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June 18, 2014

Honda Cars Philippines Receives 2,500 Reservations on All-New City

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), reaches 2,500 All New City reservations since the introduction of the model last April 22. Accumulated All New City reservations in just a month signals how HCPI’s primary model has successfully set new standards in the subcompact category.

In front of nearly 300,000 spectators, Audi continued its unique string of victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours. In the 82nd running of the world’s most important endurance race, Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) and Lucas di Grassi/Marc Gené/Tom Kristensen (BR/E/DK) made for a one-two Audi victory.

Review: 2014 Mazda3 2.0 Skyactiv

Photos by Ulysses Ang

No matter how you look at it, the C-segment is both getting crowded and shrinking at the same time. It’s crowded because there are at least 12 choices out there from Japanese, Korean, American, and German makes; it’s shrinking because the higher price tag of these once so-called “people’s car” has made buyers either move up towards crossovers (seen as better value) or move down towards B-segment cars (seen as more affordable to own and maintain). These facts could be a potential bummer if you consider compact cars to form an integral part of your vehicle line-up. In other words, you end up either shaping up or shipping out. In the case of the all-new Mazda3, it’s been shaped into the sharpest katana out there. Hattori Hanzo better watch out, there’s a new killer sedan on the loose.

Philippine Car Price Guide: May-June 2014

Sorry for the delay—admitted it was us slacking off. No actually, it’s been a very busy May for us so we forgot to post the Philippine Car Price Guide. Anyway, we’re making up for it by combining it with the June edition.
Here’s a quick rundown on the newest additions and updates this month:

BMW X5
Chevrolet Spin (price increase)
Ford Everest (price decrese)
Ford Ranger (new variants)
Honda Civic Modulo and MUGEN
Hyundai (various model variant and price adjustments)
Mazda2 1.3 Speed
Mazda6 Skyactiv (price increase)
Mazda CX-5 Pro (price increase)
Mitsubishi Lancer EX 1.6 MX (price increase)
Nissan (model adjustments)
Suzuki Ertiga
Suzuki Swift

Now is the best time to catch the Volkswagen Jetta and Tiguan as the limited introductory offer draws to an end. The two models from Volkswagen’s stable will revert to its original pricing by 30 June 2014, so this is the perfect moment to purchase a Volkswagen with the Jetta being offered at P1,098,000 and the Tiguan at P1,990,000.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) racked up sales that totaled 3,217 units in May, reflecting 23% year-on-year growth from the 2,615 units posted in the same month last year. Enjoying sustained double-digit growth since the start of the year, AVID saw its year-to-date sales up by 16% to a total of 14,929 units.

Termite-infested walls, leaky ceilings, rusted roofs, faulty electrical outlets and dilapidated bathrooms. These were some of the conditions that 132 volunteers consisting of employees and contractors from Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex fuel and lubricants, and Chevron Holdings Inc. (CHI), a pioneer multi-functional shared services center, tackled on a simultaneous Brigada Eskwela effort in Laurel and Bayanan Elementary School in Batangas, San Agustin Elementary School in La Union and Tandayag Elementary School in Negros Oriental.

A total of 17 drivers lined-up on the grid at the first leg of the 2014 Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring Car Championship. Held last June 1 at the Batangas Racing Circuit, competitors were divided into four classes based on horsepower, with 2 cars racing in GT 300, 4 in GT 200, 9 in GT 150, and 2 in GT 100.

Hyundai Sales on a Roll with 23 Percent Growth in May

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, notched up an exceptional 23% growth in sales for the month of May to 2,094 units versus the 1,708 units posted in the same month last year. Coming from months of steady growth, the upswing in the May sales performance contributed to the 5% year-to-date sales growth of Hyundai to a total of 9,723 units.

It might seem that tomatoes and cars have nothing in common. But researchers at Ford Motor Company and H.J. Heinz Company see the possibility of an innovative union.

Researchers at Ford and Heinz are investigating the use of tomato fibers in developing sustainable, composite materials for use in vehicle manufacturing. Specifically, dried tomato skins could become the wiring brackets in a Ford vehicle or the storage bin a Ford customer uses to hold coins and other small objects.

Last June 4-8, 2014, Yamaha held their Yamaha International Motorshow at SM MOA, Atrium Hall. This event shows off the innovative and unique features of its local and global models, as well as its various new products for 2014. Yamaha aims to bring in to every customer the new Yamaha exciting world, which will be showcased in this 5-day event.

Go Pro Covered Volkswagen GTI? Pffft! Try a McLaren F1 Covered in Go Pros

Remember that video where Tanner Foust drove the hell out of a 2015 Volkswagen GTI? Well, here is something even more special. Watch a 600-horsepower McLaren F1 GTR, the one they use at the 24-Hours of Le Mans being driven with GoPros attached. Yes, the car is about 20 years old, but the sound is gloriously awesome. BMW V12 FTW!

Subaru and STI Shakedown Nurburging 24-Hour Challenge Car (w/ Specs)

Subaru and its tuning division, Subaru Technica International (STI) has successfully shaken down its 2014 Nurburgring 24-Hour Endurance Race car in the lead up to the race which will be held at the grueling Nurburgring Circuit in Germany from June 19-22. This year marks the seventh consecutive year that Subaru and STI will participate at the event.

Well, the cat’s out of the bag. Officially. Nissan has unveiled its all-new, 12th generation pick-up truck, the Navara (officially known as the NP300 Navara). This new global market model is backed-up by Nissan’s 80-history in the pick-up truck genre and promises to meet the demands of individuals and business owners alike.

The all-new NP300 Navara boasts of better fuel economy, improved performance, a more rigid frame, and more importantly to owners, lower running costs.

Toyota is Offering Big Savings on Selected Vehicles until June 30.

As the summer season comes to a close and the rainy days soon to arrive, one needs a reliable and safe vehicle that will take you places without sacrificing your budget. This month, the number one automotive company in the country, extends its various offerings that are bound to excite you! Choose from several financing options that will suit your budget with Toyota’s promotions this June!

Isuzu executives held a ceremonial toast to open the 2014 Isuzu Truck Fest Manila at the SMX

Already having a firm hold on the country’s commercial vehicle segment, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) in its 2014 Truck Fest Manila showcases the diversity of Isuzu’s product range, which ensures the brand’s continued leadership in the local market.

It seems there is proof in the pudding. Subaru announced that in a final timed run on the Isle of Man TT Course, Mark Higgins driving a 2015 Subaru WRX STI (our 2014) breaks his lap record of the fabled 37-mile course with an average lap speed of 117.510 MPH (189.114 km/h) and a time of 19 minutes and 15 seconds. In Higgins’ record lap earlier this week, several errors caused him to lose time and he was determined to get more out of car. This new lap record breaks the 116.470 MPH average and time of 19:26 set Wednesday. The previous record of 115.36 MPH was set in 2011 in a WRX STI.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

India is one of the most misunderstood countries in the world. From an outsider looking in, it’s simply the country of snake-charmers, curry, and turbans. The truth, however, couldn’t be any further. In fact, India is a true microcosm of the world; a country where polar opposites meet and seem to coexist: overflowing wealthy to extreme poverty, highly-urbanized super cities to untouched rural landscapes. This is the sort of world where Suzuki flourishes, one where they are considered the unrivalled number one.

Ford Motor Company and Samsung SDI, an affiliate of Samsung Group,announced research on different levels of hybrid technology that could one day be produced in high volume on non-hybrid vehicles for greater fuel savings.

Suzuki Introduces Swift 1.2. Yours Starting at P 608,000! (w/ Brochure)

The sub-compact hatchback segment just got more interesting as Suzuki Philippines, Inc., the only integrated motorcycle and automobile company in the country launched a new variant of its popular and well-loved Swift. The new Swift 1.2 continues to have the same sporty style and zippy drive but now with even better fuel efficiency and lower emissions thanks to its new powertrain.

CAC executives led by Chairman, Jose Ch. Alvarez (2nd from L), and CAC President, Ginia R. Domingo (rightmost), were all smiles as they welcomed Head Coach Manny Pacquiao. PBA Commissioner, Atty. Angelico “Chito” Salud and Team Kia’s manager, Eric Pineda, were also on-hand to witness the historic announcement.

History on the hard court was made as Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, welcomed Congressman Manny Pacquiao as Team Kia Head Coach.

During a Press Conference held last June 9, 2014 at the CAC Headquarters in Makati, CAC formally announced to members of the media the sports icon’s new role.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno (3rd from right) graced the occasion and took part in the ceremonial drive with IPC President Nobuo Izumina (3rd from left) and Isuzu CDO Assistant General Manager George Ongchua (extreme right). Also present at launch, from left: IPC VP for Sales Daisuke Inaba, IPC SVP for Sales Arthur Balmadrid, and, Isuzu CDO President Frank Rolida.

There can be no doubting it now: The Isuzu D-Max leads the pack when it comes to off-road driving.

This was demonstrated once more as the 2014 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 Drive Series continued to impress in its fourth staging, which was held from June 6 to 8, 2014 in Cagayan de Oro City. The off-road driving activity, which already saw three previous editions in Pampanga, Cebu and Bacolod, consistently showed participants the unmatched capabilities and value-for-money proposition of the D-Max pickup.

It’s time to celebrate freedom and show off that Ayos Vibe at the #OneViberPH party on June 11, at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Showcasing the best of the Philippines in music and art, #OneViberPH is the freedom party for the modern Filipino.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The horsepower race is so last decade; nowadays, car manufacturers strive to extract more mileage out of every drop of fuel. Unworldly technology such as gasoline-electric hybrids, energy storing capacitors, and the like has now become mainstream. Of course, the most proven engine technology that gives more mileage for every drop of fuel is diesel. It’s been around for as long as the automobile has existed and yet, manufacturers are finding ways to make it more powerful, more refined, and at the end of the day, more fuel efficient. One such example is the new Hyundai Accent CRDi sedan.

Toyota Motor Philippines Breaches 9,000 Sales Mark in May

The number one car company in the country has once again made history in the automotive industry by recording 9,132 units in a single month last May. Coming from two consecutive months (March & April) of selling more than 8,000 units, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) proved that it can go even further by breaching the 9k sales mark last month.

Ford Philippines today announced its best-ever May sales performance, with sales rising 39 percent from a year earlier to 1,711 units driven by the all-new EcoSport, all-new Ranger, and Everest. This brings Ford’s year-to-date sales to 7,167 units, up 43 percent from a year earlier.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) is Hyundai Asia-Pacific Distributor of the Year

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) bagged its fourth distributorship excellence award at the Hyundai Global Distributorship Conference. This new victory now totals five major international citations from Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) Korea for the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the appointment of Fintan Knight as Director of Sales and Marketing. He replaces Jolyon Nash who has decided to leave Rolls-Royce at the end of June to pursue interests outside the company.

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June 18, 2014

Honda Cars Philippines Receives 2,500 Reservations on All-New City

Triumph at Le Mans: Audi Takes 13th Victory, Beats Porsche and Toyota

June 17, 2014

Review: 2014 Mazda3 2.0 Skyactiv

June 16, 2014

Philippine Car Price Guide: May-June 2014

Special Discounts on Volkswagen Jetta and Tiguan Models to End Soon

AVID Sales Surge 23 Percent in May

4 Schools Benefit in Chevron's "Brigada Eskwela"

Portugal Sets Pace at Leg 1 of 2014 Philippine GT Championship

June 13, 2014

Hyundai Sales on a Roll with 23 Percent Growth in May

Ford and Heinz Collaborate on Sustainable Materials for Vehicles

Yamaha Philippines Holds Motor Show

June 12, 2014

Go Pro Covered Volkswagen GTI? Pffft! Try a McLaren F1 Covered in Go Pros

Subaru and STI Shakedown Nurburging 24-Hour Challenge Car (w/ Specs)

The 2015 Nissan NP300 Navara: This is It

June 11, 2014

Toyota is Offering Big Savings on Selected Vehicles until June 30.

2014 Isuzu Truck Fest Manila is On at SMX Until June 14.

All-New Subaru WRX STI Breaks Isle of Man Record

Spice World: Going to India with Suzuki

Ford, Samsung Research Next-Generation Battery Technology

June 10, 2014

Suzuki Introduces Swift 1.2. Yours Starting at P 608,000! (w/ Brochure)

Pacquiao Named Head Coach of Kia's PBA Professional Basketball Team

Isuzu D-Max Continues to Impress at 4x4 Drive Series in Cagayan de Oro; Final Leg Slated in Davao

Epic Party on June 11 Unites Filipinos with Ayos Vibe

Review: 2014 Hyundai Accent CRDi Sedan

June 9, 2014

Toyota Motor Philippines Breaches 9,000 Sales Mark in May

Ford Philippines Continues Stratospheric Growth, Sales Up 39 Percent in May

June 8, 2014

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) is Hyundai Asia-Pacific Distributor of the Year

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Appoints New Director for Sales and Marketing