Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, is pleased to introduce the announcement made by Subaru of America, Inc. that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS; a nonprofit organization supported by auto insurers in the US) has awarded the best possible ranking of  2013 TOP SAFETY PICK + (TSP+) to the all-new Forester currently sold in the North American region. The Forester earned an overall rating of good in the small overlap test required for winning the TSP+ as the only one of 13 small SUV. This is the third TSP+ award for Subaru vehicles following the last year’s first win of 2013 Legacy and Outback (built after Aug. 2012). The Institute’s 2013 “TSP+” award which requires “good” ratings for occupant protection in at least four of five IIHS evaluations, with no less than “acceptable” in the fifth test.

For the whole month of May, Petron’s landmark motorist assistance program, Lakbay Alalay, is helping the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s (PGIN) tourism campaign, billed as Paoay Kumaway!, now on its second year of implementation.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) through HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI) and Gawad Kalinga (GK) celebrated the inauguration of the Hyundai Center for Green Innovation (HCGI), located at the GK Enchanted Farm in Bgy. Encanto, Angat, Bulacan. The state-of-the-art green innovation center, built by architects and engineers commissioned by HFI, fuses the ethnicity of the “bahay kubo” and the Hyundai design philosophy of "Fluidic Sculpture”. It is envisioned to be the epicenter of ideas, talents, and resources committed to growing a sustainable green economy and community for the Filipino and stands as a symbol of the evolution and progress of Hyundai and GK’s enduring partnership to build empowered, self-sustaining Filipino communities from the grassroots.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s (IPC) bestselling model once again powered the company’s sales in April, as well as in the first four months of 2013.

Combined reports from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association show that the Isuzu Crosswind AUV led IPC’s tally in April with 628 units sold, or a significant 22.7% rise compared to the model’s total of 512 units in March. Together with deliveries of the Isuzu Alterra SUV and D-MAX pickup, the company posted a 13.2% growth in its AUV, SUV and pickup vehicle lineup in April with 882 units sold compared to March’s 779-unit result.

All those rumors can be put to rest as Mitsubishi Motors Corporation officially announces the Mirage sedan, though it takes a different name: Attrage.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.