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September 9, 2013

Porsche Training and Recruitment Center Asia Celebrated its 9th Batch Graduation


The Porsche Training and Recruitment Center Asia (PTRCA) celebrated the commencement exercises for its 9th batch of scholars held last Saturday, 31 August 2013. Sixteen students were carefully selected by Porsche officials and these scholars underwent complete training in preparation for their role as certified Porsche Service Mechatronics to be deployed in various Porsche Centers worldwide. To date, there are already 127 PTRCA graduates who are currently employed in Porsche Centers located in the Middle East, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Established in April 2008, the PTRCA is the first Porsche technical training facility outside of Germany made possible through the partnership of Porsche AG, Don Bosco Technical Institute, and PGA Cars. The program aims to provide technical training complete with Porsche training vehicles and special tools, English language training, financial support and employment to underprivileged but deserving Filipino youths.

For more information please contact Porsche Center Philippines at +63-2-7270381 to 85 or visit its showroom located at 201 EDSA Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

September 6, 2013

UPDATED: 2014 Honda Jazz / Fit: This Is It (New Info, Photos)


Honda has revealed a couple of photos of its all-new Jazz (known as the Fit in Japan) a few weeks after a magazine leaked out some photos. And from the photos, we like what we're seeing. It sports Honda's new "Exciting H Design!!!" design language, which the brand's attempt to inject more style into their products after some pretty lackluster effort of late.

Honda Announces New "Exciting H Design!!!", Applied First to 2014 Jazz / Fit


Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a new design concept, "EXCITING H DESIGN!!!," that will be applied to all Honda automobiles globally to promote a more unique character and stronger presence around the world.

Fuel Your Shopping with Shell and SM Advantage Card


Pilipinas Shell, one of the country’s leading energy companies, teams up with Marketing Convergence Inc., the company behind SM Advantage, the country’s biggest loyalty program, to bring greater reward experience for Filipino motorists. Starting September 1, motorists that gas up in close to 1000 Shell Retail stations can earn rewards points for their SM Advantage Card, SM Prestige and BDO Rewards Cards.

Ford Continues Expansion with Opening of Ford General Santos


Ford Philippines today celebrated the continued expansion of its nationwide dealer network with the official opening of Ford General Santos in Mindanao.

Ford General Santos is the tenth new full sales and service outlet the Company has opened in less than one year, helping the Company grow its network by nearly 50 percent.

Honda Extends Subsidy on Parts for Flood-Affected Vehicles


Following the recent calamity brought by typhoon Maring and southwest monsoon rain, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) conveys its deepest sympathy to the victims of the calamity. Further, as a way of helping its customers with inundated vehicles, the company is extending substantial discounts on parts and services to somehow help ease the burden of its valued customers.

Volvo Named Top Luxury Brand in Effective Dealer Experience in North America


Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA) ranked first among luxury brands at having dealerships that are effective at influencing the purchase, according to Foresight Research's 2013 Dealership Report. Foresight Research provides this yearly report as a comprehensive evaluation of current dealership experiences, buyer expectations, selection criteria and overall purchase influence versus all other marketing efforts.

September 5, 2013

Mazda6 Scores Five-Star Euro NCAP Rating


The new Mazda6 is officially one of the safest cars on the road after receiving five stars from Euro NCAP, the highest rating possible. The result corroborates Mazda’s strategy to enhance the safety of all its vehicles with innovations like the impact-absorbing SKYACTIV-Body. And with the i-ACTIVESENSE range of driver-supporting active safety technology.

Ford Fiesta: Then and Now


The Fiesta, spanning 6 generations with more than 15 million Fiestas sold globally since 1976, has taken the market by storm with its big features.

Here’s a look at Fiesta’s history and how it’s managed to stay fresh over the years.

September 3, 2013

UPDATED: Mitsubishi Motors Philippines to Preview Mirage G4 Sedan in Select Dealerships on Monday, September 2 (Now with Prices)


Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) is pleased to announce that it will be holding a sneak preview of the all-new Mirage G4 starting September 2.   The all-new Mirage G4 which is the next generation global sub-compact sedan will be the latest addition to MMPC’s exciting passenger car lineup.

Review: 2013 BMW X1 sDrive118d xLine

Photos by Ulysses Ang
As the first premium compact crossover, the BMW X1 was the trailblazer of the segment. After some three and a half years, sales have already exceeded 300,000 units worldwide. Of course, competitors have arrived and now, the X1 responds with a well-timed nip-tuck to meet a raft of new challengers. With its specially modified body design, upgraded interior, new range of BMW Lines, and new equipment, the BMW X1 delivers a more intense experience.

September 2, 2013

Honda Cars Philippines Gears You Up for the Wet Roads Ahead


This rainy season, Honda reiterates its adherence towards safety by extending its Tires and Batteries Promo!

Maintain your grip on the slippery roads and take advantage of original, brand new tires at your nearest Honda dealer, now at their absolute LOWEST PRICES EVER. Plus if you purchase at least two (2) tires, you are entitled to a FREE full gallon of Honda's Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil (Valued at Php 1,500).  Purchase of four (4) tires gets you a full gallon of Honda's Fully Synthetic Engine Oil (Valued at Php 2,400). You can claim your free Oils on your next Preventive Maintenance visit at the same dealership where you purchased your tires!

Toyota Motor Philippines Preview One-Make Vios Racing Series


Last August 17, 2013, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) gave a preview of heart-racing fun piloted by the All-New Vios at the recently held World of Toyota Motor Show. Focused on waku-doki , which is FUN in Japanese, some of the Philippines’ most exciting stars gathered to #startthefun at the World Trade Center by driving the country’s no. 1 selling car!  Celebrities like Rhian Ramos, Aljur Abrenica, Sam YG and Phoemela Barranda were just a few of the many personalities who drove the all-new fun machine!

Petron Celebrates 80 Years of Fueling Journeys


Put a tiger in your tank! You might recognize this slogan if you were a motorist in the ‘60s. Back then, Petron went by the name of Esso Philippines and Esso Extra was one of its well-known gasoline products.
Decades before putting “a tiger in your tank,” Petron has been fuelling your journeys on the road. It all started on September 7, 1933, when American oil firms Socony Vacuum Oil Company and Standard Oil Company merged to form Standard Vacuum Oil Company or Stanvac.

Mazda to Produce More SkyActiv Engines Due to High Demand


Mazda Motor Corporation is set to increase the production capacity of its highly acclaimed SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines and SKYACTIV-D diesel engines. From the current annual run of 800,000 SKYACTIV engines at its Hiroshima Plant, the Japanese company is targeting to boost its total SKYACTIV engine production to 1,000,000 units by the end of 2014. This is in response to the strong global sales of SKYACTIV technology-equipped Mazda vehicles.

August 30, 2013

10 Best Cars for Manila's Floods


We’ve always been asked and here’s our answer. These are our Top 10 picks for the best vehicles to traverse through Manila’s flooded streets. Though we’re sure any of these vehicles are truly capable, we still suggest that you stay on the side of caution. Check out our Tips on how to cross a flooded street.

Now, on to the list…

You've Been Informed: How to Cross a Flooded Street


By now, you probably don't remember who Christopher Lao is. He's the guy who infamously made his Nissan Sentra swim like an aquatic creature in front of a TV news camera no less. His fifteen minutes of fame, countless Internet memes, and another less-than-viral marketing campaign are all over; but the lesson we could all take from that incident should serve as a permanent reminder of how we can make more intelligent decisions on the road, particularly when the weather is less than cooperative. And with the advent of the rainy season yet again, it's great to refresh ourselves with the proper way of crossing through a flood.

Ford Offers Special Rates to Customers for Repair of Flood-Damaged Vehicles


Ford Philippines and its network of dealers are responding to the needs of Ford customers by offering special rates on the repair of Ford vehicles that have been damaged by Typhoon Maring’s floodwaters.

“Together with the support of our entire Ford dealer network, we are extending support to our customers who have been affected by the recent typhoon and flooding,” said Margo Delfinado, director, Ford Philippines Customer Service.

August 29, 2013

Hyundai Asia Resources Sponsors Lateral Drift Series; Round 1 Kicks Off on Saturday, August 31


Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai cars in the Philippines announces its title sponsorship of the 2013 Hyundai Lateral Drift Pro-Am Championship Series. The 8th season of the series kicks off with Round 1 and 2 on August 31 and September 1 respectively at the Megatent in Libis, Quezon City. It will feature heart-stopping lateral drift action headed by six-time champion Alex Perez.

Changing Perceptions: Foton Shows Us Their World-Class Manufacturing Facility in Shandong, China

Photos by Ulysses Ang
SHANDONG, CHINA—Like the Japanese and Korean car makers of today, the Chinese have come a long way—considering they only started a formal car industry in the 1970’s. Foton and its Philippine distributor, United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) is certainly leading the way with a remarkable 30-percent growth year-on-year led by its light-duty trucks (LDT) which the company claims is the country’s second best-selling brand last year.

Porsche Training and Recruitment Center Asia to Celebrate Commencement of New Porsche Mechanics


The Porsche Training and Recruitment Center Asia (PTRCA) will celebrate the commencement of its 9th batch of scholars this Saturday, 31 August 2013. Sixteen students were carefully selected by Porsche officials and have undergone complete training to prepare them for their roles as certified Porsche Mechatronics to be deployed in various Porsche Centers worldwide. These scholars will be added to the 127 PTRCA graduates who are currently employed in Porsche Centers located in the Middle East, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Establish in April 2008, the PTRCA is the first Porsche technical training facility outside of Germany made possible through the partnership of Porsche, PGA Cars and Don Bosco Technical Institute. The program aims to provide technical training complete with Porsche training vehicles and special tools, English language training, financial support and employment to underprivileged but deserving Filipino youths.

For more information please contact Porsche Center Philippines at +63-2-7270381 to 85 or visit its showroom located at 201 EDSA Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

Get More for Less with Ford's Latest Service Offering


Ford Philippines today announced the launch of a new service promotion, extending its popular ‘Get More for Less’ promotion to Ford’s service offerings.

Dubbed as Get More for Less on Ford Service, Ford vehicles with expired warranties can avail of a free Genuine Ford Oil Filter and a 10 percent discount on Ford Genuine Parts for any general repair at any authorized Ford dealership. This is part of Ford's ongoing commitment to ensure the highest performance of all Ford vehicles, old or new.

“While offering best-in class Ford vehicles across the country, we always aim to go further and offer our customers – old and new – a world-class customer service experience through our expanding network of authorized dealerships and attractive promotions,” says Margo Delfinado, Director, Ford Customer Service Division.

To qualify, customers must avail of either a Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) or a General Repair worth PhP 5,000 and above.

The Get More for Less on Ford Service is offered to all out-of-warranty Ford vehicles sold by any authorized Ford dealership nationwide.

August 27, 2013

Toyota Donates P 1 Million for Relief Operations in Laguna


Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) contributed a total of One Million Pesos for the recent monsoon-related rehabilitation projects in Laguna – a donation of 500 Thousand Pesos was given to the City Government of Santa Rosa and the same amount for the Provincial Government of Laguna.  The donation was made through TMP’s social and humanitarian arm Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF).  In photo are (from left): TMPF president David Go, TMP president Michinobu Sugata, and Santa Rosa City mayor Arlene Arcillas.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Announces Safety Inspection Campaign for Montero Sport and Strada

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) recently announced to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that it will conduct a safety inspection campaign on Montero Sport and Strada, both two and four wheel drive models.  The purpose of this safety inspection is to check the following:

Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ A/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Blame EDSA traffic, but driving a sports car isn’t a fun aspect anymore. The thought of having to squeeze a low-slung car in-between two buses is enough to send chills down your spine. And then, you have to consider the limited visibility, the discomfort of the firm ride, and the claustrophobic feel of the tight interior. Thankfully, not all sports cars are built and engineered the same way; there’s one that’s specifically designed to be driven every day, one that doesn’t compromise on practicality or comfort but feels like a shot of adrenaline every time you get behind the driver’s seat. This is the Subaru BRZ—the perfect antidote to the humdrum of everyday driving.

Audi Reveals New A8


Systematic lightweight construction, excellent comfort and a broad portfolio of high-end technologies: Audi has given its flagship, the A8, a wide-sweeping update. The engines are even more powerful and efficient, while new assistance systems and the innovative Matrix LED headlights provide for an added level of composure.

Suzuki Taps Collegiate Spiker Mika Reyes as Endorser


After recently announcing Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Kiefer Ravena’s endorsement, Suzuki Philippines (SPH), the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company in the country, further taps into the youth market by adding collegiate volleyball stunner Mika Reyes to their endorser line-up.

Photo above shows (L-R) SPH Managing Director/ Treasurer Catalina Calderon, Mika Reyes, SPH President Hiroshi Suzuki, and SPH General Manager for Automobile Shuzo Hoshikura during the contract signing.

SPH President Hiroshi Suzuki shares, “We believe that Mika is the perfect choice for a female endorser. When we speak of collegiate volleyball, it is impossible to not talk of Mika as she is undeniably one of the most outstanding volleyball players in the country today. Her power, presence, and precision in the court at every game make her an ideal icon for our automobiles. We are very excited to have her in our team and we look forward to the projects we will be working on with her.”

For more information about the Suzuki Philippines and their latest cars, please visit http://www.suzuki.com.ph.

August 26, 2013

UPDATED: Repsol Launches Diesel Motor Oil


Repsol, a leading automotive lubricant in Spain, launches its motor oil for Turbo Direct Injected (TDI) diesel car engines in the market. Repsol Elite TDI 15W40 contains powerful synthetic additives which impedes the formation of deposits in the turbo compressor and protects from wear of internal engine parts when the engine runs at high temperatures. It also provides excellent resistance to oxidation, ageing and residue.  It keeps the engine running cleanly and efficiently and has shear stability additives that prevent lubrication loss at high RPMs.  

Repsol has one of the largest technology centers in Europe that help Invent The Future. It provides solutions to the needs of engine manufacturers and car owners.  In fact, Repsol motor oils are subjected to extreme test benches - circuit racing, off road, endurance under various weather conditions. This is line with Repsol’s philosophy which is to continuously innovate and comply with the most demanding internationally accepted standards.

For more information, please visit www.jointeamrepsol.com or www.repsol.com. You can also call +63-2-3777-500.

UPDATE: Repsol has announced the availability of the Repsol Elite Common Rail 5W30 as an additional variant to the 15W40 which they have launched last May 2013.