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June 3, 2013

Nissan Holds "End of Summer Sale" for Almera

Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) is giving everyone a reason to celebrate the start of the rainy season with the “End of Summer Sale,” exclusive to the all-new Nissan Almera.

To chase away the end-of-summer blues, NMPI is offering big cash discounts and freebies for the all-new Nissan Almera, available only from June 8 to 9 at all Nissan dealerships nationwide.

Currently, NMPI has an ongoing promo with the Nissan Almera until June 30 – an all-in downpayment of as low as P99,000 or cash discount of up to P30,000 or low monthly payment starting from only P7,000. In addition to this, NMPI is offering P5,000 worth of genuine Nissan Almera accessories for free plus additional P10,000 discount – but only for this coming weekend.

Ever dreamt of the day when driving would be a pleasure and not a chore? The day of driving a car that connects with you? Look no further, Honda, known for its high quality and high performance automobiles, delivers spirited driving pleasure to keep up with the dynamic needs of these modern times. Get ready, as the newest addition to the Honda Cars Philippines Inc.’s, Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, line-up, the All-New CR-Z is bound to unleash your passion to drive.

Vision Petron, the award-winning national student art competition of industry leader Petron Corporation is now calling for entries for its 13th iteration, with the theme Lakbay Tagumpay—A Journey of Triumphs and Milestones.

Shell Introduces Philippine Student Contigient to the 2013 Eco-marathon Asia

Photos by Ulysses Ang

They say the first automobile race happened right after the second car rolled off the assembly floor. The spirit of competition has always been innately human, but even more so when it’s a combination of man and machine. And though motorsports has commonly been about which car can run faster, brake shorter, and handle better; there’s another kind of competition—one that takes into account the concept of smart mobility, environmental-consciousness, and innovative thinking. This is the Shell Eco-marathon.

All-New 2013 Kia Carens Officially Launched; Public Debut Slated on Friday, May 31

When you think MPV, you think of something practical but nothing much more. They’re seen as the modern equivalent of beasts of burden—great at ferrying passengers and large cargo. It isn’t something you bring to a Friday night date much less brag to the entire barkada. It’s a car purchased mostly because of necessity rather than desire. That is until the sleek and sexy Kia Carens came along.

Toyota Opens 4 New Dealerships to Start 2013

This year, the #1 Automotive Company in the Country has added four more dealerships to its network to kick-off the next phase of its expansion plans. Toyota Calamba, Laguna (TCL), Toyota Mandaue South, Cebu (TMD-S), Toyota Marilao, Bulacan (TMR) and Toyota Tacloban (TTL) opened its doors to the public recently to cater to the growing demand of the market in these provinces. The opening of these dealerships in key strategic areas outside NCR aims to bring Toyota’s products and services closer to its customers. In 2012, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) opened 3 new dealerships namely: Toyota Global City (TGC), Toyota La Union (TLU) and Toyota San Pablo (TSP). With the addition of these new outlets, Toyota’s network of dealerships has already reached 35 and this number is expected to increase by the end of the year.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Even if we were clothed in the most casual clothes imaginable (and the occasional Sketcher’s Shape-Ups), we felt like a million bucks when our ‘shuttle service’, a fleet of BMW 7 Series limousines arrived just to bring us to the Clark International Speedway. We certainly felt every bit like that British super spy, sans the Vodka-Martini and the suave accent. Nonetheless, with our good looks intact, we couldn’t wait for our date with M. And when we talk about ‘M’ here, we don’t mean a frumpy, grumpy middle-aged woman boss; what we’re referring to is the most sacred letter to any car enthusiast: the BMW M line.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Car of the Year – Philippines: that’s high praise indeed for the Mirage, the first sub-compact to have won the award and the first for Mitsubishi. It certainly bodes well for a car that beat the entire resurgence of affordable sports cars. But it also raised expectations given it handily wiped out the competition. So is the hype surrounding the Mirage all worth it, or is it all, well, just a mirage?

New Audi R8 Set to Arrive Q3 2013

The Audi R8 is the sporty spearhead of the Audi model lineup. The high-performance sports car is now more dynamic and powerful than ever before thanks to numerous improvements, including a newly developed seven-speed S tronic. The fast-shifting dual-clutch transmission features a launch control function that provides optimal traction when starting. Power is delivered to the road via the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a rear-axle bias. The standard sprint times have improved by 0.3 seconds while fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 0.9 liters per 100 kilometer.

New Porsche Cayman Launched in Philippines

In an exclusive event attended by Porsche owners and guests held in Alabang, the new Porsche Cayman was unveiled during its official launching in the Philippines last May 18, 2013.

The third generation of the Cayman has been completely redeveloped. It is lower and longer, lighter and faster, more efficient and more powerful than ever. A longer wheel-base, wider track and larger wheels enhance the driving performance of the mid-engine sports car to a level without equal in its competitive class. The new two-seater is – after the 911 Carrera and Boxster – the third sports car model line from Porsche to feature innovative lightweight body design. The new Cayman is up to 30 kg lighter, depending on the specific model and equipment, and it consumes up to 15 per cent less fuel per 100 km than the previous model – despite higher engine and driving performance.

The all-new Ranger is one of the toughest trucks in its segment today boasting class leading capability including best-in-class water wading of up to 800mm. When encountering flash floods on the road, drive with confidence and a peace of mind with the all-new Ranger as it can easily traverse through the demands of the coming rainy season.

Subaru Forester Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick; Only Compact SUV to Earn "Good" Marks Overall

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, is pleased to introduce the announcement made by Subaru of America, Inc. that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS; a nonprofit organization supported by auto insurers in the US) has awarded the best possible ranking of 2013 TOP SAFETY PICK + (TSP+) to the all-new Forester currently sold in the North American region. The Forester earned an overall rating of good in the small overlap test required for winning the TSP+ as the only one of 13 small SUV. This is the third TSP+ award for Subaru vehicles following the last year’s first win of 2013 Legacy and Outback (built after Aug. 2012). The Institute’s 2013 “TSP+” award which requires “good” ratings for occupant protection in at least four of five IIHS evaluations, with no less than “acceptable” in the fifth test.

For the whole month of May, Petron’s landmark motorist assistance program, Lakbay Alalay, is helping the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s (PGIN) tourism campaign, billed as Paoay Kumaway!, now on its second year of implementation.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) through HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI) and Gawad Kalinga (GK) celebrated the inauguration of the Hyundai Center for Green Innovation (HCGI), located at the GK Enchanted Farm in Bgy. Encanto, Angat, Bulacan. The state-of-the-art green innovation center, built by architects and engineers commissioned by HFI, fuses the ethnicity of the “bahay kubo” and the Hyundai design philosophy of "Fluidic Sculpture”. It is envisioned to be the epicenter of ideas, talents, and resources committed to growing a sustainable green economy and community for the Filipino and stands as a symbol of the evolution and progress of Hyundai and GK’s enduring partnership to build empowered, self-sustaining Filipino communities from the grassroots.

Isuzu Philippines Sales Rise 7.6% in April, Lifted by Crosswind

Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s (IPC) bestselling model once again powered the company’s sales in April, as well as in the first four months of 2013.

Combined reports from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association show that the Isuzu Crosswind AUV led IPC’s tally in April with 628 units sold, or a significant 22.7% rise compared to the model’s total of 512 units in March. Together with deliveries of the Isuzu Alterra SUV and D-MAX pickup, the company posted a 13.2% growth in its AUV, SUV and pickup vehicle lineup in April with 882 units sold compared to March’s 779-unit result.

Mitsubishi to Launch Mirage Sedan A.K.A. Attrage

All those rumors can be put to rest as Mitsubishi Motors Corporation officially announces the Mirage sedan, though it takes a different name: Attrage.

Built alongside the Mirage at Mitsubishi's Third Factory at Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Chonburi province in Thailand, the name change may be due to the fact that the Attrage is slightly larger than the Mirage it is based off on. Though no details have been revealed as of yet, the Attrage is pointing out its generous rear legroom and large trunk. The Attrage is clearly the Concept G4 without the concept car bits.

Underneath the hood, the Attrage will share the same 1.2-liter MIVEC 3-cylinder engine that complies with Euro 4 regulations. It will also be available in both CVT or manual transmission variants.

With a Thai launch in July, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to determine that Mitsubishi Motor Philippines will indeed launch the Attrage sometime mid to late this year. In fact, sources indicate that the car maker is flying some journalists in next month for a special preview of the Attrage.

Peugeot Opens Temporary C-5 Libis Sales Outlet

In anticipation of the growing demand for Peugeot vehicles, Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI), official importer and distributor of Peugeot vehicles in the country, has committed to opening 12 full service dealerships in the country over the course of 2013. To address the public’s clamor for Peugeot to have a sales outlet in the central business district immediately, EDI recently opened its C-5 Libis temporary sales outlet.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. experienced a 33% increase in sales during the first four months of the year, compared to the same period last year. All in all, TMP sold a total of 23, 395 units garnering 41.3% of the market, according to the latest CAMPI report.

For the month of April, TMP registered a total of 6, 334 units. Furthermore, the company has maintained its lead in both the Passenger car segment and Commercial vehicle category selling 1,990 units and 4,344 units respectively.

Toyota’s line-up proved to be strong as several models took the top spot in their respective categories. The Toyota Vios continues to be the top-selling vehicle in the country with 1,476 units sold for the month of April. The Toyota Innova on the other hand, maintains its hold as the #1 MPV model with sales of 1,245.

“TMP experienced positive sales across the board, seeing continued strength with our locally manufactured Vios leading the charge,” said Michinobu Sugata, President, Toyota Motor Philippines. “2013 is forecasted to be another record breaking year as reflected in the performance of the industry in the 1st four months of the year. We can expect this trend to continue as the Philippines shows growth in its economy and specifically the automotive industry.”

Petron Celebrating 80 Years with "Road to 80 Rewards" Promo

Petron, the country’s leading oil company, is celebrating 80 years of service to Filipino motorists in September this year. And to shower their loyal customers with bountiful tokens of appreciation, Petron has lined up a year-long series of promos under the banner “Road to 80 Rewards.”

KIA Motors Corporation together with Columbian Autocar Corporation, exclusive distributor of KIA vehicles in the Philippines will once again recognize its family members for staying true and loyal to KIA through the KIA Advocate Program. It is a 5 day all-expense paid trip wherein winners were chosen according to criteria set by KIA.

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.

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