4th Quarter Motoring Recap

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine automotive industry is poised for a record 2016 potentially reaching 400,000 units (combined CAMPI and AVID sales) by the end of the year. It’s pretty obvious that the year was filled with numerous car launches, dealer openings, and other important events. Here’s a quick rundown.

October 2016

Homer Simpson is Subaru Forester Endorser

Motor Image launched a new campaign for the Subaru Forester starring a very unlikely endorser: Homer Simpson. The tie-up between TV’s most famous family and the purveyor of the Boxer engine and all-wheel drive was first announced at the 2016 Forester launch at the Bangkok International Motor Show. Half a year later, the ad has finally started appearing across markets handled by Motor Image.

Mahindra Enforcer Floodbuster

Mahindra introduced a new breed of Enforcer models that dared to tread on floor and high waters without fear: the Floodbuster. The Floodbuster line is a move by Asianbrands Motors Corporation to keep up with the perennial flooding that has become the bane of motorists during the rainy season.

BMW Festival: XPO 2016

Asian Carmakers Corporation celebrated BMW’s centennial year with a one-of-a-kind celebration that drew BMW customers, enthusiasts, and the curious public alike. At the three-day event, ACC featured special vehicles that represented BMWs of pioneering design and technology such as the BMW M3 3.0 CSL, BMW M1, BMW M5 (E28), and of course the all-new BMW 7 Series.

Audi R8 V10 Plus

The all-new, second-generation Audi R8 V10 Plus, the fastest, sharpest, and most powerful production Audi of all time, hit local shores. Designed for maximum driving dynamics, the all-new Audi R8 V10 Plus is one of the last supercars to be powered by a naturally-aspirated engine, shunning the forced-induction route in favor of a pure, unadulterated high-revving masterpiece.

NISMO expands their business

At the penultimate Super GT race in Buriram, Thailand, NISMO boss Takao Katagiri said the company is serious about expanding their market reach. NISMO will not just develop race cars and performance parts for Nisan cars, but they’ll also offer more lifestyle-oriented packages such as aero appearance kits. He hopes more global models such as the Almera and Navara will get the NISMO treatment and this will certainly change the way people perceive Nissan around the world.

Volkswagen PH’s Child Safety Initiative launched in Cebu

After successful runs in Metro Manila and key cities in Luzon since its launch, Volkswagen Philippines’ award-winning Child Safety Initiative (CSI) campaign crossed over to the Visayas region, and launching at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu. This child road safety advocacy increases awareness and imparts valuable lessons towards preparing the kids—along with their parents—to become responsible adult road users. The CSI activation in Visayas is timely due to increased road activities, particularly in its highly urbanized areas, bringing up the number of traffic-related accidents.

Chevrolet launches 2017 Colorado and Trailblazer

The Covenant Car Company (TCCCI) unveiled the 2017 Colorado and Trailblazer. The new Colorado is a tough and capable pickup that matches any lifestyle with a refined design, superb engine performance, excellent handling, and serious off-road capability. It offers a better ride and more comfort features for 2017. Meanwhile, the new Chevrolet Trailblazer midsize SUV brings together superior levels of refinement, styling, comfort and technology with class-leading performance and drivability to meet the versatile demands of increasingly discerning drivers.

Petron goes Euro 5 with new Blaze 100

After successfully launching a full range of locally-produced Euro 4 fuels almost a year ago, Petron marked another breakthrough in fuels technology with the introduction of the Blaze 100 Euro 5 – the first Euro 5 standard fuel in the country. Petron’s Blaze 100 Euro 5 was “road-tested” as the official fuel of the Philippine Leg of the 2016 Formula 4 South East Asia (F4/SEA) Championship at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Maserati Levante

Maserati Philippines officially unveiled their first-ever SUV, the Levante, in the Philippines. With the introduction of the Levante, the Italian marquee is able to access the largest luxury segment in the world: the premium large SUV. Thus, it contributes to the creation of the most complete product line-up in Maserati’s history. With a name that gets its inspiration from the warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, the Levante displays a unique balance of both on-road drivability and off-road capability. It is therefore 100 percent Maserati, 100 percent SUV.

BYD S7 and F0

Solar Transport and Automotive Resources Corporation (STAR Corporation) celebrated its third anniversary with the unveiling of the all-new S7 luxury SUV and F0 sub-B segment car. The elegant BYD S7 features a wing-type grille that surrounds the BYD logo that’s lit by LED. It features daytime running lights, LED taillights, front and rear fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, dual exhaust tips, and even 18-inch alloy wheels for a truly sporty appearance. Next to the S7, the F0 gets a stylish new upgrade with a new grille and LED daytime running lights. It gets more convenience features such as a Smart Key keyless entry system, LED back-lit gauges, and power windows for both front and rear passengers.

Happy birthday, Toyota Corolla

Fifty years ago, on October 20, 1966, at a time when interest in cars was growing rapidly in Japan, Toyota unveiled the first-generation Corolla. Born in Japan in 1966, the Corolla is now being produced in 13 countries, and over 1.3 million units are sold annually in more than 150 countries. With a record 44 million units sold globally to date, the Toyota Corolla has established itself as the world’s best-selling car of all-time.

Honda BR-V preview

Honda Cars Philippines brought the BR-V 7-seater crossover through its paces with its first-ever ride and drive program. The preview drive, held at the Tagaytay Highlands, showcased the BR-V’s ability to exceed every expectation be it design, space, comfort, and performance. All in all, it impressed with its smart packaging living up to Honda’s “man-maximum, machine-minimum” philosophy.

Suzuki rolls out Super Carry

Budding entrepreneurs and cost-conscious businesses have a new ally in the all-new Suzuki Super Carry. Catering to small and medium-sized businesses and enterprises, the all-new Super Carry builds upon Suzuki’s expertise in the micro and small vehicle segment. It answers the requirements for a strong, high-performance utility vehicle that’s cost-effective to own and maintain.

November 2016

Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman

Lightweight construction, modern design, and turbocharged, four-cylinder, mid-mounted engines express the philosophy behind the legendary Porsche 718 model line and the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman have raced their way to the country. The 718 model series is a continuation of the proven four-cylinder concept, as well as the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars. The new two-seat sports cars, which now use the 718 nameplate to pay homage to Porsche’s esteemed model line, are more powerful, yet more fuel efficient.

Volvo S90

Volvo Philippines unveiled the newest chapter in its history with the launch of the all-new 90 Series luxury sedan. As with the award-winning XC90 luxury SUV, the 90 Series is a showcase of design, technology, safety, and connectivity. Built on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) that also underpins the XC90, the 90 Series sedan (or S90 for short) carries the proud and confident face of Volvo’s new design language while also offering the same award-winning attention to detail in its interior.

Nissan Sucat takes on new Visual Identity

Continuing its drive of providing innovation and excitement for its customers, Nissan Philippines, Inc. unveiled a new global retail visual identity, with the opening of the new Nissan Sucat dealership. The Nissan Retail Environment Design Initiative or NREDI 2.1 is a global retail visual design rolled out by Nissan Motors Co. Ltd., to its global network, unifying different markets under one visual identity. Its philosophy is centered on enhancing Nissan customer experience through premium comfort and innovative services.

Suzuki Auto expands to Binan

Setting the bar higher for the local automotive industry, Suzuki Philippines (SPH) continued its unwavering performance through to the last quarter by expanding its presence in Laguna with the newly-opened Suzuki Auto Binan.

Kia Hands-On App

Kia is giving their fans a chance to experience a new and innovative twist to the typical test drive. The high-tech Kia Hands On Drive program limits the influence of sales representatives in the testing stage to let customers have a more engaging driving experience while they test out the cars. This is the first program of its kind to be rolled out in the world, and the Philippines is one the first two countries to experience this new and exciting way of test driving cars.

Audi updates Q3

Audi updated the Q3, boasting of freshened-up styling and a more refined interior. The premium character of the new Audi Q3 is now apparent at first glance. Audi designers honed the details with coupe-like lines, horizontal lines up front and in the rear that emphasize its width, and with the characteristic wrap-around tailgate, which when taken as a whole, give the new Q3 a truly expressive design. Inside, it offers a more upscale interior as well as beefed infotainment system.

Toyota expands dealership network

The number one automotive brand in the country, Toyota, continued to focus its efforts in bringing its products and services closer to its customers with Toyota Kidapawan and Toyota Aklan starting construction and Toyota Talisay, Toyota Lapu-Lapu, Toyota Iligan, and Toyota Valencia holding groundbreaking ceremonies. Aside from sales, the said dealerships are also one-stop shops for parts availability and vehicle servicing for the convenience of Toyota customers.

MMPC, suppliers gear up for CARS Program

As the only carmaker with a continuous presence in the country for the past 50 years, MMPC stepped up its commitment by acknowledging local parts suppliers who will take major roles in the local production of the Mirage and Mirage G4 under the Philippine government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program. Joining MMPC are twenty five suppliers who were just awarded the Certificate of Participation. This is just the first batch of suppliers who have firmed their involvement under MMPC’s Local Parts Manufacturing Program. With the Mirage and Mirage G4 responsible for boosting MMPC to become the Number 2 player in the Passenger Car category, the Japanese automaker is committed to produce and market 200,000 units of their well-received sedan and hatchback over a 6-year period.

CAGI awards Honda Civic and Isuzu D-Max as country’s best

There were 72 eligible vehicles, but only one took home the ultimate prize: the 2016 Car of the Year – Philippines. Organized by the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), they bestowed that title to the Honda Civic RS Turbo. And for truck lovers out there, CAGI has given the 2016 Truck of the Year – Philippines to the Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4x2 LS A/T.

Moroccan Desert adventure with the Nissan Navara

Proving its 80-year pickup truck expertise, Nissan torture tested the NP300 Navara on the grueling sand dunes of Morocco in Africa. Having undergone extensive testing in some of the world’s most remote locations such as the forests of Norway, the snowy flatlands of Sweden, the limestone mountains of Majorca, Spain, and of course, the sand dunes of Morocco, the “Tough, Smart” Navara proved its worth.

Lexus IS 350

The Lexus IS has been a game-changer in all sorts of ways for Lexus Manila. And now, the “Intelligent Sport” sedan saw a round of enhancements, both aesthetically and mechanically, to keep its segment leader status in power, prestige, and of course, in the Lexus mindset, perfection. Outside, it features a more aggressive fascia along with a more expressive rear-end while inside, it has a larger multimedia screen along with the integration of Lexus’s Remote Touch Interface or RTI.

December 2016

Allan Uy is Toyota Vios Cup Season 3 Champ

Determination proved to be the greatest weapon for Toyota Quezon Avenue’s seasoned driver Allan Uy (Toyota Quezon Avenue) to weather big struggles on the track as the recently-crowned Toyota Vios Cup Season 3 Overall Champion. With regard to the Bridgestone Sporting Class, Steve Bicknell (Toyota San Fernando) won the crown while for the ROTA Promotional Class, Kiko Dysico (Toyota Cabanatuan) copped the title. Jinno Rufino bagged the ROTA Celebrity Class crown.

Chevrolet Iloilo moves to bigger facility

Grandcars Inc., aka Chevrolet Iloilo moved to a new and bigger facility featuring the brand’s new generation corporate identity standards, providing its clientele with a family-friendly atmosphere and an exceptional showroom experience.

Mitsubishi inaugurates first dedicated FUSO dealership

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) inaugurated the very first Fuso dealership outlet in the country that will be dedicated to the sale of brand new Fuso vehicle and aftermarket services. At the same event, MMPC unveiled two new truck models, the Fuso FI and FJ in an effort to gain a later share of the truck market.

Toyota Corolla Altis

Just in time for its 50th birthday, Toyota Motor Philippines gave its best-selling Corolla Altis compact sedan an A-List makeover for the 2017 model year. Already boasting qualities like reliability and durability, the new Corolla Altis adds sporty style and top-notch safety to its list of strong qualities. Outside, it features a cleaner aesthetic which gives a stronger and wilder look while inside, the dashboard has been reworked uplifting the cabin both visually and tactilely. And fresh from its award as ASEAN NCAP’s Rising Car, the new Corolla Altis boasts of 7 airbags (driver, passenger, side, curtain, and driver’s knee), anti-lock brakes (ABS), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) as standard equipment.

Honda BR-V arrives

Honda announced that the first batch of BR-V crossovers has finally arrived. After a lengthy wait, customer turnovers have finally begun. And commemorating this event, Honda also announced the availability of two new variants both equipped with Modulo kits. This brings the total count of BR-V variants to four. With a retail price starting at less than P 1 million, Honda says they have booked more than 1,500 reservations already for their newest baby.

Honda expands to Lipa

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) opened its 35th full-service dealership, Honda Cars Lipa City (HCLC). This is the first dealer in the Philippines to apply the new Visual Identity, which enabled the Honda dealers perceived to be advanced, futuristic, and modernly elegant.

Mazda2 snatches Class Win at Philippine Endurance Challenge

Mazda’s intensive motorsports background has been brought to light as a showroom-stock Mazda2 hatchback finished the grueling 8-hour Philippine Endurance Challenge, snatching the Manufacturer’s Cup Trophy in the process. The Team Bermaz Mazda run subcompact hatchback completed 160 laps, two more than its nearest competitor.

Mazda Philippines files for IPO

Mazda’s Philippine distributor plans to list some of its shares on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) by the first half of 2017 at the latest. Bermaz Auto Philippines (BAP), formerly known as Berjaya Auto Philippines, plans an Initial Public Offering (IPO) worth P 1.24 billion or about 15.6 percent of the company. In a disclosure made by parent company Berjaya Philippines, BAP has filed its registration statement with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) seeking permission to list on the PSE next year. If approved, BAP will offer 155 million shares (15.6 percent) at a maximum price of P 8 per share to the public via the IPO.

Mitsubishi introduces Montero Sport GLX 2WD M/T

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is rewarding stick shift enthusiast with the introduction of their most affordable Montero Sport model yet: the GLX 2WD equipped with a 6-speed manual. With the new GLX 2WD M/T, it brings the total Montero Sport line-up to five. The GLX 2WD M/T comes with the same 2.4-liter clean diesel engine but now mated to a wide ratio 6-speed manual and easy-to-modulate clutch.