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July 31, 2015

Toyota Launches 2015 Hilux: A New Era for Pickup Trucks (w/ Specs, Video)

Toyota Motor Philippines is finally laying down its cards on the table in the next-generation pickup truck wars as it unveiled the all-new, 8th generation Hilux. Aiming to raise the bar against its predecessors (and the competition), Toyota goes back to the very origin of the nameplate for inspiration. As a portmanteau of “High” and “Luxury”, Toyota believes the more daring, more powerful, and more competitive pickup has what it takes to once again regain the sales crown.

Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) saw its sales climb by 38% in the 2nd quarter, registering 12,178 units versus 8,849 in the same period last year. First semester performance grew 15 percent to 20,626 for the first six months of the year. The remarkable surge in unit sales reflects the collective effects of strong consumer uptake and AVID’s incessant efforts in expanding avenues in which it engages its ever-evolving consumer base. Notably, AVID has welcomed Ford Group Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Ford vehicles in the country, into its fold as it continues to find ways of broadening its membership to advance its value contribution to the growth of the Philippine automotive industry.

You’ve read our first impressions on the all-new 2015-2016 Ford Everest, but just how does it do in action? Well, check out the video below.

Suzuki to Expand Network to Sta. Rosa

Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH), the only integrated motorcycle and automobile company in the country, recently conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for its latest car dealership, Suzuki Auto Sta. Rosa. Soon to rise along Tagaytay Balibago Road, it is the newest addition to the current roster of 32 Suzuki dealers nationwide, making the brand more accessible to motorists in the Southern Tagalog region.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces that the New City has officially acquired EURO 4 emission standard certification from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This is the first vehicle in Honda’s line-up to be locally certified with EURO 4 level emission standards. The certification is pursuant to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2015-04 which mandates that all new passenger and light vehicles, and heavy duty motor vehicles made available in the market should comply with EURO 4 emission standards by January 2016 from the present EURO 2 emission standards.

First Drive: 2015-2016 Ford Everest 3.2 Titanium 4WD and 2.2 Titanum 2WD

Photos by Ulysses Ang

“Go Further” is a very apt tagline for Ford lately. In the past few years, the Blue Oval has invested heavily in technology, transforming them from an automotive follower to automotive leader. Of course, some of this tech like EcoBoost has fared better than others like MyFord Touch. Still, there’s no denying that their investment in the cutting-edge has boosted their position in the market place; enabling them to tap segments like the so-called ‘millennials’—people who wouldn’t otherwise consider a Ford before.

Tata Motors Bags Biggest Single Largest Order for Indian Army

Tata Motors has bagged an order to supply around 1200 units of its high-mobility 6X6 multi-axle trucks, from the Indian Army – the single largest order awarded to an Indian private OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in land systems under the DPP by the Indian army. The order for 6X6 vehicles is for ‘Material Handling Cranes’ for the loading-unloading and transportation of ammunition pallets, spares and other operational equipment.

Ford Offers "Ride Out the Storm" Service Promo

With the Philippines now entering the rainy season, Ford Philippines has launched the “Ride out the Storm” service promo, which offers customers free extensive vehicle check, a free bottle of windshield cleaner, and rebates on safety parts.

Another historic moment for Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) was forged recently as the exclusive distributor of Kia Motors vehicles in the Philippines signed a multi-year agreement with the Araneta Group to build the new Kia Theater, formerly known as New Frontier Theater.

Chevrolet Philippines Celebrates Truck Month with Launch of Colorado Tracker Pro

Chevrolet Philippines celebrates its Truck Month by making a Rock Solid offer available to its customers. This month, Chevy launches the Tracker and Tracker Pro editions that combine off-road truck capability, crossover refinement and best-in-class performance features.

After showing it off at its Father’s Day activity last month, BMW is formally introducing its next-generation X6 Sports Activity Coupe for everyone to gush after. As the most controversial yet head-turning member of the X family, the BMW X6 aims to strengthen its position as the symbol of exclusivity and power. And now, it aims to raise the bar when it comes to innovative luxury as well.

Ford Philippines continues its dealer expansion with the opening of Ford Ormoc in Leyte.

Suzuki Philippines Reveals Celerio Pricing, Launch Slated on August 5

Touted before as the fashionable supermini, Suzuki Philippines is giving its Celerio a full on model change for 2015. This time, they call it the A+ Compact. Meet the 2015 Suzuki Celerio. And although the official launch is slated for the first week of August, they’ve revealed the final pricing as well as an available perk, if you decide to get a unit as in now.

UPDATE 1: Including the step-by-step video guide below (7/25).

Subaru Palm Challenge 2015: Philippine Face-Off is on for the search for the 10 representatives of the Philippines for the Subaru Challenge 2015 in Singapore. Step up to the challenge and sign up for one of the three legs in the Philippines for a spot to represent the Philippines in Singapore and a chance to win a brand new Subaru Forester 2.0i-L.

Today’s smartest companies have overcome the old attitude that environmental initiatives are expensive and only contribute to shot-term ‘posturing’. The fact is that companies who address pollution gets consumers’ votes and patronage.

Volvo Partners with Bulgari for Bridal Collection Show

Volvo Philippines is the official transport of the recent Bulgari Bridal Collection Show held at the Raffles Residences this 23 June 2015. A fleet of five new Volvos, including the sleek Volvo S60 and the flagship luxury S80 sedan, ferried guests in style to the wedding exhibit held at Greenbelt 5.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) closed the month of June recording its highest monthly sales volume of 4,607 units. Sales for the month of June reflected a modest growth of 1.6 percent compared to 4,535 units that was sold during the same period last year. Passenger cars sales also increased by 32.3 percent with 1,499 units sold compared to 1,133 units sold during the same month last year. Sales for Fuso Trucks and Rosa Bus also posted increases. Fuso Trucks’ sales improved by 28.9 percent with 98 units sold while Rosa Bus sales grew by 25 percent.

Ford is developing a way to make driving safer at night, particularly in unlit roads. Currently in the testing phase, Ford’s new Camera-Based Advanced Front Lighting System (their caps, not mine) uses a clever combination of active headlamp reflectors, GPS, and cameras to make sure light is shown the areas you need it the most.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Back in 2000, the Nissan X-Trail was launched with an upright, boxy body that looked rather sedate. What it lacked in style though it made up for it with interesting stuff like a washable cargo hold, water repellant seats, and commendable off-road abilities (although comparing its AWD system with the Skyline GT-R’s leaves a bad taste). Still, next to fashion comedy, Zoolander, it looked like the X-Trail withstood the effects of time better than the film’s zebra-print pants, faux fur, and over-the-top hair. Now, here’s the 2015 model.

Ford is Now Part of AVID

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID), a non-profit business association of automotive importers and distributors founded in July 2010, welcomes a new member: Ford Group Philippines, Inc. AVID aims to promote the competitiveness of the Philippine automotive industry and boost its value contribution to the Philippine economy.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has increased its sales volume by more than half during the first six months of 2015, compared to the same period last year.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the country, registered a 6 percent year-on-year decline in the second quarter of the year.

Subaru Marathon: All You Need to Know

Subaru is organizing its first-ever marathon event which will be held at the Mall of Asia Grounds on September 13, 2015. Partnering with Run Rio, Inc., Motor Image Pilipinas (MIPI) officially launched the event and opened its registration to runners at the Raffles Hotel in Makati.

After four days of exploring Rome and the stunning areas around the city in their Ferraris, the 2015 Cavalcade participants celebrated the conclusion of the event with a gala dinner in the spectacular surroundings of Trajan’s Markets.

Mahindra to Display Line-Up at Philippine Bus and Truck Show 2015

Asianbrands Motors Corporation, the exclusive distributor of Mahindra in the Philippines, will showcase the complete lineup of Mahindra vehicles at the 2015 Philippine Truck and Bus show at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19, 2015. As the ideal brand for the modern Filipino entrepreneur who values utility, durability, and ruggedness, the Philippine Truck and Bus Show is the perfect venue for Mahindra.

UPDATE 4: Now, they have revealed the full specs (2/29).

UPDATE 3: Toyota Motor Philippines launches it to the media (1/14).

UPDATE 2: More information about the suspension, more interior pictures (7/17).

UPDATE 1: Now includes the Thai-market specs (7/16).

Toyota Motor Corporation held simultaneous launches of its much-awaited, all-new 2016 Fortuner in both Thailand and Australia just a couple of hours ago. Sales in those markets start as early as October of this year with the Philippines slated for a February 2016 launch (as indicated by Toyota sources).

Audi is taking off for the moon – together with the Part Time Scientists. Nearly 45 years after NASA’s Apollo 17 completed the last manned mission to the moon, the cooperating partners have selected the old landing site of Apollo 17 as the new target. The group of German engineers in the Part-Time Scientists team is working within the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition to transport an unmanned rover onto the moon. Audi is supporting the Part-Time Scientists with its know-how in several fields of technology – from quattro all-wheel drive and lightweight construction to electric mobility and piloted driving.

Mahindra is Officially in the Philippines

Mahindra, India’s leading SUV manufacturer makes its comeback into the Philippines under the exclusive distributorship of Asiabrands Motors Corporation, a new company under the Columbian Group of Companies which also distributes brands such as Kia, BMW, and Peugeot. Although Mahindra was in the Philippine market in the 1990’s, it’s only now that they’ll get a large corporate backer ensuring proper and reliable customer support.

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