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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
April 30, 2013
Review: 2013 Honda Pilot
Volvo V40 Arrives in the Philippines
The All-New Volvo V40, a modern expressive car, with characteristics from larger Volvos wrapped in a sleek, compact package, is now in the Philippines. This 5-door, 5-seater luxury hatchback combines trendsetting design with class-leading driving dynamics.
“The All-New Volvo V40 is a bold expression of challenging the conventional. With great focus on the luxury look and feel of the car, the All-New Volvo V40 offers you a more engaging and personalized driving experience. With keen attention to detail, the All-New Volvo V40 also reflects Volvo’s promise of a car that is designed around you.” enthuses Miss Loi Concepcion De Guzman, Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services.
April 29, 2013
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger: Toyota Road Trek 9 Takes on Clark and Palawan
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Honda CR-Z Arriving in August; Goes on Tour in Different Honda Dealerships
During the 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in World Trade Center Metro Manila last year, the Honda CR-Z MUGEN concept was displayed and left viewers wanting more. According to Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., the Honda CR-Z was the real crowd drawer of the Honda booth during PIMS. “At the time of the show we received a number of inquiries about selling it in the Philippines. Even after that, we are still getting inquiries online, at our dealer showrooms and various display events. This scenario gives us the confidence that the Philippine market will warmly welcome the all-new CR-Z when it arrives in August, exactly a year after its concept was shown”, Natsume said.
Maria Sharapova for Porsche
Tennis megastar Maria Sharapova has taken on a new role: Effective immediately, the 26-year-old world class player will be representing the sports car manufacturer, Porsche AG, as brand ambassador. The cooperation is initially signed for three years and involves a global communications campaign. The athlete is already very familiar with the vehicles from Zuffenhausen: As last year´s winner of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Sharapova not only took home prize money, but also a white 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.
April 25, 2013
Conquering the Final Frontier: Kia True North Takes on Batanes
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
April 24, 2013
Visit the Kia Carens Microsite and Hatch an Egg-citing Adventure
With Kia's microsite, do your part to help hatch the egg, and get a chance to win amazing prizes! Up for grabs are an excitement filled day at Enchanted Kingdom, or a wave of fun with lovable creatures of the sea at the Manila Ocean Park.
April 23, 2013
Review: 2013 Hyundai Accent CRD A/T
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Subaru Posts Strong PHL Growth, Up 94 Percent
Motor Image Pilipinas Inc., (MIPI) the exclusive distributor of Subaru cars in the Philippines registered a record-breaking growth of 94% in total sales for the 1st quarter of 2013. Selling of 577 units compare with 297 units for the same period of last year. Subaru sales in March reached an all-time high with 236 units, breaking the previous record of 188 units established a year ago. The sales were propelled by the growth of major models like the well-accepted Subaru XV in the popular small SUV segment. And also the sales rose with high demand for the Forester models driven by the just-launched all-new Forester.
MIPI remains positive that for the succeeding months of the year, the high growth performance will be sustained.
“2013 is an exciting year for Subaru in terms of both sales and network expansion. I am very optimistic that we will grow further our business because we have an exciting product line to offer our customers and we will have 11 dealerships in the Philippines by the end of this year,” said MIPI General Manager Michael Ramon Luyun.
BMW Introduces FlexiLease
Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, introduces FlexiLease, its latest option for aspiring BMW owners to experience sheer driving pleasure at the most convenient way possible. FlexiLease is a new innovation in BMW ownership that addresses the mobility requirements of top professionals.
April 22, 2013
Win Free Fuel for a Year with Petron Value Card
For any motorist, the chance to get free gas is a dream come true.
That’s why Petron is raffling off free fuel for one year for five lucky Petron Value Card (PVC) owners.
The first step is to is to register using by sending a text message (SMS), in the format PVC REG <16-digit PVC number>/<first name middle initial surname>/<birthday: month day year>/ <complete address>/<email address-optional> (example: PVC REG 4488223315241628/Juan D. Cruz /08281988/53 Lawaan St. Pasig/jdcruz@yahoo.com).
Auto Shanghai 2013: Lamborghini Celebrates 50 Years with Aventador LP 720-4 Anniversario
In celebration of its 50th birthday and against the backdrop of the Shanghai Auto Show, Automobili Lamborghini presented a very special super sports car with exclusive equipment and technology. The Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario is a limited and numbered series of 100 units worldwide. Each unit has a Forged Composite® badge with the 50° logo and a serial number.
With its output increased to 720 hp, its new performance-oriented front and rear design, the special paintwork and unique interior trim, this Aventador is one of the most exclusive models ever produced in the history of Lamborghini.
The Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario represents a new highlight of this globally successful model range with carbon-fiber monocoque, twelve-cylinder engine and permanent all-wheel drive. With its output of 720 hp, the 6.5-liter twelve-cylinder in the Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario is 20 hp more powerful than the current V12 in the Aventador LP 700-4. This is due to a new specific engine calibration. With its extremely fast-shifting ISR transmission, the anniversary model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 350 km/h.
Auto Shanghai 2013: Bentley Introduces New Flying Spur to China
At the Auto Shanghai 2013, Bentley introduces the new Flying Spur to Greater China, alongside the Continental GT Speed, Bentley’s fastest production model ever and its pinnacle flagship model, the ultra-high luxury Mulsanne. Bentley also announces its plans to grow the dealer network in Greater China, reinforcing China as a key market for Bentley’s continued success as the company heads for double digit growth again in 2013.
Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, comments: “China is a key market for Bentley and we are enjoying great sales success and growing customer interest. To continue to achieve these results, we have a significant expansion plan in place. This starts with the new Flying Spur, previously our best-selling model and we expect 60 per cent of the new Flying Spur sales to be delivered to customers in China.
Auto Shanghai 2013: Porsche Panamera Debuts Plug-In Hybrid and LWB Models
Porsche is celebrating the world premiere of the second generation Gran Turismo at the Auto Shanghai show in China. The centerpiece of Porsche’s show appearance is the new Panamera S E-Hybrid, the world’s first plug-in hybrid in the luxury class. Also making their debut together with this new role model of intelligent interconnection of efficiency, sportiness and comfort are two luxurious Executive versions for the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo which sport an extended wheelbase and a three-litre V6 engine with bi-turbocharging that is a completely new development. With the launch of the new generation, the Panamera range is now increasing to ten individual models that offer an extended range between sportiness and comfort.
April 19, 2013
Honda Aims to Redefine Sub-Compact Segment with 2013 City
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Banners 22% Growth for Q1 2013
Toyota Motor Philippines Recalls 3,500 Corolla Altis
After Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. announced a mammoth recall of its CR-V and Civic models, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC) is announcing that it is also recalling around 3,500 units of its Corolla Altis models for the same faulty airbag problem that has plagued Japanese makes globally.
In a short statement, TMPC said that no reports of injuries caused by the defective airbag has been reported. Nonetheless, Toyota is Corolla Altis models produced between May 2001 to March 2003. TMPC will advise its dealers as to when it will coordinate with affected customers and owners.
Audi Philippines Achieves 28 Percent Sales Growth in 2013
Audi in the Philippines has surpassed initial targets this year achieving a 28% year on year growth from 2012. The growth is mainly driven by new entry-level models introduced by the brand at the beginning of the year.
“The debut of our new Audi Q3 SUV and A1 5-door Sportback ushers a new phase for Audi in the country, because for the first time we have a model below PHP 2,000,000” said Lito Jose, Sales director for Audi Philippines.
April 16, 2013
Review: 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 4.0 V6
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
April 15, 2013
Hyundai Awards Change-Up, DrivE-on Grand Prize Winner
Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) awarded a Hyundai Eon to a lucky client of Hyundai General Santos dealership, bringing the Change-up, DrivE-on promo to a successful close. The promo, which ran from November 5, 2012 to February 5, 2013, gave Hyundai customers a chance to bring home a brand new Eon or one of five Apple iPad 3 units for every oil change using Hyundai’s HGMO (Hyundai Genuine Motor Oil) Fully Synthetic. The final draw was held at the HARI headquarters last March 14, 2013.
The HGMO Fully Synthetic Motor Oil, supplied by Pro-Oil Corporation, promises superior engine performance, enhanced additive formulation, improved fuel efficiency, less oil evaporation and emission, and advanced protection to prolong engine life.
Present in the awarding were (L-R) HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo; Grand Prize Winner Ariel Lagamon; Pro-Oil Corporation Chairman Martin Dy Buncio; HARI Senior Assistant Vice President, Quality Assurance & Process Enhancement Division Engr. Alfredo S. Jose; Hyundai General Santos Dealer Principal Russel Gregorio; and Pro-Oil Corporation President Erwin Tan.
Porsche Boxster and Cayman Named World Performance Car of the Year
At a ceremony hosted by Bridgestone Corporation at the New York Auto Show last month, the Porsche Boxster and Cayman were named the 2013 World Performance Car. The Cayman celebrated its world premiere only last November at the International Motor Show in Los Angeles, while the Boxster has been on the market now for a year.
The World Car Awards (WCA) are presented annually in four categories - Car Design, Green Car, Performance Car and Car of the Year. Winners are determined by an international panel of 66 automotive journalists from 23 countries. Jurors are appointed by the World Car Steering Committee based on automotive expertise, experience, credibility and influence.
April 12, 2013
Hyundai Posts 4% Year-on-Year Growth in March
Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, posted a 4% year-on-year (YoY) growth in March 2013 compared to the same period last year.
Bouncing back from a supply-hampered February, Hyundai cars on both passenger and commercial vehicle fronts posted favourable numbers, with passenger cars (PC) registering a 2% growth to finish at 1,343 units vs. 1,316 in March 2012. The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, meanwhile, also posted strong digits with 984 Hyundai LCVs rolling off showroom floors from 929 units in March 2012.
Month-on-month figures showed even more vigour, registering a 43% increase in March over February 2013. Leading the charge were Hyundai’s passenger car (PC) models which posted an impressive 63% growth over February 2013. Not to be outdone, LCV models bannered an equally remarkable 22% growth in the same period.
Leading the pack was an eclectic mix of vehicles ranging from the Eon sub-compact, the popular Elantra compact sedan, as well as Hyundai’s newest offerings, the Santa Fe SUV and Genesis Coupe sports car.
Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2013: The Video
CATS Motors, Inc., the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in the Philippines recently held the 2013 edition of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience. This half-day track event is designed not just to bring the different Mercedes-Benz passenger cars through its paces (including the SLS AMG) but also to teach invaluable lessons to the driver, especially when it came to emergency maneuvers.
Vent It Out Friday: Speed Perception
Measuring a car’s speed by the kilometers it covers in an hour is as obsolete as the eight-track tape. Drivers need a speed measurement that reflects our go-anywhere-fast lifestyle, and kilometers per hour just doesn’t cut it anymore. We must replace kilometers per hour with meters per second—before it’s too late.
The next time you’re driving your Honda Civic or Lamborghini Gallardo or whatever it is you’re driving, look at the speedometer. What do the numbers read? 20 kilometers per hour? 60 kilometers per hour? 100 kilometers per hour? Whether you’re stuck on EDSA (which is pretty much every single minute these days) or flying like a low-altitude jetfighter on the NLEX, what do those numbers actually mean?
The next time you’re driving your Honda Civic or Lamborghini Gallardo or whatever it is you’re driving, look at the speedometer. What do the numbers read? 20 kilometers per hour? 60 kilometers per hour? 100 kilometers per hour? Whether you’re stuck on EDSA (which is pretty much every single minute these days) or flying like a low-altitude jetfighter on the NLEX, what do those numbers actually mean?
April 11, 2013
Airbag Recall Hits Toyota, Nissan, Mazda Vehicles; Totals 3.5-M Worldwide
The airbag recall that just hit Honda apparently has larger repercussions. A few hours after Honda announced the recall of its Civic and CR-V models, some of which were sold in the Philippines, the airbag problem seems to encompass Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda vehicles. The total number of recalled vehicles is expected to reach 3.5 million cars worldwide.
Toyota announced that it is recalling 1.7 million cars including the Corolla, Matrix, and Camry. Honda is recalling 1.1 million cars while Nissan is recalling 480,000 cars while Mazda is adding some 45,000 vehicles. All of the said vehicles sourced its airbags from Japan-based Takata Corporation. The same company was subject to a seat belt recall in 1995. Most vehicles affected by the recall were manufactured from 2001-2003.
More details soon.
Toyota announced that it is recalling 1.7 million cars including the Corolla, Matrix, and Camry. Honda is recalling 1.1 million cars while Nissan is recalling 480,000 cars while Mazda is adding some 45,000 vehicles. All of the said vehicles sourced its airbags from Japan-based Takata Corporation. The same company was subject to a seat belt recall in 1995. Most vehicles affected by the recall were manufactured from 2001-2003.
More details soon.
Honda Cars Philippines Recalling 9,743 Civic, CR-V Models
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces a voluntary recall of some 9,743 units of the Honda Civic year models 2001 to 2002 and CR-V year model 2002 sold in the Philippines for the period of 2001 to 2002 due to faulty inflation device of the front passenger airbag.
Findings show that during manufacturing process, the automatic rejection system machine failed to detect defective Airbag Inflators with low density propellants. Subsequently, these defective inflation devices were installed in these vehicles. As a result, upon airbag deployment, the pressure increases excessively and might cause the inflator case to rupture.
Isuzu Philippines Corporation Welcomes New President
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| Photo by Ulysses Ang |
Born in Tokyo, Izumina was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Isuzu Camiones Andinos in Bogota, Colombia. He joined IML’s Production Control Department in 1980, a month after receiving a degree in Economics from the Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo. He rose through the ranks having been assigned to the company’s Overseas Distribution Department, and later as Manager of the Sales Department handling North America.
Ford Delivers Record-Breaking March, First Quarter 2013
Driven by strong sales across Ford’s growing product lineup in the Philippines, March retail sales rose 61 percent year-over-year to 1,000 vehicles. Overall retail sales during Ford’s record first quarter nearly doubled from the same period a year ago, rising 91 percent to 2,685 vehicles.
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