Hyundai Group Design Chief Luc Donckerwolke is leaving the Korean automaker group for undisclosed personal reasons. The Belgian behind the current Palisade, Sonata (pictured), and even the Le Fil Rouge Concept has stepped down with immediate effect.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines is the first local automaker to publicly announce its safety guidelines for dealers and service centers in areas covered by the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Chery Auto Philippines is now fitting most of its local line-up fitted with an N95 certified cabin filtration system.

Nissan announced the extension of its temporary adjustment to production in Thailand in response to the continuing COVID-19 outbreak and decreased demand in the automotive market.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has already impacted the automotive industry significantly, according to JATO Dynamics, a leading provider of global automotive data and insight. Global vehicle sales totaled 5.55 million units in March 2020, down by 39 percent from March 2019.

Audi has confirmed: they will not be racing in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) beyond the 2020 season. The decision is fueled by the German carmaker’s direction as a carbon-neutral premium mobility provider, but exacerbated in light of the recent economic challenges brought by COVID-19.

From Hiroshima cork producer to global car manufacturer, 2020 sees Mazda celebrate a century of innovation, pioneering design, and engineering success. One hundred years of business that has also seen a fair share of records achieved by Mazda over the course of its storied history.

With schools and daycare centers closed, parents working from home have to find ways to keep their children busy. Porsche is pitching in these efforts—like through Porsche 4Kids, which offers children stuck at home a welcome distraction by way of various activities that both entertain and educate.

Suzuki Philippines is announcing a very unlikely ambassador in the form of robotic time traveling cat character Doraemon.

Although car manufacturing has been temporarily suspended, production of another unique, distinctly British treasure is running at record levels at the Home of Rolls-Royce: the world’s most exclusive honey.

Jaguar Land Rover plans to gradually resume production from May 18, 2020, starting with manufacturing plants in Solihull in the UK as well as in Slovakia and Austria.

Geely has just unveiled their first three-row SUV: the 2020 Haoyue. With a name that literally translates as “Auspicious” it has just been launched online for its home market of China.

Toyota Motor Corporation joins Mitsubishi and Nissan in the full-scale production of medical face shields in Japan.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) – with 20 member companies representing 26 global brands – recorded sales of only 14,404 units equivalent to a 34.4 percent drop in the first quarter of the year amid the Enhanced Community Quarantine caused by COVID-19.

Most, if not all, dealerships and their accompanying repair and maintenance facilities have been closed since March 16, 2020.

“The local industry is reeling from this invisible enemy as vehicle manufacturing, importation, distribution, and maintenance have stopped completely. Demand has likewise declined as consumers spend on more urgent needs. With this disruption, we estimate that car sales may drop by around 40 percent for the year,” AVID President Fe Perez-Agudo said.

“The industry is no stranger to adversity but this pandemic will be our toughest challenge yet.  We estimate that it would take at least 12 months for the local industry to recover once the ECQ is completely lifted. There will be a ‘new normal’ and we must be quick to adapt since Filipino consumers will be even more prudent and looking for more value in their purchases," Ms. Agudo added.

The Passenger Cars (PC) segment declined by 43 percent in the first quarter of 2020 with 4,506 units sold versus the 7,848 units in the same period last year. Hyundai leads this segment with 2,724 units sold, followed by Suzuki with 1,127 units, and Ford with 415 units.

In the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment, year-to-date sales dipped by over 29 percent with 9,806 units sold. Ford leads this segment with a total of 3,479 units while Hyundai comes in second with 2,797 units closely followed by Suzuki with 2,740 units.

Commercial Vehicles (CV) sales declined by 62 percent to just 92 units over the period.

AVID says second quarter sales may dip even further due to the ECQ for the whole month of April and at least half of May in major urban areas.

The association, however, says that despite the bleak short-term outlook, many members have joined the nation’s battle to fight COVID-19. Several AVID companies are providing free mobility which includes the transport of our front liners, medical supplies, and essential goods across the country. Some have donated personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, gloves, etc. to COVID facilities. Others are supporting their home communities and LGUs.

AVID member companies have used the lockdown to develop COVID-ready processes, structures, and organizations. Health protection and safety strategies are being put in place for employees, business partners, and to meet the emerging needs of the customer in the next normal environment. It added that the industry is very much aware of the protocols on social distancing —wearing of appropriate protective equipment, and additional sanitation measures—which it committed to observe. As an added layer of protection, some AVID members will be conducting antibody testing prior to the re-entry of its workforce. This will be done as part of Project ARK, a private sector-led initiative to conduct mass testing for the new coronavirus at the community level.

Based on government data, the Philippine automotive sector, directly and indirectly, employs 408,000 people.


Editor’s Note:

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz)
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce)
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI)
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin)
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford)
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai)
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC)
• LMI – Legado Motors, Inc. (GAC)
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru) 
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche) 
• SGAP – Sojitz G Auto Philippines (Geely)
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo)
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki) 
• TAC – Triesenburg Auto Corporation (Kinglong) 
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet) 

Hyundai has wasted no time. After introducing the “regular” 2021 Elantra, the Korean automaker has announced that a “warmer” version is coming in the form of the Elantra N Line.

Previewed by these camouflaged photos, the Elantra is getting its first N Line treatment. With that, it gets specific upgrades to its design, chassis, and engine—but all short of the full N treatment.

It must be reiterated that the “N Line” sits directly below the “N” brand. Whereas the N brand develops high-performance versions of existing Hyundai cars, the N Line simply adds sporty design elements and further refinements to its chassis and powertrain.

The Hyundai Elantra N Line is expected to bow in around the same time as the “regular” Elantra compact sedan.

In January 2020, Toyota achieved an important milestone by selling more than 15 million hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) globally since the launch of the first-generation Prius in 1997.

Today, the range of available hybrid electric vehicles from Toyota and Lexus reaches 44 models, far eclipsing the original flag-bearer that remains the symbol of the company’s early and visionary foray into mass electrification.

Toyota’s decision to develop hybrid electric vehicles started over 25 years ago when Takeshi Uchiyamada led a team to develop a car for the 21st century, one which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.

The first-generation Prius was launched in 1997 around the time of the Kyoto Protocol signing, which gave new momentum to the environmental movement. Today, 15 million hybrid sales later, Toyota has made a significant contribution to the environment as its hybrid electric technology has reduced CO2 emissions by more than 120 million tons worldwide to date compared to sales of equivalent petrol vehicles.

Across this period, Toyota has seen demand for its hybrid electric vehicles soar as the company has combined this innovative technology with the roll out of its next-generation TNGA global platforms. Beyond the current 4th generation hybrid system, Toyota is continuing to refine its hybrid technology to achieve even lower emissions and ever-better fuel efficiency.

Mitsubishi Motors is now producing face shields in Japan to help against the spread COVID-19 infections.

When you think of accessorizing, the Isuzu D-Max rarely makes it on top of most project car lists. Though it’s been proven to look great with the Boondock Edition, most would consider other pickup trucks as their starting point. It’s for this reason that Isuzu UK has come up with this one-of-a-kind D-Max: to show the pickup’s aftermarket potential. Meet the Isuzu D-Max GO2.

One of Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s dealer groups, INTECO (Industrial & Transport Equipment Inc), has been in the forefront of the automotive industry’s all-out efforts to assist the country’s front liners in the medical, hospital, armed forces and essential industries in their fight to halt the further spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines.

To create a world-class car, you need a team that knows the world. With the Coolray, the result is a global collaboration between teams of designers and engineers.

Fifty-three years ago, three letters came together to become synonymous with the ultimate in Mercedes-Benz driving performance: AMG. Those letters, and the company it represents today is world-renowned for supreme automotive performance, exclusivity, and highly dynamic driving pleasure.

With the multitude of driver assist technologies like blind spot warning and lane keep assist, the question now beckons: which tech actually prevents accidents?

This year, Peugeot is celebrating a decade of the i-Cockpit—one of the French carmaker’s most distinct design features that’s been standard on all their cars since the first-generation 208.

After 27 years and four generations, Lexus is bidding adieu to its sporty GS sedan this August. And with Toyota’s announcement of the model’s discontinuation, they’re sending it off in style with this special “Eternal Touring” edition.

Secretary Ramon Lopez of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has formally responded to the request by the Philippine Automotive Dealers Association (PADA). Unfortunately for PADA, the DTI is not allowing them to re-open.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has lent out 15 cars to medical front liners who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

HCPI provided various models of the cars comprising of the City, Brio, Jazz, Mobilio, BR-V, HR-V, and CR-V models, to doctors and nurses of various hospitals including: the New Sinai MDI Hospital in Tagapo, Santa Rosa, Laguna; The Medical City South Luzon in Santa Rosa, Laguna; Unihealth-Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center in Biñan, Laguna; Westlake Medical Center in San Pedro, Laguna; and, the Carmona Hospital and Medical Center in Carmona, Cavite.

Honda will be providing each car with free gasoline good for one month.

Because everyone’s dreaming of road trips during this Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Mazda Philippines is holding a Facebook contest to recall your fondest Mazda memories.

Sharing your Mazda story will be treated to a dinner for two at Escala Tagaytay once the quarantine is lifted. This is open to anyone who follows the Mazda Philippines Facebook page, resides in Luzon, and with a valid driver’s license.

See the full mechanics below:

• The contest is open to any Facebook user who follows the Mazda Philippines page (you do not need to own a Mazda), resides in Luzon, Philippines, and with a valid driver’s license.
• For 10 weeks (on April 24th and every Wednesday beginning April 29) at 12 noon, Mazda Philippines’s Facebook page will post a contest, guiding participants to share their Mazda story. Qualified contestants can submit their answers via the post’s comment section.
• Mazda Philippines will select a winner by Monday 6 PM of the following week. The winner will be announced through a Facebook post on the same day, and the page will reply to their comment for next instructions.

Auto dealers and auto service centers will be allowed to open in areas covered by the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) which will take effect in certain provinces starting May 1.

The announcement is part of Malacañang’s revised measures against COVID-19. Under the guidelines of GCQ, businesses catering to manufacturing, electronics and exports, e-commerce, and delivery for essential and non-essential items, repair and maintenance services, housing, and office services may open in a 50 percent capacity (up to 100 percent if social distancing measures are met). Meanwhile, auto sales (part of retail trade) can resume, but only in a 50 percent capacity.

That said, people aged 0-20 years old, and those above 60 years old are still not allowed to go out, as are people with high-risk factors such as lung and heart disease and diabetes.

The General Community Quarantine will take effect starting May 1 in the following areas:

• Abra
• Agusan del Norte
• Agusan del Sur
• Aklan
• Apayao
• Aurora
• Basilan
• Batanes
• Biliran
• Bohol
• Bukidnon
• Cagayan
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Camiguin
• Capiz
• Davao del Sur
• Davao Occidental
• Davao Oriental
• Dinagat Island
• Eastern Samar
• Guimaras
• Ifugao
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• Isabela
• Kalinga
• La Union
• Lanao del Norte
• Lanao del Sur
• Leyte
• Maguindanao
• Marinduque
• Masbate
• Misamis Occidental
• Misamis Oriental
• Mountain Province
• Negros Occidental
• Negros Oriental
• North Cotabato
• Northern Samar
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Palawan
• Quirino
• Romblon
• Samar
• Sarangani
• Siquijor
• Sorsogon
• South Cotabato
• Southern Leyte
• Sultan Kudarat
• Sulu
• Surigao del Norte
• Surigao del Sur
• Western Samar
• Zamboanga del Norte
• Zamboanga del Sur
• Zamboanga Sibugay

Customers who are part of areas covered by General Community Quarantine should contact their respective dealerships / service centers on May 1 as to their revised operating hours/conditions.

Areas including Metro Manila though will continue to be under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) until May 15.