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May 21, 2013

Review: 2013 Ford Expedition EL Limited

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Some people simply like having bigger things. Give them a 4-inch smartphone and in a few months, someone will counter with a 6- or even 8-inch unit. Give them a 100-inch LED television, and someone will hit back with a 102-inch screen. Give them the well-equipped Ford Explorer and someone will still clamor for the Expedition. Perhaps this way of think is born from penal envy—the irresistible urge to own the biggest, most badass thing around. However, it could also be for more practical reasons (generous seating for 8 and luggage). Whatever your case may be, you’ll be glad to know that the Ford Expedition EL is still around to provide one of the biggest modes of land transportation available in the Philippines.

The Daddy Trap: Ford Offers Young Husbands, Daddies to Be Some Unique Parenting Tips

You got her pregnant—those were the first lines displayed in the AVP presentation marking Ford’s Daddy Day Out. Though those words certainly didn’t apply to me, James Deakin’s sheepish grin seems to indicate otherwise. Whether or not he’s guilty of something, I told him to volunteer to try on the Ford “Pregnancy Suit”—a unique suit which features belly weight inserts, a six-pound (three-kilogram) pouch that applies pressure to the bladder, and compartments for water and ball bearings that mimic mild fetal kicking. Initially, James was all smiles, playing with the suit’s belly and err, mammy glands, and even happily jogged for a couple of meters. But then, he started sweating, panting—clearly the suit taking its toll.

Valvoline Philippines, a subsidiary of Ashland Inc., is reiterating its commitment to deliver world-class automotive products as well as being environmentally-friendly in a press conference held last week. As one of the world’s leading lubricant and motor oil manufacturers, Valvoline is offering a full range of products to offer unparalleled protection for your car from its interior to its engine and even its exterior.

Sony Confirms Gran Turismo 6 for Holiday 2013 Release on PS3

It seems the Playstation 3 will be given the swansong it deserves. Sony has just officially confirmed that Gran Turismo 6 will debut for the Playstation 3 video game console this holiday season.

GT6, as it's commonly known, will boast 1,200 cars, 33 locations, and 71 track layouts. Plus, GT6 will use an entirely new game and physics engine which "pushes the limits of the PS3".

A demo version of GT6 will make its way to the Playstation Store for download sometime in July and will feature 19 cars. The launch of the demo version will also serve as the kick off to GT Academy 2013.

McLaren Reunites with Honda Starting 2015

McLaren is delighted to confirm that it will form a new multi-year Formula 1 technology partnership with Honda.

From the start of the 2015 season, McLaren's Formula 1 cars will race using Honda engines and energy recovery systems, renewing an association that became one of the most successful and powerful in Formula 1 history during the 1980s and ’90s.

The very first ever Bentley showroom in the Philippines was inaugurated last May 8, 2013 with a simple ceremony attended by VIPs and Media guests. This exclusive event was marked with the ceremonial ribbon cutting led by PGA Automobile Chairman Robert Coyiuto, Jr., together with UK Ambassador Stephen Lillie, and Bentley Regional Director for Asia-Pacific and Middle East, Geoff Dowding. In a keynote speech delivered by Robert Coyiuto Jr., he stated, “Today, PGA Automobile formally embarks on a new adventure – a partnership with Bentley Motors and I am proud to bring you one of Britain’s oldest motor companies, well known and admired as a manufacturer of exclusive automobiles, founded 94 years ago by Walter Owen Bentley.”

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces this season’s promo that is packed with great deals and exciting perks for its various models.

Review: 2013 Subaru Forester XT

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Forester is perhaps the most important product for Subaru. What was once an odd little all-wheel drive wagon on stilts has matured into a competitive crossover that accounts for about half of exclusive Philippine distributor, Motor Image Pilipinas’s total sales. With those numbers continuing to swell even in the third-generation (SH5)’s twilight hours, engineers and designers found themselves in the unenviable position of being asked to build up on the strengths of the outgoing model while trying to achieve better fuel efficiency, more useable space, and a more refined drive.

Chevrolet is set to re-enter the Makati market with the formal groundbreaking of its newest dealership located in the heart of the business district’s automotive row. Last week, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the Philippines formally signed an agreement with BT Auto Sport, Inc. to open a new dealership located along the vibrant automotive strip along Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City. The new venue is ideal in terms of size, location, and accessibility for the market.

Blaupunkt is Back in the Game

Europe’s number one audio specialist Blaupunkt is BACK – and quite impressively so – with a selection of modern car radios, stylish headphones and products designed for contemporary home entertainment. This was the message that Blaupunkt Philippines announced in a launch held recently. “We are back with guns blazing armed with the latest in car and personal audio,” says Edbert Tiu, President of Blaupunkt Philippines.

Following the recent directive of the Metro Manila Development Authority regarding the use of conduction sticker numbers for cars without license plates, Volvo Philippines extended its care for new Volvo owners by providing them with specially-made conduction plates until they have received their actual vehicle license plates.

Iron Man 3, The Wolverine, Man of Steel, Fast and the Furious 6 –are all movies to watch out for in the coming months. Now you can get a chance to watch them for free by simply posting an ad on AyosDito.ph

This May, Team AyosDito.ph, in cooperation with SM Cinema, will be giving away 100 Free Movie Passes weekly beginning April 30 to June 2, 2013. This really makes it a “Mas Ayos Dito!” selling experience on AyosDito.ph.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, the country’s youngest and most progressive petroleum brand, continues its partnership with Trans Sport Show for 2013 slated on May 30-June 2 at the SMX Convention Center by Mall of Asia.

The leading independent petroleum company confirmed this partnership—the third of a five-year contract between the two companies—with the slogan “Phoenix Petroleum Fuels A Driving Generation.” For 2013, the company is still the show’s main “diamond” sponsor.

Honda Wants You to Celebrate Mother's Day in Dealership Open House

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. celebrates Mother’s Day with an open house event happening in all Honda dealerships nationwide from May 10-12. This weekend, Honda welcomes all families to their showrooms, offering its full line-up of vehicles moms will surely enjoy, available for viewing and test drive.

Ford Philippines today reported sales that continued to outpace the overall industry, with retail sales jumping 63 percent year-over-year to 1,101 vehicles.

The strong month represented Ford’s best-ever April performance in the Philippines, and continued the company’s momentum from a record first quarter performance. Ford’s year-to-date retail sales have now risen 82 percent to 3,786 vehicles.

How does one take originality, innovation and perfection and improve on it? For the 22nd Trans Sport Show, the answer will happen on May 30, as the country’s longest running automotive show unlatches the hood once again at the SMX Convention Center in the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

Audi Ad Pits Old Spock vs New Spock

Here is something to lighten your Wednesday.

It's a cheeky and funny advert featuring the Old Spock, Leonard Ninoy going against New Spock Zachary Quinto. The advert features the Audi A7 and is the second US Summer blockbuster film Audi has tied up in, the first being Iron Man 3.

Star Trek Into Darkness opens in the Philippines on May 15.

Philippine Car Price Guide: May 2013

In this installment of the Philippine Car Price Guide, we feature the following additions/changes:

Chevrolet Spark (facelift)
Ford E-150 (price adjustment)
Ford Everest (price adjustment)
Ford Expedition EL (price adjustment)
Ford Focus (price adjustment)
Honda City (facelift)
Kia Carens
Kia Carnival (new variant)
Kia Sorento (new variants)
Mazda CX-9 (facelift)
Suzuki Alto 800
Suzuki Swift DZire
Volvo S80 (price adjustment)
Volvo V40
Volvo XC60 (new variant)

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has recently added to its list of car dealerships, Honda Cars Calamba, as it broke ground on its future site. Soon to rise along Maharlika Highway, Barangay Milagrosa, Calamba City, residents of the area will enjoy more convenient access to Honda’s world-class products, services and facilities.

With a land area of 3,000sqm, Honda Cars Calamba is strategically placed at a very accessible location for the customers going or coming from the city proper and nearby towns and cities. This dealership shall carry the latest Honda product line-up and complete vehicle service facilities such as general repair, preventive maintenance and body-and-paint. Honda Cars Calamba is another fulfillment to HCPI’s promise to bring products and services with utmost quality to its customers.

Groundbreaking ceremony was headed by Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) and Mr. Anthony N. Cheng, President of ANC Group and their executives.

May 7, 2013

Review: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 CDI

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Tune in to MTV and chances are you’ll see a Mercedes-Benz somewhere there. And it’s not on MTV Classics, mind you. No sir! Save for the one or two you’ll see with wire wheels and eight-track decks, most are the modern variety used to dress (pimp) up rap videos. It’s one slick marketing move—transforming Mercedes’s image from your daddy’s car to Puff Daddy’s (excuse me, P. Diddy’s) car overnight. It’s not anymore the car for the rich and geriatric. It’s hip and it’s cool. It’s the new yuppie mobile!

Ford Motor Company Appoints Kay Hart as Managing Director of Ford Philippines

Ford Motor Company has announced the appointment of Kay Hart as managing director, Ford Philippines, effective June 1. She will report directly to Matt Bradley, president, Ford ASEAN. Hart is currently serving as Dealer Development and Field Operations Director, Ford Asia Pacific, based in Shanghai, China.

Hart will replace Randy Krieger, who has been appointed director, Marketing and Sales, Ford ASEAN. Krieger will be based in Bangkok and will continue to report to Bradley.

Suzuki Philippines Launches All-New Alto 800 and Swift DZire

Filipino motorists will continue to experience environment-friendly driving and best-in-class mileage as Suzuki Philippines Inc., the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company in the country, recently launches the all new Alto 800 and the Swift Dzire.

With the competitive price points of these latest offerings, Suzuki eyes to take a bigger chunk of the market in the subcompact car segment.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) breaks ground in Greenhills, San Juan, signifying the start of construction of the newest addition to the growing number of Honda Car dealerships, and following its commitment to bring quality products and services closer to its customers.

On May 4 to 5, the streets of Manila will bear witness to some never-before-seen motor action.

Filipino-Swiss racer Marlon Stockinger will sit behind the wheel of the famed Lotus Formula 1 car and give Filipino fans a much-anticipated demo at the first ever Manila Speedshow. The event opens on May 4 at the Quirino Grandstand, the starting line for the F1 car demo, and will conclude on May 5 at the Mall of Asia Atrium with an adrenaline-pumped exhibition.

Review: 2013 Honda Pilot

Photos by Ulysses Ang

So you’ve become a pretty successful guy. You’ve blown out a half-a-million peso hole in your wallet for a new IWC pilot’s watch after the renovations were done on your Forbes Park mansion. What’s next? Well, if you’ve got some P 2.6-million in loose change stashed somewhere, why don’t you reward yourself with a fancy new crossover. Mind you, it can’t simply be any ordinary crossover; it has to be adventurous, versatile, and different as you are. In other words, you’ve got to think outside the box, you’ve got to think Honda Pilot.

The All-New Volvo V40, a modern expressive car, with characteristics from larger Volvos wrapped in a sleek, compact package, is now in the Philippines. This 5-door, 5-seater luxury hatchback combines trendsetting design with class-leading driving dynamics.

“The All-New Volvo V40 is a bold expression of challenging the conventional. With great focus on the luxury look and feel of the car, the All-New Volvo V40 offers you a more engaging and personalized driving experience. With keen attention to detail, the All-New Volvo V40 also reflects Volvo’s promise of a car that is designed around you.” enthuses Miss Loi Concepcion De Guzman, Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services.

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger: Toyota Road Trek 9 Takes on Clark and Palawan

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The soft orange hue of the mid-summer sunrise greeted me as I drove into Toyota Global City—the flagship dealer that carries the new bolder and younger brand identity standard. As a Road Trek novice, I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this ninth outing (the previous ones had everything from mental to driving to even physical challenges) except save for two clues: the outline of a track curb on the invitation as well as the words, “Clark and Palawan: Reloaded”. Perhaps it could mean an Amazing Race-style winner-takes-all challenge or perhaps it could mean a date with the Clark International Speedway? Whatever it may be, I stepped down from my car, took a deep breath, and waited for the briefing to begin.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines announces today that the all-new CR-Z, a sport hybrid coupé will be available for retail by August this year.

During the 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in World Trade Center Metro Manila last year, the Honda CR-Z MUGEN concept was displayed and left viewers wanting more. According to Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., the Honda CR-Z was the real crowd drawer of the Honda booth during PIMS. “At the time of the show we received a number of inquiries about selling it in the Philippines. Even after that, we are still getting inquiries online, at our dealer showrooms and various display events. This scenario gives us the confidence that the Philippine market will warmly welcome the all-new CR-Z when it arrives in August, exactly a year after its concept was shown”, Natsume said.

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