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October 7, 2012

Goodyear's Air Maintenance Tech Wins in 2012 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award

Recently, POPULAR MECHANICS named The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a 2012 Breakthrough Award winner for their Air Maintenance Technology (AMT). The POPULAR MECHANICS Breakthrough Awards, now in their eighth year, recognize the innovators and products that have dramatically advanced the fields of technology, medicine, space exploration, automotive design, environmental engineering and more.

Goodyear and other winners were honored at an invitation-only conference and gala awards ceremony in New York City on October 4, and in the November issue of POPULAR MECHANICS, available on newsstands October 16.

Seaoil Offers Promo for Extreme 97 Premium Gasoline

Here's exciting news for motorists! SEAOIL customers can avail of a PHP 2.00 discount per liter on Extreme 97, through the SEAOIL "Team Extreme" promo.

To join, a customer first needs to get a "Team Extreme Card" at any SEAOIL station in Metro Manila, fill out the card, and instantly avail of a PHP 2.00 discount per liter on Extreme 97. He/She can then choose to enter the card in the single entry raffle for a chance to win PHP 5,000.00 worth of SEAOIL gift certificates and a SEAOIL Extreme 97 jacket. Or he/she may pass the card on to two friends who can each avail of the PHP 2.00 discount per liter on Extreme 97, before entering the card in the triple entry raffle, where each team member can win PHP 10,000.00 worth of SEAOIL gift certificates and a SEAOIL Extreme 97 jacket. The promo will be available only in Metro Manila and will run until October 15, 2012.

Inspite of the morning downpour on September 30, hundreds of motorcycle riders belonging to several Caloocan clubs trooped down to Barangay Bagumbong to join Safe T Ryders’ 5th Club Meet Up.

The 5th edition was hosted and organized by BRAD Riders Club led by Jonell Miguel (nickname Migs) and Barangay Kagawad Atty. Joel Clamor. “With the growing number of motorcycles riders in our area, we are honoured to welcome the road safety team of Safe T Ryders for an afternoon of learning safety tips,” said Atty. Clamor.

Get as Much as P 280,000 Discount at Upcoming Toyota Caravan This Weekend!

The Toyota Caravan is back and it’s the best time to buy a Toyota! The Toyota Caravan will be held from Oct.5-12, 2012 at the 34th St. Cor. 9th Ave (Beside Mercato, near the Lexus Manila showroom) Bonifacio Global City Taguig. Get a chance to avail discounts as much as P280,000 that can be added over and above our on going monthly sales promotions!

You’re a dean’s lister and you’ve been bugging your parents for a reward. With the semester starting again soon, why don’t you skip the Boracay trip and go for a new car instead? While your folks may be easily tempted by low downpayments and zero interest deals, it’s much more important that your new ride reflects who you are: smart, individual and hip. And so, let’s put on the cool hat and bring you the refreshed Honda City and Toyota Vios—two of the country’s slick but practical cars. Best of all, these cars won’t have your parents crying, “uncle” with their affordability. But which one of these is the slicker one?

Jaguar Philippines Launches XKR-S

With car enthusiasts and media in attendance, Jaguar Cars Philippines launched the new XKR-S at the Opus Restaurant in Resorts World Manila, Pasay City last week. The XKR-S is the fastest production sports car the British brand has ever made, and makes it part of the exclusive 300 km/h club.

Jaguar Cars Philippines Launches XKR-S:Video

Jaguar Cars Philippines recently launches the XKR-S. Find out more about the all-new Jaguar sports car by watching the video.

Japan's Leading Electric Scooter Manufacturer Now in Philippines

Terra Motors Corporation, the leader in the Japanese electric scooter industry, is investing in the Philippines as part of its business expansion strategy into other Asian markets, others of which include Vietnam and Taiwan.

The industry giant offers electric bikes and mobility scooters that are, to date, top of its class and also provides repairs services of such vehicles. Only two years after its establishment, Terra Motors Corporation rose to Number One with some 3,000 units sold in 2011.

Backed by ton bands and athletes such as Formula One driver Michael Schumacher, Moto GP World Champion Valentino Rossi, Drifting Professional Vaughn Gittin Jr., and Gymkhana legend Ken Block, Monster Energy is finally in the Philippines.

Volvo Launches V40 R-Design, Landing in PHL Soon

Launched in stunning Rebel Blue, the new Volvo V40 R-Design is a perfect match for those who want a head-turner that radiates a truly stylish and dynamic look. The visual promise of a life in the fast lane is confirmed by the driver-centric interior and an intense, agile driving experience with performance up to 254 horsepower.

"The V40 R-Design is designed around the performance-minded individual with a passion for those things that add extra spice to life. The meticulous attention to detail covers the expressive design as well as the agile, precise performance," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Corporation.

Motor Image and Subaru Lays Out Philippine Plans

Jakarta, Indonesia—Motor Image Pilipinas has taken the local market by storm since it opened its first showroom in 2006. Through their efforts, they have single-handedly raised Subaru as one of the most sought after and prestigious car brands in the country. Six years on, there are no signs of slowing down as Motor Image Pilipinas announced future plans at the recently concluded Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Let’s get one thing out of way: if you’re in the market for a Ford Explorer, you probably won’t even consider the Chevrolet Traverse. Given that they have similarities such as originating from North America and that they’re similarly sized comparison between Ford’s and Chevrolet’s large crossovers is inevitable. But what if I told you size only goes so far. What if I told you that the Traverse and Explorer are apples and oranges—almost incomparable in both design and execution. You don’t believe me? Read on.

It’s all go for the Car of the Year Awards 2012-2013.

This after the Car Awards Group Inc. held its successful launch last Friday at the Eton Centris, the official venue for the Launch and the Testing of the annual event, at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Boulevard in Quezon City.

BMW Philippines Unveils 6 Series Gran Coupe

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the Philippines, held an exclusive unveiling of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the first four-door Coupe in the history of the brand.

Certainly a work of art, this new exclusive model is the true embodiment of aesthetics, sportiness, comfort and luxury in perfection. The lean elegance of this vehicle is truly an exceptional phenomenon.

Owners of the all-new Ford Focus can learn a thing or two about driving skills that can maximize their fuel economy – and they can have a little fun in the process.

EcoMode is a handy software application aimed at helping coach customers in the art of eco-driving – and then rewards those that practice more fuel-efficient driving skills with in-car kudos displayed on the instrument cluster.

Mazda Motor Corporation will debut the refreshed CX-9 at the Australian Motor Show on October 18, 2012. It will be sold soon thereafter, at least to the Australian market.

As you can clearly see, the 2013 CX-9 carries the new KODO - Soul of Motion design theme. The 2013 CX-9 has a new front and rear facia which include changes to the headlights, grille, and bumpers. Inside, the CX-9 boasts of an improved infotainment system which now features voice-activated and speech recognition for commonly used commands.

In terms of internals, the CX-9 will continue on unchanged and will be solely available with a 3.7-liter V6 from the MZI family. This engine will continue to be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Jaguar Held First Drift Fest

Jaguar Cars Philippines held the First Jaguar Drift Fest powered by Monster Energy Drink and Victoria Court on September 22, 2012 at Kings Playground, Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) complex, Taguig. Miss Formula Drift USA Melyssa Grace hosted the event together with drift expert Ian King of Car Porn Racing.

Last September 8, 2012, the Round 4 of the Hyundai Lateral Drift (LD) Championship Series was held at the Quirino Grand Stand, Manila City. The grandstand was not only transformed to a replica of a Philippine inauguration event but also the drift series happening at the same time together with the launch of the all-new 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

First Drive: 2012 Toyota Fortuner & Hilux with VNT

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Toyota Motor Philippines seems to be taking “kaizen”, the Japanese word for continuous improvement, to the next level. Often, kaizen is associated with the manufacturing and production process, but it seems it extends to their product line-up. Take for instance the Toyota Fortuner and Hilux, two of the three vehicles developed under the Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) program. It has already seen at least two major upgrades since their respective launches, responding to the ever-changing demands of customers. And now, both the Fortuner and Hilux show off their biggest change yet: an all-new heart.

Postcards from San Francisco: Driving the Ford Focus

Photos by Ulysses Ang

When you think of driving in the US, you often think about big displacement V8s. It seems anything less will make you puny. Well, times are changing. Upon landing at the San Francisco International Airport, it’s immediately clear that Americans are downsizing; driving cars which have two or even four cylinders less than the mythical engines that power their muscle cars. Credit high gas prices, credit Greenpeace, I don’t really care. Whatever’s causing Americans to consider more fuel-efficient vehicles in this day and age should be named a saint. Finally, they’re on the same page as the rest of the world.

Ford's Big Deal is Back!

Ford Philippines brings back the Big Deal retail promotion, offering customers even bigger savings on popular vehicles like the all-new Ford Fiesta, the Ford Escape and Ford Everest.
For as low as PhP 78,000 all-in low down payment, customers can drive home their very own all-new Ford Fiesta or the all-action Ford Escape SUV. Customers can also get the Ford Everest for a PhP118,000 all-in low down payment.

The excitement is heating up for the Petron "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" promo, with the winners announced for the first grand draw held on August 24, namely: Albert Lim of Pasig and Raymundo De Leon of Marikina. These lucky Petron customers won a free trip for two to the Singapore Grand Prix, inclusive of round-trip air fare, 4D/3N hotel accommodations, 3-days Marina Bay Grandstand race tickets, a Universal Studios day pass, travel insurance, and an F1 survival kit.

The "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" promo is an e-raffle running from July 15 to September 15, 2012, where gassing up with Petron and paying with your MasterCard gives you the chance to win a free trip to the Formula One Grand Prix.

The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) officially designated Eton Centris as the official Launch and Testing Venue of the 2012-2013 Car of the Year Awards.

This was announced by CAGI president Ferman Lao during the turnover of the symbolic Eton Centris key to the organization, which has more than 50 motoring journalists from various publications and media entities in the country, early this week at the said venue at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Boulevard in Quezon City.

The Volvo XC70 was hailed as the 2012 Executive Crossover at the 8th Annual C! Awards and has once again proven that it is the top choice when it comes to excellent cross country transport.

The Volvo XC70 is a sophisticated and elegant car for an active urban life and a reliable partner for all kinds of exciting adventures. A unique soft nose, characterized by a larger grille and headlamps, it is complemented with the dark colored body panels for an exclusive, rugged impression. The tailgate's upper section has a sportier forward-leaning stance. The tailgate overlaps the tail lamps, providing an even wider opening. The glass goes further down at the sides, enhancing rear view while the rails are integrated into the A-pillar moldings.

Toyota Motor Philippines Launches VNT-Equipped Fortuner, Hilux

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) improves its ever reliable Fortuner and Hilux models in September. With new engine specifications and interior entertainment improvements, both the Fortuner and Hilux prove to be a more road-worthy vehicle. Toyota aims to strengthen its SUV and Pick-up segment through its globally known International Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) line-up.

Mazda Motor Corporation announced today that Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc. will start the new distributorship of Mazda vehicles, parts, and accessories in the Philippines from January 1, 2013.

The major shareholders of Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc. will be Bermaz Motor International Ltd, an indirect subsidiary of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, and Berjaya Philippines Inc. Berjaya Corporation Berhad is a major Malaysian conglomerate listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad while Berjaya Philippines Inc. is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. Berjaya Corporation is also the Mazda distributor in Malaysia through its subsidiary company Bermaz Motor Sdn. Bhd.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) posts 19% growth in sales to 15,735 units sold in the first eight months of the year from 13, 271 units sold in the same period last year. The Passenger Car (PC) segment generated the bulk of the sales, rising by 59%, to 9,940 units sold versus the 6,241 units sold in the prior year. This noteworthy performance was spearheaded by the i10, Accent and Elantra models that grew by 60%, 57% and 55%, respectively. The EON is also picking up with an 18% share of total PC sales.

August alone experienced a 2% increase, again with the PC segment pulling up the growth by 72% to 1,014 units sold compared to 591 units sold in the same month a year ago.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) registered 24% growth in total sales with 19,875 units sold in the first eight months of the year versus 16,020 units in the same period last year. January-August 2012 also posted an increase in the Passenger Car (PC) segment, driving overall sales up by 50% to 12,049 units sold compared to 8,047 units sold from January-August last year. Top three contributors to positive sales were British United Automobiles, Inc., The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) and Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI).

AVID also showed a year-on-year growth of 1.8%, with 1,858 units sold in August as opposed to 1,825 units sold last year.

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