Ford has said though that it expects to bounce back in the coming months especially with the launch of 3 new vehicle launches including the North American-built Ford Explorer 2.0 GTDi at this month's Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
March 14, 2012
Ford Sees Continuing Effects of Thai Floods in February
Ford has said though that it expects to bounce back in the coming months especially with the launch of 3 new vehicle launches including the North American-built Ford Explorer 2.0 GTDi at this month's Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
Kia Motors Posts 21.3 Percent Growth in February
Read more about Kia's global growth after the break.
Petron Awards Doble Panalo Promo Winners
A housewife wins a Toyota Hi-Lux, a sari-sari store owner drives home a Honda Civic, and an airline mechanic is a proud Yamaha Mio Soul owner a after being picked as grand prize winners in the 1st Grand Draw of the Petron Doble Panalo promo. The prizes were turned over at simple ceremonies held last 27 February 2012 at Petron headquarters.
The 1st Grand Draw, held last 20 December 2011, picked the following winners: For the Toyota Hi-Lux, the winners were Marilyn V. Pena of Biñan, Laguna (Luzon); Linda Pondavilla of Ubay, Bohol (Visayas); and Demetrio Berza Jr. of Davao City (Mindanao). For the Honda Civic, the winners were Concordia Sosa of San Luis, Pampanga (Luzon); Retchelio Polenio of Ormoc, Leyte (Visayas); and Michelle Burdeos of Butuan City (Mindanao). Yamaha Mio Soul scooters were also given away to Victoriano Palma of Novaliches, Quezon City (Luzon); Armando Itang of Ormoc City (Visayas); and Carmelo Concon of Davao City (Mindanao).
Other prizes awarded during the 1st Grand Draw were six winners of a 47-inch LED TV, six winners of a Samsung Galaxy Tab, and nine winners of an Apple iPad 2. In addition, there were 48 winners of a Petron eFuel Card worth P10,000 each.
The market acceptance and popularity of the promo resulted in a one-month extension of the promo to 29 February 2012 to allow give more customers a chance to enter the 2nd Grand Draw, which has been moved to March 2012. Prizes for the 2nd Grand Draw include: Mitsubishi Montero (3), Yamaha Mio Soul motorcycle (3), 47-inch LED TV (6), Samsung Galaxy Tab (6), Apple iPad 2 - 32GB (9), and Petron eFuel Card worth P10,000 each (48).
In its biggest marketing promotion to end 2011 and start 2012 with a bang, Petron Doble Panalo gave Petron customers two chances to win prizes from Petron stations nationwide. First, with every P1,000 single or accumulated purchase of Petron fuels—Petron Xtra, Petron XCS, Petron Blaze, Petron DieselMax and Petron Turbo Diesel—a customer was entitled to "Pick a Raffle Coupon" with an instant prize from the bunot box. Instant giveaways include: free 1-liter fuel, Petron t-shirt, Petron sticker, San Mig 3-in-1 coffee, and Petron 2012 calendar. The same Raffle Coupon was then used to participate in the Doble Grand Draws, which had separate draws and separate winners for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Mitsubishi Motors Expands Dealership Network to Palawan
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| Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Press |
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) and Maximotors Corporation recently signed an agreement to open a dealership in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The contract signing was headed by MMPC executives Mr. Hikosaburo Shibata РPresident and CEO, Mr. Taizo Furuhashi РExecutive Vice President, and Mr. Dante Santos РFirst Vice President for Sales and Marketing and Maximotors President Mr. Wesley Lao and Vice President Winston Onglo. Maximotors Corp. which operates Mitsubishi dealership will be constructed on a 2,500 sqm lot located in Abad Santos Extension, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Maximotors was incorporated by young entrepreneurs aiming to bring world-class vehicles and services within reach of every Palawe̱os. With the addition of Maximotors, MMPC has now a total of 42 dealerships nationwide.
March 7, 2012
A One-on-One with HARI President Ms. Fe Perez-Agudo
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| Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press |
*EDITOR'S NOTE: The following piece was originally published in The Philippine Star where this blog's author is a weekly contributor and columnist.
The success of the Hyundai Accent, Elantra and Tucson is just the tip of the iceberg for Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the country’s official distributor of Hyundai automobiles and trucks. In fact, whether you’re looking for a tiny city car or an all-out sports car, Hyundai has your bases covered. However, beyond the world-beating products, HARI is focusing to deliver the entire customer experience.
The Philippine Star recently sat down with Ms. Fe Perez-Agudo to ask about the unique opportunities and challenges that face Hyundai including its response to customers affected by Tropical Storm Sendong as well as plans for its One Hyundai Club (OHC).
March 5, 2012
Review: 2012 Geely LC
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
You know inflation has reared its ugly head when you can’t even buy a piece of chewing gum for 25 cents. It’s the same situation just about anywhere. And it’s especially true with cars where half a million pesos would have landed you in the luxury category a decade ago; now you can’t even get anything new and decently spec-ed. Such is the dilemma of the modern consumer: there are much more choices in the market, but the earning power just hasn’t caught up.
Thankfully (at least in the realm of cars), someone forgot to tell the folks over at AutoChina to adjust their prices for inflation. With a single showroom located at EDSA Balintawak in Quezon City (literally at the landing of the Balintawak MRT station), the Philippine distributor of Geely Automobiles whipped out a surprise number with their LC city car. If the model name doesn’t sound sexy, it’s because the LC was once known as the Panda when it was previewed at the Manila International Auto Show last year. Unfortunately, there was an issue that prevented AutoChina from using the name, so LC was used instead. A rather unfortunate event since the LC does resemble its animal namesake.
March 2, 2012
A One-on-One with Autostrada Motore Chair & President Wellington Soong
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| Photos courtesy of Autostrada Motore Press |
Clad in a matching black v-neck shirt and jeans, Wellington “Willie” Soong busily looked around his newest, sprawling showroom; an exciting addition to his portfolio of automotive brands. This could have been on any regular weekday, but this was on a Saturday morning. Normally, people of his stature would be on the golf course swinging a round or two of golf, but Mr. Soong was busy at work, personally supervising the completion of the Autostrada Motore showroom down to the key details such as the positioning of the furnishing and the cars itself.
Mr. Soong’s personal touch and hands-on approach has made him the perfect man to helm the Philippines’s official dealer of Ferrari and Maserati automobiles. The only new Ferrari dealership slated to open this year in the South East Asian region, the opening of the new, world-class facility located at 32nd and 4th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City brings everything into a complete circle for Mr. Soong and Autostrada Motore.
March 1, 2012
Amazing Prices at Stake with Shell VISA Swipe & Save Promo
The promo, which runs from March 1 to April 30, 2012 allows you to gain a raffle entry by presenting the original VISA transaction slip from the following shops: Shell Quality Fuels, Shell Lubricants, Shell Shop, Shell Select, Shell Helix Service Center (excluding Mini Stop located in Shell Stations). The draw date is on May 14, 2012.
For more information, visit: Shell Swipe & Save Promo website or Visa Go Explore.
February 29, 2012
Lexus Launches All-New GS in Manila
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| Photos Courtesy of Lexus |
Among the most noticeable change is the all-new sheet metal that carries the brand-new "spindle grille" design. This love-it-or-hate-it is the latest iteration of Lexus's L-Finesse design language and will slowly make its way to the rest of the Lexus line-up. Aside from the stylish grille, the GS looks strong and athletic riding on standard 17-inch rims while the F-Sport runs on 18-inch rims.
Speaking of variants, there are three GS models available. Two are immediately available at launch and one will follow soon. The GS 350 retails for P 4,238,000; the GS 350 F Sport with additional styling, handling and comfort package goes for P 4,818,000; while the GS 450h will arrive in Manila soon (price yet to be announced).
As the name implies, the all-new GS carries a single engine variant: a 3.5-liter V6 good for 312 horsepower, figures very close to the outgoing 4.6-liter V8 engine. The added power bump is thanks to dual variable valve timing as well as direct injection technology. Mated to a 6-speed automatic, the GS can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.
You can read and view more photos of the Lexus GS after the break.
Ford Expands Fiesta Line-Up with Three New Variants
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| Photos courtesy of Ford Press |
You can read more about it after the break.
Petron Promotes Safety Awareness Through Bikers Meet-Up
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| Photo courtesy of Petron Press |
You can read more about their endeavors after the break.
February 28, 2012
Ford Philippines Feels Effects of Thai Floods
In fact, the rumor mill is buzzing that the Thai floods may also affect the availability of the all-new Ford Ranger, which is slated to debut at this year's Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) which will run from March 29 to April 1.
Read the entire report after the break.
February 26, 2012
Toyota Launches 2012 Innova
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| Photos courtesy of Toyota Press |
Since its launch in 2005, the Toyota Innova has been the Philippines’s best-selling Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) selling 70,000 units cumulatively. When it was first launched, it offered the Filipino family a comfortable, dynamic and affordable MPV which offered features often reserved for much more expensive rides. So when the time came: how do you improve on something so accepted, so loved by the Filipino buying public? Simple: offer the same comfortable, dynamic and affordable equation and place it into a bolder, sexier package. This forms the basis of the 2012 Innova.
February 23, 2012
Follow Us Live for the 2012 Toyota Innova Launch!
EDITOR'S NOTE: There will be no update on Thursday, 23 February to Friday, 24 February 2012 because we'll be in Boracay Island for the launch of the 2012 Toyota Innova.
However, please make it a point to follow us live on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/carguideph for the latest scoops, pictures and specs fresh and hot from the launch event. Of course, once we come back from the sun and the sand, we'll post a full story right here!
However, please make it a point to follow us live on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/carguideph for the latest scoops, pictures and specs fresh and hot from the launch event. Of course, once we come back from the sun and the sand, we'll post a full story right here!
February 22, 2012
Goodyear Gives Free Gas for Tire Sales
Press Release
Goodyear Announces Free Fuel Promo
MANILA, 17 February 2012 – With the rising costs of fuel, Goodyear lends a helping hand by extending its free fuel offer into the first quarter for the family and friends to enjoy.
Goodyear’s New Year Bonanza promo is offering free fuel to every single-receipt purchase of Goodyear tires. Motorists are entitled to either one of two things depending on purchase:
- A P500 fuel card for every single-receipt purchase of two (2) tires of Assurance ArmorGrip, Fuel Max, Fortera, Wrangler HP, Wrangler HP AW, Wrangler AT/SA, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, Eagle F1 Directional 5 or Eagle EfficientGrip, or for every purchase of four (4) DuraPlus tireA
- A P1,000 fuel card to every single-receipt purchase of four (4) tires of Assurance ArmorGrip, Fuel Max, Fortera, Wrangler HP, Wrangler HP AW, Wrangler AT/SA, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, Eagle F1 Directional 5 or Eagle EfficientGrip.
Visit your nearest Goodyear Autocare, Goodyear Servitek and TyrePro store outlets nationwide to avail of the fuel cards up to sixty (60) days after the end of the promotion. What’s more, motorists not only get a free fuel card but also an exclusive Confidence Warranty on all Goodyear purchases good for up to four (4) years from date of purchase.
Car Awards Group Elects New Officers for 2012-2013
Ford's Global Driving Skills for Life Program Enters Fifth Year in PHL
Press Release
Ford's Global Driving Skills for Life Program Enters Fifth Year in the Philippines
- Globally, the DSFL program has trained more than 500,000 drivers through online and professional hands-on driver instruction, including more than 20,000 in the Philippines\
- In the Philippines, the program has been tailored to suit the local driving environment and is aimed at raising awareness of safe and fuel efficient driving techniques through classroom and practical learning
AVID Begins 2012 with 37 Percent Growth
AVID members sold a total of 2,526 units for the first month of 2012 driven mainly by passenger car sales which counted for 71 percent. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) contributed a 6 percent growth. The top AVID performer remained HARI. Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., the official distributor of Hyundai cars in the Philippines contributed 20,297 units. Meanwhile, The Covenant Car Company, Inc., the official distributor of Chevrolet vehicles sold 2,763 units.
AVID members are: PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi and Porsche), Auto Ventures, Inc. (Chana and FAW), The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet), CATS Motors, Inc. (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Mercedes-Benz), Foton Motor Philippines, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., Jaguar Philippines, British United (MINI) and Volvo.
February 20, 2012
Kia Inaugurates Largest Dealership in Metro Manila
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| Photo courtesy of Kia Press |
Fresh from the launch of its head-turning Rio sub-compact car, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the official distributor of Kia automobiles in the Philippines is strengthening its dealer network by formally opening the Kia Metro East showroom last Friday.
Located at 332 Barangay San Isidro in Cainta, Rizal, Kia Metro East is the largest Kia dealership in Metro Manila with a total area of 4,000 square-meters. Aside from the usual showroom and service facilities, Kia Metro East boasts of a special VIP lounge and restaurant where customers can relax and order a vast array of food and beverages while waiting for the completion of their respective Kia vehicles from service or repair.
February 17, 2012
Honda Cars Philippines Unveils Much Awaited 2012 Civic
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| Photos courtesy of Honda Press |
Though it looks pretty much close to the previous-generation Civic, Honda has repeatedly said that the ninth-generation Civic features an all-new sheet metal as well as extensive work done on its proven platform and drivetrain. Known for its sporty handling and practicality, Honda said that they have kept these traits while focusing more to improve the Civic's fuel efficiency for this all-new model. Among the changes include a design that has a co-efficient of drag that's 3.8 percent lower, a body that's seven percent lighter thanks to 55 percent high-tensile steel and bigger interior room with a wider shoulder width and rear seat room. Honda engineers have also improved the 2012 Civic's overall visibility by over nine percent.
Under the hood, the Civic carries on with the previous model's 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter two-stage VTEC engine. Power generated is 141 horsepower and 155 horsepower respectively connected to a 5-speed automatic. The suspension is independent all-around with MacPherson Struts upfront and Multi-Links at the back. The 2012 model features a longer suspension stroke to further reduce the transmission of unwanted "shocks" into the cabin.
Though the Civic is traditionally Honda's most mainstream model, because of the Thailand plant's shutdown, HCPI is currently offering the Civic in a single flavor: the 1.8 EXi. This sole model, available in four colors (Urban Titanium, Taffeta White, Carnelian Red and Crystal Black) is imported as a completely built-up model from Japan. Because of this, the Civic has a slightly prohibitive price of P 1.074-M. Nonetheless, it comes fully loaded with almost everything as standard.
Features on the 2012 Honda Civic 1.8 EXi include: projector-type halogen headlights, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloys with 205/55 R 16 rubber, door-mounted side turn lights, rear reversing camera, an integrated audio system with CD/MP3/USB connectivity with 6 speakers, steering wheel controls, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free phone function, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, leather steering wheel, dual SRS airbags, ABS and vehicle stability assist.
More photos and the Press Release after the break.
February 16, 2012
Honda Introduces Jazz Special Edition
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| Photos courtesy of Honda Press |
Now imported as a completely built-up unit from Japan (as opposed to Thailand), the Jazz Special Edition (1.5 EX) features different front and rear bumpers with fog lamps from the regular Jazz 1.5 (it actually shares its bumpers with the 1.3 variant). Aside from that, the Jazz Special Edition gets cruise control, steering wheel audio controls as well as a cooled upper glove box and power folding door mirrors. In terms of engine, the Jazz Special Edition has a 1.5-liter VTEC engine with 120 horsepower and a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Priced at P 899,000, the Jazz Special Edition is available in three colors including a new retina-burning Fresh Lime color.
More details in the Press Kit after the break.
Honda Cars Holds "Honda Mania" at Bonifacio Global City
Want to test drive the all-new Honda Civic? Want to see the Honda Jazz Special Edition? Well, mark your calendars this weekend for Honda Mania at the Bonifacio Global City.
Press Release
Honda is Back with the "Honda Mania" - An Exhibit and Test Drive Event
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile production and sales subsidiary in the Philippines, today launches the “Honda Mania” – An Exhibit and Test Drive event. Returning back to the Philippine automotive market after natural calamities in Thailand and Japan adversely affected its supply chain the previous year, the Honda Mania is an opportunity for HCPI to showcase its new models to Philippine customers.
February 13, 2012
Mitsubishi to Offer Gasoline-Powered Montero Sport
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| Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors Press |
In the same story, Dytianquin was quoted as saying that the MIVEC-equipped engine will be available initially in limited numbers starting April of this year. Dytianquin also said that this version will only be equipped with a 2WD system. Pricing will be close to that of the diesel variant.
Source: Top Gear Philippines
Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler Reports Increased Sales in 2011
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| Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Press |
CATS Motors, Inc. is saying that its aggressive fleet deliveries as well as the introduction of the new-generation C-Class is largely the reason for its success. In fact, the C-Class is the luxury segment's best-selling passenger car.
Meanwhile, CATS Motors's mainstream American brand--the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands reported a 12% sales growth year-on-year. For 2011, the group sold 341 units, up from 304 units in 2010. CATS is expecting the CJD brands to do even better in 2012 thanks to dealer expansion in the Alabang area as well as new vehicles to be launched.
The CATS Motors, Inc. growth is despite the fact that the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), an umbrella group of Philippine manufacturers and distributors reported a net decline of 2.97 of the overall automotive industry.
CATS Motors Makes Challenger SRT8 Available in PHL
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| Photo courtesy of Dodge Press |
Dubbed as the "Ultimate American muscle machine", by Reid Bigland, the President and CEO of Dodge, the SRT8 is available with a massive 6.4-liter V8 HEMI that tops off at 470 horsepower. Couple this with a track-tuned suspension as well as heavy-duty brakes, the Challenger SRT8 is a dream come true for any performance car enthusiast.
Read more on the Dodge Challenger SRT8 launch after the break.
February 9, 2012
Mitsubishi Previews 2012 Outlander
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| Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Press |
For European markets, the Outlander will be offered with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines. For those who prefer petrol, the Outlander will use a 2.0-liter SOHC 4-cylinder engine equipped with MIVEC (4J11). The lean-burning model will use a 2.2-liter CRDi with a very low compression ratio and MIVEC technology. Mitsubishi promises excellent CO2 emissions as well as fuel efficiency thanks to its new Auto Stop&Go idle-stop system as well as a lighter body.
Inside, the Outlander promises a high-quality interior thanks to a "soft-touch dashboard" as well as a gloss black instrument panel. Some models will also come with third-row seating just like the current Outlander while a power tailgate makes it to the options list.
Initially, the 2012 Outlander will be launched for the Russian market followed by the European, Japanese, Chinese and North American market. No word yet whether the Outlander will come back to the Philippine market.
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