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May 22, 2013

Peugeot Opens Temporary C-5 Libis Sales Outlet

In anticipation of the growing demand for Peugeot vehicles, Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI), official importer and distributor of Peugeot vehicles in the country, has committed to opening 12 full service dealerships in the country over the course of 2013. To address the public’s clamor for Peugeot to have a sales outlet in the central business district immediately, EDI recently opened its C-5 Libis temporary sales outlet.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. experienced a 33% increase in sales during the first four months of the year, compared to the same period last year. All in all, TMP sold a total of 23, 395 units garnering 41.3% of the market, according to the latest CAMPI report.

For the month of April, TMP registered a total of 6, 334 units. Furthermore, the company has maintained its lead in both the Passenger car segment and Commercial vehicle category selling 1,990 units and 4,344 units respectively.

Toyota’s line-up proved to be strong as several models took the top spot in their respective categories. The Toyota Vios continues to be the top-selling vehicle in the country with 1,476 units sold for the month of April. The Toyota Innova on the other hand, maintains its hold as the #1 MPV model with sales of 1,245.

“TMP experienced positive sales across the board, seeing continued strength with our locally manufactured Vios leading the charge,” said Michinobu Sugata, President, Toyota Motor Philippines. “2013 is forecasted to be another record breaking year as reflected in the performance of the industry in the 1st four months of the year. We can expect this trend to continue as the Philippines shows growth in its economy and specifically the automotive industry.”

Petron Celebrating 80 Years with "Road to 80 Rewards" Promo

Petron, the country’s leading oil company, is celebrating 80 years of service to Filipino motorists in September this year. And to shower their loyal customers with bountiful tokens of appreciation, Petron has lined up a year-long series of promos under the banner “Road to 80 Rewards.”

KIA Motors Corporation together with Columbian Autocar Corporation, exclusive distributor of KIA vehicles in the Philippines will once again recognize its family members for staying true and loyal to KIA through the KIA Advocate Program. It is a 5 day all-expense paid trip wherein winners were chosen according to criteria set by KIA.

Review: 2013 Ford Expedition EL Limited

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Some people simply like having bigger things. Give them a 4-inch smartphone and in a few months, someone will counter with a 6- or even 8-inch unit. Give them a 100-inch LED television, and someone will hit back with a 102-inch screen. Give them the well-equipped Ford Explorer and someone will still clamor for the Expedition. Perhaps this way of think is born from penal envy—the irresistible urge to own the biggest, most badass thing around. However, it could also be for more practical reasons (generous seating for 8 and luggage). Whatever your case may be, you’ll be glad to know that the Ford Expedition EL is still around to provide one of the biggest modes of land transportation available in the Philippines.

The Daddy Trap: Ford Offers Young Husbands, Daddies to Be Some Unique Parenting Tips

You got her pregnant—those were the first lines displayed in the AVP presentation marking Ford’s Daddy Day Out. Though those words certainly didn’t apply to me, James Deakin’s sheepish grin seems to indicate otherwise. Whether or not he’s guilty of something, I told him to volunteer to try on the Ford “Pregnancy Suit”—a unique suit which features belly weight inserts, a six-pound (three-kilogram) pouch that applies pressure to the bladder, and compartments for water and ball bearings that mimic mild fetal kicking. Initially, James was all smiles, playing with the suit’s belly and err, mammy glands, and even happily jogged for a couple of meters. But then, he started sweating, panting—clearly the suit taking its toll.

Valvoline Philippines, a subsidiary of Ashland Inc., is reiterating its commitment to deliver world-class automotive products as well as being environmentally-friendly in a press conference held last week. As one of the world’s leading lubricant and motor oil manufacturers, Valvoline is offering a full range of products to offer unparalleled protection for your car from its interior to its engine and even its exterior.

Sony Confirms Gran Turismo 6 for Holiday 2013 Release on PS3

It seems the Playstation 3 will be given the swansong it deserves. Sony has just officially confirmed that Gran Turismo 6 will debut for the Playstation 3 video game console this holiday season.

GT6, as it's commonly known, will boast 1,200 cars, 33 locations, and 71 track layouts. Plus, GT6 will use an entirely new game and physics engine which "pushes the limits of the PS3".

A demo version of GT6 will make its way to the Playstation Store for download sometime in July and will feature 19 cars. The launch of the demo version will also serve as the kick off to GT Academy 2013.

McLaren Reunites with Honda Starting 2015

McLaren is delighted to confirm that it will form a new multi-year Formula 1 technology partnership with Honda.

From the start of the 2015 season, McLaren's Formula 1 cars will race using Honda engines and energy recovery systems, renewing an association that became one of the most successful and powerful in Formula 1 history during the 1980s and ’90s.

The very first ever Bentley showroom in the Philippines was inaugurated last May 8, 2013 with a simple ceremony attended by VIPs and Media guests. This exclusive event was marked with the ceremonial ribbon cutting led by PGA Automobile Chairman Robert Coyiuto, Jr., together with UK Ambassador Stephen Lillie, and Bentley Regional Director for Asia-Pacific and Middle East, Geoff Dowding. In a keynote speech delivered by Robert Coyiuto Jr., he stated, “Today, PGA Automobile formally embarks on a new adventure – a partnership with Bentley Motors and I am proud to bring you one of Britain’s oldest motor companies, well known and admired as a manufacturer of exclusive automobiles, founded 94 years ago by Walter Owen Bentley.”

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces this season’s promo that is packed with great deals and exciting perks for its various models.

Review: 2013 Subaru Forester XT

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Forester is perhaps the most important product for Subaru. What was once an odd little all-wheel drive wagon on stilts has matured into a competitive crossover that accounts for about half of exclusive Philippine distributor, Motor Image Pilipinas’s total sales. With those numbers continuing to swell even in the third-generation (SH5)’s twilight hours, engineers and designers found themselves in the unenviable position of being asked to build up on the strengths of the outgoing model while trying to achieve better fuel efficiency, more useable space, and a more refined drive.

Chevrolet is set to re-enter the Makati market with the formal groundbreaking of its newest dealership located in the heart of the business district’s automotive row. Last week, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the Philippines formally signed an agreement with BT Auto Sport, Inc. to open a new dealership located along the vibrant automotive strip along Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City. The new venue is ideal in terms of size, location, and accessibility for the market.

Blaupunkt is Back in the Game

Europe’s number one audio specialist Blaupunkt is BACK – and quite impressively so – with a selection of modern car radios, stylish headphones and products designed for contemporary home entertainment. This was the message that Blaupunkt Philippines announced in a launch held recently. “We are back with guns blazing armed with the latest in car and personal audio,” says Edbert Tiu, President of Blaupunkt Philippines.

Following the recent directive of the Metro Manila Development Authority regarding the use of conduction sticker numbers for cars without license plates, Volvo Philippines extended its care for new Volvo owners by providing them with specially-made conduction plates until they have received their actual vehicle license plates.

Iron Man 3, The Wolverine, Man of Steel, Fast and the Furious 6 –are all movies to watch out for in the coming months. Now you can get a chance to watch them for free by simply posting an ad on AyosDito.ph

This May, Team AyosDito.ph, in cooperation with SM Cinema, will be giving away 100 Free Movie Passes weekly beginning April 30 to June 2, 2013. This really makes it a “Mas Ayos Dito!” selling experience on AyosDito.ph.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, the country’s youngest and most progressive petroleum brand, continues its partnership with Trans Sport Show for 2013 slated on May 30-June 2 at the SMX Convention Center by Mall of Asia.

The leading independent petroleum company confirmed this partnership—the third of a five-year contract between the two companies—with the slogan “Phoenix Petroleum Fuels A Driving Generation.” For 2013, the company is still the show’s main “diamond” sponsor.

Honda Wants You to Celebrate Mother's Day in Dealership Open House

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. celebrates Mother’s Day with an open house event happening in all Honda dealerships nationwide from May 10-12. This weekend, Honda welcomes all families to their showrooms, offering its full line-up of vehicles moms will surely enjoy, available for viewing and test drive.

Ford Philippines today reported sales that continued to outpace the overall industry, with retail sales jumping 63 percent year-over-year to 1,101 vehicles.

The strong month represented Ford’s best-ever April performance in the Philippines, and continued the company’s momentum from a record first quarter performance. Ford’s year-to-date retail sales have now risen 82 percent to 3,786 vehicles.

How does one take originality, innovation and perfection and improve on it? For the 22nd Trans Sport Show, the answer will happen on May 30, as the country’s longest running automotive show unlatches the hood once again at the SMX Convention Center in the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

Audi Ad Pits Old Spock vs New Spock

Here is something to lighten your Wednesday.

It's a cheeky and funny advert featuring the Old Spock, Leonard Ninoy going against New Spock Zachary Quinto. The advert features the Audi A7 and is the second US Summer blockbuster film Audi has tied up in, the first being Iron Man 3.

Star Trek Into Darkness opens in the Philippines on May 15.

Philippine Car Price Guide: May 2013

In this installment of the Philippine Car Price Guide, we feature the following additions/changes:

Chevrolet Spark (facelift)
Ford E-150 (price adjustment)
Ford Everest (price adjustment)
Ford Expedition EL (price adjustment)
Ford Focus (price adjustment)
Honda City (facelift)
Kia Carens
Kia Carnival (new variant)
Kia Sorento (new variants)
Mazda CX-9 (facelift)
Suzuki Alto 800
Suzuki Swift DZire
Volvo S80 (price adjustment)
Volvo V40
Volvo XC60 (new variant)

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has recently added to its list of car dealerships, Honda Cars Calamba, as it broke ground on its future site. Soon to rise along Maharlika Highway, Barangay Milagrosa, Calamba City, residents of the area will enjoy more convenient access to Honda’s world-class products, services and facilities.

With a land area of 3,000sqm, Honda Cars Calamba is strategically placed at a very accessible location for the customers going or coming from the city proper and nearby towns and cities. This dealership shall carry the latest Honda product line-up and complete vehicle service facilities such as general repair, preventive maintenance and body-and-paint. Honda Cars Calamba is another fulfillment to HCPI’s promise to bring products and services with utmost quality to its customers.

Groundbreaking ceremony was headed by Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) and Mr. Anthony N. Cheng, President of ANC Group and their executives.

May 7, 2013

Review: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 CDI

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Tune in to MTV and chances are you’ll see a Mercedes-Benz somewhere there. And it’s not on MTV Classics, mind you. No sir! Save for the one or two you’ll see with wire wheels and eight-track decks, most are the modern variety used to dress (pimp) up rap videos. It’s one slick marketing move—transforming Mercedes’s image from your daddy’s car to Puff Daddy’s (excuse me, P. Diddy’s) car overnight. It’s not anymore the car for the rich and geriatric. It’s hip and it’s cool. It’s the new yuppie mobile!

Ford Motor Company Appoints Kay Hart as Managing Director of Ford Philippines

Ford Motor Company has announced the appointment of Kay Hart as managing director, Ford Philippines, effective June 1. She will report directly to Matt Bradley, president, Ford ASEAN. Hart is currently serving as Dealer Development and Field Operations Director, Ford Asia Pacific, based in Shanghai, China.

Hart will replace Randy Krieger, who has been appointed director, Marketing and Sales, Ford ASEAN. Krieger will be based in Bangkok and will continue to report to Bradley.

Suzuki Philippines Launches All-New Alto 800 and Swift DZire

Filipino motorists will continue to experience environment-friendly driving and best-in-class mileage as Suzuki Philippines Inc., the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company in the country, recently launches the all new Alto 800 and the Swift Dzire.

With the competitive price points of these latest offerings, Suzuki eyes to take a bigger chunk of the market in the subcompact car segment.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) breaks ground in Greenhills, San Juan, signifying the start of construction of the newest addition to the growing number of Honda Car dealerships, and following its commitment to bring quality products and services closer to its customers.

On May 4 to 5, the streets of Manila will bear witness to some never-before-seen motor action.

Filipino-Swiss racer Marlon Stockinger will sit behind the wheel of the famed Lotus Formula 1 car and give Filipino fans a much-anticipated demo at the first ever Manila Speedshow. The event opens on May 4 at the Quirino Grandstand, the starting line for the F1 car demo, and will conclude on May 5 at the Mall of Asia Atrium with an adrenaline-pumped exhibition.

Review: 2013 Honda Pilot

Photos by Ulysses Ang

So you’ve become a pretty successful guy. You’ve blown out a half-a-million peso hole in your wallet for a new IWC pilot’s watch after the renovations were done on your Forbes Park mansion. What’s next? Well, if you’ve got some P 2.6-million in loose change stashed somewhere, why don’t you reward yourself with a fancy new crossover. Mind you, it can’t simply be any ordinary crossover; it has to be adventurous, versatile, and different as you are. In other words, you’ve got to think outside the box, you’ve got to think Honda Pilot.

The All-New Volvo V40, a modern expressive car, with characteristics from larger Volvos wrapped in a sleek, compact package, is now in the Philippines. This 5-door, 5-seater luxury hatchback combines trendsetting design with class-leading driving dynamics.

“The All-New Volvo V40 is a bold expression of challenging the conventional. With great focus on the luxury look and feel of the car, the All-New Volvo V40 offers you a more engaging and personalized driving experience. With keen attention to detail, the All-New Volvo V40 also reflects Volvo’s promise of a car that is designed around you.” enthuses Miss Loi Concepcion De Guzman, Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services.

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger: Toyota Road Trek 9 Takes on Clark and Palawan

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The soft orange hue of the mid-summer sunrise greeted me as I drove into Toyota Global City—the flagship dealer that carries the new bolder and younger brand identity standard. As a Road Trek novice, I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this ninth outing (the previous ones had everything from mental to driving to even physical challenges) except save for two clues: the outline of a track curb on the invitation as well as the words, “Clark and Palawan: Reloaded”. Perhaps it could mean an Amazing Race-style winner-takes-all challenge or perhaps it could mean a date with the Clark International Speedway? Whatever it may be, I stepped down from my car, took a deep breath, and waited for the briefing to begin.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines announces today that the all-new CR-Z, a sport hybrid coupé will be available for retail by August this year.

During the 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in World Trade Center Metro Manila last year, the Honda CR-Z MUGEN concept was displayed and left viewers wanting more. According to Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., the Honda CR-Z was the real crowd drawer of the Honda booth during PIMS. “At the time of the show we received a number of inquiries about selling it in the Philippines. Even after that, we are still getting inquiries online, at our dealer showrooms and various display events. This scenario gives us the confidence that the Philippine market will warmly welcome the all-new CR-Z when it arrives in August, exactly a year after its concept was shown”, Natsume said.

Tennis megastar Maria Sharapova has taken on a new role: Effective immediately, the 26-year-old world class player will be representing the sports car manufacturer, Porsche AG, as brand ambassador. The cooperation is initially signed for three years and involves a global communications campaign. The athlete is already very familiar with the vehicles from Zuffenhausen: As last year´s winner of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Sharapova not only took home prize money, but also a white 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.

Conquering the Final Frontier: Kia True North Takes on Batanes

Photos by Ulysses Ang

They say it can’t be done: a ride and drive event in the Philippines’s northern most point: Batanes. It certainly sounds like a challenge, a challenge that Columbian Autocar Corporation, the country’s exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles, happily accepted. Consider this: the weather in Batanes is unpredictable at best, being the only place in the country to experience four seasons. Then, Batanes is the entry or exit points of typhoons, so careful planning is needed to ensure everyone’s safety. Finally, the logistics of mounting such an event is daunting: it required 10 Kia vehicles from a Picanto to an Optima Hybrid to be shipped as cargo (there’s no Ro-Ro or Roll On, Roll Off in Batanes) from Sual, Pangasinan for 32 hours before unloading them one by one by crane with nothing more than a thick piece of foam separating the delicate metal body from the rusty steel chains.

Visit the Kia Carens Microsite and Hatch an Egg-citing Adventure

Are you thrilled to see the newest member of the Kia family? Kia is hatching something big soon! Be part of this egg-citing adventure through Kia's new microsite, www.HatchMyCarens.com!

With Kia's microsite, do your part to help hatch the egg, and get a chance to win amazing prizes! Up for grabs are an excitement filled day at Enchanted Kingdom, or a wave of fun with lovable creatures of the sea at the Manila Ocean Park.

Review: 2013 Hyundai Accent CRD A/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang

“Surprise and delight the customer” may be a common marketing goal these days, but it’s still unusual to find a car that genuinely fits the bill. After all, a Genesis Coupe is expected to be fast and a Starex to have enough room for two basketball teams. But during the course of testing dozens of new cars each year, there’s one vehicle that clearly stands out and it takes the swoopy, fluidic shape of the new Hyundai Accent CRD hatchback.

Motor Image Pilipinas Inc., (MIPI) the exclusive distributor of Subaru cars in the Philippines registered a record-breaking growth of 94% in total sales for the 1st quarter of 2013. Selling of 577 units compare with 297 units for the same period of last year. Subaru sales in March reached an all-time high with 236 units, breaking the previous record of 188 units established a year ago. The sales were propelled by the growth of major models like the well-accepted Subaru XV in the popular small SUV segment. And also the sales rose with high demand for the Forester models driven by the just-launched all-new Forester.

MIPI remains positive that for the succeeding months of the year, the high growth performance will be sustained.

“2013 is an exciting year for Subaru in terms of both sales and network expansion. I am very optimistic that we will grow further our business because we have an exciting product line to offer our customers and we will have 11 dealerships in the Philippines by the end of this year,” said MIPI General Manager Michael Ramon Luyun.

BMW Introduces FlexiLease

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, introduces FlexiLease, its latest option for aspiring BMW owners to experience sheer driving pleasure at the most convenient way possible. FlexiLease is a new innovation in BMW ownership that addresses the mobility requirements of top professionals.

Win Free Fuel for a Year with Petron Value Card

For any motorist, the chance to get free gas is a dream come true.

That’s why Petron is raffling off free fuel for one year for five lucky Petron Value Card (PVC) owners.

The first step is to is to register using by sending a text message (SMS), in the format PVC REG <16-digit PVC number>/<first name middle initial surname>/<birthday: month day year>/ <complete address>/<email address-optional> (example: PVC REG 4488223315241628/Juan D. Cruz /08281988/53 Lawaan St. Pasig/jdcruz@yahoo.com).

In celebration of its 50th birthday and against the backdrop of the Shanghai Auto Show, Automobili Lamborghini presented a very special super sports car with exclusive equipment and technology. The Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario is a limited and numbered series of 100 units worldwide. Each unit has a Forged Composite® badge with the 50° logo and a serial number.
With its output increased to 720 hp, its new performance-oriented front and rear design, the special paintwork and unique interior trim, this Aventador is one of the most exclusive models ever produced in the history of Lamborghini.

The Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario represents a new highlight of this globally successful model range with carbon-fiber monocoque, twelve-cylinder engine and permanent all-wheel drive. With its output of 720 hp, the 6.5-liter twelve-cylinder in the Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario is 20 hp more powerful than the current V12 in the Aventador LP 700-4. This is due to a new specific engine calibration. With its extremely fast-shifting ISR transmission, the anniversary model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 350 km/h.

At the Auto Shanghai 2013, Bentley introduces the new Flying Spur to Greater China, alongside the Continental GT Speed, Bentley’s fastest production model ever and its pinnacle flagship model, the ultra-high luxury Mulsanne. Bentley also announces its plans to grow the dealer network in Greater China, reinforcing China as a key market for Bentley’s continued success as the company heads for double digit growth again in 2013.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, comments: “China is a key market for Bentley and we are enjoying great sales success and growing customer interest. To continue to achieve these results, we have a significant expansion plan in place. This starts with the new Flying Spur, previously our best-selling model and we expect 60 per cent of the new Flying Spur sales to be delivered to customers in China.

Porsche is celebrating the world premiere of the second generation Gran Turismo at the Auto Shanghai show in China. The centerpiece of Porsche’s show appearance is the new Panamera S E-Hybrid, the world’s first plug-in hybrid in the luxury class. Also making their debut together with this new role model of intelligent interconnection of efficiency, sportiness and comfort are two luxurious Executive versions for the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo which sport an extended wheelbase and a three-litre V6 engine with bi-turbocharging that is a completely new development. With the launch of the new generation, the Panamera range is now increasing to ten individual models that offer an extended range between sportiness and comfort.

Honda Aims to Redefine Sub-Compact Segment with 2013 City

Using kaizen or the Japanese term for “continuous improvement”, Honda Cars Philippines is aiming to redefine the sub-compact segment with the introduction of the 2013 City. Now available at all Honda dealerships nationwide, the new City carries new aesthetic and safety improvements as well as the introduction of a brand-new variant, the 1.5 ENC.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) closed the first quarter of the year recording an impressive double digit growth of 21.7%. Sales for the first three months totaled to 10,016 units compared to 8,230 units sold during the same period last year. March sales modestly increased by 1.6% with 3,612 units sold. Combined reports from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturer of the Philippines (CAMPI) and Trucks Manufacturer Association (TMA) also showed a surge in MMPC’s market share. For the first quarter MMPC was able to capture a 24% market share making it the second bestselling automotive brand in the country.

After Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. announced a mammoth recall of its CR-V and Civic models, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC) is announcing that it is also recalling around 3,500 units of its Corolla Altis models for the same faulty airbag problem that has plagued Japanese makes globally.

In a short statement, TMPC said that no reports of injuries caused by the defective airbag has been reported. Nonetheless, Toyota is Corolla Altis models produced between May 2001 to March 2003. TMPC will advise its dealers as to when it will coordinate with affected customers and owners.

Audi Philippines Achieves 28 Percent Sales Growth in 2013

Audi in the Philippines has surpassed initial targets this year achieving a 28% year on year growth from 2012. The growth is mainly driven by new entry-level models introduced by the brand at the beginning of the year.

“The debut of our new Audi Q3 SUV and A1 5-door Sportback ushers a new phase for Audi in the country, because for the first time we have a model below PHP 2,000,000” said Lito Jose, Sales director for Audi Philippines.

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