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November 9, 2014

Subaru Palm Challenge 2014: Philippine Team Holding Strong

Photo by Ulysses Ang

The MediaCorp Subaru Challenge 2014 - The Asian Face-Off, now in its 13th year, kick-started today with contenders struggling against harsh weather conditions to outlast each other. The blistering heat and humid temperatures early in the afternoon proved too much for some contestants, resulting in only 176 remaining with a chance of winning a Subaru XV worth P 1,298,000.

Subaru Palm Challenge 2014 Kicks Off at Ngee Ann City

Photo by Ulysses Ang

The region’s most anticipated endurance challenge kicked off today at Ngee Ann City’s Civic Plaza at exactly 1 PM. The Subaru Palm Challenge, now in its 13th year, sees 400 contestants from Singapore, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam gathering for the final qualifying round of the MediaCorp Subaru Challenge, for the chance of winning a Subaru XV 2.0i worth P 1,298,000.

Win a Brand-New Mitsubishi Mirage by Simply Playing a Game

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is taking its digital campaign to an exciting spin with the Mirage Eco Dash Game application.

Click here for the full launch story and here for Everest factoids.

Ford released photos and a short video offering a sneak preview of its latest global vehicle, the new Ford Everest.

Ford will unveil the new Ford Everest at a special media event in Beijing on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

Review: 2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer LTX

Photos by Ulysses Ang

How much will P 100,000 get you these days? Well, if you were to believe online sellers, that’s the admission price of a brand-new Apple iPhone 6 Plus. And while some won’t bat an eyelid spending a hundred grand on a large white brick (well, gray or gold if you prefer) that bends, for a huge chunk of the population, you’re better off spending that cash somewhere else. Though I cannot speak as your personal financial consultant, I happen to stumble upon one of the best value offerings in the 7-seater diesel SUV category: the Chevrolet Trailblazer LTX.

BYD, AAP Enter Customer Service Partnership

The Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), the country’s national auto club, and Chinese carmaker, BYD, recently entered into a partnership, which forms part of the BYD Five-Star Customer Service Program. Present at the contract signing were Augusto C. Lagman, president, and Jacinto M. Mantaring, Jr., chairperson, membership and admin committee, who represented AAP, while Mark Tieng and Jose Paolo “Popo” Soriano, Star Corp. managing director and general manager, respectively, represented BYD.

On the fence whether you’re getting a Volkswagen or not? The search could very well be over as Volkswagen takes part in the 2014 Auto Focus Christmas Test Drive Festival happening from November 6 to 9 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

Despite being the unfortunate victim of the LTFRB’s Jurassic-era laws and mandates, Uber, the revolutionary car sharing company has just announced a new service that will move people, especially those with disabilities, around Manila in a safe and reliable manner.

Safe "Undas" Travels with Petron Lakbay Alalay

Family ties are particularly important to Filipinos, which is why “undas” or the commemoration of All Souls Day is one of the most important holidays of the year. Usually, families travel home to their hometowns or go to the memorial parks to spend the day in remembrance of our dearly departed.

It will be a grand and unique test drive experience for prospective car buyers and motoring enthusiasts as fourteen (14) carmakers and distributors gather for the “2014 Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Test Drive Festival” to be held November 6-9, 2014 at the huge open Concert Grounds at Block 12 of the SM Mall of Asia. Free test drives will be offered to qualified motorists who can select their preferred models from a wide, multi-brand roster that will include: BAIC, BYD, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, MINI, Nissan, Peugeot, Toyota and Volkswagen.

Volvo Philippines is proud to introduce its latest addition to its premium sports sedan lineup, the Volvo S60 D4 Advantage model.

2015 Ford Escape vs the Competition

It seems Ford Philippines is re-defining what ‘premium’ in ‘premium compact crossover’ really means with the all-new 2015 Escape. Available in two variants, the 1.6 SE and 2.0 Titanium, it’s bound to draw comparisons with the best compact crossovers available in the market as of now namely, the Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, and Nissan X-Trail.

Who says having a family ends your dream of buying a muscle car? Well, it may not sport a two-door body, but the new 2015 Explorer Sport sure does come close in giving you muscle car performance wrapped in a very practical body. Alongside the Ford Escape, Ford Philippines unveiled the latest addition to their Explorer family, one that adds EcoBoost technology to the already potent 3.5-liter V6 engine.

UPDATE: here is the 2015 Ford Escape vs the competition. (10/28)

Christmas came early for would-be compact crossover buyers as Ford Philippines has finally unveiled (and priced) their all-new 2015 Ford Escape. Continuing Ford’s value-for-money approach, the all-new Escape is available in two competitive variants: the 1.6 EcoBoost SE 2WD and the 2.0 EcoBoost Titanium AWD. Both models are already available for reservations at Ford dealerships nationwide with deliveries starting in January 2015.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

When it comes to mid-cycle facelifts, carmakers often tout something sexy like a more aggressive exterior or a more premium interior. Sure, this is all brochure (and press release) worthy, but what about something that substantially changes the driving dynamics? You know, the one that really matters to the guy behind the wheel? Well, Mitsubishi has done exactly that and the result is the 2015 ASX: a crossover that runs better, smoother, and way better than ever before.

AVID Sales Up 37 Percent in September

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID), expanded by 37% year-on-year (YoY) in September ending the month with 3,043 units sold. Exceptional growth was seen in both the Passenger Car (PC) and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segments.

Uber Officially Responds to LTFRB Sting Operation

Over the past few days, car-sharing company Uber became the victim of a sting operation by the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board or LTFRB. During the said operation, an Uber driver was fined and his vehicle impounded. In light of this matter, we have sought the official statement from Uber’s Press Office. This is their official response:

Sippin' It Real Good: Taking the Volkswagen TDIs Through its First Fuel Economy Fun Run

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Call it “sign of the times”, but car buyers often ask one question when it comes to a new car: how’s the fuel mileage? Although pump prices have stabilized as of late, it seems getting a more fuel-efficient car has become an ingrain thought. And it’s a good thing: not only is a more fuel-efficient car less painful to the own, but it’s also beneficial to the environment. Of course, today’s diesels come in every shape and form: Japanese, Korean, and even Indian; however, the most sought-after ones come from Europe for one simple reason: they’re very good at it.

Ford Upgrades 2.0-liter Focus With Sports Kit, Leather Seats

Ford Philippines has announced an upgrade to its Ford Focus lineup, continuing to raise the bar with additional exterior and interior features that include a Sport styling kit and full leather interior.

The concept of luxury has changed through the years. Today, luxury means more than just lavish spending. Hyundai has redefined luxury into exceptional up-market comfort that you deserve and the convenience of experiencing premium features once thought impossible in, say, family vans.
Through the years, the Grand Starex, Hyundai’s game-changer in the Passenger Van segment has become a household word when it comes to talking about the family van of choice. Its reputation and reliability are a fact, not only among those who have owned a Starex, but also to those who still want to have one.

First Drive: 2015 Nissan X-Trail 4WD

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Driving up to Baguio, the City of Pines, was once considered an automotive torture test. It was where new cars are brought up in the hopes of getting back with tales how everything went smoothly or awfully wrong. Although those days are over, Baguio is still a commonly preferred destination to stretch a new car’s legs, and of course, act as a quick getaway. Thus, it wasn’t a big surprise that Baguio was chosen as the destination to shakedown the all-new Nissan X-Trail—the compact crossover that promises to signal the Japanese brand’s return to glory.

Ferrari F60America Marks 60 Years of Prancing Horse in North America

To celebrate Ferrari’s 60th year in North America, Maranello has returned to its 1950s and 60s tradition of producing strictly limited edition, built-to-order cars. The result is the F60America, of which just 10 will be produced. The new car combines our American clients’ two great passions - the V12 engine and open-top driving – and is being unveiled tomorrow evening at an anniversary celebration gala dinner at Beverly Hills City Hall.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, sold 2,017 units for the month of September, reflecting a laudable 34% year-on-year growth (YoY). Year-to-date, sales reached a total of 17,693 units, marking 9% growth versus year-ago levels.

Simplicity, functionality, a high regard for design, science, and nature, are some of the more known characteristics of the Scandinavian lifestyle. But there is also, love for family and fun. Scandinavians know how to party, and out of the Scandinavian traditions, the summer Crayfish Party is one of those events held annually. In the Philippines, the Scandinavian community has celebrated this fun event for the past 16 years, hosted by the Scandinavian Society of the Philippines (SSP), as a fundraiser for the Chosen Children Village. This year, Volvo Philippines, the exclusive local distributor of Swedish car brand Volvo, co-presented this year’s Traditional Crayfish Party held recently at the Sofitel’s Outdoor Pavillion.

The BYD F0 driven by Keith Bryan Haw proved unbeatable in the last leg of the Micro Series category of the Circuit Showdown also known as the “Circuit Final Showdown”, when it dispatched its main challengers, the Toyota Wigo driven by Mark Peter Thomann and the Suzuki Capuccino piloted by Mackie Cañete on the challenging Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Last October 18, during the final round of the 2014 Toyota Vios Cup held at the McKinley West street circuit in Taguig, Toyota Motor Philippines formally signed its agreement with Toyota Technocraft Co. Ltd. to distribute Toyota Racing Development (TRD) products in the country.

Mahindra Reportedly Bullish About Expanding Operations in the Philippine Market

Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M), an Indian multi-national automobile manufacturing corporation with headquarters in Mumbai, has reportedly signed an official agreement with one of the Philippines’ largest automotive groups. The said agreement is set to pave the way for the aggressive expansion of Mahindra’s presence in the Philippines. Sources say that the Indian vehicle manufacturing giant is extremely bullish about their continued expansion of operations in the Philippine market due to confidence in the steady and sustained growth of the Philippine economy.

Motor Image Pilipinas Inc. (MIPI), the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, along with its authorized dealers will hold its 2nd phase of Kansha Festival from October 20-26, 2014. Also known as Subaru customer appreciation week, the Kansha festival is originally a celebration adapted from the Japanese “Kinro Kansha no Hi” or Labor Thanksgiving Day.

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