Not to be outdone by the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, Hyundai also debuted a refreshed version of its Tucson SUV at the New York International Auto Show. Arriving in US dealerships by the third quarter of this year, the 2019 Tucson offers added convenience and safety features along with a revamped exterior and interior.

Nissan has decided that the New York International Auto Show won’t just be about crossovers and SUVs. To point, they’ve used this occasion to launch the all-new 2019 Altima—their new executive sedan that’s destined for sale not just for North America, but for the rest of the world as well. And based on what they tell us, they’re tired of being boring.

The new Volvo XC60 midsize SUV has been named World Car of the Year 2018 at the New York Auto Show, adding another accolade to Volvo’s growing list.

Exquisite and edgy—that’s the mission of the 2018 Mazda CX-3 as it makes its global debut at the New York International Auto Show. The smallest crossover in Mazda’s stable, the CX-3 offers an updated engine, new technologies, and improved refinement.

Subaru launches the all-new 2019 Forester at the New York International Auto Show. The fifth-generation of Subaru’s global best-seller, it’s the roomiest, most capable, most versatile ever made and also features groundbreaking new safety technology. There’s just no turbo engine (bummer).

Toyota’s all-new 2019 RAV4 finally breaks cover at the New York International Auto Show. As the creator of the compact crossover segment in 1997, the fifth-generation RAV4 offers a robust new design and improved driving experience.

Some 280 participants in the recently concluded SafeRun IV motorcycle competition proved that the keys to optimum motorcycle performance are: a well-conditioned motorcycle, good riding skills, and safe riding habits. Billed as “the ultimate safety and fuel efficiency reality challenge,” SafeRun IV is presented by industry leader Petron Corporation as part of its road safety advocacy. Different from the usual motorcycle events promoting endurance competition, SafeRun promotes safe riding including the observance of traffic rules and regulations as well as speed limits, which lead to fuel efficiency.

Dozens of questions relating to the driverless Uber-operated Volvo XC90 that struck and killed a woman in Arizona last week are still left unanswered. But one of them, pertaining to Volvo’s advanced pedestrian detection system, has been answered by Aptiv Plc, one of Volvo’s parts supplier. Apparently, Uber disabled Volvo’s collision-avoidance technology which could have prevented the fatal accident.

An estimated 80 supercars and more than 110 tuned cars took to the track to celebrate the first Motul 300V Super Fast Track Day.

One of the biggest challenges in owning an Electric Vehicle or EV is the limited lifespan of the battery. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine which runs for as long as it’s properly maintained and fueled up, batteries have a finite life, typically lasting just 8 to 10 years.

There are numerous vehicles one could think of that could take on the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally, but for sure the Prius isn’t one of them. But that’s exactly what one Japanese team chose for their 7,000-kilometer adventure.

If there was one word to describe the Mazda CX-3, it would be head-turner. I had the privilege of a one-week experience with the compact beauty and I kid you not — it literally made heads turn, everywhere I took it. Perhaps it was because of the eye-catching Soul Red variant. Or, it could also be because you don’t see much of the CX-3 on the road. And why is that? Keeping that final point in mind, I took to the streets and found out three ways the CX-3 is a cut above the competition.

From a grid of zero four seasons ago to over 50 racers today, the Toyota Vios Cup has become one of the biggest motorsports events in the country. And now, Toyota Motor Philippines has just announced Season 5 of the Toyota Vios Cup.

World, are you ready for a truly sporty Toyota Corolla? Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, the 2019 Toyota Corolla is all about making a big impression. And with a jump to Toyota’s TNGA platform, it finally shifts towards the sporty side of the compact hatchback spectrum.

Uber Technologies Inc. has agreed to sell its Southeast Asian operations to Grab, effectively withdrawing from the region after a costly battle with their local rival.

Ford has confirmed that they will be using a Mahindra platform to develop a new mid-sized SUV for India and other emerging markets (perhaps including the Philippines).

UPDATE: You can get the full cost breakdown here (4/17).

“This isn’t the most exciting presentation you’ll see from us this year, but this is a very important matter to us and our customers,” began Mr. Bertrand Lessard, Managing Director of Ford Philippines as he opened what the company has been doing to improve cost of ownership. Listening to customer feedback from the showroom to social media, Ford is taking the first step in improving its aftersales experience.

There has been some confusion among vehicle owners about the Philippine government’s drive against LED lights. Some have said that it calls for an all-out ban, while some have said it only covers certain type of vehicles and/or lights. Trying to settle this issue, we happen to find this lengthy discussion on Atty. Robby Consunji’s Facebook page.

Volkswagen Philippines is keeping the price of its best-selling sedan, the Jetta at pre-TRAIN prices (but not for long). The carmaker announced that they are keeping the suggested retail prices steady until April 30, 2018.

In what was supposed to be an offer exclusive during the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) from April 5-8, Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru is starting its “Refreshing” promotion on the Forester two weeks early.

In the market for a small SUV? Maybe something with seven seats? There’s good news as Toyota Motor Philippines is now opening the order books for its much-anticipated Rush SUV.

Ever wondered how Nissan will reuse old Leaf EV batteries? Well, here’s our answer.

Foton Philippines is making it a lot easier for its owners to order and buy parts with their new EC Genuine Parts Program.

Ford Philippines is kicking off the summer season with its latest hot deals as it offers free first month amortization for the Ford EcoSport only for the month of March.

Last December, Nissan Philippines previewed their challenger to the Hiace Grandia LXV: the Urvan Premium S. Three months later and now it’s ready for booking at all authorized Nissan dealerships nationwide.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) finally completes its Blue Power offering with the launch of the 2018 mu-X and D-Max powered by the all-new 1.9-liter RZ4E Blue Power engine. Six months after showing off its 3.0-liter Euro 4 compliant engine, IPC now welcomes this downsized engine to the market for those wanting a mix of power and efficiency.

Coventry Motors Corporation has just confirmed that its centerpiece at the 2018 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is the Jaguar E-Pace compact crossover.

Volkswagen is set to expand its crossover portfolio with the announcement of a new Honda HR-V-sized sub-compact crossover designed for global markets with the exception of, get this, Europe.

Ford Philippines recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to formally kick off the construction of a bigger dealership in Isabela in a new location to better serve its customers in the province.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s leader in the commercial vehicle (CV) segment, has officially conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest dealer network in Taytay, Rizal in line with the growing demands and expansion efforts of the company.

One of the world’s toughest and most reliable partner, the Toyota Hilux is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Despite having a name that combines “High” and “Luxury”, it was born to be tough.

If you’re still on the fence about the Mitsubishi Xpander, prepare to get in line. According to Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) Senior Marketing for Marketing Services, Mr. Arlan Reyes, the Xpander’s reservation queue has already surpassed 1,800 units in less than 60 days.

The Volvo XC40 small SUV has been named the 2018 European Car of the Year. It is the first win of this prestigious award for Volvo Cars, the Swedish premium car maker.

After escaping the global recall that affected automakers that used Takata airbag inflators, it seems Hyundai and Kia are now being pulled into the defective airbag mess, Reuters reports.

In case you missed one of 2017’s biggest automotive news, Jaguar-Land Rover is back in the country under a new distributor: Coventry Motors Corporation. With a corporate culture that puts customer service front and center, we just had to ask how Coventry Motors Corporation plans to deal with vehicles sold under the former distributor and importer.

The Nissan Mobility Tour is all about giving the chance to would-be buyers to experience first-hand what Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) is all about. Through a series of obstacles, features such as Around View Monitor and Intelligent 4x4 are put to the test.

Often overlooked though is that through these series of events, Nissan also wants to educate Filipino car buyers on the advantages of owning one of their vehicles. And so, we decide to put their math to the test and see if owning a Nissan is indeed a value-for-money aspect. For this particular example, we’ve decided to go straight into the deep end and pit the Nissan Patrol Royale versus the Toyota Land Cruiser LC200 Premium.


Spec-to-spec, not much separates these two politicians’ choice. On one hand, the Land Cruiser has the upper hand in terms of torque (a tree-pulling 615 Nm) while the Patrol Royale easily has 40 percent more horsepower (400). Both of these “katas ng pork barrel” also offer standard seating for 8, above 90 liters of fuel tank capacity, and vented disc brakes on all four corners—in case protesters decide to jump in front of your speeding convoy.

Dimensionally though, the Patrol Royale does have the advantage in packaging. It’s slightly shorter, but wider and taller than the Land Cruiser. It also has a bigger wheelbase and higher ground clearance (272 mm versus 225 mm) making peons look even smaller from the window.

Getting into the mechanicals, both the Nissan and Toyota offer hydraulically adjustable stabilizers (Nissan calls it Hydraulic Body Motion Control while Toyota calls it Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), although the Patrol Royale does have the advantage of having independent suspension all-around to the Land Cruiser’s rear 4-link with coil springs.

Nissan’s advantage also extends to the creature comfort features. With the exception of ventilated power adjustable front seats and an additional rear aircon zone, it has the advantage over the Toyota from the generous infotainment system with 13-speaker Bose sound system to even front and rear proximity sensors with a 360-degree camera (the Land Cruiser, shockingly, has no camera whatsoever).

Now, here’s the most surprising part: despite the increased thirst of its 5.6-liter V8 engine gasoline engine, the Patrol Royale actually ends up with a lower ownership cost up to 100,000 kilometers.


Going through Nissan and Toyota’s Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) menu, the Toyota Land Cruiser does have lower servicing cost. Factor in better fuel mileage and lower fuel cost, its running cost 52.8 percent lower than the Patrol Royale.

So where does the Patrol Royale gain ground? Simple: lower purchase price. Thanks to the effects of TRAIN, the Patrol Royale has a close to P 1 million (P 900,100) price advantage over the Land Cruiser, and this goes a long way in helping the Nissan recoup its more expensive fuel and servicing cost. In fact, over a period of 100,000 kilometers, it’s ownership cost per kilometer is P 51.63 compared to Toyota’s P 53.16.

Find out more about Nissan’s aftersales program at the final leg of the Nissan Mobility Tour. It’s happening on March 23-25, 2018 at SM City Davao.

One of the world’s biggest and most popular tire brands, Firestone, returns to the Philippine market this year to service the massive compact car segment. With Firestone’s comeback, it provides car owners in the country high-quality, but affordable OE replacement tires.

In response to President Donald Trump’s claim last week that a so called ‘bowling ball’ test is preventing US automobiles from entering the Japanese market, Global NCAP has written to the US President urging him to make ‘America First’ in pedestrian protection by adopting the same global standard applied by Japan.

This isn’t the most powerful car I’ve ever driven and it’s not the most expensive either. Yet, when I received word that the Honda Civic Type R would be available for a five-day test drive, it came with a set of instructions as detailed and as specific as a dad sending off her daughter to the prom. But like any juvenile-minded motoring hack, I didn’t pay attention. All I remember was staring at this hot, sought-after girl in a Championship White dress at my doorstep. What did I do? Ride her all night long.

Holy Week is just around the corner and drivers are preparing their cars for a long ride. Caltex Ka-Road Trip extends assistance along key highways in the country from Holy Wednesday (March 28) to Easter Sunday (April 1).

Petron Lakbay Alalay, the country’s longest running motorist roadside assistance program has evolved over the past three decades from a small group of Petron employees volunteering to spend their Holy Week break to provide emergency aid for car problems like overheating, flat tires, and the like, into a comprehensive year-round program to ensure that with Petron, “the best ang biyahe.”

Ford, under the leadership of Jim Hackett, is revealing concrete plans that will see the carmaker revamp its line-up to focus more on SUVs and trucks over the next couple of years.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) garnered top honors for Customer Satisfaction in After-Sales Service in the Hyundai Asia-Pacific distributorship network.

Just a few weeks after opening their showroom in Dumaguete, Nissan Philippines formally inaugurates another dealership, this time in Butuan, Agusan del Norte.

The Nissan X-TRAIL is the world’s best-selling SUV in 2017, according to automotive market data research expert JATO.

Just when some enthusiasts begun to dismiss using lithium-ion batteries as starter batteries, Mazda has just announced that they are working with ELIIY Power Co., Ltd. and Ube Industries, Ltd. to develop a durable heat- and impact-resistant 12-volt lithium-ion batteries as a replacement for the conventional lead-acid starter batteries.

The 2018 Manila International Auto Show is slated to return to the World Trade Center in Pasay City this April 5 to 8, 2018. Organized by Worldbex Services International, this year’s show will feature 24 automotive brands as well as a strong aftermarket and accessories line-up.

Hyundai was the official mobility partner of the first ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network (AMEN). AMEN, a flagship program of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), was launched in November 2017 and designed to accelerate the scaling of the small enterprises in ASEAN through mentorship.