Columbian Autocar Corporation previewed two new production vehicles at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). These are the Kia Optima executive sedan and the updated Sorento mid-sized SUV.
August 17, 2012
PIMS 2012: Kia Launches Updated Sorento, Optima
Columbian Autocar Corporation previewed two new production vehicles at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). These are the Kia Optima executive sedan and the updated Sorento mid-sized SUV.
PIMS 2012: BMW Announces M Performance Accessories
Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the country, recently announced new BMW M Performance Parts specially designed for the new BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Sedan.
Like the BMW M Performance Parts already available for the high-performance M3, 1 Series M Coupe, X5 M and X6 M, the components developed for 1 Series, 3 Series and 5 Series models ensure an authentic M experience of BMW M-specific motor racing technology to everyday driving.
This new line of accessories provides a distinctive, sporty character to further enhance driving dynamics. BMW M Performance Parts are the result of years of racing expertise and have been developed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH. Each component goes through an intensive development and manufacturing process, which results in uncompromised performance. Exclusive chassis, aerodynamic, cockpit and powertrain components are now available for the 1 Series, 3 Series and 5 Series Sedans.
PIMS 2012: Honda Preview Insight, CR-Z, Modulo Accessories
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
At this motor show, the booth concept of Honda is “Joy of Mobility”, which originated from founder Soichiro Honda’s dream to provide joy to people by enhancing their personal mobility. Through this, people’s interaction with one another is enriched. Through the years, Honda continues to increase the joy of mobility it provides by always improving the value of each product it creates through new technology, added convenience and utility and high levels of safety and quality.
For the 4th Philippine International Motor Show, Honda will display its much anticipated hybrid models that provide joy of mobility by combining eco-friendly and fun-to-drive. Also, production models installed with Modulo will be displayed, which provides joy of mobility through the personalization of customers’ vehicles. Finally, stock production models the all-new CR-V and all-new Odyssey will be displayed, which provide a new level of joy of mobility in the compact SUV and family mini-van categories.
PIMS 2012: Shell Fuels the Fun
Shell Philippines is proud to support one of the most highly anticipated automotive events of the year; the 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). On August 16-19, 2012, the World Trade Center in Pasay City will be transformed into a motorists’ haven featuring the latest vehicle releases, exciting concept and prototype cars and everything in between for the motoring enthusiast. Organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), PIMS promises fun for the whole family and Shell Philippines is front and center of the excitement.
Shell Philippines brings its Quality fuels and lubricants expertise closer to the motoring public with its massive display occupying the World Trade Center lobby. The Shell Booth features an exciting exhibit of their Quality fuels and lubricants portfolio including the all-new Shell V-Power Nitro+ line, Shell FuelSave line and Shell Helix, as well as an impressive display of the sought-after Ferrari Formula One Showcar.
PIMS 2012: Drive the Fun for the Whole Family this August 16-19
Expect August 16 to 19, 2012 to be a fun-filled family day for thousands of motoring enthusiasts who are expected to flock to the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City for the much-awaited 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).
Promising “more fun the fourth time around,” the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), the country’s premier organization of vehicle manufacturers and assemblers, is again treating the motoring public with dazzling exhibitions of concept or prototype vehicles and the latest advancements in automotive technology.
August 15, 2012
Lexus Manila Achieves Record-Breaking Sales Quarter Amid Luxury Market Slump
People are talking about the continuing phenomenal growth rate of Lexus of 46% over last year amidst a growth decline of 16% of the luxury market segment in the same period (based on CAMPI sales report as of July 31, 2012).
Shifting 32 units in May of this year, Lexus Manila then proceeded to set a record for sales in June with 35 units sold and finally capped off the quarter by achieving its highest ever sales in July with 41 units sold.
Ford Offers Special Rates on Repair of Water-Damaged Vehicles
Ford Philippines and its network of dealers are stepping up efforts to respond to the large number of requests for repair of Ford vehicles damaged by rain and floodwater at the height of the recent Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
“We are experiencing a marked increase in the number of servicing appointments in the last few weeks as a result of continued heavy rains. Together with the support of our dealer network, we are confident that our team can respond to the needs of our customers with the highest level of service and quality,” says Randy Krieger, president, Ford Group Philippines.
Between August 8 and September 30, Ford customers whose vehicles have been damaged by the floodwater caused by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) can enjoy a special 20 percent discount on flood-related parts (customer-paid), a 15 percent discount on insurance-paid parts (Ford genuine parts only), and an additional 10 percent discount on labor supplied by Ford’s authorized dealer network.
Toyota 86 Launch: Video
Here's the official launch video for the Toyota 86 held at the Subic International Airport. Have a fun and safe Wednesday!
August 14, 2012
Toyota Offers Discounts for Flood-Affected Cars
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) announced during their 24th Anniversary dinner that owners affected by the recent floods will be helped with hefty discounts on parts and labor. As a way of assisting Toyota owners, TMP will provide the following discounts:
- 40% on Engine ECU
- 20% on Selected Flood-Affected Parts
- 20% on Labor
Review: 2012 Hyundai Elantra 1.6 GL & 1.8 GLS
Car makers are finally taking the compact sedan segment very seriously. After years of domination by the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, they’re now facing serious competition from both east and west. And one that’s made the most impact is the Hyundai Elantra. Far and wide, it has stolen the show locally with a long wait list and an even longer list of satisfied owners. But is the Elantra just all flash and no substance? After spending two weeks back-to-back with the 1.6 GL MTand 1.8 GLS AT, all I could say is: the competition should be very afraid.
Toyota Posts Record Breaking Sales in July
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| Photo by Ulysses Ang |
During this record breaking run, Toyota’s passenger car line up continues to have a stellar performance. Toyota garnered 49.8% of the passenger car segment with a total of 2,155 units sold. The company’s locally manufactured vehicle, the Toyota Vios played a big role in this success as it recorded its highest monthly total of 1,654 units.
August 13, 2012
UPDATED: 2013 Honda Accord Pics Released
Honda has finally taken the wraps off the 2013 Honda Accord which they call as "the most sculpted Accord ever".
Whatever you think of it, it's clear that like the Civic and CR-V before it, it's certainly a very conservative step forward in terms of design. In fact, with intense competition from the likes of the Toyota Camry and even the Subaru Legacy, does the all-new Accord have what it takes to fight?
More details on the 2013 Accord will come out when it makes its North American market debut in the fall. Of course, we'll provide more details as they arrive.
UPDATE 1: It's been revealed that the 2013 Honda Accord will feature a new family of fuel-efficient engines ("Earth Dreams" engines) in both V6 and 4-cylinder configurations. The latter will feature direct-injection technology. Plus, the Accord will have a CVT transmission.
UPDATE 2: The Accord's official North American launch date is slated for August 20 US time. We'll probably get more information about Honda's next-generation executive sedan soon thereafter.
Continue on for the entire press release:
Ford PHL Sales Rise 23% in July; All-New Ranger, Fiesta Drive Demand
Ford Philippines today announced a 23 percent year-over-year increase in July retail sales to 745 units, driven by the all-new Ford Ranger and the continued popularity of the all-new Ford Fiesta.
The class-defining all-new Ranger proved incredibly popular in its first month of sales in the Philippines with sales of 246 units, representing the best-ever sales of the compact pick-up since its introduction in the Philippines in 1999.
Honda Donates to Philippine Flood Victims
Honda would like to express its deepest sympathy and condolences to victims of southwest monsoon rain caused by Typhoon Haikui. To support the impacted areas, the Honda group of companies will provide approximately 1.5 million Pesos toward the relief and recovery efforts:
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.: 1 Million Yen (approximately 500 thousand Pesos)
Honda Foundation, Inc.: 1 Million Pesos
Honda Motor Co., Ltd., based in Tokyo, Japan, is the parent company of the Honda group of companies in the Philippines, while Honda Foundation, Inc. is the working organization for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of Honda group of companies in the Philippines.
Honda Group of Companies in the Philippines:
Honda Philippines, Inc. (Manufacturer and distributor of Honda motorcycles and power products)
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (Manufacturer and distributor of Honda automobiles)
Honda Parts Manufacturing Corp. (Manufacturer of automobile component parts)
Honda Trading Philippines Corp. (Trading company)
HARI Opens Q3 with 20% Growth
Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) registers 20% growth in total sales to 14,281 units in January to July 2012 compared to the 11,852 units sold in the same period last year. The Passenger Car (PC) segment, boosted by sales of the Accent and the EON, grew by 58%, or 8,926 units sold versus the 5,650 sold in the first seven months of 2011.
July posted 2% growth in total sales with 1,530 units sold compared to the 1,497 sold in the same month last year. This was once again driven by the PC segment whose total sales grew by 19% to 1,095 units from the 924 units sold in July 2011.
AVT Trade-In Promo at 2012 PIMS
Trade in your old, working or non-working navigation devices and get a brand new AVT Navigator for as low as P3,500 at the 2012 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), to be held from August 16-19, 2012, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Round 2 of 2012 Lateral Drift Championship Series
Lateral Drift Championship Series 2012 Round 2, weathers a fund raising event dubbed as “Drift for a cause” this Saturday, August 18, 2012 at the Clark Expo grounds for the Habagat victims.
This will be a drifting event which will go side to side with car show display to be organized by Lateral Drift (LD) Production and Creator Studio. The event beneficiaries will be our brothers and sisters situated in Pampanga who were victimized by the recently low pressure storm experienced last week.
Philippine Price Guide: August 2012
August is typically a slow month for the automotive industry (the Chinese so-called "ghost month".) In any case, there are still some new additions / updates in this month's price guide, please we've got the upcoming Philippine International Motor Show on August 16-19. We'll see some new cars by then :-) Here are the new additions and/or updates:
- Hyundai Genesis
- Hyundai Sonata 2.0 Limited
- Lexus ES 350
- Lexus GS450h
- Mazda BT-50 (now available in all Mazda dealerships)
- Mitsubishi Lancer EX 1.6
- Subaru Impreza
August 10, 2012
Subaru Impreza Challenge 2012 Moved to September 8
UPDATE: We just received word due to the recent floods and in consideration of its victims, Subaru is moving the Impreza Challenge Manila leg to Saturday, September 8 instead. The venue will remain the same.
Want to win an all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza? All it takes is to be the last man (or woman) left holding. The Subaru Impreza Challenge 2012 will be held on
UPDATED: Shell, Seaoil to Hold Off Pump Price Increase
Shell and Seaoil on Thursday said they will not implement an oil price hike next week in areas affected by the recent flooding. This despite an increase in the prices in the world market.
"The move will, hopefully, help alleviate the current predicament many of our countrymen find themselves in where they have to manage the impact of the floods and rains," Roberto Kanapi, Pilipinas Shell Vice-President for Communications and Government Relations, said.
Honda's US Operations to Take Lead on Vehicle Design
News from Automotive News reports that Honda is clearly learning from the lackluster response to the all-new Civic. According to that news outfit, Honda is shifting some vehicle design, including the all-new Civic, responsibilities over to Honda R&D Americas.
Additionally, Honda R&D Americas is penning the all-new Acura NSX. Currently, they have 2,000 employees, a number which mostly likely to go up in the next few years.
Source: Automotive News
August 8, 2012
Metro Manila, Makati Lifts Number Coding for Thursday, August 9
Here's a bit of good news for motorists who have to go to work tomorrow.
The Makati City government has lifted the vehicle reduction or number coding scheme for Thursday, August 9. This is will certainly help those who need to go to and from work, especially if it's located in the CBD or Central Business District.
UPDATED: Now, according to a tweet sent by the Malacanang, they've confirmed that number coding is suspended tomorrow for the entire Metro Manila including Las Pinas.
Stay safe, everyone!
UPDATED: Mazda Previews All-New 6
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| Photo courtesy of Mazda Press |
Though details are still somewhat sketchy, it's been revealed that the all-new 6 will wear the "Kodo - Soul of Motion" design language pioneered by the CX-5. The 6 (at least in European spec) will feature a brake regeneration technology called "i-ELOOP". The 6 will also feature the a SkyActiv-G engine with 2.0-liters of displacement mated to a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic. Whether the 6 will see a power bump from the CX-5's mill remains to be seen.
While you're waiting for the all-new 6 to show itself, a preview video is available after the break straight from the folks at Mazda:
Pangilinan Calls for "Price Hike Holidays" for Fuel, Food
Senator Francis Pangilinan appealed for a “price hike holiday,” especially on fuel and food.
In a statement, he asked private firms to go easy on jacking up prices to allow residents in Metro Manila and a major part of Luzon to get back on their feet.
"Maawa naman ho tayo sa taumbayan sa mga panahong ito. Naiintindihan namin na kailangang mabuhay ng mga negosyo, pero sa panahon ng krisis tulad nito, sana ay ipagpaliban muna ng mga kumpanya--lalo na yung may mga 'buffer', ika nga, sa kita nila--ang pagtaas ng presyo. Lubog na nga ang mga tao dahil sa grabeng pagbaha, ilulubog pa ba natin sa pagtaas ng presyo mga bilihin?" he said.
Some oil companies adjusted prices on Tuesday.
Source: ABS-CBN News
August 7, 2012
Mitsubishi Showing Mirage, New Outlander at PIMS
Following the lead of Nissan Motor Philippines, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporaiton (MMPC) has just launched a teaser for their Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) line-up.
Headlining their display is the all-new Mirage (which we've already driven in Thailand). According to Mitsubishi, the Mirage will arrive with a 2-DIN touch screen DVD/GPS navigation for the top-line model. In addition, the Outlander is also making a comeback to the Philippines after being shown for the European market at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.
Review: 2012 Honda CR-V 4WD
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
August 6, 2012
Nissan Philippines to Showcase Almera, 370Z in PIMS
DTS Ultimate Now Available
Our new DTS Ultimate chip is here, been a long wait but the factory in UK has come through with a real beauty. This is the latest Diesel Upgrade chip available now and it makes more power plus more fuel savings than our competitors.
With a processor that runs 6X’s faster than other brands, this chip has a sampling rate faster than anything else in the world. The New Generation board is 2012 technology and the processor is the latest and fastest that’s available in the market today.
August 5, 2012
Porsche 918 Testing Enters Next Phase
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| Photo courtesy of Porsche Press |
Audi A1 e-tron for German Olympic Team
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| Photo courtesy of Audi Press |
1-2 Victory for Audi R8 LMS at Spa 24 Hours
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| Photo courtesy of Audi Press |
66 sports cars from twelve different marques competed at the 54th running of the 24-hour race on the Grand Prix circuit in the Belgian Ardennes. After 509 laps on the 7.004-kilometer track two Audi R8 LMS ultra cars prevailed against their competition from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren and company. Andrea Piccini (I), René Rast (D) and Frank Stippler (D) triumphed in the R8 of Audi Sport Team Phoenix in front of their brand colleagues Christopher Haase (D) Christopher Mies (D) and Stéphane Ortelli (MC) from Audi Sport Team WRT.
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Cars Take on a Wet Fuji Circuit
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| Photo courtesy of Lamborghini Press |
August 2, 2012
First Drive: 2012 Audi A1
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| Photos courtesy of Audi Press |
Blame
it on the economy, but more and more people are thinking of downsizing their
next car purchase. The other shoe, which still has largely yet to drop, is for
automakers in the Philippines to convince consumers of the merits of a luxury
subcompact, paying a price premium for a longer list of creature comforts,
options, and badge appeal.
August 1, 2012
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Priced from P 1.508M - AutoIndustriya
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| Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press |
Plus, it seems that Hyundai's new "Storm Edge" crossover will receive a hefty price increase. The most affordable Santa Fe will now start at P 1,508,000 for the 2.2 R-VGT CRDi 4x2 M/T. This will go up to P 1,768,000 for the 2.2 R-VGT CRDi 4x2 A/T. And things will top off at P 2,228,000 for the 2.2 R-VGT CRDi 4x4 A/T.
Source: AutoIndustriya
Honda Launches 1'M Blue Campaign
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) in collaboration with partner-convenors today launches the 1’M Blue (an Eco-Safe Driving) Campaign, a new addition to its environmental and safety advocacy program.
1’M Blue (read as I’m blue) is the catchphrase for 1 Million Eco-Safe Drivers under the framework of Clean Fleet Management Program. 1’M Blue resonates Honda’s global environmental slogan, “Blue Skies for Our Children”, adopted to express its commitment to the realization of this environmental vision through expanded environmental initiatives. It represents a passionate and unwavering effort to help preserve our environment for the next generation.
Expanded Lakbay Alalay Takes on Environmental and Health Projects
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| Photo courtesy of Petron Press |
Now billed as "Lakbay Alalay, Kasama Mo Sa Biyahe", the expanded program includes a slate of activities reaching far beyond the traditional motorist assistance services. Through this program, Petron hopes to strengthen the bond of companionship and unity with Filipinos everywhere, in all aspects of their daily lives.
Safe T Ryders Goes to Tayuman
Alberto Suansing, the former LTO Chief and now Secretary General of Phil Global Road Safety Partnership, hosted the 4th Bikers Club Meet Up held last June 30 at the Rasak Covered Gym in Tayuman, Manila. Several motorcycle clubs from Tondo, Kalookan, Navotas, Malabon, Makati and Valenzuela responded to Mr. Suansing’s invitation and spent the whole afternoon exchanging views on the current affairs of motorcycle riding.
Subaru Impreza Pulls Dodge RAM + Trailer Out of Mud
Continuing the YouTube trend of showing what Subaru's famed Symmetric All-Wheel Drive can do, here we have a Subaru Impreza wagon (non-turbo) pulling out a Dodge RAM pick-up truck plus a trailer out of mud.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
July 31, 2012
Lexus Unveils 2013 LS
With its dynamic handling, bold new design and superior craftsmanship, the 2013 LS flagship models hail the future of the Lexus brand as it embarks on its third decade in the premium luxury category. While retaining many of the qualities that have defined Lexus for more than 20 years, the LS reaches new heights with an exciting blend of beautiful design, modern refinement and advanced technology.
The 2013 LS line-up includes the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL hybrid, and the first-ever LS 460 F SPORT. LS 460 and LS 460L are available in RWD and AWD. The LS Hybrid is available with a full-time AWD system.
AVT Navigation and Multi-Media Devices Showcased in 2012 PIMS
AVT, a Filipino company pioneering in vehicle navigation and multi-media devices, will once again be showcasing a new range of products at the upcoming 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), to be held from August 16-19, 2012, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
The latest model of the AVT personal navigation range, the AVT PN-504, will be launched at the event. Featuring a new high-resolution 5-inch LCD touchscreen, the AVT PN-504 is powered by the latest Atlas IV 533MHz CPU with a built-in high sensitivity GPS receiver that is quickly able to acquire a GPS fix in 3-minutes. In terms of functionality, the AVT PN-504 also serves as a multi-media player (MP3/MP4/WMA/WMV/AVI/3GP), a photo viewer, and offers extras such as a calculator, calendar and unit conversion.
Round 1 of 2012 Lateral Drift Championship Series
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| Photo by Lazlo Trinidad |
Volvo C30 Electric Awarded "Green Car of the Year" in China
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| Photo Courtesy of Volvo Press |
Merging Driver Gets Revenge on Another Driver
Next time you try to merge, please be more considerate. As the Russian in the Toyota sedan found out, not giving way to a Land Cruiser Prado will end in a muddy consequence.
Happy start of the week, everyone!
Review: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Mercedes-Benz has always been regarded as
the choice of the privileged and the upper class. The mere sight of the
three-pointed star atop the radiator grille is enough to cause a sea of traffic
to part, the security guards to salute and the valet to give up the VIP parking
slot. Lately though, Mercedes-Benz has embarked on a diversification campaign,
creating almost every conceivable permutation it can make from four-door coupes,
to SUVs of varying sizes to even premium hatchbacks. Nowadays, every Tom, Dick,
and Harry can get a Mercedes-Benz that feels tailor-made to his budget, taste,
and lifestyle. Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t lost sight on the cars that
made them successful in the first place.
July 27, 2012
Tuason Races in the Belgian F1 Track
After posting the best time in his division in Germany, Multi-Awarded Racecar driver JP Tuason has continued on to the Porsche Sports Cup in Circuit de Spa, the Formula 1 track in Belgium.
Tuason, who went to race in Germany to explore the different opportunities for Filipino Racers in Europe, posted the fastest time around the famed Nurburgring track, and was invited once again to race in the next level of Competition.
Lateral Drift 2012 Starts Saturday, July 28
Drifting is the fastest growing motorsport in the world, and now starts its season once again here in the Philippines dubbed as the 7th Season of the Philippine Lateral Drift Championship Series 2012. This season will have a full calendar of six rounds which will start this July until the month of November. The 4 rounds will be held in Manila and the other 2 rounds at Clark Pampanga. A total 40+ Amateurs and Pro drivers from all over the region have been counted and ready to start this year action.
Bright Stars for Subaru in the Philippines
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| Photos courtesy of Subaru Press |
Subaru is on a hot streak in the Philippines.
After launching their all-new XV compact crossover at the 8th Manila
International Auto Show (MIAS) last April, orders have steadily come in. In
fact, thanks largely to the overwhelming success of the XV as well as the
Forester, the brand is heading towards another record year in terms of sales.
And they haven’t stopped to take a breather just yet.
July 26, 2012
Lexus Manila Launches 2012 ES 350
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| Photos courtesy of Lexus Press |
Lexus Manila Now Offers Certified Pre Owned Cars
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| Photo courtesy of Lexus Press |
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