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January 7, 2016

TAS 2016: Tokyo Auto Salon to Kick Off on January 15

The third major car-related auto show this January (after CES and NAIAS), the Tokyo Auto Salon 2016 is kicking off from Friday, January 15 to Sunday, January 17 at the Makuhari Messe Convention Complex. Already one of the largest annual custom car and car-related product shows in the world, the Tokyo Auto Salon 2016 is, according to its organizers, the biggest one yet.

CES 2016: Kia Creates DRIVE WISE for Autonomous Driving Tech

Kia is finally getting into the autonomous driving phenomenon sweeping car brands of late with the introduction of “DRIVE WISE”. This sub-brand encompasses future Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS. In addition, Kia has already announced plans to manufacture partially-autonomous cars by 2020 and fully autonomous vehicles 2030.

Ford is tripling its fleet of fully autonomous Ford Fusion Hybrid test vehicles – making it the largest in the automotive industry – and will use a new-generation sensor technology as the company further accelerates its autonomous vehicle development plans.

Mazda has reached a new global milestone announcing the production of more than 3,050,000 (three million fifty thousand) vehicles featuring Skyactiv Technology and KODO – Soul of Motion design. This milestone comes about four years since the first model, the CX-5, started in November 2011.

Ford is expanding its SYNC connectivity system, adding Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE, and several new AppLink apps. This will enable consumers to stay connected behind the wheel and even when they are away from their cars.

Honda Conducts 7th Body and Paint National Customer Service Skills Competition

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) takes pride in conducting the 7th Body and Paint National Customer Service Skills Competition (NCSSC) to showcase the skills of their dealer service associates in four (4) categories – Body Repair, Paint Repair, Paintless Dent Repair, and Service Advisor.

Four million two hundred ninety thousand pesos—let that amount sink in for a second. That’s the entrance fee to Volkswagen Touareg ownership, especially if you want the Sport Edition pictured here. Is it worth it? Well, that’s a question not easily answered because you can take two points of view. The first is that you’ll look at it as a cut-price Porsche Cayenne because it largely shares the same running gear and platform as Stuttgart’s venerable SUV. On the other hand, if you’ll look it purely as a VW and as such, it costs about a third more than Wolfsburg’s next most expensive offering. Either way, it’s a gross oversimplification of the entire car. It’s neither a poor man’s Porsche nor a rich man’s Volkswagen; it’s got its own unique identity which you’ll only understand if you get to spend some time with it.

Subaru Earns Top Marks in IIHS Safety Standards

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, recently announced that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS; a nonprofit organization supported by auto insurers in the US) has awarded the highest standard of safety, 2016 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+), along with the highest possible rating of “Good” for five crash-worthiness tests as well as “Superior” for front crash prevention with the highest possible score of 6 points, to the 2016 Subaru Legacy, Outback, Forester, Impreza, Subaru XV, and WRX.

If you’ve been following this small blog since it launched in 2011, you’ve always known that we cap off the year with our annual Top 5 Picks (see 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011). And unlike other award-giving body, we don’t categorize entries based on performance, price, or any other parameter. For this list, we’re grouping everything together.

EVAP and DTI Map Out Development Plans for Electric Vehicles

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) together with the Department of Trade and Industry recently held a year-end meeting in order to map out the progress and formulate development plans for the domestic electric vehicle Industry for the coming year 2016 and thereafter.

Winner of Nissan Philippines' "Sylphy Transformation" Awarded

When Nissan Philippines set out the call for entries in the “Sylphy Transformation” online promo, over 500 entries were received. Nissan’s promo judges sifted through the many ways the contestants interpreted the process of transformation, keeping in mind the idea of “always innovating to be better, bolder, and more exciting versions of ourselves”, the same way how the Nissan Sylphy is the Sentra reborn.

Auto Parts Makers Laud IRR for CARS Program

In a press statement, the Philippine Part Maker Association lauded the issuance last December 19, 2015 by the Board of Investments of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Executive Order 182 or the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program. This is the new version of what used to be the old Motor Vehicle Development Program.

PPMA President Ferdinand Raquelsantos said this was very much awaited by the entire auto industry as it provides for fiscal and non-fiscal incentives aimed at encouraging the local assembly of automotive vehicles. “Now, we expect the car assemblers to go full blast with their expansion and product developments plans that they have temporarily shelved while waiting for this IRR. We expect investments in the auto industry, both foreign and local, to now go full steam ahead”.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) achieves remarkable fuel efficiency results for their vehicles in an internal fuel economy run observed by an Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) representative with the highest figure at 33.88 km/L recorded for the Brio Amaze.

UPDATED: Kia Philippines Springs Grand Carnival Surprise

UPDATE 1: We included the official press release below (1/31).

Kia Philippines is ending 2015 with a big surprise (literally): the launch of the 11-seater version of the Grand Carnival. Dubbed the Grand Carnival 11, this version of Kia’s large MPV offering is catered towards larger families (who don’t find the second-row Captain’s Seats useful) or those who’re looking to maximize the Grand Carnival’s cavernous interior. At the same time, the Grand Carnival 11 starts at a much more pocket-friendly price.

Review: 2015 Chrysler 300C

Photos by Ulysses Ang

When the first-generation Chrysler 300C came to the market, everyone was wowed by its gangster-inspired styling. The fact that rappers fitted 20-inch chrome spinners on them and slammed them to the ground (with hydraulics for good measure) made it a must-have for local socialites and “artistas”. Unfortunately, like MTV, hype only gets you so far. And soon, the 300C became a victim of its own success. People complained about the lackluster dynamics and the interior fit and finish—it all became apparent: it wasn’t a socialite. It was a social climber.

It's All In Their Name: Nissan Wants Zero Emissions and Zero Fatalities in Its Cars

Photos by Ulysses Ang

With a name originating from “Nihon Sangyo” meaning Japan Industries, Nissan has the distinction of being one of the few automakers not named after its founder. Its name is a nod to its social responsibility. Given this mandate, Nissan has an eye towards the future, making sure that everyone continues to enjoy sustainable mobility. In that regard, they have identified four key issues affecting cars: dependency on fossil fuel, global warming, urban congestion, and increased traffic accidents.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Welcomes DTI Recommendations on SUA Issue

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) says it welcomes the decision of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to hire an expert(s) third party to perform all relevant tests and investigations regarding the Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) on the Montero Sport.

6 Affordable Ways to Buy a New BMW This Christmas

Still having difficulties finding the right gift for that BMW fanatic friend or family? Well, why don’t you just head over to any of the authorized BMW dealerships in the country and score the lucky guy or gal a new BMW; a BMW lifestyle item that is.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen. BMW dealerships aren’t just places where you buy cars and/or have them serviced. You can live the same level of craftsmanship in any of these premium lifestyle items.

Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, has recently concluded its search for the best technicians among its dealership network. The winners will go on to represent Philippines in the Asia Pacific round of MazTech to be held in Shanghai, China in 2016.

Adding more flair to its pickup truck offering, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation is reviving the ‘Fieldmaster’ nameplate as the designation for a new dressed-up version of its Strada. Meet the Strada Fieldmaster 4WD Edition.

5 Reasons Why the Honda City is a Great First Car

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The fourth-generation City, launched in 2014, has been a runaway success for Honda Cars Philippines. It’s been well-received by public and pundits alike with its exceptional packaging combining technological and safety features wrapped in a sharply-penned body. And the fact that it brings back the unmistakable Honda DNA—the fun-to-drive yet environmentally-responsible character adds to its charm.

All-New Ford GT Will Have Same Glass as Your iPhone

Corning’s Gorilla Glass, the same one used on smartphones like the iPhone is making a leap to the automotive world as the Ford GT will get the tough, durable, and scratch-resistant material for its windshield and rear engine cover. What’s more, it’s 32 percent lighter than the traditional laminated glass.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Proving itself an impressive machine during its Taiwan sneak peek a few months back, the Subaru Levorg has finally made to the Philippines and just in time for those who want to get themselves a new car this Christmas season.

Review: 2016 Ford Ranger XLT

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Ford didn’t need to update the Ranger. Even before its substantial 2016 refresh, it remained the best-selling pickup truck, and as a result, catapulted Ford as the country’s third-best selling brand. And though the arrival of new competition likely influenced their decision for a nip and tuck, Ford simply listened to their customers changing and upgrading what’s necessary. After all, why fix if it isn’t broke? The end result is a pickup that once again leads the way.

Mazda Philippines Joins Search for Racing Drivers of the Future

Berjaya Auto Philippines, exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, is now a proud partner with the Automobile Association Philippines in its pursuit to discover the racing drivers of tomorrow.

Audi Philippines is capping off 2015 by unveiling the ‘great quattro’—the all-new Q7 flagship SUV. Marking the second-generation model in this award-winning line, the all-new Q7 boasts of presence, precision, and performance keeping it solidly in place as the brand’s SUV cornerstone.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) releases a Limited Edition Jazz 1.5 V variant with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), equipped with exclusive factory-installed MUGEN accessories. With only 12 units available in the market, customers can already reserve a Jazz MUGEN Limited Edition at any authorized Honda dealership nationwide.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) ends the year with an exclusive deal offered to existing and previous Honda owners, in line with the company’s 25th anniversary.

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