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October 9, 2015

Philippine CoTY Tests Start this Weekend at Fontana

The Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), is all set to begin their 12th testing season to determine the best of the best among the recently launched vehicles in the market today. With firm commitments from almost all car manufacturers and distributors, this year’s test fest promises to be a busy one for the participating members.

Foton's Game Changer: Upclose with the Toplander

During one otherwise uninteresting afternoon, I received a rather peculiar phone call. “Sir, would you be interested in driving the Foton Toplander in Indiana?” Given the quality of our cellular service in Manila, I was almost sure I misheard the other person on the line. “Sure,” I said. When will you need me to submit my Chinese Visa requirements? “No sir. You won’t need it. This drive will be in Indiana, USA.” A long pause ensued. A Foton drive in the Midwestern US? They must be kidding, I thought. Lo-and-behold, two weeks later, I was actually on a 31-hour plane ride to Columbus, Indiana to see the Toplander.

Nissan Philippines Previews Juke (w/ Specs)

Just in time with its new brand campaign, “Rediscover Excitement” as well as its second anniversary as part of the global Nissan family, Nissan Philippines, Inc. brings to market the Juke sports sub-compact crossover. Featuring a unique exterior design, motorbike inspired cabin, and dynamic handling, the Juke is now available for reservations at all Nissan dealerships nationwide with deliveries to start by January 2016.

Auto Nation Group, the exclusive distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the country showed off the newest offerings from high-performance division, AMG, headlined by the local debut of the Mercedes-AMG GT S supercar. This was joined at the event by the CLA 45 OrangeArt Edition and GLA 45.

Ford Motor Company and St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University have reached the final phase of a large-scale research project aimed at enhancing vehicle communication technology. As a result of the work that leverages university telematics expertise in space robot communications, Ford has filed several patents on technologies that can serve to advance connected cars of the future.

Delo , a global brand distributed by Chevron under the Caltex master brand in Asia Pacific, has some treats for Filipino motorists as it celebrates 80 years of bringing people further.

Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) has released two new motorcycles designed for the new breed of rider who want technology, innovative features, and practicality. In their new campaign dubbed “Generation S”, HPI launched the all-new Zoomer-X. The Zoomer-X joins HPI’s other Generation S offerings: the BeAT-Fi and Click125i.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Why fix if it isn’t broken? That’s more or less the theme of the 2015 Toyota Camry. It’s been the country’s best-selling executive sedan for quite some time. Theoretically, Toyota could put their feet up and call it a day, and it will still sell very well; a nod to the strong recall and reputation of this model. But Toyota’s not giving its competitors any time to catch up. It’s been given a timely nip and tuck just to keep its competitors at bay without straying far from its long-held virtues.

Foton Unveils Gratour, Toano Vans

Foton Philippines is getting two new additions to its MPV/van line-up with the formal launch of the Gratour and Toano which were unveiled alongside the Toplander at the Big Show 2015 in World Trade Center in Pasay City. According to the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in China, both the Toano and Gratour are destined to make a splash thanks to its space, utility, and flexibility.

Foton is expanding its line-up with the unveil of not one, not two, but three new offerings at its annual Big Show which is happening now until tomorrow, October 4, 2015 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The biggest commercial vehicle manufacturer in China, Foton has quickly established itself as a formidable commercial vehicle brand in the Philippines despite being established just eight years ago. Headlining the charge is the Toplander.

Zalora, Asia’s online fashion destination, and Japanese automotive brand Mazda have teamed up once again to bring in the “Mazda2 Drive for Fashion” raffle game where participants are given a chance to go home aboard an all-new Mazda2 Skyactiv R. The online raffle found on Zalora Philippines’ official website runs now to November 30, 2015 and is open to all Zalora customers.

Volvo Philippines continues to support music and the arts as it becomes the official transport of world-renowned pianist Cecile Licad. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Sanctuario de San Antonio and the 19th Francisfest, Licad performed along with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra on October 2, 2015.

Conducted by Gerard Salonga, the evening was filled with sweet notes and a repertoire that delighted all guests. More importantly, proceeds of the concert supported outreach programs, such as the scholarship program for deserving youth, the PGH Pediatric Hospital Ministry, The Prison Ministry, victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Samar, and poor Franciscan parishes in rural areas.

Licad will be ferried in a Volvo S60, a sleek and stylish sports sedan.

Willie Torres Bags 2015 Yokohama Philippine GT Championship

After bagging two 1st place finishes at the 5th round of the 2015 Yokohama Philippine GT Championship last September 27, Willie Torres is provisionally now the new GT 300 champion with one round to spare.

UPDATE 3: Volkswagen Philippines issued a statement (10/03).

UPDATE 2: The Dieselgate scandal has caused some heads to roll (9/26).

UPDATE 1: More information provided below. Seems the cheat involves engines worldwide (9/23).

Volkswagen is the middle of a corporate catastrophe that undermines a loss of trust towards consumers and government regulators. Just last week, the US-based Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has discovered that certain VW models are able to circumvent emission requirements during testing with a “defeat device”. This affects close to 500,000 cars and could also mean that the German automaker could face stiff fines.

Review: 2015 Hyundai Sonata GLS Premium

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Automakers generally follow one of two paths in introducing an all-new vehicle. Some take a conservative approach and choose to raise each bar (performance, comfort, efficiency, etc.) marginally, in an effort to please all and alienate none. Others take a strategic risk and focus on specific attributes in an attempt to shift perceptions about their vehicle.

Honda Cars Philippines Records 1,700-Unit Sales in a Single Month

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, reports that it sold 1,700 vehicles for the month of August. To date, a total of 12,167 Honda vehicles have been sold in 2015. This indicates a 48% increase compared to its sales over the same period last year.
The lone locally-produced Honda vehicle, the City, remains the Company’s best seller contributing 44 percent to HCPI’s August sales.

Furthermore, the recently launched Mobilio shows a lot of promise as it registered a 22 percent contribution to HCPI August sales. For the month of August, the Mobilio garnered 830 new reservations proving that customers have a strong desire for this type of vehicle in the market today. The Mobilio is Honda’s first seven-seater Multi-purpose Utility Vehicle (MUV) that addresses the market’s need for an affordable family vehicle.

Ford Palawan Opens

Ford Philippines expands its dealership network with the opening of Ford Palawan.

Under the leadership of Willy Tee Ten, Ford Palawan is his 8th Ford dealership to open.

The Ford Palawan dealership is a one-floor facility covering a total area of 1,500 square meters, with a 5-vehicle showroom display and 4-bay service area.

Ford Palawan is located in North National Highway, Barangay, San Jose, Puerto Princesa City.

“Our Ford dealerships are the touch points we have to our customers, offering them the quality customer service experience that they deserve. We continue our expansion in the Philippines to cater to our widest lineup of Ford vehicle offerings in the market”, said Kay Hart, managing director of Ford Philippines.

This year, Ford has established dealerships also in Ormoc and Sta. Rosa, bringing the current number of Ford dealerships to 39.

Ford remains on track with its plan to expand itsnationwide dealer network to 40 locations across the country by end of the year with the opening of Ford Marilao in November.

Car Awards Group Launches Search for 2015 Car of the Year - Philippines

The Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), the country’s premier automotive award-giving body, formally launched their 2015 Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-P) and Truck of the Year-Philippines (TOTY-P) testing season today, at ceremonies held at the Manila Polo Club.

Aston Martin Opens Stunning Showroom in Manila

Aston Martin’s ongoing expansion in the important Asia Pacific region continues to gather pace with the British luxury sports car maker officially opening its dealership in Manila.

Recognizing the power of sports in the Philippine market, Suzuki Philippines (SPH) renewed its contract with three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and 2010 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Under-18 Championship Mythical Team member Kiefer Ravena, extending his endorsement agreement with the company for another year.

Toyota Motor Philippines School of Technology (TMP Tech) holds its first commencement exercises with 110 students graduating from their 2-year Toyota General Job Automotive Servicing Course. These graduates will join the local and overseas Toyota workforce.

Review: 2015-2016 Mazda6 Sports Wagon

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Every car enthusiast loves a wagon. Whether or not he’ll admit that in public is another matter, but ask him what comprises his dream garage and 100 percent of the time, there will be a wagon in that list. The common folk now see them as something dorky, especially since you’ve got butched-up wagons called crossovers offering more ‘bang for the buck’. But whatever they put in these raised, cladded wagons, they’ll never be as beautiful to look at or drive. The wagon is essentially the best all-around in the automotive world. It’s a car with all the benefits and none of the side effects; it handles tidily, doesn’t take the space of an entire continent, and offers practical and usable space.

Foton to Compete in SUV Market with Toplander; Philippine Market Debut Set at Foton Big Show 2015

Foton is getting ready to field its first-ever Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the Philippines with the market launch of the Toplander. Expected to be priced competitively, the Toplander is poised to steal sales away from the Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) and entry-level MPV and SUV market.

Rolls-Royce is bringing back an iconic nameplate once more with the introduction of the Dawn—it’s newest 2+2 ultra-luxury open top grand tourer. A contemporary take on what the company calls the ‘Casino’ lifestyle, the Dawn is designed to attract people with relish both freedom and sophistication.

What do you get when you decide to modernize the iconic Safari Rally-winning Nissan 240Z? The new Gripz Concept. Presented as a design study at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Gripz Concept blends the ability and practicality of a compact crossover with the excitement and performance of a sports car.

BYD Philippines Marks Second Year with Intensity 2.0 Promo

Following its growing global presence and significant strides in Electric Vehicles, BYD, through Solar Transport and Automotive Resources Corp. (STAR Corp.), the exclusive distributor of BYD vehicles in the Philippines, is celebrating its second year with a promo entitled “Intensity 2.0”, which will surely make the experience of owning a BYD car ever more rewarding.

Mazda showed off an all-new crossover concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Called the Koeru, it’s a preview of the second-generation CX-9 which is expected to debut as a production model probably as early as the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of the year.

Motor Image Pilipinas held the first-ever Subaru Marathon last September 13 at the Mall of Asia Grounds in Pasay City. Done in partnership with RunRio, the premier running events organizer in the country, it attracted over 6,000 registered runners for four different race categories: 5K, 10K, 21K, and 42K. The 42K race kicked off as early as 2:00 AM with runners going through Mall of Asia, Roxas Boulevard, Buendia going to Kalayaan Avenue, passing by Subaru Manila Bay and Global City showrooms. After the races, runners and guests were treated to fun activities at the race village that included music from DJ Kat.

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October 9, 2015

Philippine CoTY Tests Start this Weekend at Fontana

October 7, 2015

Foton's Game Changer: Upclose with the Toplander

October 6, 2015

Nissan Philippines Previews Juke (w/ Specs)

Mercedes-Benz Philippines Launches AMG GT S, CLA 45 OrangeArt Edition, GLA 45

Ford Gets Closer to Connected Cars with Help from University

Delo Celebrates 80 Years with "Lets Go Further Today with Delo" Campaign

Honda Launches Zoomer-X

Review: 2015 Toyota Camry 3.5 Q

October 3, 2015

Foton Unveils Gratour, Toano Vans

Foton Charges into SUV Market with Toplander

Win a Mazda2 in Zalora and Mazda's "Drive for Fashion" Raffle

Volvo Ferries Premiere Pianist Cecile Licad

Willie Torres Bags 2015 Yokohama Philippine GT Championship

UPDATED: Volkswagen Caught Cheating on Emissions

September 29, 2015

Review: 2015 Hyundai Sonata GLS Premium

September 26, 2015

Honda Cars Philippines Records 1,700-Unit Sales in a Single Month

Ford Palawan Opens

Car Awards Group Launches Search for 2015 Car of the Year - Philippines

September 23, 2015

Aston Martin Opens Stunning Showroom in Manila

Suzuki Renews Contract with Kiefer Ravena

TMP Tech's Pioneer Graduates to Join Toyota's After-Sales Workforce

September 22, 2015

Review: 2015-2016 Mazda6 Sports Wagon

September 21, 2015

Foton to Compete in SUV Market with Toplander; Philippine Market Debut Set at Foton Big Show 2015

Rolls-Royce Dawn: Don't Call It a Wraith Convertible

Nissan Gripz Concept is the Modern Day Safari Rally 240Z

September 20, 2015

BYD Philippines Marks Second Year with Intensity 2.0 Promo

Mazda Koeru Concept Previews All-New CX-9

Motor Image Pilipinas Successfully Holds Subaru Marathon