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December 8, 2013

Hyundai Green Dealership Design Awards Winners

Hyundai Central EDSA won the greenest Hyundai dealer award.

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) and the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Architecture (UPCA) capped the three-month Hyundai Green Dealership DESIGN competition with the awarding of winners last November 25, 2013 at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel.

Bagging First Place was the team of Francis Timothy Santos, Carla Lim, and Carem Morales who conceptualized a green Hyundai Central EDSA. Second Place went to Aedriane Celis and Danilo Donor who worked on the green design for Hyundai Commonwealth Avenue. Third Place went to Patrick Lawrence Monfort, Jilliane Gomez and Andrey Lopez who were assigned to Hyundai E. Rodriguez. Winners received trophies and cash prizes.

Daimler AG will help the people of the Philippines. Due to the tragic events caused by the typhoon "Haiyan" the company provides on short notice 500,000 euro for the suffering population. The donation will go directly to the German Red Cross. The money will be used to bring vital relief supplies - such as tents, kitchen sets, hygiene kits and plastic sheets - for over 15,000 people in the Philippines. In addition, Daimler asks its employees to make donations.

Tokyo Motor Show 2013: Subaru Goes Levorg...and It's Coming to the Philippines!

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Instead of showing off the all-new WRX, which they unveiled instead at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru instead showed off a new model, the Levorg at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013. And the biggest news? It's actually coming to the Philippines.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Aside from showing off the Levorg, Subaru also showed off a pair of concept cars at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013. Both models are actually study concepts, showing off the brand's new direction both in terms of design and technology but they could also be a brand-new compact crossover as well as the all-new Outback albeit in concept form.

UPDATE: Motor Image Pilipinas, the official distributor of Subaru in the Philippines has revealed that the Philippine-market all-new Legacy will carry a (say it ain't so) 2.5-liter normally aspirated motor. This was confirmed in a dinner with the Subaru Society.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced that the "Legacy Concept" will make its world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show (Press day: November 20 and 21; Open to public from November 22 through December 1, 2013). The concept model hints at the future design direction of Subaru's flagship Legacy model.

Ford Shows Off All-New 2015 Mustang

All-new sophisticated design clearly inspired by 50 years of Mustang heritage evolved to attract wider array of customers and expand global market availability.

Mustang now available with three engines offering a broader power of choice – a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine.

Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort.

Tata Motors Ltd, India’s largest automobile company, has appointed Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. (TAJ) as its Philippine distributor for Tata passenger and commercial vehicles. The Distribution Agreement, which was officially signed last October 31, 2013, is especially timely as the industry expects more robust growth in the coming year.

Isuzu companies in the Philippines, both subsidiaries of Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) of Japan, have each made a contribution to an internationally recognized Christian organization for the continuing relief initiatives meant for the victims and survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Just like Mitsubishi, Suzuki showed off three new crossover concepts at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013. These are the: Crosshiker, X-Lander, and Hustler Coupe.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Mitsubishi showed off a trio of SUV concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show indicating the future direction the company is taking. The three concepts, the GC-PHEV, XR-PHEV, and Concept AR all belong in different size categories and are the clearest vision of what future SUVs such as the Pajero and ASX would look like.

Drive Safe with Nannar Tire Smart Cap

Having a correct tire pressure on our car is very important. It saves your money, fuel, and even protects life.

Healthy Living Inc, the distributor of Nannar Tire Pressure Monitoring LED Smart cap (TPMS), is a must for people that want to make sure that their tires are properly inflated. Once installed, it will alert you if your tire pressure drops by a set of point. And best of all, your tires will have longer tread life.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Nissan unveiled a pair of concept cars with radically different characteristics, created by a new approach to product development, that together offer a new take on authenticity.

The IDx concepts on the Nissan stand at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show are case studies. The first is a casual/lifestyle-focused vision, the IDx Freeflow. The second is IDx NISMO, an ultra-sporty model of the future that looks as if it came directly from a driving simulator.

With only a few weeks to go until Christmas, Goodyear Philippines is celebrating with some ‘giving of their own’ through a Worry Free Holiday promo. From November 1, 2013, to January 31, 2014, motorists who purchase a set of Goodyear tires from participating outlets nationwide will receive a free limited edition Goodyear gift.

Chevrolet Makati Opens

Chevrolet Philippines shifted into high gear when it opened its new dealership at the heart of Makati City’s Automotive Row last October 31. One of the new generation dealerships that adhere to the new Corporate Identity Standards pioneered by GM International Operations, the Makati dealership is set to raise the bar for automotive excellence with its outstanding showroom experience, customer relations management, and sales and aftersales services. Located along Chino Roces Avenue (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), the dealership that broke ground last May stands with an imposing view coming out of the Lumbang gate of Dasmarinas Village.

Race of Champions 2013 is Cancelled

The Race of Champions 2013 has been cancelled. Here is the press release they just issued:

The Sports Authority of Thailand and the organizers of the 2013 Race Of Champions have announced that the event cannot take place as planned on December 14-15 due to the current political situation in Bangkok.

Our thoughts are with the Thai people during this difficult period and we wish that a peaceful solution will soon be found. The Race Of Champions has been held all over the world for 25 consecutive years and we are currently looking at options of repeating the success of last year's event in Bangkok on another date.

Fans who have already purchased tickets for this year’s Race Of Champions should contact Thai Ticket Major or their ticketing agent for further information on refunds.

Tokyo Motor Show 2013: Honda Shows Jazz-Based Crossover, Ability to Think Outside the Box

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Honda has already teased some information of the concepts it displayed at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013 even before the show started. But what surprised everyone is the reveal of Honda's new segment busting crossover, the Jazz/Fit-based Vezel.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is pleased to announce the availability of the new CR-V 2.0 V Modulo Limited Model.

As one of the pioneer models in the SUV category, the CR-V continues to provide car-like drivability and ride comfort, while providing new features and technologies that enhance driving enjoyment and ownership experience of our most valued customers.

Introduced in September, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX continues to build sales momentum as it posted phenomenal results in October, accelerating Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s (IPC) sales tally.

The All-New D-MAX’s 179-unit sales in September spiked to 339 units in October, or 160 more, resulting in an 89.4% growth, according to the latest combined reports released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association. The bulk of the additional figures in October can be credited to the pickup’s strong performance in Mindanao and Metro Manila markets.

As Volvo Philippines celebrates its 19th year, it offers a smart way to upgrade to a brand new Volvo with the Volvo Trade Up Program. Enjoy additional perks such as a P50,000 Volvo Gift Coupon and a free Samsung item of their choice when they trade-in their old car to a new Volvo. High appraisal value is guaranteed and other perks await for clients making the smart choice to switch to Volvo.

Subaru Launches All-New WRX in Los Angeles

Subaru has finally taken the wraps off the hotly-anticipated all-new WRX which made its global debut at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show.

The all-new WRX promises better handling and performance through a brand-new drivetrain headlined by a 2.0-liter direct-injection gasoline engine. Featuring the trademark intercooler turbo (with a hood scoop) and a flat-four layout (Boxer), the all-new WRX pushes out 268 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. The all-new WRX also features the model's first-ever 6-speed manual and a new, optional Sport Lineartronic CVT transmission.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

Paul Walker, known best as Brian O'Connor in the Fast and Furious movie series, has died. The 40-year old actor and car enthusiast died in a car accident in Santa Clarita, California just north of Los Angeles. The death has been confirmed on his own social media accounts including Facebook and Twitter:

Tokyo Motor Show 2013: Green is Gold for Toyota

TOKYO, JAPAN—By the time you read this, I’ll still be somewhere in Japan; perhaps kicking back on a nice cup of hot macha tea while taking in the crisp autumn air or chasing some girls in “cosplay” outfits with a naughty smile pasted on my face. As a people, the Japanese have never failed to amaze me with their ability to combine seemingly opposite ideas and turn them into something uniquely, well, Japanese. Take for instance the very example I pointed out above: amidst the penchant for strict and proper etiquette (tea ceremonies and sumo wrestling matches to name two), you’ve got the colorful world of anime, school girls, and umm, “adult material”. It’s funny and all, but it’s a fact: these two polar opposites make up and perfectly describe Japanese culture.

Honda Outlines Exhibit at 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013: Outside-the-Box Mobility Concepts on Display

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced its lineup of production and concept-model automobiles, motorcycles, power products, and other highlights for its exhibit at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013, which will take place at Tokyo Big Sight. (Press days: November 20 - 21, 2013, Public days: November 23 - December 1, 2013).

Review: 2013 Honda CR-Z Modulo CVT

Photos by Ulysses Ang

“Sports car” and “Hybrid” are not normally used in the same sentence. While a sports car is known for giving its drivers unparalleled thrills at the expense of fuel-efficiency; hybrids return unparalleled fuel-efficiency at the expense of driving thrills. Yet, that didn’t stop Honda from thinking outside of the box and provide a car that’s both thrilling to drive and yet, returns stellar fuel economy. Their concept isn’t without compromise, but it’s the cajones to actually develop and tinker with such an idea that merits the Honda CR-Z a good amount of attention.

Toyota Vios is Auto Focus People's Choice Back-to-Back Winner

The Philippine automotive market’s best-selling model, the Toyota Vios subcompact sedan once again received the much-coveted “Automobile of the Year” title at the Awards Night of the “2012-2013 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards” (AFPCA) held last Thursday, November 7, 2013 at The Venue of the SM Mall of Asia. The Vios accomplished the first ever back-to-back win for the top award in the 9-year history of the AFPCA, which was first launched in 2005.

We'll be at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013 at the Tokyo Big Sight starting today and we'll actually be extending until December 1.

Don't fret though, we've got regularly scheduled updates lined-up this week such as our Tuesday Test Drives and other features. And you can always catch us (@carguideph) on Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date on our Japan trip. We'll be posting about the show, the cars, the babes, and anything we find interesting in the land of the rising sun.

We'll have in-depth coverage of the Tokyo Motor Show as well as the Los Angeles Motor Show when we return.

November 17, 2013

Crazy, Chevy, Cool: Chevrolet Officially Launches All-New Malibu, Trailblazer 4x2 AT, and Spin

Christmas came early for Chevy enthusiasts as they flocked to the Chevrolet Motorama 2013, held at the SM Mall of Asia on November 14-17, 2013. Staying true to Chevrolet’s ingenious spirit, the event was held on the ice skating rink, a first for SM.

At the turn over ceremony in the Music Room of Malacanang Palace were (L-R) Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) General Manager Victor Mhun and Regional Director Hoo-Keun Kim; Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) President & CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, Chairman Edward S. Go, and Chairman Emeritus Richard L. Lee; HE President Benigno C. Aquino III; Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo; and Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Parisya Taradji.

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