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February 21, 2016

UPDATED: The Levante is Maserati's First SUV

UPDATE 1: Maserati reveals more details on the Levante at the Geneva Auto Show (3/2).

Maserati finally shows off the brand’s first-ever SUV with the Levante. The Levante will be key in tapping new markets and increasing sales for the Italian brand. It joins Maserati’s existing range of sedans and sports cars: the Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo, and GranCabrio models.

Ford Philippinesconfirmed that its momentum has continued into the new year, reporting its best-ever January performance with retail sales jumping 50 percent year-over-year to 2,459 units.

“It’s a fantastic start to 2016, and we’re extremely proud of how the Ford brand continues to connect with our fast-growing base of Filipino customers,” said Lance Mosley, managing director, Ford Philippines.

In its bid to protect clients from buying defective vehicles, Carmudi Philippines has recently forged partnership with Rapide Auto Service Experts.

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines has expressed optimism that the Philippine electric vehicle industry stands to gain from the recent rise in Japanese investments in the country.

Chevrolet Celebrates the Everyday Hero with Low Down or Discounts on Trailblazer

Real life heroes walk among us. They are clad in their everyday uniform, fulfilling their daily tasks – saving lives, rendering services, building homes, among others – to realize their dreams for themselves and their families. Their valor is celebrated in the simplest of things: a warm embrace for the devoted parents to a thank you message for the hardworking Overseas Filipino Workers.

Market leader Petron Corporation offers motorists another exciting reward for the best day ever with a new set of Limited Edition Collectibles. Created exclusively for Petron, the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Gadget Collection consists of four character gadgets, namely:

Review: 2016 Volvo XC60 D4 Polestar

Volvo is putting all the attention squarely on the all-new XC90 and rightfully so because it’s a beautifully designed, intricately detailed SUV that’s serving as the company’s bellwether ushering a new era for the premium Swedish carmaker. But sitting just outside the limelight is the XC60, a compact crossover that’s been a success story for the brand considering it’s been released in the market six years ago. With the 2016 model, it’s clear Volvo isn’t ready to put this one out to the pasture just yet. With understated luxury and the most convincing drivetrain yet, the 2016 XC60 D4 might just be the second reason why people should seriously consider a Volvo.

HARI Appointed as Hyundai Commercial Vehicle Distributor

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) is celebrating a milestone befitting its fifteenth anniversary in the Philippines: the official appointment as the distributor of Hyundai commercial vehicles in the country. The agreement, formalized this week, is a milestone venture for HARI after growing the market for Hyundai passenger cars. HARI sees the appointment as a visible sign of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC)’s support to HARI after it made Hyundai one of the most sought-after car brands in the Philippines.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. has just announced that its authorized dealers across the country are now accepting reservations for the all-new 2016 Civic which will launch very soon. After being shown as a teaser on its Facebook page, HCPI is now revealing more details about their compact car challenger including the powertrain that it will be using.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

When Ford announced their “One Ford” global strategy, some pundits denounced that it wasn’t going to work. They thought: how can you build a single vehicle and expect it to be successful in almost every market it competes in? These critics clearly have a myopic view since they’ve set their goals far too low. They’re convinced that for as long as you’ve nailed a particular country’s market requirements, it’s okay to compromise.

Toyota Motor Philippines Reveals More Fortuner Tidbits

Toyota Motor Philippines gave a sneak peek of its all-new 2016 Fortuner at its annual media thanksgiving party last January. And now, they’ve revealed even more tidbits including one, interestingly enough, that has to do where the Philippines will source Toyota’s PPV or Pickup-based Passenger Vehicle.

Ferrari is shifting its naming terminology as it bids goodbye to the FF. In its place is the GTC4Lusso, a car that will make its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show. More than just a simple swap of the badge, the GTC4Lusso introduces new technology to make this stunning V12-powered four-seater the definitive grand tourer on the planet.

After being thoroughly impressed by the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport (read our review here), Ford Philippines has announced the availability of a new variant that slots below the Sport: the Explorer 2.3 Limited.

Dedicated enthusiasts of various bestselling Suzuki cars finally came together under one umbrella to celebrate the Suzuki Way of Life.

Honda Cars Philippines is re-releasing its limited edition Cool Blue color for the Jazz sub-compact after the first batch was snapped up very quickly. As before, the Cool Blue hue remains as a limited edition with only twenty (20) units available for sale. And as always, the Cool Blue Limited Edition comes decked either in Modulo or MUGEN trims that add to the sporty and standout appeal.

Mitsubishi Motors Declares Participation in CARS Program

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced its decision to participate in the CARS Program (Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy Program).

There’s an air of mystery and intrigue with Aston Martin. While everyone grew up on a steady stable of Italian and German high-performance machinery, this British supercar brand has become iconic because of the silver screen. Tied synonymously with super spy James Bond, Filipinos have seen it being driven to exotic locations and saving the world countless times for over 30 years. And that’s usually with a beautiful woman in the passenger’s seat.

Ford Uses Materials Ready for the Long Haul (w/ Videos)

Throughout a vehicle’s lifetime, it’s inevitable that the materials inside a car show signs of wear and tear. Imagine the frequent sitting on car seats, leaning on arm rests, gripping the steering wheel and fiddling with the instruments. So what does Ford do to help make sure all vehicles are up to this challenge?

As part of their commitment in being the “reliable partner,” Isuzu Philippines Corporation—the official local distributor of Japanese car maker for the country—has formally forged a new partnership with some of the top tier athletes in the country, this time, triathletes from the Visayan region.

Ferrari announced its best year in 2015 with global shipments totaling 7,664 units or an increase of 6 percent compared to 2014. This performance is driven by an increase in sales of their 8-cylinder models led by the California T, 458 Speciale A, and of course, the newly launched 488 GTB. Unfortunately, sales of their 12-cylinder models: the F12berlinetta and FF are down 24 percent during the same period.

I love the Juke. Say what you want about the styling, but after a week’s worth of driving, I just can’t get tired of it. Among all the cars the revitalized Nissan has brought to market so far, this is the one that’s nailed it dead on. It’s certainly not the perfect vehicle, but it’s young, hip, and different—the very adjectives that Nissan needs if they were to stand a chance against the Toyotas and Hondas of the world. Clearly, this has none of the staidness leftover from the beige leather and fake wood; this is styled to stand out.

Michelin Launches Primacy SUV: The Most Important Safety Feature On Your SUV

Most SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) drivers choose their vehicle’s safety features carefully – considering ABS, airbags, and traction control. But more often than not, they underestimate the vital role that tires play. As the only contact with the road, good tires are a driver’s first guarantee of a safe and comfortable ride.

Hyundai Motor received international recognition for its vehicle design from the prestigious iF Design Awards jury. All-new Elantra and All-new Tucson won iF Design Award 2016 in “Product” discipline, under “Automobiles / Vehicles / Bikes” category.

Timeless Wonder: The Toyota Automotive Museum in Nagoya (w/ 74 Photos)

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Sounds of children’s laughter greeted us as we approached the Toyota Automobile Museum in Nagoya. Groups of children on a school trip, with their brightly colored yellow hats, were seated under the watchful eyes of their teachers while waiting for the museum to open. Not far from them stood another group of museum attendees – seniors with their white hair (or lack of it) and canes and some even in wheelchairs. And scattered around were some twenty-to-thirty-something– young or old, depending on the viewer- adults, ourselves included.

Monster Jam Returns to Manila This June 2016

Last year, over 22,000 fans made history when Monster Jam entertained Pinoy fans of all ages. 2016 gets even BIGGER as Monster Jam returns to the Philippines on June 18 and 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Davao City Procures Additional 53 Units of Tata Ace Jeepney

Tata Motors Davao, which is operated by Davao Bonifacio Motors Incorporated, along with, Davao City Mayor, Rodrigo Duterte, turned over the second batch of Tata Ace Bata units with jeepney bodies yesterday to 53 barangays, with each barangay receiving one unit. The turn over ceremony was held at the People’s Park, Davao City.

I read about it all the time in press kits: Ford doing extreme weather testing on their cars. And for a moment, I think: surely, this has got to be an exaggeration. No carmaker would go through the lengths of freezing cars in minus 40 Celsius. In a freezer. That is, until I found myself at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport trying to pick up the 2016 Explorer Sport in minus 17 Celsius.

Discounts Galore at Subaru's Kansha Festival

Motor Image Pilipinas Inc. (MIPI), the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country will hold its much awaited Kansha Festival from February 1 to 7, 2016. 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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