May 2020 | CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

May 29, 2020

BMW PH Launches New Variants of 2020 5 Series, X3, and Z4 (w/ Specs)

In its first digital news conference, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation, the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the country unveiled three new variants to its existing line-up. The BMW 520i Sport, BMW X3 xDrive20d Business, and BMW Z4 M40i Frozen Edition are now available across all BMW showrooms nationwide as well as through their new digital showroom.

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation, the exclusive distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines will now have the lowest cost of ownership thanks to its new service program called, BMW Service Inclusive (BSI).

Gordon Murray, of McLaren F1 fame has just detailed his plans to produce the world’s lightest, most driver-focused supercar. Shifting away from the current supercar trend of ever-greater power, the upcoming T.50 focuses on one thing: being lightweight.

Spurred by the necessity to adapt to the “new normal,” the Department of Transport has just fast tracked the modernization of the public transport sector, especially along EDSA.

Lamborghini and the Lego have partnered to produce the Lego Technic Lamborghini Sián FKP 37: a 3,696 piece, 1:8 scale model that embodies the unmistakable power and stunning looks of the hybrid Lamborghini super sports car.

All-New Nissan Z, Refreshed Navara and Terra Due in Next 18 Months

As part of the four-year plan, Nissan Motor will take decisive action to transform its business by streamlining unprofitable operations and surplus facilities, alongside structural reforms. The company will also reduce fixed costs by rationalizing its production capacity, global product range, and expenses.

When the LRT-1 goes back on line on June 1, commuters are ensured of their health and safety thanks to measures undertaken by operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC). Establishing a partnership with the University of the Philippines Diliman’s National Engineering Center (UPNEC) it has upgraded its disinfection measures to include Ultraviolet C (UV-C) technology.

Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), the exclusive distributor of Geely is extending the launch discount of its newest compact SUV, the Azkarra (read here for the full specs and details).

With the COVID-19 pandemic sure to affect public transportation, it seems a private vehicle becomes the best and safest way to transport oneself (and the family). But a brand-new car is expensive, right? Wrong, if you’re looking at the Chery Tiggo 2.

There will be a new car and driver for the next Gymkhana video. After ten videos, Ken Block is passing the torch over to professional rally driver Travis Pastrana who will drive a Subaru.

Toyota is launching a Welcome Back promo which gives one (1) free interior sanitation treatment for customers who avail of any or a combination of the following services at participating Toyota dealer outlets: Periodic Maintenance (PM), General Service (GS), and Body & Paint (BP).

Ford is looking to tap their cars’ climate control to help neutralize viruses via a software enhancement. The American carmaker is now pilot-testing it using its Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility.

Hyundai vehicles will take a starring role in upcoming Sony films as the two companies have entered into a multi-picture promotional partnership. Under the deal, Hyundai vehicles will be shown in upcoming films made by Sony Pictures, while Hyundai will offer substantial marketing support.

There will be no merger Renault-Nissan merger, instead there will be a deeper level of cooperation between the two car companies. This plan was announced as one of the world’s leading automotive alliances seek to enhance its competitiveness and profitability.

Hyundai Motor Company Boosts PH Fight Against COVID-19

Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), through H.A.R.I. Foundation, Inc. (HFI), the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), donated a fresh supply of 2,200 personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the Lung Center of the Philippines under HFI’s ongoing Biyahe ng Bayani COVID response campaign.

As the country begins to bounce back from setbacks caused by the on-going pandemic, Suzuki Philippines (SPH) announces the re-opening of its showrooms with offers that open the door for first-time car buyers.

Commuters take note: public utility buses and jeepneys still won’t be allowed to operate even when the National Capital Region shifts to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) on June 1.

After hauling baked products and PPEs to front liners, Ford Philippines once again tapped its hardworking Ranger pickup truck to donate 10,000 face shields to the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Centro Manufacturing Corporation today announced that it has developed social distancing dividers for utility vehicles it manufactures. It is now also developing this for its modern PUVs as well.

Well, it’s about damn time. Butts have suffered long enough sitting on hot leather seats, it’s surprising it’s taken this long for one carmaker to answer the call of designing seats which remain cooler for a longer period of time.

BMW is updating its 5 Series sedan for 2021 bringing improvements to its exterior and interior design, aerodynamics and technology, and the introduction of a new 48-volt mild hybrid system.

After refreshing its Picanto city car, Kia’s now giving the same treatment to its sub-compact hatchback, the Rio. For 2021, the Rio sports a range of enhancements to, in Kia’s words, reinvigorate its position in the B-segment.

UPDATE 2: It remains suspended from June 8 until further notice due to the limitation of public transportation (6/7).

UPDATE 1: The MMDA has decided to postpone the implementation of the modified number coding scheme from June 1-5, 2020. Makati City, however, announced that modified number coding will start on Monday in that city. (5/30).

The 808-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is Now Available in the Philippines

After surprising many with the availability of the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack late last year, Auto Nation Group, the official distributor of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM in the Philippines is upping the muscle car ante with the announcement that the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is also available for orders locally.

There’s a new man at the top of Aston Martin as Dr. Andy Palmer steps down as the company’s President and Group Chief Executive. In his place is 54-year old Tobias Moers of Mercedes-AMG. Moers will join the British supercar maker effective August 1, 2020.

Business owners, read up: if you need one of the most versatile light-duty trucks available in the market today, consider the 2020 Kia K2500.

Sonax, the high-quality car detailing brand can now be delivered straight to your door. This comes as Sonax Philippines is making its products available on online shopping site, Lazada with its very own LazMall store (direct link to the store is at the bottom).

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) yesterday said construction of the P 10-billion Skyway Extension project is moving at a steady pace with safety protocols in place following the government’s go-signal to resume work last May 15.

People are shifting away from traditional sedans and hatchbacks, and preferring to go for SUVs and pickup trucks instead—that’s the definitive conclusion reached by JATO Dynamics, an automotive business intelligence firm. Their data from 54 markets across the globe indicates that demand for so-called “traditional cars” were negatively impacted by the volatile environment more so than any other body type marking a big change for the industry.

MG is set to bring in their own 7-seater SUV, and we don’t have to wait that long. Sources say that after a canceled preview at April’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), Philippine distributor The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) is pushing ahead with an August reveal, at the latest.

Hyundai has released a first glimpse of its all-new 2021 Santa Fe. The latest generation of the company’s longest-running flagship SUV will feature a “dignified and charismatic” exterior design, as well as interior design updates providing premium sensibility and comfort.

Speed-Limited Volvos Start Arriving at Showrooms

A year after Volvo Cars announced that they’ll be capping off the terminal velocity of their cars to 180 km/h, the first batch of these speed-limited Volvos are now being shipped to showrooms nationwide.

Geely Automobile Holdings, the largest shareholder in Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz wants a deeper level of cooperation between the two automakers, a Reuters report said.

Honda Cars Philippines is gearing up for the re-start of its dealership operations nationwide with their “One With You On This Journey” promo. Running from today until June 30, 2020, get Honda Cars’s line-up with special low cash-out, low monthly payments, and even free one-month amortization. Some highlights include:

Who would have thought that a motorsports professional would resort to cheating in a virtual race that had no bearing to its real-world counterpart?

The virtual launch of the 2020 Everest Sport gave Ford Philippines the chance to upgrade the top variant Everest Titanium models as well. Adding more tech features, these additions don’t come with any price increase.

Stranded by the Community Quarantine? Here's How You Can Go Home

During the entire ECQ, MECQ, GCQ episode, the most repeatedly asked question we got was: can I pickup a stranded family member from X to Y? Can I go from X to Y because I am currently stranded? Well, apparently, the answer is yes, but only if you fulfill some documentary requirements.

You Can Now Get a 5-Year, 140,000-km Warranty on Your Subaru

Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country is now offering an extended warranty program called Subaru Vehicle Protect.

Auto Nation Group, the exclusive distributor of Jeep in the Philippines has launched the 2020 Jeep Compass and Renegade sourced from FCA’s joint-venture plant in China with GAC. These two SUVs take advantage of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement and is reflected in their more affordable SRPs.

With Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) looking to globalize its Jeep brand, they’ve begun to move the production hub for the Philippine market to its two plants in China. With that, Auto Nation Group, the exclusive distributor of Jeep in the country takes advantage of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement and brings down the price of the Jeep Compass and Renegade for 2020.

After temporarily halting production to comply with the quarantine guidelines set by the government, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has resumed operations in its Santa Rosa, Laguna plant beginning last Monday, May 18. TMP understands that restarting business as soon as possible would stimulate economic activities in the country.

Good News: You Can Order an EasyTrip RFID on Shopee or Lazada

With contactless payment options fast becoming the preferred way to pay in the “new normal,” there’s some good news for those thinking of getting an EasyTrip RFID: you can order one right in the comfort of your home.

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has announced that they are not participating in the 48th edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring Endurance Race (“24 Hours of Nürburgring”), which is scheduled to take place September 24 to 27, 2020. Originally set to be held in May, the race was moved to September as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) continues its commitment to work side by side with the local government of Santa Rosa City in the fight against the spread of COVID 19 by providing various needs to its front liners and other essential personnel.

Sir Henry Royce once said, “Small things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing.” It is in this vein that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents to its clients, perfect scale models of the Cullinan, the marque’s stellar SUV.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) just issued the outline of corresponding penalties for those who fail to observe proper health and safety guidelines during the community quarantine (ECQ or otherwise).

Helping the Philippines fight and respond to the coronavirus pandemic, Foton Philippines has turned over 6 units of Toano ambulances to the Philippine Red Cross. Unlike typical ambulances, these Foton units are specially equipped to battle contagious diseases such as COVID-19 by being negatively pressured.

Volvo Philippines continues to strengthen its commitment to its valued clients through the Volvo Concierge service. Launched in March, right after the declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Volvo Concierge is a client-focused service platform launched in the country to respond to the car care needs of local Volvo car owners.

Attention: Gran Turismo Sport players, you can now be one of the first to (virtually) drive and race Mazda’s newest rotary sportscar, the RX-Vision GT3 Concept.

Land Rover Completes First Range Rover Made Under Social Distancing Measures

The first Range Rover made under new social distancing measures drove off the production line at Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing plant in Solihull, following the recent temporary pause in production due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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