Photo by Ulysses Ang

After an 8-day break, we're back from the USA! Of course, there's a ton of news we have to sort out for you, but in the mean time, sit back and admire what we've done there. That's right...we took a Ford Focus Titanium (our Sport+) and took it on an amazing 1,680 kilometer drive around California. Here, we're taking a break midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

As always, our Photo Break photos are all high-resolution and applicable for wallpaper use. This one has a size of 1280 x 853 pixels. Our more in-depth drive of the Focus will be available in the coming weeks so stay tuned.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Ford Philippines continues its successful partnership with leading radio network, 99.5RT as the all-new Ford Focus is set to hit the streets of Manila with the coolest team of radio jocks.

The partnership with Ford Philippines and 99.5RT showcases a stickered all-new Focus 5-door hatchback to be used by the Awesome crew of 99.5RT as their official vehicle for Ford Philippines’ Start it. Share it. Win it. campaign – an interactive and unprecedented launch campaign for the all-new Ford Focus designed to engage Filipino consumers with real-life ‘smart-demos’ from weekend events spanning August 3 to September 16. Participants will be asked to ‘Start it. Share it. Win it’ – meaning to start the all-new Focus and experience the smart technologies, share it with their friends via Twitter and Facebook, and become eligible to win the all-new Ford Focus Titanium+.

Hyundai Sand.Sea.Sky. is calling all young, outspoken, and aspiring non-professional filmmakers to join the Hyundai Short F.I.L.M. (Film, Innovation, Life and Motion) filmmaking competition by submitting their 15-second video entries with the theme: “What Makes You Brilliant?”. Participants can get a chance to interact with internationally renowned and multi-awarded filmmaker Brilliante Mendoza, produce their own short film to be shown on the big screen, and win cash prizes. 

Mazda recently introduced the all-new Mazda BT-50 compact pick-up truck in the Philippines, providing customers total truck utility combined with the style and comfort of a premium passenger car. 

The all-new Mazda BT-50 is available in three variants: the 2.2L Mazda BT-50 4x2 with manual transmission priced at PhP 1,300,000 while the automatic transmission is at PhP 1,350,000; the 3.2L Mazda BT-50 4x4 with automatic transmission is priced at PhP 1,490,000.

Volvo Philippines makes it easier to own a brand new Volvo through its Buckle Up Ownership Packages. Running until September 30, 2012, Volvo enthusiasts can drive home a new car for as low as 20 down payment at 0% interest and payable up to 60 months.

This exciting ownership offer is made available for the Volvo XC60 and XC90 AWD SUV. With high ground clearance, amazing crossover capability, clever design and world-class safety, these SUVs offer the best mix of comfortable city driving and rugged outdoor escapades. A selection of ownership packages is also available for other models. Whether it is the nimble C30 Sports Coupe, the range of fuel-efficient S60 Sports Sedans or the versatile V60 Sportswagon, each Volvo is assured to deliver dynamic performance because each car is designed around you.

The all-new Ford Ranger has proven itself a leader in fuel economy in the Philippines after traveling 1,623 kilometers on a single tank of fuel – averaging an incredible 19.44 Km/L over the entire journey between Manila, Subic, Clark and Tarlac City.

The all-new Ford Ranger was recently put to the test to demonstrate Ford’s commitment to delivering class-leading fuel economy in every vehicle segment in which the company competes – and once again, the company delivered.

The 2012 Volvo S60 earned a top rating of "good" in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) new small overlap frontal crash test, making it the highest-rated European luxury vehicle among those tested. The Volvo S60 was rated higher than the Infiniti G, BMW 3 Series, Acura TSX, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and the Lexus IS 250 / 350. The Acura TL was the only other vehicle to earn a "good" rating. 

"When we decided to build a world-class sports sedan we made sure it was a great Volvo first and foremost," said John Maloney, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. "We set the benchmark on safety, and we continue to lead the crowd."

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) kicks off the third quarter with a 27% rise to 18,017 units from 14,195 units sold in the same period last year. This compares with the overall industry growth of 11%.  In the same period, the Passenger Car (PC) segment boosted overall sales which grew by 52% to 10,906 units from 7,180 units sold last year.

Strong sales of British United Automobiles, Inc., The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), and Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) increased total sales of AVID for the said period.

July alone registered a growth of 19% in aggregate sales of PCs and LCVs to 2,218 units from 1,871 units sold in the same month last year.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Universal Motors Corporation (UMC) is finally showing some new stuff at the 4th Philippine International Motor Show.

Headlining everything is the preview of the new Juke compact crossover. Although UMC has yet to decide whether or not the Juke will indeed be sold locally, UMC did release this statement:

"Rest assured that UMC will do its best to give the Philippine market the vehicles they want and aspire for."

So while things are sounding vague at the moment, the Juke is indeed at the Nissan UMC booth at PIMS. Aside from the Juke, UMC is also showcasing Navara pick-ups and Patrol Super Safaris decked in special wraps and large alloy wheels.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is showcasing a total of 8 cars at the 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), with two of them upcoming models intended for sale soon. At their stand, Mitsubishi is showing off:

1. Mirage
2. Outlander
3. 1987-1989 Galant VR4 Rally Car
4. Lancer EX 1.6
5. ASX
6. Pajero
7. Montero Sport
8. Strada

Of course, the biggest news is the sneak peek of the Mirage and the Outlander. It's understood that the former is expected to be released this November, while the latter will be "really soon".

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) joins the 4th Philippine International Motorshow (PIMS) organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) with a “Fun to Drive” theme.  The 380-square meter TMP booth will feature the new 86 TRD, all-new Camry, Innova and Fortuner TRD.  TMP has also launched the 86 Aero variant and the limited edition Vios TRD at the said event.  The 4th PIMS will be held from August 16 to 19, 2012 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Now on its fourth year, the PIMS, shall showcase a host of new products under the theme “Drive the Fun.”  As the country’s biggest automotive company, Toyota, for its part, will make its booth spectacular by showcasing exciting sportier products.

According to TMP President Mr. Michinobu Sugata, “Today we have shown you a glimpse of Toyota’s new direction. Ladies and gentlemen, this is only the beginning. We at Toyota are proud to bring you even more exciting vehicles in the future.”

The 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) is proving to be an excellent venue to showcase the strength and the optimism presently experienced by the country’s automotive industry. Organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers in the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), the biannual PIMS runs from August 16 to 19, 2012, at the World Trade Exhibition Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

PIMS is also serving as a spectacular way for Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) to display its product range as the company’s vehicles take to the show’s spotlight. Lined up at Isuzu’s booth are six models: the 2013 Sportivo X, the  Crosswind XS, the 2012 D-MAX Boondock 4x4 Special Edition, the 2012 D-MAX LS 4x2 Special Edition, the NHR cab with Flexi Truck body option, and the 2013 Alterra Urban Cruiser X.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Suzuki Philippines, Inc. previewed the Swift Sport through the concept that inspired it: the Swift S-Concept.

Launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Swift S-Concept is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Visually, the Swift S-Concept features a Kizashi-inspired plunging black grille, brushed metallic bumper inserts and "claws" around the fog lamps, red Brembo brakes peeing behind the 18-inch alloy wheels. The look is completed with the large roof-mounted rear wing, rear diffuser with twin exhaust pipes, and smoke tints on the headlights and tailights.

Inside, the Swift S-Concept sports black-and-yellow Recaro sport seats, a leather steering wheel, metallic pedals, and piano black accents on the dashboard.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

CATS Motors, Inc., the distributor of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and trucks in the Philippines showcased the third-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). The all-new M-Class features an AMG Sport kit equipped. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine (ML 350 BlueTEC) good for 260 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque. This is then equipped to a 7-speed automatic.

The new Mercedes-Benz M-Class is showcased with the rest of the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up including the iconic G-Class at the Mercedes-Benz booth at PIMS.

Columbian Autocar Corporation previewed two new production vehicles at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). These are the Kia Optima executive sedan and the updated Sorento mid-sized SUV.

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the country, recently announced new BMW M Performance Parts specially designed for the new BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Sedan.

Like the BMW M Performance Parts already available for the high-performance M3, 1 Series M Coupe, X5 M and X6 M, the components developed for 1 Series, 3 Series and 5 Series models ensure an authentic M experience of BMW M-specific motor racing technology to everyday driving.

This new line of accessories provides a distinctive, sporty character to further enhance driving dynamics. BMW M Performance Parts are the result of years of racing expertise and have been developed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH. Each component goes through an intensive development and manufacturing process, which results in uncompromised performance. Exclusive chassis, aerodynamic, cockpit and powertrain components are now available for the 1 Series, 3 Series and 5 Series Sedans.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announced its line-up of automobiles for display in the 4th CAMPI Philippine International Motor Show to be held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City from Thursday, August 16 to Sunday, August 19, 2012.

At this motor show, the booth concept of Honda is “Joy of Mobility”, which originated from founder Soichiro Honda’s dream to provide joy to people by enhancing their personal mobility. Through this, people’s interaction with one another is enriched. Through the years, Honda continues to increase the joy of mobility it provides by always improving the value of each product it creates through new technology, added convenience and utility and high levels of safety and quality.

For the 4th Philippine International Motor Show, Honda will display its much anticipated hybrid models that provide joy of mobility by combining eco-friendly and fun-to-drive. Also, production models installed with Modulo will be displayed, which provides joy of mobility through the personalization of customers’ vehicles. Finally, stock production models the all-new CR-V and all-new Odyssey will be displayed, which provide a new level of joy of mobility in the compact SUV and family mini-van categories.

Shell Philippines is proud to support one of the most highly anticipated automotive events of the year; the 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). On August 16-19, 2012, the World Trade Center in Pasay City will be transformed into a motorists’ haven featuring the latest vehicle releases, exciting concept and prototype cars and everything in between for the motoring enthusiast. Organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), PIMS promises fun for the whole family and Shell Philippines is front and center of the excitement.

Shell Philippines brings its Quality fuels and lubricants expertise closer to the motoring public with its massive display occupying the World Trade Center lobby. The Shell Booth features an exciting exhibit of their Quality fuels and lubricants portfolio including the all-new Shell V-Power Nitro+ line, Shell FuelSave line and Shell Helix, as well as an impressive display of the sought-after Ferrari Formula One Showcar.

Expect August 16 to 19, 2012 to be a fun-filled family day for thousands of motoring enthusiasts who are expected to flock to the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City for the much-awaited 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

Promising “more fun the fourth time around,” the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), the country’s premier organization of vehicle manufacturers and assemblers, is again treating the motoring public with dazzling exhibitions of concept or prototype vehicles and the latest advancements in automotive technology.

People are talking about the continuing phenomenal growth rate of Lexus of 46% over last year amidst a growth decline of 16% of the luxury market segment in the same period (based on CAMPI sales report as of July 31, 2012). 

Shifting 32 units in May of this year, Lexus Manila then proceeded to set a record for sales in June with 35 units sold and finally capped off the quarter by achieving its highest ever sales in July with 41 units sold.

Ford Philippines and its network of dealers are stepping up efforts to respond to the large number of requests for repair of Ford vehicles damaged by rain and floodwater at the height of the recent Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

“We are experiencing a marked increase in the number of servicing appointments in the last few weeks as a result of continued heavy rains. Together with the support of our dealer network, we are confident that our team can respond to the needs of our customers with the highest level of service and quality,” says Randy Krieger, president, Ford Group Philippines.

Between August 8 and September 30, Ford customers whose vehicles have been damaged by the floodwater caused by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) can enjoy a special 20 percent discount on flood-related parts (customer-paid), a 15 percent discount on insurance-paid parts (Ford genuine parts only), and an additional 10 percent discount on labor supplied by Ford’s authorized dealer network.

Here's the official launch video for the Toyota 86 held at the Subic International Airport. Have a fun and safe Wednesday!

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) announced during their 24th Anniversary dinner that owners affected by the recent floods will be helped with hefty discounts on parts and labor. As a way of assisting Toyota owners, TMP will provide the following discounts:

• 40% on Engine ECU
• 20% on Selected Flood-Affected Parts
• 20% on Labor

This was also announced in conjunction to TMP's donation of P 1-million to the province of Laguna and to the City of Sta. Rosa.

Car makers are finally taking the compact sedan segment very seriously. After years of domination by the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, they’re now facing serious competition from both east and west. And one that’s made the most impact is the Hyundai Elantra. Far and wide, it has stolen the show locally with a long wait list and an even longer list of satisfied owners. But is the Elantra just all flash and no substance? After spending two weeks back-to-back with the 1.6 GL MTand 1.8 GLS AT, all I could say is: the competition should be very afraid.

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.

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: