Fuel Autotek Philippines formally announced its entry into the Philippine tire market at the recently concluded Manila International Auto Show 2017. After announcing its entry into the market, the company has commenced its business in the country with the distribution and importation of its two main brands: MOMO Tires from Italy and Deestone Tires from Thailand.

After Toyota UK did a memorable series of videos starring the Hilux and Tamiya RC cars, Toyota Australia is doing something along the same vein. This time though, they’ve brought together the Hilux and the iconic children’s toy, Tonka. The rest is the Hilux Tonka Concept, an impressive rock-crawling truck that combines the brands’ reputation for toughness and durability.

Subaru has already shown the refreshed 2018 Legacy, now its raised wagon sibling, the Outback sees the light. Making its debut at the New York International Auto Show next week, the 2018 Subaru Outback features revised styling, more premium interior, advanced multimedia capabilities, and a ride made smoother and quieter.

As the country prepares to ring in the season of road trips this summer, Kia helps make sure your car can take the heat throughout your journey.

Holy Week is just around the corner and while many use this time to stay at home and reflect, a good number of Filipinos take the opportunity for a much-needed road trip to spend time with their loved ones away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Who isn’t a fan of the Mazda MX-5 RF? We know we are. So it was a rare treat for us to be able to meet, greet, and sit down with Mr. Masahashi Nakayama, the former Chief Designer of the MX-5 ND and currently MX-5 Program Head, right here in Manila. We admit – we were tongue-tied and starstruck, simply from being able to shake the hand of the man who designed such an extraordinary vehicle. However, it was more interesting to listen to the insights behind the design and how Mazda stayed true to the philosophy of jinba-ittai in its quest for the perfect sports car.

Twenty years ago, the first MX-5 roadster hit the streets and grew an incredible fan base. The Miata was the epitome of jinba-ittai – without even starting the engine, the connection it evoked between the driver and the car can be felt immediately. The cocoon-like interior and elegantly curved bucket seat is snug and comfortable, with the wheel and controls positioned within ergonomic angles. What is often ignored, though, is the fact that these unique details extend to the passenger, as well. As a companion, you are treated to almost the same experience, sans the driving.

The MX-5 RF is the version of the bestselling roadster that features a retractable hardtop and fastback styling. Hence, “RF.” But what exactly inspired Mazda to design a hardtop when soft tops are most iconic for convertible sports cars, even until today? According to Nakayama-san, it was a requirement that came with the times.


Over the years, the following for the MX-5 grew. But as with any product, the consumer base plateaued, especially with the evolution of automotive standards. Security is one of them. The answer to this challenge is the RF – a more protective targa hardtop, but with a 2-way retractable mechanism that cleanly tucks away to maintain overall weight balance and keep the well-loved top-down Miata design uncompromised. Interestingly enough, the design of the MX-5 RF was also improved. Its center of gravity was adjusted to be right where the driver is seated, resulting in equal distance between the driver to the front and back wheels. This keeps the driver secure and in control at all times.

We’re not surprised. As Mazda Philippines CEO, Steven Tan quipped, “The goal is to create a more perfect car with every generation.” More perfect, but consistent in its foundation of making the car feel like a natural extension of the driver’s body.

Following this train of thought, the MX-5 RF is already the fourth generation of the Miata line and has addressed challenges without sacrificing design. We couldn’t help but wonder – what’s next for the iconic Japanese roadster, given the demands in global automotive safety standards and the rising popularity of SUVs? The answer from Nakayama-san was simple and engaging.


The MX-5 was built on three principles that has been consistent through the years – first, its short-wheel base, which makes the sports car light and easy to maneuver on city streets, yet stable enough for that coveted burst of speed. Second, the MX-5 features a lightweight structure, regardless of whether it has a soft top or a hardtop installed as roofing. And third, it maintains enough trunk space for the carry-on of two people (because, of course, a roadster is meant for a sweet ride out of town). These three principles allowed Mazda to deliver the expectations of Miata fans through the ages, without compromising function and practicality.

And so Nakayama-san threw the question back. What do we think should be next? How else can the Roadster be improved? Remember – what made the Miata one of the most iconic, coveted, fun-driving sports car for decades, is its foundation of delivering a perfect unity between man and machine, and in evoking a sense of awe with every drive. In this regard, it makes sense that it is only with the insight of a new generation of customers that Mazda can create an even more perfect Roadster. And it is also this openness to engage that reassures us MX-5 fans that the well-loved convertible is here to stay and it can only get better.

Words and Photos by Gen Tiu.

Although there are a lucky few who can afford to replace a car every 3 to 5 years, most buyers will likely run their car pretty much to the ground. As the second biggest purchase in one’s lifetime, it’s important to keep it running in tip-top shape especially as they rack up the kilometers. Today, Pilipinas Shell is introducing a new engine oil specially formulated for older, high-mileage vehicles. Meet the new Shell Helix High Mileage.

BF Goodrich, the American tire brand with over 115 years of proven experience is poised to make a strong comeback in the Philippine market with the launch of its new BF Goodrich Advantage T/A Drive and T/A SUV tire line. Developed specifically for countries with harsh road conditions such as those in the Philippines, the BF Goodrich T/A Drive and T/A SUV tires offer uncompromising performance and safety at a more affordable price point.

The 2017 Ferrari Challenge Asia-Pacific will once again make its return to Singapore in support of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. The Marina Bay Street Circuit, noted to be one of the most physically challenging on the F1 calendar with 23 corners, will see around 30 drivers representing Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, the United States, Canada, France, and Italy. They will be getting behind the wheel of the new 488 Challenge for two adrenaline-filled races around the 5.065 km unique track located near the harbor-side.

Wherever you are, you can now enjoy the convenience of having Petron Engine Oils delivered to your doorstep from the leading online shopping mall, Lazada.

Step back and erase any notion you may have of the Toyota Corolla Altis. Often panned for its uncanny ability to be consistently, monotonously boring; it’s easily the fridge, the Nokia 3310, the Nicolas Cage of the compact car world. It’s reliable transportation that gets you where you need to go, but when people ask what you drive, you reflexively answer: “I don’t know, but I do know it’s white.” But while Mr. Cage is still longing for his next Leaving Las Vegas in his sea of B-films, Toyota’s been slowly chipping away at the Corolla Altis’s stodgy repertoire. Today, it’s managing to crank up the excitement just a little bit.

Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles handed over the keys of the first batch of the latest fourth generation MX-5 RF to their new owners during handover ceremonies held on the final day of the 2017 Manila International Auto Show.

In celebration of its recent successes and to jump start yet another eventful year, Suzuki Philippines gathered together the Team Suzuki Philippines (TSP) last month to show its gratitude to its pool of loyal customers and welcome the new members of its growing Car Club family.

Chevron, marketer of the Caltex brand, unveiled its latest premium diesel engine oil, Caltex Delo 400 MGX SAE 15W-40, to address commercial business needs while meeting stringent Philippine emission regulations. The revolutionary formulation constitutes a higher specification and is specially designed to comply with Philippine market requirements. It will benefit both new and old diesel engines and allow customers to utilize just one heavy-duty engine oil that operates efficiently in both high- and low-sulfur diesel fuel environments.

Ah, the humble cup of coffee. Most of us take one or two in the morning to start the day off without even caring about the magic that happens inside that pot. As the world’s most consumed caffeinated drink, it’s become so common that for as long as you can brew, sip, and go on your way, everything is right with the world. This was the 1960s.

Some 200 students of Rawang Elementary School of Tanay City count among the first beneficiaries of the Rain Water Harvesting System, a filtration method that is capable of producing and storing potable water from rain gathered in roof gutters.

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. or better known as Chevrolet Philippines not only launched the all-new Spark at the Manila International Auto Show, but they also kicked off its Chevrolet Complete Care Program.

Executive families rejoice as Honda Cars Philippines has just upgraded its suite on wheels: the Odyssey. For 2017, the Odyssey EX-V Navi sees exterior and convenience features upgrades that respond to the evolving needs of the Philippine market.

It may not have made it to the Manila International Auto Show last weekend, but Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPC) is wasting no time in introducing to the market the refreshed ASX. The “Active Sport Crossover” sees an array of exterior and interior upgrades for both the GLS and GSR variants.

In a move that could only be described as bold and daring (and a bit surprising actually), Hyundai Philippines is making its flagship Genesis G90 luxury sedan available for indent order. Dubbed, “The Next Generation of Luxury”, the Genesis G90 is not only Hyundai’s flagship sedan, but it’s also the company’s luxury division, Genesis Motor’s flagship as well. Infused with power and poise, the Genesis G90 can be yours for an eye-watering P 7.528 million.

Hyundai Philippines is finally getting serious about doing battle in the sub-compact crossover segment with the all-new Creta. Pegged as “the perfect partner”, this all-new global model certainly has what it takes to take on the Ford EcoSport, SsangYong Tivoli, and Nissan Juke. And get this, the price starts at just a tad above P 900,000.

While majority of the attention is centered on the 2017 CX-9, CX-5, and MX-5 RF, Mazda Philippines also managed to show off the updated BT-50 at the Manila International Auto Show. Continuing to ride on the most solid of foundations (it’s won the Philippine Truck of the Year in 2012/13), it gets aesthetic updates that align it more closely with Mazda’s corporate KODO – Soul of Motion design language.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) names Mr. Noriyuki Takakura as its new President and General Manager effective today.

Market leader Petron Corporation now has the cleanest and most advanced gasoline in the Philippine market that even surpasses Euro 6 standards, the most stringent fuel technology and emission benchmark in the world today.

The FlatOut Race Series (FORS) is finally back in action with the start of the 2017 season. Round 1 got away to a good start on the 18th of March at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC). A total of 91 entries slugged it out on track in the Time Attack and Grid Races, proving plenty of action throughout the day.

UPDATE: The specs and more photos are below (4/2).

Mazda easily had one of the most attractive booths at the Manila International Auto Show this year. Keeping with the brand’s global show branding of midnight black multi-level flooring, each car stood out on its own, tall and proud, effortlessly calling out to passers-by. And trust us – you will stop and find yourself weaving through the display like you just want to take them all home.

You can’t miss the Ford booth at the Manila International Auto Show. Every year, MIAS is the platform for the brand’s latest car launches. This year, however, visitors are given a taste of something different. Surprise – there is no new variant to watch for or to take photos of. But this is exactly in line with what Lance Mosley, Managing Director of Ford Philippines, had to say about the brand’s direction for 2017 – sustained momentum and enhanced customer experience, fueled by providing world-class customer service. This move came closely on the heels of 2016’s sales achievement – a record high of 33 percent and year-end total of 43 dealerships nationwide.

The Manila International Auto Show marks the final show in the Philippines for HCPI President and General Manager, Toshio Kuwahara as he prepares for his upcoming move to a new country of assignment. And in true form, he leaves it with a legacy. Honda showcased a dynamic vehicle display that easily defined the brand’s core concept, “Joy in Motion.” The line-up takes a look back at the brand’s days on the racetrack, with sporty designs and accessories.