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February 10, 2014

UPDATED: 2014 Toyota Innova Gets New Look, Improved In-Car Entertainment System (w/ Complete Specs)

Photos by Ulysses Ang

UPDATE: We have more pictures as well as the complete specs below.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) unveils this February 2014 the latest edition of the country’s well-loved Multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the New Innova. The said MPV has been highly regarded as one of the most sought after commercial vehicles in the market and it has now been given a refreshed look. Since it was first introduced to Philippine shores, it has then been warmly welcomed and adored for its convenient utility, comfortable ride and reassuring quality. Guaranteeing the Toyota Sure Advantage of QDR(quality, durability and reliability – it is clear why Filipino families have made this MPV part of their daily lives. Now, the new Innova is here and there is even more to love!

Kia Hosts 80 Korean Students on Charitable Immersion for Happy Move Camp

The world will most definitely be a happier place if people shared more. This is the same philosophy behind Happy Move Camp– the belief that sharing love and hope to people in need is a move en route to happiness.

The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) recently awarded the Honda CR-Z Modulo M/T as winner for the Sports Car category during the 2013-2014 Car of the Year Awards Night held at the Filinvest Tent, Alabang. CAGI is composed of motoring journalists from the broadcast, print and online media who annually conduct qualitative and quantitative tests on participating vehicles.

The recent 11th staging of the prestigious Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City also became a showcase of premium Porsche, Audi, and Bentley vehicles – particularly the new Bentley Flying Spur.

The number one automotive company in the country, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), starts 2014 strongly selling 7,062 units in January. The said manufacturing-automotive company experienced a 50% increase versus its sales last January 2013 of only 4,716 units sold. This strong sales performance can be attributed to continuous high demand for its Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) models the Innova and Vios as well as ample supply of its other models. Furthermore, based on the most recent CAMPI report, TMP garnered 45% share of the automotive market.

UPDATED: 2014 Chicago Auto Show: All-New 2015 Subaru Legacy Debuts. Where's the Turbo? (w/ Video)

UPDATE: We included 3 new videos including one that celebrates the 25 years of the Legacy.

Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru has used the 2014 Chicago Auto Show to unveil the latest Legacy mid-sized sedan, the sixth-generation model that bares that name. And 25 years since the “Legacy” nameplate’s debut, Subaru is ready to steer its flagship sedan into a new direction—a direction without a single mention of “turbocharger”.

One of Philippine motoring’s most sought-after performance results were recently revealed and Kia took home two notable awards for Kia Sorento and Kia Carens.

Recently held last January 22, 2014, the 2013-2014 Car of the Year- Philippines (COTY-P) Awards Night gathered the country’s top motoring editors and journalists at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang to bestow top marks for vehicle categories. Kia Sorento LX FWD 5-seater came out on top of one of the major categories– the Midsize Crossover and Wagon of the Year while Kia Carens LX CRDi bagged one of the Special Awards– the Caltex with Techron Green Award.

L-R: Daniel Isla, President, Lexus Manila, Inc., Frederick Go, President, Robinsons Land Corporation; Alfred Ty, Chairman, Lexus Manila, Inc.; Lance Gokongwei, President, JG Summit Holdings, Inc.; Michinobu Sugata, President, Toyota Motor Philippines; Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, President, Summit Media

Lexus Manila has expanded its presence by opening a small boutique at the upscale Robinsons Magnolia mall in New Manila, Quezon City.

Called the Lexus Gallery, it has been opened to serve potential clients since December, but was only officially inaugurated yesterday. Lexus Gallery has one full-time staff to answer questions about Lexus as well as one bar attendant to serve coffee. However, the one-car showcase which includes a merchandise area is intended for display only. Customers who wish to purchase a Lexus automobile or schedule a test drive will still need to go to Lexus Manila in Fort Bonifacio.

According to Lexus Manila, they have chosen Robinsons Magnolia due to its proximity to its client base in the New Manila, San Juan, and Quezon City areas.

Volkswagen Beetle Goes Rallying in the Global Rallycross Series

Volkswagen is giving its rather feminine Beetle a serious shot of testosterone as it’s poised to enter the Global Rallycross (GRC) series. The “love bug” has worked out for its competitive debut and as a result, develops some 560+ horsepower through its turbocharged, direct-injection TSI engine. Tractive effort is sent to all four wheels.

Fancy watching an adrenaline-packed event with cars, extreme stunts, rock stars, and babes? This sounds like stuff of dreams, but Monster Energy can make it a reality with its Ken Block’s Japan Experience promo. Why settle for a flat screen TV or even a PlayStation when you can kick out the boredom of your 9 to 5 with VIP access to an all-out energy-filled weekend in the Land of the Rising Sun—Japan!

Volvo Cars and Ericsson Cloud Solution Offers Total Connectivity

Leveraging extensive consumer research and industry-leading innovation, the all-Swedish partnership has focused on developing a solution that supports current and future connected car needs by combining Volvo Cars’ driver behavior expertise and Ericsson’s consulting and systems integration know-how.

The solution is implemented and operated as a managed service of a global cloud-based solution with regional and central nodes. These nodes enable efficient provision and communication of services and information to the cars. All in all the “cloud” offers great flexibility to adjust capacity and local presence of content based end-user demands. Ericsson’s systems integration capabilities have been critical in solution design and integration into Volvo Car’s IS/IT environment and to the head-end unit in the car. The solution covers all Volvo Cars markets around the globe.

It’s just a matter of time until Lexus puts on its trademark spindle grille on all its cars. Though their entry-level hybrid, the CT200h received a pseudo-spindle grille when it first launched into the market, it gets the full blown treatment for 2014. Aside from that, the CT200h receives a wealth of new design and technological changes to keep things fresh.

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!

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February 10, 2014

UPDATED: 2014 Toyota Innova Gets New Look, Improved In-Car Entertainment System (w/ Complete Specs)

February 9, 2014

Kia Hosts 80 Korean Students on Charitable Immersion for Happy Move Camp

Honda CR-Z is Judged Best Sports Car of the Year by Car Awards Group for 2013-2014

Polo Action Heats Up in 11th Zobel Memorial Polo Cup

Toyota Motor Philippines Starts 2014 with Strong Sales

February 7, 2014

UPDATED: 2014 Chicago Auto Show: All-New 2015 Subaru Legacy Debuts. Where's the Turbo? (w/ Video)

Kia Sorento, Carens Win at Annual Car of the Year - Philippines

Lexus Manila Opens Lexus Gallery in Robinsons Magnolia

Volkswagen Beetle Goes Rallying in the Global Rallycross Series

Monster Excitement: Get the Chance to Win a Trip to Japan to Watch Ken Block Live!

February 6, 2014

Volvo Cars and Ericsson Cloud Solution Offers Total Connectivity

Lexus Manila Refreshes CT200h for 2014

Michelin Supports the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia Happening this Weekend

Auto Expo India 2014: Chevrolet Jumps into Small Crossover Bandwagon with Adra Concept

Auto Expo India 2014: Volkswagen Inches Towards Production B-Segment Crossover, the Taigun

Auto Expo India 2014: Honda's Vision XS-1 Concept is a Promising Mix of EcoSport and Spin

Aston Martin Recalling Majority of Cars Due to Fake Chinese Parts

February 5, 2014

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

February 4, 2014

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

Volvo PHL Distributor Announces Arrival of 2014 S60 and XC60

Tiny 1.5-liter 3-Cylinder Engine to Power Nissan's Le Mans Racer

Review: 2014 Mazda CX-5 Pro

January 31, 2014

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

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

January 30, 2014

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

Catch the All-New Ford EcoSport as it Goes on Tour!

Isuzu Tops Truck Sales in 2013; Solidifies 3rd Place in CAMPI Sales

Great Service Starts with Great Ideas: Share Your Customer Feedback with Kia and Win Up to US$ 5,000!