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February 7, 2014

Lexus Manila Opens Lexus Gallery in Robinsons Magnolia

L-R: Daniel Isla, President, Lexus Manila, Inc., Frederick Go, President, Robinsons Land Corporation; Alfred Ty, Chairman, Lexus Manila, Inc.; Lance Gokongwei, President, JG Summit Holdings, Inc.; Michinobu Sugata, President, Toyota Motor Philippines; Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, President, Summit Media

Lexus Manila has expanded its presence by opening a small boutique at the upscale Robinsons Magnolia mall in New Manila, Quezon City.

Called the Lexus Gallery, it has been opened to serve potential clients since December, but was only officially inaugurated yesterday. Lexus Gallery has one full-time staff to answer questions about Lexus as well as one bar attendant to serve coffee. However, the one-car showcase which includes a merchandise area is intended for display only. Customers who wish to purchase a Lexus automobile or schedule a test drive will still need to go to Lexus Manila in Fort Bonifacio.

According to Lexus Manila, they have chosen Robinsons Magnolia due to its proximity to its client base in the New Manila, San Juan, and Quezon City areas.

Volkswagen Beetle Goes Rallying in the Global Rallycross Series

Volkswagen is giving its rather feminine Beetle a serious shot of testosterone as it’s poised to enter the Global Rallycross (GRC) series. The “love bug” has worked out for its competitive debut and as a result, develops some 560+ horsepower through its turbocharged, direct-injection TSI engine. Tractive effort is sent to all four wheels.

Fancy watching an adrenaline-packed event with cars, extreme stunts, rock stars, and babes? This sounds like stuff of dreams, but Monster Energy can make it a reality with its Ken Block’s Japan Experience promo. Why settle for a flat screen TV or even a PlayStation when you can kick out the boredom of your 9 to 5 with VIP access to an all-out energy-filled weekend in the Land of the Rising Sun—Japan!

Volvo Cars and Ericsson Cloud Solution Offers Total Connectivity

Leveraging extensive consumer research and industry-leading innovation, the all-Swedish partnership has focused on developing a solution that supports current and future connected car needs by combining Volvo Cars’ driver behavior expertise and Ericsson’s consulting and systems integration know-how.

The solution is implemented and operated as a managed service of a global cloud-based solution with regional and central nodes. These nodes enable efficient provision and communication of services and information to the cars. All in all the “cloud” offers great flexibility to adjust capacity and local presence of content based end-user demands. Ericsson’s systems integration capabilities have been critical in solution design and integration into Volvo Car’s IS/IT environment and to the head-end unit in the car. The solution covers all Volvo Cars markets around the globe.

It’s just a matter of time until Lexus puts on its trademark spindle grille on all its cars. Though their entry-level hybrid, the CT200h received a pseudo-spindle grille when it first launched into the market, it gets the full blown treatment for 2014. Aside from that, the CT200h receives a wealth of new design and technological changes to keep things fresh.

Michelin, in global partnership with Shell, welcomes the Philippines in hosting its first Shell Eco-Marathon, an innovative motoring event at a specially built track around the Quirino Grandstand from today until February 9, 2014.

Seems everyone wants to be getting into the B-segment crossover and Chevrolet’s the latest one to put their contender into the ring. Though officially called a concept, the Chevrolet Adra looks pretty much production ready. Designed specifically for the Indian market by GM’s GM Technical Centre – India, the Adra fits in very much with the global look of Chevrolet.

Volkswagen is moving one more step towards the production of its own B-segment crossover, the Taigun, which is showed at the Auto Expo 2014 in India. After the first conceptual design, presented in another emerging market, Brazil, Volkswagen presented a near-production concept. The Taigun has been modified with a rear section featuring an outside-mounted spare tire.

After launching Honda’s new global B-segment crossover, the Vezel, at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013, reports out of Honda headquarters seem to point out that engineers may have to go back to the drawing board because of the unfavorable exchange rates that will make the sophisticated Vezel uncompetitively priced in emerging markets such as India and even the ASEAN.

Reuters News is reporting that Aston Martin is recalling 17,590 cars—which is the brand’s entire left-hand drive models built since November 2007 and all right-hand drive models built since May 2012 due a counterfeit plastic material that was supplied by, you guessed it, Aston Martin’s Chinese supplier.

The recall, which does not include the Vanquish, is because of a part supplied by Shenzhen Kexiang Mould Tool Co Limited. This Chinese subcontractor is responsible for molding accelerator pedal arms. It was found out that these parts were using counterfeit plastic material supplied by Synthetic Plastic Raw Material Co Ltd of Dongguan.

The recall is being issued because affected cars may have its accelerator pedal arm break, increasing the risk of a crash.

Source: Reuters

February 5, 2014

Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2014 Welcomes 109 Student Teams to Manila

Students from all across Asia and the Middle East arrived in Manila to tackle a street circuit in the heart of Manila, Philippines, with the fuel efficient vehicles they designed and built. The 109 student teams are here to compete in the fifth edition of Shell’s annual Shell Eco-marathon Asia.

Volkswagen Inaugurates BGC Dealership, Announces Plans for 3 More Within 2014

L-R: Mr. Erwin Locsin (General Manager, Volkswagen BGC), Mr. JP Orbeta (President, Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc.), Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala (President & COO, Ayala Corporation), Hon. Mayor Lani Cayetano (City of Taguig), Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (Chairman and CEO, Ayala Corporation)

Iconic Dealership, Inc., formally opened its flagship showroom—Volkswagen BGC with no less than Ayala Corporation President and COO, Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Volkswagen official distributor, Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI) President and CEO, Mr. John Philip Orbeta leading the ceremonial inauguration. Also in attendance was Ayala Corporation and CEO Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Taguig City Major Ms. Lani Cayetano.

Volvo’s official Philippine distributor, Scandinavian Motors Corporation, has just announced the availability of its 2014 Volvo S60 luxury sedan and XC60 luxury crossover which have both been updated with a slew of aesthetic changes inside and out.

Seems tiny 3-cylinder engines are the way to go these days. After Ford showed off that their 1.0 EcoBoost can fit as carry-on luggage and can still outperform some of the world’s foremost supercars (when placed in a road-legal Formula Ford Racecar), Nissan is getting into the act with their motorsports division, Nismo.

The bane of sport utility vehicles, compact crossovers included, is their infamy for being gas-guzzlers. Equipped with four-wheel drive this and electronic doodad that, they do deliver outstanding driving performance at the expense of burning a sizable hole in your wallet due to terrible fuel mileage. It’s for this reason why some buyers skip this genre altogether and instead move up to a mid-sized SUV powered by a lean-burning diesel. However, Mazda wants you to re-consider the compact crossover once more; one that doesn’t sacrifice driving performance for the sake of great fuel economy. They want you to take a look at the new Mazda CX-5 Pro.

UPDATED: Subaru Teases All-New Legacy, Will Make Global Debut at Chicago Auto Show

UPDATE: We have all the info and specs here.

Subaru has released a teaser photo of their all-new Legacy which will make its global debut at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show on February 6.

According to Subaru, the all-new Legacy is a sports sedan that promises enhanced drivability and functionality while achieving a design required for a flagship model with a quality feel. The styling is said to be fused with increased roominess and visibility. It also embodies the design direction proposed by the Legacy Concept.

This Changes the Game: Ford Launches All-New EcoSport, Deliveries Start in April (w/ Complete Specs)

Ford is set to obliterate the competition with a new segment-busting vehicle that’s designed and built to marry the agility, affordability, and fuel efficiency of a compact car with the flexibility and spaciousness of a sport utility vehicle: the Ford EcoSport.

De-Clutter Your Car for Year of the Horse: Basic Feng Shui Tips to Promote Positive Chi

With the launch of the highly-anticipated Ford EcoSport happening tonight, during Chinese New Year’s Eve, Ford Philippines is sharing some simple tips to make sure you have a safer and happier ride this Year of the Horse.

Built for the urban discoverer, the all-new Ford EcoSport brings an entirely new offering to the SUV segment featuring best-in-class design an array of smart technologies and remarkable fuel economy. The all-new EcoSport is set to attract a new generation of urban customers searching for a versatile vehicle to explore the city or nearby getaway destinations.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC)—maker of world-class diesel engines and durable, fuel efficient commercial vehicles (CVs)—wrapped up 2013 owning several sales accomplishments that continue to prove the Filipino market’s unwavering trust in and support of the brand.

Brands and businesses are always on the lookout for new and interactive ways to touch base with their loyal and potential customers and Kia is starting a different beat in this regard. Tagged as the Customer Idea Contest, Kia owners can submit their most innovative ideas and suggestions on how Kia can provide an ideal service experience while winning a chance for Service Discounts!

First Drive: Volkswagen Polo Notch 1.6 TDI M/T and Jetta TDI 2.0 TDI M/T Trendline

Photos by Ulysses Ang

When you think of ‘diesel’, the first things that come to mind are pick-ups, large SUVs, and MPVs. They’re normally associated with anything that requires fuel economy and hauling power at the expense of everything else, including refinement. But the notion of the unrefined diesel engine is something best left to your grandfather. Technology has remarkably changed transforming today’s diesel engine into one that actually improves the overall driving experience thanks to exhilarating performance and outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing emissions. In fact, Europe has taken notice. In 2012, about 55 percent of cars sold there were diesel, that’s up from 31 percent in 2000. And the leader in the diesel revolution is Volkswagen and their TDI technology.

Isuzu Cagayan de Oro is Isuzu Dealer of the Year in 2013

Isuzu Cagayan de Oro (CDO), for five years now, has been adjudged as the 2013 Dealer of the Year among all 21 authorized dealerships of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC). The award—given recently at the Solaire Resort in Parañaque City—was handed over by IPC president Nobuo Izumina and executive vice president Takashi Tomita.

Honda Cars Philippines officially launched the 2014 Accord, the latest car to wear a storied nameplate known for sophistication, efficiency, and driving joy in the executive sedan segment. Completely new from the ground up, the all-new Accord provides a host of powertrain, engineering, electronic and safety firsts combined with Honda’s trademark smart design and sporty handling.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Clark International Speedway transformed into a festival of speed last weekend as Toyota Motor Philippines finally held the Vios Cup Exhibition Race. Originally scheduled last October, the Vios Cup was postponed due to Typhoon Santi hitting the Northern and Central Luzon area. The three-month delay simply wetted the appetite of Filipino motorsport enthusiasts, packing the stands of the Clark International Speedway. The unexpected delay also enabled the 12 Vios Cup racers, composed of 7 motoring media and 5 celebrities, to hone their track skills even further. In the end, AutoIndustriya Editor-in-Chief Vince Pornelos emerged the clear victor after sweeping the two-heat race.

Chevrolet Philippines Achieves Impressive 52% Growth in 2013

Chevrolet Philippines has achieved unprecedented record numbers in terms of sales this past 2013. Chevrolet unit sales now ranks 9th overall in the Philippine automotive industry with an impressive 52% growth from 2012 to 2013 and a total of 5,058 sales for the year.

Kia Welcomes the New Year with Amazing Discount Deals until January 31!

Gallop your way to the nearest Kia dealer as the Korean automaker giant introduces a limited-time only Year of the Horse Deals.

Wanting to surprise and delight its loyal and potential customers, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, carries out a promo to usher in the year 2014. Tagged as Kia’s Year of the Horse Deals, the Kia Carens and Kia Sportage will be made available at more than 10% off of their suggested retail prices.

Testing for Car of the Year - Philippines and Truck of the Year - Philippines is done and dusted, and who came out with top honors? It comes as no big surprise as the Mazda’s executive sedan offering, the 6 walked away with the highly-coveted Car of the Year – Philippines (CoTY – P) while the Ford redeemed itself with Truck of the Year – Philippines (ToTY – P) as its Ranger Wildtrak scooped the other top prize of the night.

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February 7, 2014

Lexus Manila Opens Lexus Gallery in Robinsons Magnolia

Volkswagen Beetle Goes Rallying in the Global Rallycross Series

Monster Excitement: Get the Chance to Win a Trip to Japan to Watch Ken Block Live!

February 6, 2014

Volvo Cars and Ericsson Cloud Solution Offers Total Connectivity

Lexus Manila Refreshes CT200h for 2014

Michelin Supports the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia Happening this Weekend

Auto Expo India 2014: Chevrolet Jumps into Small Crossover Bandwagon with Adra Concept

Auto Expo India 2014: Volkswagen Inches Towards Production B-Segment Crossover, the Taigun

Auto Expo India 2014: Honda's Vision XS-1 Concept is a Promising Mix of EcoSport and Spin

Aston Martin Recalling Majority of Cars Due to Fake Chinese Parts

February 5, 2014

Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2014 Welcomes 109 Student Teams to Manila

February 4, 2014

Volkswagen Inaugurates BGC Dealership, Announces Plans for 3 More Within 2014

Volvo PHL Distributor Announces Arrival of 2014 S60 and XC60

Tiny 1.5-liter 3-Cylinder Engine to Power Nissan's Le Mans Racer

Review: 2014 Mazda CX-5 Pro

January 31, 2014

UPDATED: Subaru Teases All-New Legacy, Will Make Global Debut at Chicago Auto Show

This Changes the Game: Ford Launches All-New EcoSport, Deliveries Start in April (w/ Complete Specs)

January 30, 2014

De-Clutter Your Car for Year of the Horse: Basic Feng Shui Tips to Promote Positive Chi

Catch the All-New Ford EcoSport as it Goes on Tour!

Isuzu Tops Truck Sales in 2013; Solidifies 3rd Place in CAMPI Sales

Great Service Starts with Great Ideas: Share Your Customer Feedback with Kia and Win Up to US$ 5,000!

January 28, 2014

First Drive: Volkswagen Polo Notch 1.6 TDI M/T and Jetta TDI 2.0 TDI M/T Trendline

January 27, 2014

Isuzu Cagayan de Oro is Isuzu Dealer of the Year in 2013

Honda Cars Philippines Pulls Wraps Off All-New Accord (w/ Complete Specs)

Waku-Doki: Toyota Vios Cup Exhibition Race Proves to be an Adrenaline-Packed Event

January 26, 2014

Chevrolet Philippines Achieves Impressive 52% Growth in 2013

January 24, 2014

Kia Welcomes the New Year with Amazing Discount Deals until January 31!

Mazda6, Ford Ranger Wildtrak Bag Philippine Car of the Year, Truck of the Year Respectively