year to 3,273 vehicles led by continued strong demand for the Everest, EcoSport, and Ranger.

Isuzu Philippines Inks Partnership with TESDA-Administered School in Laguna


As part of its 20th year anniversary, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has inked partnership with Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial School for Arts and Trades (JZGMSAT), in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program that imbibes a knowledge-sharing culture in the society.

July 11, 2017

Subaru Out to Steal Civic Type R's Thunder: 2018 WRX and WRX STI Coming By September


On the day Honda Cars Philippines opened the Civic Type R order books, sources within Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, say that the 2018 WRX and WRX STI will be dropping in even sooner than Honda’s much hyped hot hatch.

Review: Honda BR-V 1.5 S Modulo


Seven-seater vehicle SUVs and MPVs are normally seen as a necessity purchase. Once the family grows in number and can’t be accommodated by regular sedans (or crossovers for that matter), Daddy has to immediately consider getting something that seats seven. Once or twice though, a carmaker comes out with an offering that manages to address all the requirements of a typical family car without sacrificing the bits that made Daddy love driving in the first place. The Honda BR-V is one such example.

July 10, 2017

Honda Confirms Civic Type R for Philippine Market; We Compare It to Subaru WRX STI (w/ 21 Photos, Specs)


After stunning the crowds at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) last March, Honda Cars Philippines is transitioning the 2017 Civic Type R from “Exhibition Model” to “Showroom Model” with the announcement of its impending arrival in the Philippines.