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March 25, 2014

Bangkok Motor Show 2014: Ford Everest Concept Unveiled for ASEAN Market, Inches Towards Production

The Ford Everest Concept takes center stage at Ford’s sprawling pavilion at the 35th Bangkok International Motor Show showing the Blue Oval’s commitment to a product-led transformation that promises segment-leading global vehicles for Thailand as well as the ASEAN region.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

First-timers will find the Honda CR-Z a mesmerizing, if not, confusing sports car considering all the tech shoved into it. Start it up and the instrument cluster alone has 11, yes, 11 separate clusters and gauges displaying all sorts of information. Add to that the 3-Mode Drive system to the left and the climate control to the right and it becomes apparent that the CR-Z’s made for the Gran Turismo generation. However, as you get used to it, operating the CR-Z becomes second nature; like a well-worn pair of Adidas running shoes (we’ve tested it in Modulo CVT trim and even pitted the MT versus the Toyota 86). Yes, this is one complex machine, but it’s completely understandable too. But what happens when Honda sprinkles a bit of their motorsports magic onto the CR-Z? The resulting sports hybrid is something that’s equally familiar and mysterious—meet the CR-Z Mugen.

Hyundai Unveils All-New Sonata in Korea

Hyundai has finally taken the wraps off the all-new Sonata, a car that Hyundai calls “the first application of premium technologies first introduced in the Genesis”. The all-new Sonata features the next evolution of the company’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, a much more subdued and refined design that promises a more athletic appearance.

The results are in, and now six lucky contestants are just one step away from taking part in the most epic urban adventure with the one-of-a-kind urban SUV, the all-new Ford EcoSport.

In anticipation of the arrival of the all-new Ford EcoSport in the Philippines, Ford launched ‘EcoSport Urban Discoveries’ last January 2014, a new interactive campaign designed to engage Filipino consumers to share their own urban discoveries around the metro and why the all-new Ford EcoSport is the ideal vehicle to get there.

The Hyundai New Thinkers Camp, a partnership program of HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI) and the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), brings 60 high school students and teacher delegates from 20 selected public schools in Metro Manila and Regions III and IV for a one-of-a-kind learning experience in oceanography and hydrogeology in Puerto Galera, Mindoro on April 1 to 9, 2014.

Isuzu Philippines Growth in Step with Auto Industry

The first two months of 2014 saw 21,591 vehicles sold by Commercial Vehicle member-companies of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and Trucks Manufacturers Association, eclipsing the 17,951-unit total during the same period last year, or a solid 20.3% growth. This upward trend was evident in February when 11,234 vehicles were sold compared to the 10,357 vehicles delivered in January posting an 8.5% increase.

L-R: Mr. Vince Alquizalas, SVC-Education Supervisor; Yukio Fukada, Division Director; Tomoyoshi Inoue, Service Manager; Sam Macapulay, SVC-Educ. Asst. Supervisor

The pioneer in the motorcycle industry, Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc., continues to create relevant events that uplift the standards of service in the country. The first-ever Technician GP (TGP) happened last March 19, 2014 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. With the tagline, Making a Difference in the Race for Service Excellence, the TGP was a big leap in upgrading the skills of Yamaha’s technicians.

The battle was participated by certified YTA technicians with a minimum level YTA silver who is a regular employee with at least one year of work experience in Yamaha 3s shops. Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc. sparked the birth of excellent technicians who have the ability to provide exceptional service resulting to superior one-on-one customer care.

Subaru Launches Most Affordable Impreza Yet: 2.0i CVT at P 1,128,000

The compact car war is certainly heating up this 2014 as Subaru distributor, Motor Image Pilipinas launches its most affordable Impreza yet, the 2.0i. Priced at just P 1,128,000, the 2014 Subaru Impreza 2.0i comes equipped with the company’s efficient and responsive Lineartronic CVT as standard. It replaces the even more expensive 2.0i M/T that cost P 30,000 more. It’s also cheaper than the previous generation (GH7) Impreza’s automatic transmission that would have been P 60,000 more.

And yet, a glance at the 2014 Impreza 2.0i spec sheet reveals even more technology for the price.

Volvo Philippines is officially launching their 2014 line-up summed up in one theme: “Smart Luxury”. For Volvo, Smart Luxury is a new and fresher take of making driving pleasurable. Designed around people, the 2014 Volvos make life less complicated. The entire design is always form follows function whether inside or outside and gives you the best value for money. And of course, rest assured that it’s still one of the safest cars on the road today.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

The all-new Mazda6 has been awarded the maximum five-star overall rating by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s new car assessment program (NCAP). With this latest result, the all-new Mazda6 adopting Mazda’s next-generation lightweight and high-rigidity SKYACTIV-Body, has now received the highest possible safety ratings from Japan, the USA and Europe.

Philippine Car Price Guide: March 2014

Here is the March 2014 installment of the Philippine Car Price Guide. Several key additions and/or updates this month are:

City 1.3 Mugen
City 1.5 Mugen
Hyundai Grand i10 (price update)
Mitsubishi Adventure (price update)
Mitsubishi Lancer EX (price update)
Nissan Altima
Nissan Sylphy
Peugeot 3008 (price update)
Peugeot 5008 (price update)
Peugeot Expert Tepee
Peugeot RCZ (price update)
Subaru Forester 2.0 i-Premium

With the entry of new exciting models, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) managed to grow its sales by 18% as of February or 5,866 units from 4,963 units in the same period last year.

Known more for their spring cushions, O-sulee is branching out to vehicle anti-theft systems and to make their product different, they’re making a wireless car alarm. Yes, you read that right—a wireless car alarm. The O-sulee Wireless Alarm is a complete car alarm system that doesn’t need any splicing, wiring, or anything of the sort.

The Hyundai Shell World Rally Team has celebrated a landmark result in Rally Mexico with both Hyundai i20 WRC cars finishing the grueling 22-stage rally in style and lead driver Thierry Neuville scoring a maiden podium for the team in third place.

Subaru Launches Mid-Grade Forester: the 2.0i-Premium

Always been wanting a Subaru Forester, but find the 2.0i-L a bit bare and the XT a bit too expensive? Well, you’re in luck. Motor Image Pilipinas has quietly introduced (official debut is slated at the 2014 Manila International Auto Show on April 3), a new variant of its best-selling Forester crossover dubbed the 2.0i-Premium. Essentially, it’s got 90-percent of the XT’s goodies at a much more affordable price point. Sounds good? Read on.

Scott McLaughlin entered the history books today as he scored the first V8 Supercars victory for Volvo Polestar Racing in the Australian Grand Prix weekend with Formula 1 in Melbourne.

“This is just unbelievable, something you never forget! The car was fantastic, an awesome day for everyone at GRM and Polestar,” said McLaughlin.

Formula 1 Car Sounds: 2014 vs 2013 - The Terrible Truth

There have been a lot of complaints about how the 2014 Formula One cars sound compared to their 2013 counterparts. Apparently, it’s the lack of that aural scream normally associated with high-revving purpose-built race cars. How bad? Well, check this video.

Ford EcoBoost Powers Prototype to 12 Hours of Sebring Victory

A prototype vehicle running Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 has claimed victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring last weekend. Considered to be one of the most demanding racetracks in the US, Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas, and Marino Franchitti took the Roush Yates-prepped Riley-Ford to victory lane.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Pick-ups—they don’t normally score high when being considered as daily drivers. With the exception of those who actually need the bed (construction or mining people to name a few), they’re not exactly the most ideal vehicles to ferry the kids to school, date the wife, and the dog to his vet appointment. Or are they? Times are changing and pick-ups are just about as refined, sophisticated, and luxurious as some executive sedans. The Ford Ranger, especially in its 3.2 Wildtrak guise is long considered to be tops in this segment. However, Chevrolet seems to have the answer with the 2014 Colorado 2.8 LTZ. Though the changes are headlined by a revamped powertrain, it does get more toys to go head-to-head against the Ranger. The question is: can it win?

Surf & Share Your #AyosNaSummer Wish, Win Summer Siren Festival Passes For Your Barkada

Be part of the hottest 3-day beach party for FREE when you share your #AyosNaSummer wish with your AyosDito.ph barkada! Simply Surf & Share on AyosDito.ph to win FREE Summer Siren tickets for you and your friends!

A total of 35 Summer Siren passes and 10 limited edition Ayos Loudbasstard speaker docks will be given away to lucky Ka-Ayos who will share their #AyosNaSummer wish on AyosDito.ph. Join to get the chance to meet great people at the Summer Siren Festival happening on April 4-6 at Crystal Beach, Zambales! It’s very easy to join and win the ultimate beach adventure for your barkada. Tara na!

After posting ground breaking figures last year, Chevrolet Philippines continues to deliver impressive growth in sales for the first two months of 2014. Chevrolet’s January and February figures have shown a 70% increase with a total of 1,298 unit sales compared to 760 units sold during the same time in 2013.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, makes summer adventures more worthwhile with Kia’s Hot Summer Deals. For a limited time only, you can drive home a Kia Carens and Kia Sportage at reduced prices!

MIAS Organizer Releases Exhibitor List

Worldbex Services International, organizers of the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the country’s biggest annual motoring event has released the list of participating brands as the official countdown begins to the show which is slated to run April 3 to 6 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, MIAS will once again use up the entire WTC complex including the adjacent Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC). Unfortunately, because CAMPI is also slated to run their biennial Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) around mid this year, there are some conspicuously absent brands from this year’s MIAS.

After staging the very successful Vios Cup Exhibition Race last January of this year… the number one automotive company in the country is now giving a chance for petrol heads to learn the basics and other advanced skills on racing! Customers can now enroll in the Toyota Racing School, as stirred by the Toyota Vios Cup! Come into full throttle with the “race-ready” Vios, a 1.5G M/T variant with several TRD modifications; that will prepare you to drive like a Champion!

10 Nifty Things You Probably Missed on the Ford EcoSport

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Ford Press

By now, we’ve all become more familiar with Ford’s segment-busting, made-for-the-urban-jungle SUV, the EcoSport. Though it’s been thoroughly discussed at the Bangkok Motor Show last year, launched in the Philippines early this year, and driven at the Deep Dive and Drive in Hua Hin, Thailand, there are still some features, ten to be exact, that almost everyone glossed over. These features may not necessarily make it to a design analysis / review / feature, they’re nonetheless reasons why the Ford EcoSport is one nifty vehicle worthy of your hard-earned money.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, enjoyed a promising 9% growth as of February ending year-to-date sales of 3,953 units against year-ago levels of only 3,624 units. In February alone, sales increased by 5% to 1,710 units.

(L-R) Nissan Philippines, Inc. General Manager for Marketing, SJ Huh; Nissan Motor Asia Pacific Vice President for Business Management, Shinichi Koyama; Nissan Global Company Ltd. General Manager, Paul Miles; Nissan Philippines, Inc. President and Managing Director, Kenji Naito, Tetra Sales and Services Inc. Vice-P and COO and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Executive Vice President Takao Katagiri, Nissan Philippines, Inc General Manager for Sales, Lee Junia, Tetra Sales and Services Inc. Group General Manager, Ronald Olit, Nissan North Edsa Assitant General Manager and dealer operator, Ato Mendoza and Nissan North Edsa General Sales Manager, Jeremy Ballesteros.

Nissan Motors Ltd of Japan and the new Nissan Philippines Inc. paid visit to Nissan North Edsa to launch their newest models - Nissan Sylphy and Nissan Altima

One of the country's biggest Nissan dealership - Nissan North Edsa was humbled by the visit of Nissan Motors Limited of Japan's executives and the top officers of the newly incorporated, Nissan Philippines Inc. NPI is set to handle marketing and sales and once again to establish a strong presence in the Philippine market.

"Over 40 years of history returns" promised by Nissan Motor Corporation Vice Chairman Toshiyuki Shiga on his speech during the recent new models launch. Nissan is truly about to get into motion once again.

Kia Picanto Offers Flair and Performance, Now Starting at P 450,000

A car is said to be an extension of one’s personality on the road. Now, who wouldn’t want to be represented by a car brimming with style, innovation, and practicality?

Right off the bat, Kia Picanto merits a second, longer glance from you and other onlookers because of its clean, flowing lines and distinctive shape. The wide rear stance, air dam blend, and iconic radiator grille then complete an elegant style unique to the Picanto. The 5-seater, 4-door hatchback is definitely the sub-compact car that will fit well with equally dynamic lifestyles.

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March 25, 2014

Bangkok Motor Show 2014: Ford Everest Concept Unveiled for ASEAN Market, Inches Towards Production

Review: 2014 Honda CR-Z Mugen CVT

March 24, 2014

Hyundai Unveils All-New Sonata in Korea

Ford Philippines Announces Top 6 EcoSport Urban Discovery Finalists

Hyundai New Thinkers Camp to Hold Science Classes in Puerto Galera, Mindoro

March 23, 2014

Isuzu Philippines Growth in Step with Auto Industry

Yamaha Motor Philippines Holds First Technician GP

Subaru Launches Most Affordable Impreza Yet: 2.0i CVT at P 1,128,000

It's a reVOLVOlution: Presenting the 2014 Volvo Philippines Line

Mazda6 Earns Top Safety Ratings in Japan, USA, and Europe

March 19, 2014

Philippine Car Price Guide: March 2014

AVID Sales Up by 18 Percent as of February

A Wireless Car Alarm from O-sulee, the Spring Cushion Makers

Hyundai Shell World Rally Team Secures First Double Finish and Maiden Podium at Rally Mexico

March 18, 2014

Subaru Launches Mid-Grade Forester: the 2.0i-Premium

Historic First V8 Supercars Victory for Volvo Polestar Racing

Formula 1 Car Sounds: 2014 vs 2013 - The Terrible Truth

Ford EcoBoost Powers Prototype to 12 Hours of Sebring Victory

2014 Chevrolet Colorado 2.8 LTZ vs 2014 Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak

March 17, 2014

Surf & Share Your #AyosNaSummer Wish, Win Summer Siren Festival Passes For Your Barkada

Chevrolet Philippines Continues Posting Record Early-2014 Sales

Welcome Summer with Kia's Drive of Summer Promo; Carens and Sportage at Reduced Prices

March 14, 2014

MIAS Organizer Releases Exhibitor List

Turn Into a Real Racer with the Toyota Racing School

March 13, 2014

10 Nifty Things You Probably Missed on the Ford EcoSport

Hyundai Philippines Sales Up 9 Percent as of February

Nissan Philippines Officers Visits North EDSA Dealership

Kia Picanto Offers Flair and Performance, Now Starting at P 450,000