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August 14, 2012

Toyota Posts Record Breaking Sales in July

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Based on the most recent CAMPI report, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) posted record breaking sales for the month of July. The manufacturer registered total sales of 6,258 units, its highest total in 24 years of operations. In the history of the Philippine automotive industry, no other manufacturer/distributor has broken the 6,000 unit barrier until now.

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.

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 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 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.

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

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 ~~Saturday, August 11~~ Saturday, September 8 at the Bonifacio High Street Activity Area, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Participants must download and fill-up this application form.

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.

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

Photo courtesy of Mazda Press

Mazda is releasing teaser after teaser of its upcoming all-new Mazda6. Its mid-sized sedan, which for a time was close to being axed, will be showcased at the 2012 Moscow International Automobile Salon which runs from August 29 to September 2, 2012.

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:

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.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Pinoys just love the Honda CR-V. When it comes to functionality, practicality, and comfort, the CR-V is hard to beat. So much so that it has been the country's best-selling compact crossover since its market introduction in 1997.

Nissan Philippines to Showcase Almera, 370Z in PIMS

Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) is the first car maker to reveal more about what to expect at the upcoming Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) which will run from August 16-19 at the World Trade Center.

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.

Porsche 918 Testing Enters Next Phase

Photo courtesy of Porsche Press

Driving trials of the Porsche 918 Spyder are entering the next phase. A permanent fixture of the test program for the 918 Spyder – and in the tuning process for all Porsche vehicles – is the 20.8 km long challenging Nürburgring-Nordschleife race circuit. After all, a lap time of less than seven minutes and 22 seconds is one of the development goals of the innovative super sports car with a plug-in hybrid drive.

Photo courtesy of Audi Press

Audi presented the German Olympic squad going to the 2012 London Olympics with an Audi A1 e-tron in the German colors. As a partner of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and the National Paralympic Committee Germany (DBS), Audi provided the Audi A1 e-tron as an exhibition car which will serve as a shuttle service between the German House and the MS Deutschland cruise ship. The Ingolstadt based automobile manufacturer has provided a total of 60 vehicles.

Photo courtesy of Audi Press

For the second consecutive time, the Audi R8 won the most important endurance race for GT3 sports cars – thus writing another chapter of motorsport history. For the first time ever, an automobile manufacturer managed to decide the three most important 24-hour races in Europe in its favor: Nürburgring (D), Le Mans (F) and now Spa-Francorchamps (B) – within just 71 days.

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.

Photo courtesy of Lamborghini Press

Fuji, Japan - Set against a misty Mount Fuji in Oyama, Japan, the Fuji International Speedway this weekend played host to 18 “Racing Bulls” scrambling for victory in the second stop of the 2012 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Asia Series. Following an exciting first race weekend in May in Sepang, Malaysia, Italian supercar manufacturer Lamborghini and its luxury watch partner Blancpain left the tropical heat behind and brought their passion for motor racing to the Far-East.

First Drive: 2012 Audi A1

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.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Priced from P 1.508M - AutoIndustriya

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

AutoIndustriya just let the cat out of the bag. According to their sources, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is launching in the Philippines by next month with sales starting between the fourth week of August to early September.

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.

Photo courtesy of Petron Press

In line with Petron Corporation's mission to be the leading provider of total customer solutions in the energy sector, the company is expanding its trademark Lakbay Alalay program into a full-blown, year-round campaign.

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.

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!

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August 14, 2012

Toyota Posts Record Breaking Sales in July

August 13, 2012

UPDATED: 2013 Honda Accord Pics Released

Ford PHL Sales Rise 23% in July; All-New Ranger, Fiesta Drive Demand

Honda Donates to Philippine Flood Victims

HARI Opens Q3 with 20% Growth

AVT Trade-In Promo at 2012 PIMS

Round 2 of 2012 Lateral Drift Championship Series

Philippine Price Guide: August 2012

August 10, 2012

Subaru Impreza Challenge 2012 Moved to September 8

UPDATED: Shell, Seaoil to Hold Off Pump Price Increase

Honda's US Operations to Take Lead on Vehicle Design

August 8, 2012

Metro Manila, Makati Lifts Number Coding for Thursday, August 9

UPDATED: Mazda Previews All-New 6

Pangilinan Calls for "Price Hike Holidays" for Fuel, Food

August 7, 2012

Mitsubishi Showing Mirage, New Outlander at PIMS

Review: 2012 Honda CR-V 4WD

August 6, 2012

Nissan Philippines to Showcase Almera, 370Z in PIMS

DTS Ultimate Now Available

August 5, 2012

Porsche 918 Testing Enters Next Phase

Audi A1 e-tron for German Olympic Team

1-2 Victory for Audi R8 LMS at Spa 24 Hours

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Cars Take on a Wet Fuji Circuit

August 2, 2012

First Drive: 2012 Audi A1

August 1, 2012

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Priced from P 1.508M - AutoIndustriya

Honda Launches 1'M Blue Campaign

Expanded Lakbay Alalay Takes on Environmental and Health Projects

Safe T Ryders Goes to Tayuman

Subaru Impreza Pulls Dodge RAM + Trailer Out of Mud