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.

With over 7,100 islands, the Philippines has no shortage of breathtaking sights to offer visitors and local tourists alike. The more than 60,000 Isuzu Crosswind units on Philippine roads, meanwhile, are rolling testaments to the multipurpose vehicle’s enduring popularity and usefulness.

So fittingly, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) staged a road trip to one of the country’s premier destinations—the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan—in introducing the 2012 Isuzu Crosswind Special Edition. In the event dubbed “It’s more fun with the Isuzu Crosswind in Palawan” that was held from April 18-20, 2012, IPC reinforced the proven strengths and exciting new features of the latest Crosswind in a way that showcased some of the Philippines’ unique scenic attractions, and allowed access to no less than Palawan’s underground river that was newly included as among the world’s Seven Wonders of Nature.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Small cars are a love ‘em or hate ‘em affair—sometimes both in one vehicle. You love them for their perceived frugality and ease of parking, and hate them for their utter dullness and tin-can structure. Recent attempts have proven successful at banishing the notion that small cars are a cruel form of punishment. Chevrolet seems to be joining this bandwagon as well with its Spark, proving that small cars can be a decent drive and have some kind of personality at the same time.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Photo courtesy of BMW Press

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the exclusive distributor of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the country is gearing up for the launch of the all-new 3 Series on May 10. We'll be live from the specially-constructed BMW Tent. Coverage starts at 7:00 PM Philippine time. For live feeds, follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/carguideph/

Photo courtesy of Jollibee

As you read this, your esteemed author and his good buddy, Neil Pagulayan (Neil Almighty) of 99.5 RT will be undertaking the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross Country Challenge which will run until May 8 (or is it 9). And since this is a contest ala The Amazing Race, we don't have our phones with us.

In the mean time, you'll get some scheduled updates, but we'll be slow on the news until May 9. Until then, wish us luck! Hopefully by the time you read this, we'll beat the crap out of these pretty boys and girls!

For more information about the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross Country Challenge, you can check out their facebook page: Jollibee Philippines. Likewise, you can PROBABLY (but we're not sure), follow us on twitter throughout the event at: @carguideph and @neilonradio.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) launches the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles (TCPOV) program. The TCPOV is a new program where in customers can enjoy utmost value for money in purchasing pre owned vehicles. TMP aims to cater to the market where purchasing a reliable used car is given much importance.  Now a days finding dependable pre owned vehicles can be a difficult task. In launching the TCPOV, Toyota is able to provide buyers an avenue where they can always be assured of the vehicle’s quality and reliability.

Photos courtesy of Toyota Press

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) unveils the all-new Camry with a new sense of emotion and vision on its premium luxury sedan. Its aerodynamic styling and valiant stance exude a strong presence that complements a luxurious and iconic vehicle. Named after the word “Crown” in Japanese, the Camry is developed to stand out and shine in the local automotive scene; along with its new developments in both interior and exterior features, the Camry boasts a more luxurious and cutting-edge design.

Photos courtesy of Suzuki Press

Photo courtesy of Isuzu Press

More than 60,000 owners have spoken; the Isuzu Crosswind is the best solution for their personal, family and business vehicle requirements as the multipurpose vehicle continues to serve the Filipino consumer since 2001. To further address the evolving needs of the market, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s Diesel Expert, is introducing the 2012 Isuzu Crosswind XS variant.

The Crosswind XS is a six-seater model. Without the third-row seat, the vehicle can carry more than 1.8-cubic meter cargo as its entire rear area is now a dedicated load space. This makes the Crosswind XS perfect for small families or those with young children because the vehicle can easily accommodate strollers, toys, extra clothes, groceries and other similar items. Also, the Crosswind XS becomes an even more ideal choice for business use as it can serve as a taxicab, service/delivery shuttle, or courier vehicle that’s able to load balikbayan boxes and other oversized baggage.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

The all-new Ford Explorer with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine is still a full three months away, but we’ve been lucky enough to have sampled, by all intents and purposes, the entry-level Explorer. Of course, the P 2.350-million price tag is anything but entry-level, but it still saves you something like P 200,000 compared to the V6. However, as with anything that’s more affordable, expect the Explorer experience to be diluted. The question is, by how much? The Ford Explorer V6 has raised the bar quite a bit by providing excellent driving manners and numerous creature features at a truly competitive price. So, how will its little brother, the 2.0 EcoBoost fair? Without passing judgement (that will come at a later time), here’s what you can expect from the Explorer V6’s little brother.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Japan is most definitely on the list of any car enthusiast’s Mecca; and a trip here isn’t complete without a visit to one of various automotive shrines, museums, and what have you. Given that Japan is an expensive place to go to (for example, a single bus ride costs around P 110), some penny-pinching may be in order to stretch the valuable Yen you’re carrying. However, there is one automotive-related gem that’s just waiting to be discovered—and best of all, it’s free! So if you’re starting to overload on eating conveyor-belt sushi or visiting the various Shinto shrines, here’s an automotive museum worth spending some quality time in.

Photos courtesy of Honda Press

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile production and sales subsidiary in the Philippines, today launched its highly-anticipated all-new CR-V. Following the launch of the new City last January, the all-new Civic and Jazz Special Edition in February, the all-new CR-V further strengthens Honda’s return to the Philippine automotive market.

Ford has finally taken the wraps off the production version of its B-segment crossover--the EcoSport at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. This all-new crossover, dubbed as the "SUV for the urban world", will be available in over 100 countries mostly likely including the Philippines.

Based off Ford's B-segment platform (which happens to underpin the Fiesta as well), the EcoSport comes with Ford's newest and most advanced EcoBoost turbocharged engine yet: a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine with 118 horsepower.

Other key features of the Ford EcoSport are: the Ford SYNC infotainment system, 16-inch alloy wheels, a push-button engine start/stop, and a cooled glove box. For safety, it gets 6 airbags, ABS, and Electronic Stability Program or ESP that integrates Hill Start Assist.

The Ford EcoSport will make its way to other markets in Asia including the Philippines soon.

Subaru parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. has unveiled the 2013 Legacy for the Chinese market, and from the looks alone, you know it's aiming high--literally.

The 2013 Legacy has been re-designed specifically for the Chinese market and the changes are quite extensive. First, the ride height has been increased by 60 mm. Second, because of the increased ride height, Subaru had to modify the front bumper, side spoiler, and rear bumper. The wheels remain 18-inches. And of course, to suit the Chinese buyer, Subaru has put chrome on the side sill spoiler and rear bumper. Inside, the Chinese version of the Legacy removes the silvery plastics and in place is a piano-black finish. The electronic parking brake and SI-Drive switches were also relocated for better usability.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy also debuts the new-generation 2.5-liter Boxer (FB25) for the Chinese market as well as the Lineartronic CVT.

Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Press

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) together with one of its authorized dealers Zamboanga Motors Inc. (ZMI) recently broke ground to mark the start of the construction of a bigger and a more modern Mitsubishi Motors showroom and service center. The newest ZMI showroom will be constructed in a 5,320 square meter lot located in Governor Carmins Avenue Zamboanga, City. 

We all know that the 2012 Toyota Camry's launching Thursday next week. But here's even a bigger surprise: Suzuki is ready to move upmarket straight into Camry territory with their Kizashi sports sedan. And guess what? It's launching on the very same day, just two hours apart from Toyota's perennial best-seller.

Aside from the the hard to pronounce name, what can we expect from the Suzuki Kizashi? Well, there's still no word on the pricing, but we do know that the Philippine spec Kizashi is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that's good for 180 horsepower. The sole transmission is a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Apart from the drivetrain, the rest of the details are still foggy. But based on pics, we can tell the Kizashi will have a keyless push button engine start/stop, USB input for audio devices, rear air conditioning vents, dual climate control, and leather upholstery.

Again, we'll be live from the Suzuki Kizashi launch on Thursday, April 26. Follow us live via our Twitter account starting 3PM.

“As the Philippine economic landscape continues to move from good to great, so does consumer confidence and Hyundai’s outstanding sales performance for Q1. We are optimistic that this trend will extend into Q2, with the Elantra making waves as Car of the Year for 2012, the launch of the new Hyundai EON, and our consistent brand promotion efforts.”
-- Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI President and CEO

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Welcome to "Photo Break" where I post cars and scenes which I find awesome. The first one is a 2012 Nissan GT-R which I happened to snap in Kyoto, Japan. After walking more than a kilometer into the heart of Gion, Kyoto, this is one amazing sight I just had to take a picture of.

All Photo Break photos can be downloaded as a desktop wallpaper This one's in a 1280x960 pixel resolution. Enjoy.

During the The Philippine Star turnover last night, Vernon Sarne of Top Gear has gotten hold of a news nugget: one of the models that Eurobrands Distributor, the Peugeot distributor in the Philippines, is bringing in is a diesel-powered 3008 crossover.

Worldwide, there are two diesel engines available for the 3008: a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter. What motor will arrive in the Philippines is still uncertain according to Mr. Sarne. What's more, he has revealed that Peugeot will also be bringing in "a sedan, an MPV, and a coupe". Bringing Peugeot's Philippine total to 4 models by the brand's launch by July.

Source: TopGear.com.ph

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

UPDATE: Ford execs confirmed that the Mustang previewed at The Manila International Auto Show is indeed the 2012 model. Once Ford starts selling the pony car in September it will be the 2013 model.

Ford executives have good reasons to smile: first, they unveiled the all-new Ranger, a class-changing and one-of-a-kind pick-up; second, they unveiled the baby brother to their Explorer V6, the Explorer 2.0 GDTi XLT with EcoBoost; and lastly, the pulled off a surprise by finally showcasing the Mustang for the Philippine market.

Now, when Ford Group Philippines brings in a model, even if it's a preview, it means they're dead serious in selling it. None of that, "we need a halo car" bullshit. And though it's easy to say they'll be bringing in this variant and that, well, the final specs have yet to be finalized. Yes folks...for those who've been reading other sources, that they've driven the 2013 Mustang, sorry folks we don't know for sure which particular pony will gallop our streets. That said, Ford Group Philippines says that the Mustang will be "competitively priced" and deliveries will start in September.

A formal launch event will happen sometime in June or July, and by that time, we'll have a better idea on the final specs and pricing for the Ford Mustang.

Photo courtesy of Focus Ventures, Inc.

Focus Ventures, Inc. the Philippine distributor of Chana automobiles and FAW light-duty trucks has added another brand into its portfolio: King Long.

Known as a brand of passenger buses and luxury coaches, King Long Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. has applied the same expertise and technical innovation into their latest vehicle line: vans. For the Philippine market, Focus Ventures showcased the King Long Univan at the recently concluded 8th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

Originally named as "A+ HIASE" light bus in China, the King Long Univan is a 14-seater, 5.2-meter long van (wheelbase of 2.89 meters) is powered by a choice of a 4JB1 Direct Injection diesel engine with turbocharger or a GW2.8TC-2 diesel with common rail direct injection (CRDi). In the 4JB1 guise, the Univan has a maximum output of 76 horsepower and 174 Nm of torque, and with the GW2.8TC-2 engine, the Univan has 90 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque. Both models feature 5-speed manuals driving the rear wheels.

The King Long Univan is a practical and by all intents and purposes, a basic vehicle. So convenience features are limited to: front fog lamps, 195/70 R 15 tires mounted on steel wheels (with cover), dual air conditioning, power steering and an AM/FM radio with CD player. However, thanks to its "bubble roof" construction, it promises ample space and easy access for all passengers. Indeed, Focus Ventures, Inc. is aiming the King Long Univan towards business-minded Filipinos who are looking into transportation services business.

Price for both variants is P 950,000. If you're interested in the King Long Univan, you may contact Focus Ventures, Inc. at +632-631-0298 or visit their website at: www.focusventures.com.ph