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February 6, 2014

Michelin Supports the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia Happening this Weekend

Michelin, in global partnership with Shell, welcomes the Philippines in hosting its first Shell Eco-Marathon, an innovative motoring event at a specially built track around the Quirino Grandstand from today until February 9, 2014.

Seems everyone wants to be getting into the B-segment crossover and Chevrolet’s the latest one to put their contender into the ring. Though officially called a concept, the Chevrolet Adra looks pretty much production ready. Designed specifically for the Indian market by GM’s GM Technical Centre – India, the Adra fits in very much with the global look of Chevrolet.

Volkswagen is moving one more step towards the production of its own B-segment crossover, the Taigun, which is showed at the Auto Expo 2014 in India. After the first conceptual design, presented in another emerging market, Brazil, Volkswagen presented a near-production concept. The Taigun has been modified with a rear section featuring an outside-mounted spare tire.

After launching Honda’s new global B-segment crossover, the Vezel, at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013, reports out of Honda headquarters seem to point out that engineers may have to go back to the drawing board because of the unfavorable exchange rates that will make the sophisticated Vezel uncompetitively priced in emerging markets such as India and even the ASEAN.

Reuters News is reporting that Aston Martin is recalling 17,590 cars—which is the brand’s entire left-hand drive models built since November 2007 and all right-hand drive models built since May 2012 due a counterfeit plastic material that was supplied by, you guessed it, Aston Martin’s Chinese supplier.

The recall, which does not include the Vanquish, is because of a part supplied by Shenzhen Kexiang Mould Tool Co Limited. This Chinese subcontractor is responsible for molding accelerator pedal arms. It was found out that these parts were using counterfeit plastic material supplied by Synthetic Plastic Raw Material Co Ltd of Dongguan.

The recall is being issued because affected cars may have its accelerator pedal arm break, increasing the risk of a crash.

Source: Reuters

February 5, 2014

Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2014 Welcomes 109 Student Teams to Manila

Students from all across Asia and the Middle East arrived in Manila to tackle a street circuit in the heart of Manila, Philippines, with the fuel efficient vehicles they designed and built. The 109 student teams are here to compete in the fifth edition of Shell’s annual Shell Eco-marathon Asia.

Volkswagen Inaugurates BGC Dealership, Announces Plans for 3 More Within 2014

L-R: Mr. Erwin Locsin (General Manager, Volkswagen BGC), Mr. JP Orbeta (President, Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc.), Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala (President & COO, Ayala Corporation), Hon. Mayor Lani Cayetano (City of Taguig), Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (Chairman and CEO, Ayala Corporation)

Iconic Dealership, Inc., formally opened its flagship showroom—Volkswagen BGC with no less than Ayala Corporation President and COO, Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Volkswagen official distributor, Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI) President and CEO, Mr. John Philip Orbeta leading the ceremonial inauguration. Also in attendance was Ayala Corporation and CEO Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Taguig City Major Ms. Lani Cayetano.

Volvo’s official Philippine distributor, Scandinavian Motors Corporation, has just announced the availability of its 2014 Volvo S60 luxury sedan and XC60 luxury crossover which have both been updated with a slew of aesthetic changes inside and out.

Seems tiny 3-cylinder engines are the way to go these days. After Ford showed off that their 1.0 EcoBoost can fit as carry-on luggage and can still outperform some of the world’s foremost supercars (when placed in a road-legal Formula Ford Racecar), Nissan is getting into the act with their motorsports division, Nismo.

The bane of sport utility vehicles, compact crossovers included, is their infamy for being gas-guzzlers. Equipped with four-wheel drive this and electronic doodad that, they do deliver outstanding driving performance at the expense of burning a sizable hole in your wallet due to terrible fuel mileage. It’s for this reason why some buyers skip this genre altogether and instead move up to a mid-sized SUV powered by a lean-burning diesel. However, Mazda wants you to re-consider the compact crossover once more; one that doesn’t sacrifice driving performance for the sake of great fuel economy. They want you to take a look at the new Mazda CX-5 Pro.

UPDATED: Subaru Teases All-New Legacy, Will Make Global Debut at Chicago Auto Show

UPDATE: We have all the info and specs here.

Subaru has released a teaser photo of their all-new Legacy which will make its global debut at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show on February 6.

According to Subaru, the all-new Legacy is a sports sedan that promises enhanced drivability and functionality while achieving a design required for a flagship model with a quality feel. The styling is said to be fused with increased roominess and visibility. It also embodies the design direction proposed by the Legacy Concept.

This Changes the Game: Ford Launches All-New EcoSport, Deliveries Start in April (w/ Complete Specs)

Ford is set to obliterate the competition with a new segment-busting vehicle that’s designed and built to marry the agility, affordability, and fuel efficiency of a compact car with the flexibility and spaciousness of a sport utility vehicle: the Ford EcoSport.

De-Clutter Your Car for Year of the Horse: Basic Feng Shui Tips to Promote Positive Chi

With the launch of the highly-anticipated Ford EcoSport happening tonight, during Chinese New Year’s Eve, Ford Philippines is sharing some simple tips to make sure you have a safer and happier ride this Year of the Horse.

Built for the urban discoverer, the all-new Ford EcoSport brings an entirely new offering to the SUV segment featuring best-in-class design an array of smart technologies and remarkable fuel economy. The all-new EcoSport is set to attract a new generation of urban customers searching for a versatile vehicle to explore the city or nearby getaway destinations.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC)—maker of world-class diesel engines and durable, fuel efficient commercial vehicles (CVs)—wrapped up 2013 owning several sales accomplishments that continue to prove the Filipino market’s unwavering trust in and support of the brand.

Brands and businesses are always on the lookout for new and interactive ways to touch base with their loyal and potential customers and Kia is starting a different beat in this regard. Tagged as the Customer Idea Contest, Kia owners can submit their most innovative ideas and suggestions on how Kia can provide an ideal service experience while winning a chance for Service Discounts!

First Drive: Volkswagen Polo Notch 1.6 TDI M/T and Jetta TDI 2.0 TDI M/T Trendline

Photos by Ulysses Ang

When you think of ‘diesel’, the first things that come to mind are pick-ups, large SUVs, and MPVs. They’re normally associated with anything that requires fuel economy and hauling power at the expense of everything else, including refinement. But the notion of the unrefined diesel engine is something best left to your grandfather. Technology has remarkably changed transforming today’s diesel engine into one that actually improves the overall driving experience thanks to exhilarating performance and outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing emissions. In fact, Europe has taken notice. In 2012, about 55 percent of cars sold there were diesel, that’s up from 31 percent in 2000. And the leader in the diesel revolution is Volkswagen and their TDI technology.

Isuzu Cagayan de Oro is Isuzu Dealer of the Year in 2013

Isuzu Cagayan de Oro (CDO), for five years now, has been adjudged as the 2013 Dealer of the Year among all 21 authorized dealerships of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC). The award—given recently at the Solaire Resort in Parañaque City—was handed over by IPC president Nobuo Izumina and executive vice president Takashi Tomita.

Honda Cars Philippines officially launched the 2014 Accord, the latest car to wear a storied nameplate known for sophistication, efficiency, and driving joy in the executive sedan segment. Completely new from the ground up, the all-new Accord provides a host of powertrain, engineering, electronic and safety firsts combined with Honda’s trademark smart design and sporty handling.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Clark International Speedway transformed into a festival of speed last weekend as Toyota Motor Philippines finally held the Vios Cup Exhibition Race. Originally scheduled last October, the Vios Cup was postponed due to Typhoon Santi hitting the Northern and Central Luzon area. The three-month delay simply wetted the appetite of Filipino motorsport enthusiasts, packing the stands of the Clark International Speedway. The unexpected delay also enabled the 12 Vios Cup racers, composed of 7 motoring media and 5 celebrities, to hone their track skills even further. In the end, AutoIndustriya Editor-in-Chief Vince Pornelos emerged the clear victor after sweeping the two-heat race.

Chevrolet Philippines Achieves Impressive 52% Growth in 2013

Chevrolet Philippines has achieved unprecedented record numbers in terms of sales this past 2013. Chevrolet unit sales now ranks 9th overall in the Philippine automotive industry with an impressive 52% growth from 2012 to 2013 and a total of 5,058 sales for the year.

Kia Welcomes the New Year with Amazing Discount Deals until January 31!

Gallop your way to the nearest Kia dealer as the Korean automaker giant introduces a limited-time only Year of the Horse Deals.

Wanting to surprise and delight its loyal and potential customers, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, carries out a promo to usher in the year 2014. Tagged as Kia’s Year of the Horse Deals, the Kia Carens and Kia Sportage will be made available at more than 10% off of their suggested retail prices.

Testing for Car of the Year - Philippines and Truck of the Year - Philippines is done and dusted, and who came out with top honors? It comes as no big surprise as the Mazda’s executive sedan offering, the 6 walked away with the highly-coveted Car of the Year – Philippines (CoTY – P) while the Ford redeemed itself with Truck of the Year – Philippines (ToTY – P) as its Ranger Wildtrak scooped the other top prize of the night.

The Big Baguio Test: Driving the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 to the Philippines's Summer Capital

Thirty five liters—it’s not exactly much to go by, especially for a 267-kilometer drive to Baguio. Whether you’re putting pedal to the metal or driving gingerly, you’ll most likely eat through 35 liters on a one-way trip up to the Philippines’s summer capital. This is all well and good if you’re driving a car that has a 45-, 60-, or even 70-liter tank—you have a lot more fuel to play with, a bigger margin for error if you will. But what if you’re tasked to drive a car with a 35-liter tank all the way to Baguio? Forgetting that this is a fuel economy run, the real test for the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is if it can prove its worth outside the city; if it can reach Baguio with some fuel left in the tank and four passengers who’ll find the journey comfortable and relaxing. Glad to say, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 passed with flying colors.

Dole Philippines Inc. has complemented its vehicle fleet with the purchase of several units of the All-New Isuzu D-MAX.

The new vehicles, which will be used by the company for its various operations in South Cotabato, were turned over in the last quarter of 2013 by top officials of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) to Dole Philippines’ executives.

Following the highest ever FIFA ranking of the Philippine Azkals at 127th place and the solid growth of football in the country, the Azkals have recently launched a football program for kids aged 6-12.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines and the official Transport Provider of the Philippine Azkals, went all-out in its support of the youth football program. CAC Vice President for Marketing Mr. Hernando D. Gañac, Jr. lauds the initiative as “another step towards a more formidable Philippine football scene.”

Nissan Launches All-New Teana, Will it Arrive in the Philippines?

Nissan has launched the all-new Teana in Japan, a model which the company aims to move more than 600,000 units worldwide including the United States and China. To do so, Nissan has gone away with “hospitality”, which was the defining theme of the previous model and instead, pursued “driving performance” for the all-new Teana.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Undoubtedly, Kia has gone through a dramatic design-led transformation of late. They’ve been delivering dynamically-styled vehicle in several important segments at exactly the right time. In the mid-sized SUV segment, a segment more often known for bland utility, the Kia Sorento first came into the market in 2002 and since then has given Filipino buyers a somewhat leftfield choice in the ubiquitous sea of Fortuners and Montero Sports. In 2009, the Sorento (the current model) migrated from its body-on-frame beginnings and transformed into a sophisticated uni-body crossover in the process. Updated with a substantial re-design just last year, the Sorento not only ticks the right boxes when it comes to design, but also in sophistication, drivability, and of course, value for money.

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