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May 22, 2012

AVID Jumpstarts Q2 with 31% Growth; Total Industry Dips 1%

Performance and Drivers

Compared with the 1% decline in total industry sales, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) opens the second quarter with a strong 31% growth in total sales from January to April 2012, with 10, 633 units sold from the 8,119 in the same period last year. This is due to AVID’s consistent robust sales of Passenger Car (PC) models, registering an 85% increase in total PC sales—from 3,526 to 6,527 units sold in the first four months of the year.

This year, April’s overall total sales rose to 12% as more consumers purchased models in the PC segment. In the same period, PC sales alone recorded 55% growth, with 1,324 units sold versus the sale of 852 units in the same month last year.

In the world of financial accounting, the term used for the loss of assets between the point of manufacture or purchase from the supplier and the point of sale is called shrinkage.

It is a word that business owners prefer not to hear. Because the sheer numbers of shrinkage, or shrink, resulting from employee pilferage and shoplifting are staggering: 44 percent from employee (or internal) theft and 35 percent from shoplifting. That’s a combined 79 percent loss because the manufactured and/or purchased goods are no longer around to be sold for profit.

PLDT now has a solution to curb this incalculable cause of loss.

It is called “Watcher.”

Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience: The Video

Ok...this happened a year ago already, but we still can't get over it! Here's a video of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience that happened at the Subic International Airport. Enjoy!

PLDT SME Nation Launches F.A.S.Track

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) who are elbow-deep in critical field operations such as transport, logistics and courier delivery operations, can reap big-time benefits in their businesses by deploying PLDT SME Nation’s innovative, simple and user-friendly, web-based asset monitoring system.

Simply put, F.A.S.Track Online (Field Asset System for Tracking) is a productivity tool that has an accurate and invariable per-minute location monitoring feature that allows business owners, particularly companies with a fleet of vehicles and people, to precisely pinpoint their locations while on the road, nationwide, 24/7. The information can be sent to and read from any favorite online device, such as a desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone.

Photo courtesy of Shell Press

Filipino drivers show positive attitudes towards fuel economy knowing that this will result to more savings revealed the latest Shell FuelSave Index. According to the study, 94% see fuel efficiency as an important way to save money and to personally help use resources in a more sustainable way.

The Shell FuelSave Index is a Shell commissioned research that looked into the driving habits of motorists in European and Asian countries in order to understand how to help more drivers save more fuel, more often.

Recent findings showed that the Filipinos are willing to change their driving behavior to save on fuel; reflecting 87% of those surveyed while 85% have actually changed the way they drive to reduce the amount of the fuel that they are using.

Petron Assembles The Avengers

Petron brings another treat to its customers with its Assemble the Avengers promo, running from April 1 to May 31, 2012, at participating Petron service stations nationwide.

Fans of the upcoming action blockbuster Marvel's The Avengers, presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures, will have a chance to complete their Super Hero set through Petron's Assemble the Avengers promo. With every P1,000 single or accumulated purchase of any Petron fuel—Blaze 100, XCS, Xtra Unleaded, Pinoy Gasoline, Xtend, Diesel Max and Turbo Diesel—the customer is entitled to purchase one Marvel's The Avengers Action Tumbler that comes with a special cup topper for only P60.

There are four Petron limited edition Marvel's The Avengers Action Tumblers to collect—Iron man, The Hulk, Thor and Captain America. These may be redeemed only at the participating station where the customer loaded fuel, and the customer must present the single or accumulated receipts when redeeming the toy tumbler. Lost or damaged receipts will not be replaced or honored.
Marvel's The Avengers opened at Philippine theaters on April 25, 2012.

Petron Offers Free Coffee, Philippine Star

Get going with coffee and catch the latest news with Petron's "Kape at Balita" promo! Motorists who gas up between 6:30 am to 8:30 am at participating Petron stations will be treated to free coffee and newspaper for the month-long promo duration, which runs from May 10 to June 8, 2012.

For a minimum single purchase receipt of P1,000 of Petron Blaze 100, Petron XCS Unleaded, Petron Xtra Unleaded, Petron Pinoy Gasoline, or Petron Regular Gasoline entitles the customer to one free sachet of San Mig 3-in-1 Coffee and one free The Philippine Star newspaper. The free coffee and newspaper may be redeemed from the same Petron station upon presentation of receipt, from 6:30 am to 8:30 am.

The "Kape at Balita" promo is valid only for cash and credit card transactions. Bulk, PO and wholesale transactions do not qualify. The San Mig 3-in-1 Coffee sachet will be provided as a dry sample; cup and hot water are not included.

Look for the promo signages at participating Petron stations nationwide and get your early morning dose of "Kape at Balita" with Petron!

Toyota Road Trek 8: Video

We were gone for three days last week, and here's the reason why. Toyota held its annual Road Trek event in Bohol and Cebu. Here's what we did. Enjoy.

May 15, 2012

Land Rover Club Philippines Participates in Trans-Kalimantan Expedition 2012

Photo by Igor Maminta

The Land Rover Club Philippines (LRCP) joined the Land Rover Owners Club Malaysia's (LROM) Trans Kalimantan Expedition 2012 from March 10 to 24, 2012.

The LRCP team consists of Leo Dominguez, a Filipino lawyer and adventurer; Igor Maminta, a Filipino professional motoring photographer; David Fraser, an Australian who retired from the Asian Development Bank; and Vicky Vigneswaran Karthigesu, a Malaysian Land Rover enthusiast and adventurer who provided technical support and co-driving for the Team.

The Team successfully brought the LRCP and Philippine Flag at LROM's Trans Kalimantan Expedition 2012.

Jollibee Drive-Thru Cross Country Challenge Teaser

Will your favorite blogger win the ultimate road trip? Find out soon on ABS-CBN. In the mean time, you can follow the face on Twitter by using the hashtag: #JolliChallenge or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jollibeephilippines

All-New BMW 3 Series Launched in PHL

No other automobile has created a bigger impact in the luxury car segment than the BMW 3 Series. Since it launch in 1975, the “baby” BMW has sold over 12 million units, making it not only the best-selling BMW automobile, but the luxury segment’s best-seller for many years now. And just last week, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer of BMW cars in the Philippines has written the next chapter in the 3 Series history by launching the all-new, sixth generation model.

The all-new BMW 3 Series has a rich and illustrious history to live up to, and judging by the initial reaction, this model will have little problem. Just like the first 3 Series, the all-new 3 Series continues with the tried-and-tested concept of offering a compact body with an elegant design, powerful and modern engines, a classic rear-wheel drive set-up, and sporty suspension tuning. The result is a car with unrivalled driving dynamics and agility. Additionally, the 3 Series introduces systems developed under the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy giving this car the lowest fuel consumption and emissions in its class.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) starts the second quarter with a 35% growth in total sales for the period of January to April 2012. This was brought about by the 113% rise in Passenger Car (PC) sales—from 2,534 units sold in the first four months of 2011 to 5,396 units sold in the same period of this year. Models in the PC segment such as the i10, Accent and Elantra increased the overall boost in sales. The entry of the new Eon in April likewise generated increased interest in Hyundai vehicles.

April 2012 sales likewise showed an 11% growth in total sales, with a sale of 1,099 units this year from 645 units sold in April 2011. While PC models continued to drive favorable sales performance, there was a slowdown in Light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales due to delayed arrival of shipment.

HARI enters the second quarter of the year on a positive note with sustained optimistic consumer outlook. According to Nielsen’s Global Consumer Index, the Philippines placed in the top 11 of most optimistic countries in the world. The Philippine economy is expected to remain on track this year on the back of higher public infrastructure spending and improved investor confidence against the short-term challenges of global uncertainties, particularly in the Euro zone.

Ferrari FF Launches in PHL

Photo courtesy of Autostrada Motore

The eagerly-anticipated Ferrari FF recently made its Philippine debut at Autostrada Motore Inc., the official importer-distributor of Ferrari cars in the Philippines. The Ferrari FF is the first four-seater four-wheel drive car.

“This new Ferrari takes the Prancing Horse into new territory, matching the legendary performance, style and driving excitement expected of a Ferrari with new levels of ability thanks to its unique four-wheel drive system, and its spacious and flexible interior which makes it the most useable and versatile supercar built by Ferrari,” says Simon Inglefield, Head of Ferrari Asia Pacific Other Countries.

Philippine Car Price Guide: May 2012

We're a bit late, we know. Blame the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge. It was a hectic 10 days...no mobile phones...constant driving...but hey, we made it back. In case you want to see us in action, you can catch it on ABS-CBN, Cinema One and ETC starting on Monday. We'll post the schedules once we get them here.

In the mean time, here's your May 2012 Philippine Car Price Guide:

Photos courtesy of Lexus Press

The new, upgraded RX model range made its Philippine debut in a posh dinner held last Tuesday at the Lexus Manila showroom in the Fort.

The new RX exterior features a new, more elegant and aggressive frontal design. An enhanced interior offers an expanded choice of color schemes, new trim finishes, a new steering wheel and a revised instrument binnacle.

Photo courtesy of Diageo Press

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand teams up with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes (VMM) Driver and World Champion Jenson Button to create the JOHN WALKER & SONS Signature Blend Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Edition – a unique and rare blend in celebration of the brand’s successful eight-year partnership with the winning F1 Team.

Forming part of the global “Step Inside the Circuit” campaign, Johnnie Walker threw its hat into the wonderful spectacle of F1 racing in 2005 when it partnered with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes to give fans exclusive and intimate insights into the world of Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, and the rest of the team both on and off the track.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, and the Department of Tourism (DOT) gear up for a trailblazing joint effort at reinforcing the image of the Philippines as the preferred tourist and investment destination in Asia at the forthcoming EXPO 2012 Yeosu Korea that will be held in the coastal city of Yeosu in South Korea from May 12 to August 12 this year.

Ford Philippines today reported April retail sales of 677 vehicles, an increase of nine percent over previous month. Strong demand for several Ford models, coupled with the continuing improvements to local supply contributed to the uptick in sales for the month.

The all-new Ford Fiesta led the April performance with sales of 265 units, increasing its year-to-date sales to 1,039 units. The Ford Escape SUV turned in a strong month with retail sales rising 33 percent from March to 149 units.

With over 7,100 islands, the Philippines has no shortage of breathtaking sights to offer visitors and local tourists alike. The more than 60,000 Isuzu Crosswind units on Philippine roads, meanwhile, are rolling testaments to the multipurpose vehicle’s enduring popularity and usefulness.

So fittingly, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) staged a road trip to one of the country’s premier destinations—the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan—in introducing the 2012 Isuzu Crosswind Special Edition. In the event dubbed “It’s more fun with the Isuzu Crosswind in Palawan” that was held from April 18-20, 2012, IPC reinforced the proven strengths and exciting new features of the latest Crosswind in a way that showcased some of the Philippines’ unique scenic attractions, and allowed access to no less than Palawan’s underground river that was newly included as among the world’s Seven Wonders of Nature.

Review: 2012 Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT A/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Small cars are a love ‘em or hate ‘em affair—sometimes both in one vehicle. You love them for their perceived frugality and ease of parking, and hate them for their utter dullness and tin-can structure. Recent attempts have proven successful at banishing the notion that small cars are a cruel form of punishment. Chevrolet seems to be joining this bandwagon as well with its Spark, proving that small cars can be a decent drive and have some kind of personality at the same time.

Review: 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Rally-derived sports sedans such as the Subaru WRX STI certainly appeals to a lot of buyers. After all, what’s not to like about its bodacious good looks, powerful turbocharged engine and all-weather security courtesy of an advanced all-wheel drive. However, even if you can afford one, since it’s only available with a manual transmission, it takes a select few—the purist—to truly appreciate a beast such as this. Fortunately for the rest of the populace, thanks to the increasing trend towards automated gearboxes on high-performance machines, Subaru is now offering an automatic transmission option on its WRX STI for the very first time and it’s called the WRX STI A-Line.

From the outside, there’s absolutely no way to distinguish between the manual and automatic transmission variants of the WRX STI. Both the self- and automated-shifting models carry its rally-bred heritage on its shoulder with the wide body design, copious amount of air vents, high-luster alloy wheels and of course, a large rear wing. Thus, Motor Image Pilipinas, the distributor of Subaru automobiles in the country, has taken upon themselves to offer one big differentiating factor: the six-speed manual is only available as a sedan while the automatic is exclusively a five-door hatchback.

All-New BMW 3 Series Launching on May 10

Photo courtesy of BMW Press

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the exclusive distributor of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the country is gearing up for the launch of the all-new 3 Series on May 10. We'll be live from the specially-constructed BMW Tent. Coverage starts at 7:00 PM Philippine time. For live feeds, follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/carguideph/

May 1, 2012

We'll be Sorta Gone Until May 9!

Photo courtesy of Jollibee

As you read this, your esteemed author and his good buddy, Neil Pagulayan (Neil Almighty) of 99.5 RT will be undertaking the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross Country Challenge which will run until May 8 (or is it 9). And since this is a contest ala The Amazing Race, we don't have our phones with us.

In the mean time, you'll get some scheduled updates, but we'll be slow on the news until May 9. Until then, wish us luck! Hopefully by the time you read this, we'll beat the crap out of these pretty boys and girls!

For more information about the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross Country Challenge, you can check out their facebook page: Jollibee Philippines. Likewise, you can PROBABLY (but we're not sure), follow us on twitter throughout the event at: @carguideph and @neilonradio.

April 30, 2012

Toyota Philippines Offers Certified Pre-Owned Program

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) launches the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles (TCPOV) program. The TCPOV is a new program where in customers can enjoy utmost value for money in purchasing pre owned vehicles. TMP aims to cater to the market where purchasing a reliable used car is given much importance. Now a days finding dependable pre owned vehicles can be a difficult task. In launching the TCPOV, Toyota is able to provide buyers an avenue where they can always be assured of the vehicle’s quality and reliability.

Toyota Launches All-New Camry

Photos courtesy of Toyota Press

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) unveils the all-new Camry with a new sense of emotion and vision on its premium luxury sedan. Its aerodynamic styling and valiant stance exude a strong presence that complements a luxurious and iconic vehicle. Named after the word “Crown” in Japanese, the Camry is developed to stand out and shine in the local automotive scene; along with its new developments in both interior and exterior features, the Camry boasts a more luxurious and cutting-edge design.

Photos courtesy of Suzuki Press

Known primarily as a maker of small cars such as the Celerio and Swift as well as motorcycles, Suzuki Philippines takes a bold step forward with the introduction of the Kizashi sports sedan. Marking the company’s first foray into the highly competitive, brand conscious executive sedan market, the Kizashi comes extremely prepared: it’s benchmarked against some of the world’s best cars including those from European brands. Meaning “a sign of things to come” in Japanese, the Kizashi delivers a unique blend of performance, design and craftsmanship into the executive sedan segment.

Photo courtesy of Isuzu Press

More than 60,000 owners have spoken; the Isuzu Crosswind is the best solution for their personal, family and business vehicle requirements as the multipurpose vehicle continues to serve the Filipino consumer since 2001. To further address the evolving needs of the market, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s Diesel Expert, is introducing the 2012 Isuzu Crosswind XS variant.

The Crosswind XS is a six-seater model. Without the third-row seat, the vehicle can carry more than 1.8-cubic meter cargo as its entire rear area is now a dedicated load space. This makes the Crosswind XS perfect for small families or those with young children because the vehicle can easily accommodate strollers, toys, extra clothes, groceries and other similar items. Also, the Crosswind XS becomes an even more ideal choice for business use as it can serve as a taxicab, service/delivery shuttle, or courier vehicle that’s able to load balikbayan boxes and other oversized baggage.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

In the Philippines, if there’s one Hyundai that’s already recognized for being an iconic on its own right, it’s the Grand Starex. Known for its extreme comfort, durability, and reliability, the Grand Starex is always been one of the country’s best-selling large family van. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when the Hyundai Grand Starex has been chosen as the official mobility partner for the annual Asian Development Bank (ADB) meet.

The all-new Ford Explorer with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine is still a full three months away, but we’ve been lucky enough to have sampled, by all intents and purposes, the entry-level Explorer. Of course, the P 2.350-million price tag is anything but entry-level, but it still saves you something like P 200,000 compared to the V6. However, as with anything that’s more affordable, expect the Explorer experience to be diluted. The question is, by how much? The Ford Explorer V6 has raised the bar quite a bit by providing excellent driving manners and numerous creature features at a truly competitive price. So, how will its little brother, the 2.0 EcoBoost fair? Without passing judgement (that will come at a later time), here’s what you can expect from the Explorer V6’s little brother.

Review: 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer EX Ralliart

Photos by Ulysses Ang

At first glance, the Lancer Ralliart looks pretty much like the typical Lancer EX it’s based on. In fact, while the Lancer Evolution takes the path of being a sophisticated, no-holds-barred flagship that offers track-honed features and the capability of outperforming more expensive sports cars, the Lancer Ralliart feels more like a well-done tuner car—a reincarnation perhaps of the original Evolution.

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