CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

June 11, 2012

Leaked: Ford Focus PHL Specs and Pricing

Ah sales reps...you just got to love 'em. After we got wind that the all-new Ford Focus is expected to bow in early July (we're keeping the exact date secret, so you'll have to check back once in a while), we just had to keep our neighborhood Ford dealer a call and lo and behold: they're ready to divulge the specs and pricing of Ford's new compact car offering.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the official distributor of Kia vehicles in the country has released two new value-oriented models that nicely fills in their crossover line-up. In an announcement on Kia Motor Philippines's official Facebook page as well as print ads, Kia is now offering the Sorento 2.4 LX 5MT at just P 1,090,000 while the Sportage now has a new 2.0 LX 2WD 5MT variant at just P 988,000.

This is certainly excellent news for those wanting to buy a Sportage or Sorento, but found the prices rather prohibitive. Before these two new variants, the most affordable Sportage stood at P 1,158,000 while the Sorento started at P 1,490,000. These new models represent a savings of P 170,000 and P 400,000 respectively. It's understood that both of these new variants offer less content compared to their higher-priced siblings (for example, the Sportage removes the passenger airbag, fog lamps, roof rails, door courtesy lamp, illuminated ignition key hole, and rear storage box), but hey, cash savings is still cash savings!

Mazda CX-5 Receives Five-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating

Mazda’s all-new CX-5, unveiled in the Philippines last April, has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

This rating, alongside being named a "Top Safety Pick 2012" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States last March, confirms the all-new Mazda CX-5, which employs Mazda's new lightweight, highly rigid SKYACTIV-BODY, as among the safest cars in the world.

HCPI Launches All-New Odyssey, Pilot

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile production and sales subsidiary in the Philippines, today launched both the all-new Pilot and Odyssey. Following the launch of the new City last January, the all-new Civic and Jazz Special Edition in February, and the all-new CR-V in April, the all-new Pilot and Odyssey not only strengthen Honda’s return to the Philippine automotive market, but also expands its model line-up.

Since the introduction of the Pilot and Odyssey in the United States, each model has received numerous awards and recognitions from various bodies and institutions due to its outstanding roominess, versatility, efficiency, and safety. Both models have unit-body construction and independent suspension that provide car-like driving feel and ride comfort.

Globetrotting in his 1988 Mercedes-Benz G-Class for the past 22 years, Gunther Holtorf finally arrives in Philippine shores—the 199th on his continuously growing list of countries in his round-the-world journey.

Gunther’s ever-reliable G-Class named “Otto”, his companion since he began the world tour, has already clocked in 800,000 kilometers—approximately 20 times the length of the equator. Gunther and Otto have shared many memorable journeys; especially that he eats, sleeps, cooks, showers, and practically does everything in his car.

2012 Subaru XV 2.0i vs 2012 Mitsubishi ASX GLS SE

From the get-go, it seems the Subaru XV is designed to take the Mitsubishi ASX in a head-to-head grudge match. Consider the general design: both originate from all-wheel drive compact cars (the XV is from the Impreza, the ASX is from the Lancer EX); consider the drivetrain: both sport 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines mated to CVT transmissions; consider the price: both are stone’s throw from each other topping out at close to P 1.550 million apiece; lastly, consider the naming: both are christened with a string nonsensical letters. These factors easily make the XV and the ASX the most inseparable rivals in today’s compact crossovers, and the perfect subject for our first head-to-head test.

Focus Ventures, Inc., the official distributor of Chana vehicles in the Philippines is helping boost Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by launching their new "Back to Business" promotion.

With Back to Business promotion, you can own the Chana Star 2, Multi-carry 2 Dropside, Multi-carry 2 Panoramic Body, or Multi-carry Double Cab with Pick-up for a low down payment of just P 99,000. In addition, customers are entitled to a free 3-year LTO registration as well as Third-Party Liability (TPL).

The promo is available for financing transactions with 30 percent down payment. Rates are subject to bank approval through BDO. The promotion runs until July 31, 2012.

For more information about Back to Business, contact any of Chana's network of dealerships or visit the Focus Ventures website at www.focusventures.com.ph.

June 5, 2012

NMPI Launches Grand Livina Highway Star

Photo courtesy of Nissan Press

The summer season may be over, but the streets are just starting to heat up as Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) announced that the Grand Livina Highway Star will be available at all Nissan dealerships nationwide starting this weekend.

In preparation for school opening this June, La Salle Greenhills held a safety seminar for school bus drivers on 31 May 2012. Hosted by the PALS (Parents Association of La Salle) under the leadership of president Cindy Banaria and Information Chair Fe Rizo, the safety seminar consisted of a specially-designed two-hour module aimed at re-orienting drivers to defensive driving and other safety considerations. More than 80 participants listened to the resource speakers led by former LTO/LTFRB chair Alberto Suansing, who is now executive director of PGRSP (Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership). The seminar is part of PALS' thrust to look after the safety and welfare of LSGH students.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) has signed a Deed of Donation as it partners with The Mind Museum at Taguig (TMMT). With this newly forged collaboration, HARI will be sponsoring the Atom Gallery of TMMT, an area in the museum with the most number of interactive exhibits. Its support in promoting the love and understanding of science concepts among the Filipino people is very much aligned with HARI’s corporate social commitment to nation-building through education. Present in the signing were (1st row, from L-R) Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. (BAFI) President Antonino T. Aquino, BAFI Chairman Joselito D. Campos, Jr., HARI President & CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI Chairman Richard L. Lee, (2nd row, from L-R) BAFI Corporate Secretary Edgardo M. Cruz, Jr., BAFI Board Trustee Carlos S. Rufino, HARI Chairman Edward S. Go and BAFI Managing Director Manuel A. Blas II.

Shell Launches V-Power Nitro+, Nitro+ Racing; Phases Out Super Premium

Photo courtesy of Shell Press

Shell launched its latest generation of premium performance fuels namely Shell V-Power Nitro+ Gasoline, Shell V-Power Nitro+ Racing and Shell V-Power Nitro + Diesel. The Philippines is one of the first countries in the world to see the introduction of the new premium performance fuels, which will directly replace the Shell V-Power fuels and Shell Super Premium currently available in the Philippines.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 10: The Video

So, here's the last day of the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge. We hope you enjoyed watching our 10-day adventure around the Philippines. Until the next one!

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 9: The Video

It's done. And we didn't win! :-( Still, that won't prevent us from posting the last 2 days of our 10 day adventure. If you want to follow me or my partner Neil Almighty of 99.5 RT, you can follow both of us on Twitter: @carguideph and @neilonradio.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 8: The Video

We didn't appear anywhere in this episode, since we weren't able to make it this far in Mindanao. But still, watch it :-)

June 4, 2012

Surprise! Honda Launching Pilot, Odyssey in Philippines

Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) is adding 2 new additional cars to its local line-up. And while we all thought it was going to be more variants of the Civic, this is actually their big surprise: they're actually launching the all-new Pilot and Odyssey.

For those who remember, both the Odyssey and the Pilot aren't new to our market. However, we can't deny that they were sales duds appearing either too late (Pilot) or too expensive (Odyssey) for our market. However, that doesn't prevent Honda from trying once again.

Based on overeager sales agents, Honda is selling these two vehicles at close to P 3-million. P 2,700,000 for the Pilot and P 2,900,000 for the Odyssey. Though the launch is still a couple of days away, we were able to snag some of the specs for these two vehicles:

Lessons Learned from the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge

Photo courtesy of Jollibee Facebook Page

A couple of months ago, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to embark on a very unique contest involving fast cars, fast food, and the concept that was born from their marriage: drive thru. For 10 days, my chosen partner (Neil Pagulayan aka Neil Almighty of FM station 99.5 RT) and I basically drove through almost the entirety of the Jollibee drive thru network collecting points, completing challenges, and what have you. Unfortunately, the winners won’t be revealed until night, so this story may not have such a happy ending to it.

But that doesn’t matter. What does matter is Neil and I have carried with us some of the most unique experiences we’ll ever have in our entire lifetime. And I can say that with a degree of authority given our pair has the age average (thanks Neil). I could certainly do a list of a thousand lessons we’ve learned from the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge, but here are the biggest lessons we’ve learned:

Hiroshima is often not high on a typical tourist’s list of “must-see, must-go places”. Getting there requires advanced planning since it takes a two-hour Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from the international hub city of Osaka (Kansai International Airport). Plus once you get there, the city center itself has little to offer compared to the likes of Tokyo and Kyoto. However a train transfer away from downtown brings you to the beautiful island of Miyajima and its floating torii gate in one direction, and on the opposite direction, the Mazda Museum.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Pre

Educating the public about the concept of biodiversity is a crucial long-term initiative for creating proactive steps towards protecting and sustaining the country’s natural resources.
Last April 29, 2012, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai in the Philippines, recently strengthened its on-going partnership with the Gawad Kalinga Center for Social Innovation (GK-CSI) at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila. In its advocacy to edify the public, especially students, with sound plans to safeguard the environment, HARI committed to support GK in the construction of the Center for Green Innovations which will rise in GK’s pioneering Center for Social Innovation, Enchanted Farm, in Angat, Bulacan. Said center will house a 100-seat venue for seminars or “green camps” to educate the youth into becoming responsible stewards of our natural resources. Educational materials will also be available within the facility to provide references and innovative ideas during lectures and discussions on conserving our natural heritage.

Lamborghini Manila Opens

Photo courtesy of Lamborghini Press

Manila joined the 120-strong Lamborghini worldwide dealer network with the official opening of Lamborghini Manila last Monday. No less than Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini President and CEO, was at hand to official inaugurate and open the expansive showroom, which will not only be home to world-famous supercars such as the Gallardo and Aventador, but will also showcase the exclusive fashion line Collezione Automobili Lamborghini.

Located at 11^th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, Lamborghini’s decision to open in one of the most prime and sought-after areas of cosmopolitan living and lifestyle in Metro Manila signals the Italian brand’s uncompromising style and intent to expand into the Philippine market.

Photo courtesy of Toyota Press

Top Gear Philippines has unveiled what seems to be the introductory prices of the upcoming Toyota 86 sports car. And true to the 86's form, it's actually quite affordable. According to Top Gear Philippines, the Toyota 86 will be available in the Philippines in three variants: one in MT and two in AT.

Even if it doesn’t feel like it, driving a car is like doing an intricate ballet routine: it requires concentration physically and mentally—physically, because you’re constantly pressing and de-pressing different pedals, swinging the steering wheel left and right while sometimes operating a lever or a button; mentally, because you’re always looking out in all directions making minute judgment calls and sometimes even anticipating the unexpected that appear apparently out of nowhere. The last thing you need is the additional distraction of a ringing mobile phone or even an iPod that’s proceeded to play an unwanted tune. Thankfully, there’s a technology out there that addresses these distractions. It’s called SYNC and chances are, it’s in a Ford vehicle near you.

CATS Motors, Inc. (CATS) introduces the new Mercedes-Benz Actros in an exclusive driving event at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Two Actros truck variants were available for test drive during the event: A 6-wheeler 20-ton 310 Hp Actros 3 and 10-wheeler 26-ton 350 Hp Actros 3. Guests, composed of the motoring press and haulers, were able to experience the power, safety and capability of the new Mercedes-Benz trucks for the first time.

Everyone’s Vision Petron is a competition for photographers, painters and designers. It is also a venue for filmmakers, musicians, performance artists, art enthusiasts, and all Filipinos to converge and be one through their shared love for Philippine art and culture.

Themed Lakbay Kalikasan —A Journey of Nuturing Nature, this year’s competition focuses on the different ways of caring for and protecting the environment. Samples may be seen in Petron's own efforts to protect our biodiversity through coastal management, reforestation, mangrove planting, creating fish sanctuaries and artificial reefs, and protecting sea turtles.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 7: The Video

We finally made it to Cagayan de Oro--the main stop for Day 7 of the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge.

Please remember to vote for Neil and Uly of Team 2. Show your support for the motoring industry!

Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Collaborates with DOE and Meralco on i-MIEV Evaluation

Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Press

Mitsubishi Motors Phils. Corp. (MMPC) is pleased to announce that an Electric Vehicle or EV Cooperation Agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) and MERALCO is underway which mainly covers the use of Mitsubishi Motors’ zero emission electric car the i-MiEV (i-Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle), for evaluation and demonstration purposes. MMPC will be the first auto manufacturer to bring in a pure electric car in the country given that its principal Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is in the forefront of EV development.

This collaboration project will entail MMPC to lend demo cars of i-MiEV to both DOE and MERALCO for the purpose of studying EV’s behaviors and performance when utilized in Metro Manila in various conditions, and also examine the impact to power system when EV is charged. The outcome of the evaluation will enhance the understanding of EV and determine the requirements of supporting charging infrastructure. It will also be a preparatory step toward the possible future introduction and create greater public awareness of electric vehicles.

Photo courtesy of Nissan Press

Some 100 representatives of the business community, media, people’s organizations, local government units, and international organizations trooped to Ang Pulo Mangroves in Calatagan, Batangas on May 15 for a media forum and mangrove planting activity. The multi-sector event dubbed “Conserve Marine Biodiversity, Conserve Life” forms part of the events organized for the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2012 and the National Oceans Month.

Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI), together with Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB), the Batangas Government Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Provincial Government of Batangas, the Municipal Government of Calagatan, and led the planting of 200 mangrove propagules at Ang Pulo.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) resumes sales of the Jazz 1.3 liter variant starting May 18, 2012 following the recovery of supply from Honda’s manufacturing plant in Thailand, which again started production of automobiles last March 26, 2012.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 6: The Video

So it's Day 6 of the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge and we find ourselves in the Queen City of the South--Cebu! See what we've been up to before we travel to Cagayan de Oro!

Remember to show your support for the motoring industry by voting for Team 2 in the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Poll.

May 28, 2012

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 5: The Video

We're half-way through the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge. This is Day 5, and we've just crossed by ro-ro to the Visayas region.

Don't forget to vote for Neil Almighty of 99.5 RT and Uly of Philippine Star by clicking here. We appreciate your support as the motoring industry's falling behind next to celebrities and athletes!

May 25, 2012

Toyota Motor Philippines Launches "86 Sightings" Marketing Campaign

Toyota Motor Philippines, in what could be the best guerrilla marketing move, has launched the Toyota "86 Sightings" to mark the upcoming launch of the 86 sports coupe in June (we'll be there on June 18-19 for the media track day). If you want to see the 86 in the flesh a full month before we'll get to drive one, the schedule is located after the break.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 4: The Video

We head to Southern Luzon, particularly Bicol in Day 4 of the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge. This is actually the day before we all embark on a 4-day journey to Visayas and Mindanao!

Don't forget to vote for Team 2: Neil and Uly in Jollibee's Facebook Poll!

It's More Fun with Toyota: Toyota Road Trek 8

Photos by Ulysses Ang

May. It’s the height of summer, with temperatures reaching well over 36 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila. It’s hot, humid, and dry—the perfect weather for a trip out of town. Of course, given that this is Toyota’s annual Road Trek event, this wasn’t your ordinary beach trip. Being a first-time Road Trekker (I declined the early ones and wasn’t invited to the later ones); I didn’t know what to expect. In the end, I found the Toyota Road Trek experience to be one unforgettable event.

HARI and DOTC Partner in Road Safety and Responsible Car Ownership

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai in the Philippines, recently inked its partnership with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) in observance of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. Sharing the DOTC’s advocacy for safer roads for all, HARI collaborates with the DOTC to create a comprehensive road safety strategy (safer roads, safer road users, and safer vehicles) with the end view of helping reduce death and injury caused by road accidents.

HARI bolsters its commitment to deliver Hyundai’s brand of excellence to motorists through the implementation of its car safety and maintenance programs. Together with its 39-strong dealerships in the country, the Philippine Hyundai distributor has been upholding the promotion of road ethics among the public, especially motorists, with Hyundai’s signature programs on responsible car ownership, car safety, and road safety. Among these are the Hyundai Car Wellness, a comprehensive after-sales program that aims to provide Hyundai customers avenues to keep their cars fit and roadworthy at all times and instill in them an attitude of safe driving; and the Summer Motorist Roadside Assistance (SMRA), a special dealership assistance program on major and preventive services while on the road during Holy Week.

Said DOTC Assistant Secretary Dante Lantin, “On observing the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, we are looking at the thousands, even millions, of lives that we could save from road death and injury. We commend Hyundai for taking to heart and leading by example in tirelessly promoting road safety and responsible car ownership.”

HARI’s partnership with the DOTC was further underscored during the second Hyundai RUN for a Cause held April 29, 2012 at the Quirino Grandstand. There, HARI showcased its key CSR programs for 2012-2013 with its partner organizations. Each cause had a designated color to signify HARI’s involvement in different nation-building endeavors: blue (road safety and responsible car ownership), red (education), green (environment), gray (social entrepreneurship and countryside development), orange (community development through health), yellow (Filipino heritage and pride), purple (youth development through sports), and pink (women and children’s rights protection).

Goodyear Tops "Fortune 500" List for Northeast Ohio

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is the largest business in Northeast Ohio according to the 2012 “Fortune 500” list, which was released recently.

Based on 2011 sales of $22.8 billion, Goodyear is ranked by FORTUNE as the 126th largest business in the country, up from 139th last year.

Compiled since 1955, the “Fortune 500” ranks U.S. companies by sales. Companies are ranked by total revenues for their respective fiscal years. Included in the survey are companies that are incorporated and operate in the U.S. and file financial statements with a government agency.

The complete “Fortune 500” listing is in the magazine’s May 21 issue, which is on newsstands, and on its Web site, www.fortune.com/500.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 72,000 people and manufactures its products in 53 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com.ph.

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 3: The Video

The continuing saga of the 10 teams in the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge! Don't forget to vote for Team 2 in the Jollibee Facebook Poll.

May 23, 2012

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 2: The Video

Remember to show your support for the motoring industry by voting for Uly and Neil of Team 2. Click this link!

Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge Day 1: The Video

And so our 10-day journey begins. Catch us everyday on ABS-CBN, ETC or CinemaOne. And remember to vote for Uly and Neil of Team 2! Click this link.

May 22, 2012

AVID Jumpstarts Q2 with 31% Growth; Total Industry Dips 1%

Performance and Drivers

Compared with the 1% decline in total industry sales, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) opens the second quarter with a strong 31% growth in total sales from January to April 2012, with 10, 633 units sold from the 8,119 in the same period last year. This is due to AVID’s consistent robust sales of Passenger Car (PC) models, registering an 85% increase in total PC sales—from 3,526 to 6,527 units sold in the first four months of the year.

This year, April’s overall total sales rose to 12% as more consumers purchased models in the PC segment. In the same period, PC sales alone recorded 55% growth, with 1,324 units sold versus the sale of 852 units in the same month last year.

In the world of financial accounting, the term used for the loss of assets between the point of manufacture or purchase from the supplier and the point of sale is called shrinkage.

It is a word that business owners prefer not to hear. Because the sheer numbers of shrinkage, or shrink, resulting from employee pilferage and shoplifting are staggering: 44 percent from employee (or internal) theft and 35 percent from shoplifting. That’s a combined 79 percent loss because the manufactured and/or purchased goods are no longer around to be sold for profit.

PLDT now has a solution to curb this incalculable cause of loss.

It is called “Watcher.”

Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience: The Video

Ok...this happened a year ago already, but we still can't get over it! Here's a video of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience that happened at the Subic International Airport. Enjoy!

PLDT SME Nation Launches F.A.S.Track

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) who are elbow-deep in critical field operations such as transport, logistics and courier delivery operations, can reap big-time benefits in their businesses by deploying PLDT SME Nation’s innovative, simple and user-friendly, web-based asset monitoring system.

Simply put, F.A.S.Track Online (Field Asset System for Tracking) is a productivity tool that has an accurate and invariable per-minute location monitoring feature that allows business owners, particularly companies with a fleet of vehicles and people, to precisely pinpoint their locations while on the road, nationwide, 24/7. The information can be sent to and read from any favorite online device, such as a desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone.

Photo courtesy of Shell Press

Filipino drivers show positive attitudes towards fuel economy knowing that this will result to more savings revealed the latest Shell FuelSave Index. According to the study, 94% see fuel efficiency as an important way to save money and to personally help use resources in a more sustainable way.

The Shell FuelSave Index is a Shell commissioned research that looked into the driving habits of motorists in European and Asian countries in order to understand how to help more drivers save more fuel, more often.

Recent findings showed that the Filipinos are willing to change their driving behavior to save on fuel; reflecting 87% of those surveyed while 85% have actually changed the way they drive to reduce the amount of the fuel that they are using.

Petron Assembles The Avengers

Petron brings another treat to its customers with its Assemble the Avengers promo, running from April 1 to May 31, 2012, at participating Petron service stations nationwide.

Fans of the upcoming action blockbuster Marvel's The Avengers, presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures, will have a chance to complete their Super Hero set through Petron's Assemble the Avengers promo. With every P1,000 single or accumulated purchase of any Petron fuel—Blaze 100, XCS, Xtra Unleaded, Pinoy Gasoline, Xtend, Diesel Max and Turbo Diesel—the customer is entitled to purchase one Marvel's The Avengers Action Tumbler that comes with a special cup topper for only P60.

There are four Petron limited edition Marvel's The Avengers Action Tumblers to collect—Iron man, The Hulk, Thor and Captain America. These may be redeemed only at the participating station where the customer loaded fuel, and the customer must present the single or accumulated receipts when redeeming the toy tumbler. Lost or damaged receipts will not be replaced or honored.
Marvel's The Avengers opened at Philippine theaters on April 25, 2012.

Petron Offers Free Coffee, Philippine Star

Get going with coffee and catch the latest news with Petron's "Kape at Balita" promo! Motorists who gas up between 6:30 am to 8:30 am at participating Petron stations will be treated to free coffee and newspaper for the month-long promo duration, which runs from May 10 to June 8, 2012.

For a minimum single purchase receipt of P1,000 of Petron Blaze 100, Petron XCS Unleaded, Petron Xtra Unleaded, Petron Pinoy Gasoline, or Petron Regular Gasoline entitles the customer to one free sachet of San Mig 3-in-1 Coffee and one free The Philippine Star newspaper. The free coffee and newspaper may be redeemed from the same Petron station upon presentation of receipt, from 6:30 am to 8:30 am.

The "Kape at Balita" promo is valid only for cash and credit card transactions. Bulk, PO and wholesale transactions do not qualify. The San Mig 3-in-1 Coffee sachet will be provided as a dry sample; cup and hot water are not included.

Look for the promo signages at participating Petron stations nationwide and get your early morning dose of "Kape at Balita" with Petron!

Toyota Road Trek 8: Video

We were gone for three days last week, and here's the reason why. Toyota held its annual Road Trek event in Bohol and Cebu. Here's what we did. Enjoy.

May 15, 2012

Land Rover Club Philippines Participates in Trans-Kalimantan Expedition 2012

Photo by Igor Maminta

The Land Rover Club Philippines (LRCP) joined the Land Rover Owners Club Malaysia's (LROM) Trans Kalimantan Expedition 2012 from March 10 to 24, 2012.

The LRCP team consists of Leo Dominguez, a Filipino lawyer and adventurer; Igor Maminta, a Filipino professional motoring photographer; David Fraser, an Australian who retired from the Asian Development Bank; and Vicky Vigneswaran Karthigesu, a Malaysian Land Rover enthusiast and adventurer who provided technical support and co-driving for the Team.

The Team successfully brought the LRCP and Philippine Flag at LROM's Trans Kalimantan Expedition 2012.

Jollibee Drive-Thru Cross Country Challenge Teaser

Will your favorite blogger win the ultimate road trip? Find out soon on ABS-CBN. In the mean time, you can follow the face on Twitter by using the hashtag: #JolliChallenge or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jollibeephilippines

All-New BMW 3 Series Launched in PHL

No other automobile has created a bigger impact in the luxury car segment than the BMW 3 Series. Since it launch in 1975, the “baby” BMW has sold over 12 million units, making it not only the best-selling BMW automobile, but the luxury segment’s best-seller for many years now. And just last week, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer of BMW cars in the Philippines has written the next chapter in the 3 Series history by launching the all-new, sixth generation model.

The all-new BMW 3 Series has a rich and illustrious history to live up to, and judging by the initial reaction, this model will have little problem. Just like the first 3 Series, the all-new 3 Series continues with the tried-and-tested concept of offering a compact body with an elegant design, powerful and modern engines, a classic rear-wheel drive set-up, and sporty suspension tuning. The result is a car with unrivalled driving dynamics and agility. Additionally, the 3 Series introduces systems developed under the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy giving this car the lowest fuel consumption and emissions in its class.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) starts the second quarter with a 35% growth in total sales for the period of January to April 2012. This was brought about by the 113% rise in Passenger Car (PC) sales—from 2,534 units sold in the first four months of 2011 to 5,396 units sold in the same period of this year. Models in the PC segment such as the i10, Accent and Elantra increased the overall boost in sales. The entry of the new Eon in April likewise generated increased interest in Hyundai vehicles.

April 2012 sales likewise showed an 11% growth in total sales, with a sale of 1,099 units this year from 645 units sold in April 2011. While PC models continued to drive favorable sales performance, there was a slowdown in Light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales due to delayed arrival of shipment.

HARI enters the second quarter of the year on a positive note with sustained optimistic consumer outlook. According to Nielsen’s Global Consumer Index, the Philippines placed in the top 11 of most optimistic countries in the world. The Philippine economy is expected to remain on track this year on the back of higher public infrastructure spending and improved investor confidence against the short-term challenges of global uncertainties, particularly in the Euro zone.

Ferrari FF Launches in PHL

Photo courtesy of Autostrada Motore

The eagerly-anticipated Ferrari FF recently made its Philippine debut at Autostrada Motore Inc., the official importer-distributor of Ferrari cars in the Philippines. The Ferrari FF is the first four-seater four-wheel drive car.

“This new Ferrari takes the Prancing Horse into new territory, matching the legendary performance, style and driving excitement expected of a Ferrari with new levels of ability thanks to its unique four-wheel drive system, and its spacious and flexible interior which makes it the most useable and versatile supercar built by Ferrari,” says Simon Inglefield, Head of Ferrari Asia Pacific Other Countries.

Philippine Car Price Guide: May 2012

We're a bit late, we know. Blame the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge. It was a hectic 10 days...no mobile phones...constant driving...but hey, we made it back. In case you want to see us in action, you can catch it on ABS-CBN, Cinema One and ETC starting on Monday. We'll post the schedules once we get them here.

In the mean time, here's your May 2012 Philippine Car Price Guide:

Photos courtesy of Lexus Press

The new, upgraded RX model range made its Philippine debut in a posh dinner held last Tuesday at the Lexus Manila showroom in the Fort.

The new RX exterior features a new, more elegant and aggressive frontal design. An enhanced interior offers an expanded choice of color schemes, new trim finishes, a new steering wheel and a revised instrument binnacle.

Photo courtesy of Diageo Press

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand teams up with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes (VMM) Driver and World Champion Jenson Button to create the JOHN WALKER & SONS Signature Blend Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Edition – a unique and rare blend in celebration of the brand’s successful eight-year partnership with the winning F1 Team.

Forming part of the global “Step Inside the Circuit” campaign, Johnnie Walker threw its hat into the wonderful spectacle of F1 racing in 2005 when it partnered with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes to give fans exclusive and intimate insights into the world of Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, and the rest of the team both on and off the track.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, and the Department of Tourism (DOT) gear up for a trailblazing joint effort at reinforcing the image of the Philippines as the preferred tourist and investment destination in Asia at the forthcoming EXPO 2012 Yeosu Korea that will be held in the coastal city of Yeosu in South Korea from May 12 to August 12 this year.

Ford Philippines today reported April retail sales of 677 vehicles, an increase of nine percent over previous month. Strong demand for several Ford models, coupled with the continuing improvements to local supply contributed to the uptick in sales for the month.

The all-new Ford Fiesta led the April performance with sales of 265 units, increasing its year-to-date sales to 1,039 units. The Ford Escape SUV turned in a strong month with retail sales rising 33 percent from March to 149 units.

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