The winners for Petron Corporation’s annual student art competition were honored in ceremonies held last 30 August 2012, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. Themed Lakbay Alalay Para Sa Kalikasan —A Journey of Nurturing Nature, this year’s competition focused on the different ways of caring for and protecting the environment, such as Petron's own efforts to protect biodiversity through coastal management, reforestation, mangrove planting, creating fish sanctuaries and artificial reefs, and protecting sea turtles.

A record-breaking 1,700 entries were submitted in the three competition categories, namely: painting (oil/acrylic and water-based media); photography; and printmaking.  Three National Artists—Benedicto Cabrera, who served as chairman; Napoleon Abueva and Abdulmari Imao—were among the 9 judges of the painting category.  The photography category was chaired by Wig Tysmans, while the printmaking category was chaired by Raul Isidro.  To kick off the awarding ceremony, the Vision Petron judges symbolically planted seedlings to signify their commitment to saving and preserving the environment for future generations.

If you are into high velocity action, chances are that the engine performance, precision handling and even the vehicle’s aerodynamic design and profile are at the top of the checklist when considering a sports car.  Luxuries like ample cabin space, impressive dashboard design and even a top-of-the-line entertainment system are easily sacrificed.  But it doesn’t always have to be this way.

So what do you get when you cross the best luxuries of a premium Hyundai sedan and the high performance engineering of a sports car?  You get the new 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. 

In celebration of BMW’s continued leadership in the premium automotive segment, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, is pleased to announce a Special Pricing Program for all BMW models from September 1 until the end of the month, bringing Joy beyond driving experience.

“As a way to give back to our valued clients and celebrate the sustained leadership of BMW in the premium luxury segment, we are offering this special pricing program for all our model variants,” said Glen Dasig, ACC’s Executive Director for Sales and Marketing. “We hope that this program will encourage consumers to invest on a premium vehicle. There’s definitely joy when you choose a BMW.”

For more information on how to avail of BMW’s Special Pricing Program and for the complete list of BMW models, visit the BMW dealership nearest you.

Land Rover and the Department of Tourism has teamed up with a new campaign entitled, "Land Rovering: More Fun in the Philippines".

This is the first in a series of TV commercials. This one features the Range Rover Evoque playing in the Paoay Sand Dunes as well as other places in Ilocos Norte.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) said its recently held 4th Philippine International Motor Show provided the public an opportunity to “experience a world-class motor show” as it vowed to cooperate closely with the government in re-crafting a road map that will further strengthen the auto industry.

Thanking the public for their support, Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, CAMPI president and vice president of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, said: “We have managed to draw around 50,000 visitors to the four-day event. But more important than the numbers, we have given our fellow Filipinos another opportunity to experience a world-class motor show that showcased the latest in automotive technology and motoring trends without having to set foot on foreign soil.”

LRPhils Motors, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles in the Philippines is embarking on a unique tie-up with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) by launching a new tourism awareness campaign entitled: “Land Rovering: More Fun in the Philippines”.

Chairman Richard J. Gordon of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) receives a PhP 1 million donation from Ford Group Philippines AVP for Government Affairs, Josie Gonzalez (middle) and AVP for Communications, Anika Salceda-Wycoco (far right) to support ongoing relief efforts and capacity-building activities of the PRC across the Philippines.

Well, it's officially the "-ber" months, and new car launches will undoubtedly slow down. But hey, that doesn't mean there aren't any new cars in the market. In fact, we've got some new ones in this update of the Philippine Car Price Guide, including some models which have been previewed at the 2012 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). This month's update includes:

• Chevrolet Captiva (facelifted)
• Chevrolet Sonic
• Chevrolet Tahoe (return)
• Hyundai i10 1.1 (return)
• Hyundai i10 1.2 GLS Premium
• Hyundai i30 (return)
• Isuzu Alterra Urban Cruiser X (price adjustment)
• Isuzu Crosswind X (price adjustment)
• Kia Optima 2.4 EX
• Lexus LX 570 (price adjustment)
• Lexus RX450h (price adjustment)
• Mitsubishi Mirage
• Nissan Navara TechXtreme
• Subaru Impreza
• Toyota Fortuner VNT
• Toyota Hiace (price adjustment)
• Toyota Hilux VNT
• Toyota Innova (price adjustment)
• Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (price adjustment)
• Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (price adjustment)
• Toyota Vios 1.3 J Limited
• Toyota Vios 1.5 TRD

There have been reports of SMS and e-mail circulation informing that the customers have won a Toyota Lottery, Toyota Contest, etc. and require personal details like your bank account number to claim your prize money or prize vehicle.

DO NOT respond to these messages. Toyota will never require you to give out such information, and official Toyota contests or promotions will always be publicized in newspapers and our official website.

Dishonest characters will find any means possible to take advantage of you. We urge our customers to be on high alert and not to fall prey to these scams that are on the rise.

To check if such messages are legitimate, do not hesitate to confirm with us through our CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER HOTLINE (CAC) (02) 819-2912.

According to the folks at Top Gear Philippines, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive distributor of Chevrolet vehicles in the country has quietly rolled the all-new Sonic (i.e. new Aveo) into showrooms.

Initially available as a 4-door sedan, the all-new Sonic is powered by Chevrolet's new generation 1.4-liter engine with 99 horsepower. Inside, the Sonic gains the motorcycle inspired instrument cluster first seen in the Spark. The Spark is available in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic versions (not dual clutch, not CVT).

The all-new Chevrolet Sonic 4-door is priced at P 778,888 for the manual and P 828,888 for the automatic model. The 5-door hatchback will be launched next month.

Source: Top Gear Philippines

Ford of Europe revealed the refreshed and updated Fiesta at the company's "Go Further" product event which was hosted by Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. The new Fiesta shows off a new design direction as well as even more technology in the already high-tech B-segment car.

Among the key highlights of the 2013 Fiesta include the debut of the voice-activated in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC, Active City Stop, and the European debut of MyKey. The Fiesta will also be made available with the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine which is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.

Photo Courtesy of Volvo Press

Volvo Philippines shares the pride with the All-New Volvo V40 receiving top rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP collision test. The overall result is the best ever recorded by the institute.

"A fantastic result. We are very proud to have one of the world's safest cars and we're taking yet another important step toward our 2020 target - that nobody should die or be seriously injured in a Volvo," says Thomas Broberg, Senior Technical Advisor Safety at Volvo Car Corporation.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Photo Courtesy of Ford Press

Ford Motor Company today celebrates the company's 350 millionth vehicle – a Ford Focus, which is the world's best-selling car for the first half of 2012.

Ford is celebrating the production milestone at its newest global manufacturing facility located in Rayong, Thailand, approximately 200 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Bangkok. Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant is a $450 million facility, opened in May to produce the new Focus, which also is built in four other countries. FTM represents the latest in Ford's global manufacturing capabilities, with new stamping presses, flexible body shops and robotic capabilities that enable it to produce up to six different vehicles simultaneously.

Photo courtesy of Toyota Press

The biggest complaint when the revised Toyota Hilux and Fortuner came out was that the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo models (2.5 G) was still rocking the old 102 horsepower engine. This certainly pales in comparison to its chief rivals from Mitsubishi.

Well, all that's about to change.

Photo Courtesy of Mazda Press

After months of teasing, Mazda has finally taken the covers off the all-new Mazda6 executive sedan at its worldwide premiere at the Moscow International Automobile Salon last August 31.

From a glance, it's clear that the all-new Mazda6 isn't your regular mid-size sedan. It's the first passenger car to take on the design cues of the Mazda TAKERI concept car. Upfront, it incorporates the "signature wing" facia along with a strong hood crease and flowing body lines that expresses motion even when standing perfectly still. The Mazda6 is also the first car from the car company to have LED and "halo ring light guides".

Photo Courtesy of Mitsubishi Press

The recent 4th CAMPI Philippine International Motor Show showcased Mitsubishi Motors Philippines’ soon to be launched entry in the very competitive sub-compact passenger car segment, the stylish and eco-friendly all new Mitsubishi Mirage.   The all new Mirage features excellent fuel economy, very environment friendly with very low carbon emission, optimized equipment for exceptional value and most of all its fun and easy to drive. 

Ford Philippines joins the crusade for breast cancer awareness as it recently partnered with Avon for its 2012 Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer (KGBC) campaign.

Ford will showcase an exclusive pink-stickered all-new Ford Fiesta Sport Plus hatchback which will be used as the official vehicle for the KGBC campaign themed “Let’s Walk the Talk.”

KGBC’s 2012 series takes Avon’s call to action a step further by inviting Filipinos to come face to face with breast cancer and deepen their involvement in the cause. Actress Sarah Lahbati, Avon KGBC ambassador will use the pink Ford Fiesta in events tied to the campaign and during its culminating activity on October 21.

“We are proud to partner with Avon in this worthy advocacy. The Ford Fiesta is the perfect car to represent our commitment to raising the awareness for breast cancer as it proves to be a popular choice of vehicle among our lady drivers,” said Anika Salceda-Wycoco, AVP for communications, Ford Philippines.

Catch the pink Ford Fiesta at Avon’s various events which will culminate in the annual Walk and Run Event on October 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds.

To know more, log on to www.facebook.com/fordfiestaphilippines

Photo Courtesy of Volvo Press

Volvo means, “I roll” in Latin and roll it does as a new trade partner in the Visayas region signed on to deliver the dynamic range of Volvo cars in Bacolod, Iloilo and nearby provinces.

Distributed by its local partner Grandcars, Incorporated, Volvo Iloilo and Bacolod are now open to serve loyal Volvo enthusiasts with its trademark quality and customer care. “It is with much pride and pleasure that we have officially rolled onto Bacolod and Iloilo roads. We promise to continue our dedication to providing world-class Volvo vehicles coupled by quality customer service to the eager Visayan market”, quips Roselyn Dimalanta, 1st Executive Vice President of Volvo Philippines.

Motor Image Pilipinas anticipated endurance competition, the Subaru Impreza Challenge on September 8, 2012 at the Bonifacio High Street, Activity Area, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The Subaru Impreza Challenge is an endurance competition requiring participants to place their palm on a specific area on the car. The last person standing wins the competition and gets a chance to compete for the ultimate prize of a brand-new Subaru Impreza worth P1.158 million.

Photo by Lazlo Trinidad

Round 2, “Drift for a Cause” was a successful event helping our brothers and sister who were victimized by the recent Habagat storm. A lot of the drifters showed up not just to put on a good show but also to help out in raising funds and donations. Each driver who donated Php 500 was entitled for a match by Lateral Drift Productions, plus the other donations made by others. Drift for a cause will continue to accept donations until Round 3 on September 8 at Quirino Grandstand and Round 4 at September 28 at Marikina City Hall.

Photo Courtesy of Hyundai Press

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) and Genesis Coupe Club Philippines (GCCP) celebrated the club’s third year anniversary with a Fun Run, the second one to be jointly organized by HARI and GCCP. Last August 26, thirty club members, headed by GCCP President Henrich Angderson and Vice President Tony Lombardo, took their Hyundai Genesis Coupes for a joyride to Subic. The group stopped over at Home Depot in San Fernando, Pampanga for a photo shoot plus a surprise demo drift by custom car wiz, Atoy Llave on his own custom-built Genesis Coupe.

Mitsubishi Motors Phils. Corp. (MMPC) started the second half of the year with an impressive double-digit growth of 15.7%. MMPC was able to sell a total of 3,275 units for the month of July as compared to 2,830 units sold in June.  MMPC also posted significant increases in several industry categories.  With the launch of the Lancer EX 1.6 MIVEC in July, sales in the compact car segment dramatically increased by 397.4%.  Sales for the compact car category reached 189 units which is so far the highest monthly sales since January of this year. The Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) also recorded an increase of 10.2% equating to a total of 3,021 units. Pajero sales also increased by 56.5%.  Sales for Strada which is one of MMPC’s best-selling models also improved by 26.8%. 

Accordingly the sales of the locally produced Adventure and L300 models are very well sustained.  Adventure sales increased by 23.3% with sales of 576 units.

Photo Courtesy of Porsche Press

Porsche Center Philippines held it’s commencement exercises last August 18, 2012 for  the 7th batch of Scholars who graduated from the Porsche Training and Recruitment Center Asia (PTRCA).    

A group of 16 scholars from the Don Bosco Technical Institute  completed the training program which now certifies these graduates to be Porsche Mechatronics. These young underprivileged Filipino youths now faces a bright future of being employed at several Porsche dealerships abroad.  Thus fulfilling the mission of this unique program of helping these youths and their families look forward to a better life.

Photo courtesy of Volvo Press

Fredrik Ekblom and Thed Björk secured a double victory for Volvo Polestar Racing in the fifth TTA – Racing Elite League race of 2012 at Karlskoga, a race which proved to be extremely eventful.

Last Saturday, the Touring Car Team Association Elite Racing Series visited Karlskoga for the fifth race of the season and it turned in to a great day for all Volvo Polestar fans. If the first half of the season mostly displayed clean and tactical driving, this was nowhere to be found where the second half of the season kicked off. On top of that, shifting weather conditions made both the qualifying and the race even more eventful.

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+.