The 2nd Quarter Report

Bentley lands in Manila

Premium automaker Bentley has formally opened shop in the Philippines, with the opening of its very first showroom, located on the second floor of the PGA Cars building on EDSA, Mandaluyong City. The opening was attended by PGA Automobile chairman Roberto Coyiuto, who was joined by Bentley’s regional officers. “We’re a global company; we’re also very small,” said Geoff Dowding, director of Bentley Motors Limited (BML) for the UK, Middle East, and Asia, as he asserted the continued commitment to quality, performance, and customer satisfaction. Meanwhile, BML head of marketing and communications Robin Peel told STAR Motoring that local customers can be assured that all Bentley models can take the infamous Manila heat, traffic, and less-than-pristine fuel quality.

All-new Kia Carens rolls out

The already vibrant compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment gets even more oomph with the all-new Kia Carens. The third-generation Carens, said Columbian Autocar Corporation president Ginia Domingo to STAR Motoring “boasts a 1.7-liter CRDi engine versus its predecessor (2.0 liters), but it’s still good for the same 136 hp.” Imported as CBUs from South Korea, the Carens sports a more aerodynamic profile with a clear European-inspired (and award winning) design. Available with five or seven seats, the MPV affords various seating configurations to meet most needs and accommodate most loads. Domingo added that Filipinos went for the Carens in the past largely because of its thrifty and reliable diesel engine. Now there’s even more to love about it.

Manila hosts country’s first-ever F1 demo

All eyes were on the diminutive driver with the gigantic skills. Fil-Swiss phenom Marlon Stockinger wowed local race fans as his Lotus F1 team staged the “Manila Speed Show” at the Quirino Grandstand, then the SM Mall of Asia grounds. Marlon Stockinger holds the distinction of being the first Filipino to break through the sport of Formula One – piggybacked on an impressive international motorsport and karting career. The Lotus F1 team picked Stockinger to be part of its group of seven elite “junior drivers” to train, test, and compete for the team. The Manila Speed Show featured driving demonstrations, a tire-change competition, and even a ride along for special guests.

New Porsche Panameras make world debut at Shanghai Auto Show

Porsche AG board chairman Matthias Müller unveiled new models of the German automaker’s luxury four-door saloon, the Panamera, at the 15th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition. STAR Motoring was there as Müller a plug-in hybrid – the first in the premium segment – called Panamera S E-Hybrid. Next were two Executive versions that sport a longer wheelbase. Set to arrive in the Philippines next year is one variant – the Turbo Executive – that packs a 4.8-liter bi-turbo V8 good for 520 hp and a zero-to-100 time of 4.2 seconds.

Shell Advance sponsors ‘Freedom Riders Asia’

Self-confessed “adventurer, travel writer, and dedicated biker” Charley Boorman (in photo) premiered his Freedom Riders Asia show recently at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. STAR Motoring got up close and personal to Boorman (a child of famous Hollywood film director John Boorman), as he narrated his exploits through Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and Thailand. Developed by FOX One Stop Media in collaboration with Shell Advance Motorcycle Oil, Freedom Riders Asia, said Boorman: “(Seeks) to show the flavor of what goes around in Asia. Motorcycles are so important here. In Thailand alone, Honda has sold 20 million motorcycles.”

Porsche World Roadshow roars into Taiwan

STAR Motoring had an exclusive pass to the Porsche World Roadshow in Taiwan recently, joining media from Taiwan, Vietnam, and Indonesia in thoroughly testing 23 Porsches – 911s, Panameras, Cayennes, Caymans, and Boxsters – at the Penbay International Circuit in Donggang Pingtung. Porsche instructor and test driver Nick Edwards headed a team of professional drivers who, in turn, taught journalists how to safely experience the superior performance characteristics of the Porsches. To those who are perhaps intimidated by the brand’s renown for sports and gutty characteristics, Edwards countered: “Aside from being more durable, our cars feature reliable, accessible performance. It’s not like buying an expensive, high-performance car, only to find out you can’t drive it.”

Coming soon: Mitsubishi Mirage sedan

Since the local return of Mitsubishi’s famous marque Mirage last November, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has sold more than 4,300 of them. Doubtless buoyed by the market reception, the Japanese carmaker has made a sedan version of the mighty Mirage. Made in Thailand and set to be badged locally as the Mirage G4, it boasts its predecessor hatch’s same 1.2-liter, three-cylinder heart – good for 77 horses and 100 Nm. This proves more than enough grunt to power its class-lightest 930-kilogram frame. A sizeable delegation of 31 motoring media practitioners put the car through its paces at the Bonanza International Speedway in Khao Yai, Nakorn Ratchasima, where the G4 (badged Attrage in some markets) was ranged against vehicles in its class. Suffice to say, it will be well worth it to wait for its arrival in the last quarter of the year. Hang on to your money in the meantime.

Mazda6 launched

Beginning with an exclusive press reveal at the Mazda Pasig dealership last April 3, and culminating at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the all-new Mazda6 was officially launched in the Philippine market. The Mazda6 now incorporates the full range of SKYACTIV technologies—with its 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine, SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission, and SKYACTIV body and chassis. The 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine showcases the highest compression ratio of any production gasoline engine in the world; And also ground-breaking is its capacitor-based energy-regeneration technology called the i-ELOOP, that together with its intelligent i-STOP engine idling system, greatly increases the Mazda6’s overall fuel mileage.

Mercedes conducts Driving Experience

An event called the ‘Mercedes Driving Experience’ was held at the Subic Bay International Airport early last April. It was a driving activity designed to subject Benz owners, enthusiasts and members of the media to several challenges, to help hone their skills in defensive driving. Participants also learned how to best use the electronic assistance systems on board every Mercedes Benz, given a variety of situations and conditions. Among the activities during the Mercedes Driving Experience were: the Ultimate Speed Experience, Time Attack Challenge, ABS and BAS Experience, High Speed Lane Change, Active Parking Assist and Gymkhana. The event was held under the guidance of professional driving instructors led by Chief Instructor of the Mercedes-AMG Driving Academy Asia-Pacific, Peter Hackett.

Chevrolet Commonwealth dealership grand opening

The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet vehicles and parts in the Philippines, presents the newest Chevrolet Dealership in its roster: Chevrolet Commonwealth. The dealership is a 2,374 sq.-meter property that can easily accommodate 10 vehicle displays and 12 service bay areas. It is so far the biggest dealership in Metro Manila.

Isuzu Eco Run

Former IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki (left) and EVP Takashi Tomita during the flag-off of the 2013 Isuzu Eco Challenge at the Manila dealership last April 17. Also on-board the Isuzu D-MAX are driver Francis “Ivan” Isada (right) and route navigator Francisco “Bebot” Reyes, Jr. assigned by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). The pair is joined by verifier Michael Mercado (at the back), Corporate Consultant and Head of Training and Research from the Smart Driving Corporation who vouches for the authenticity of the fuel consumption and mileage readings. The route involved a mix of Metro Manila traffic, provincial highways, and uphill and downhill roads. The D-MAX pickup came to a full stop at San Jose/Ibaan at Star Toll in Batangas, where it logged a total traveled distance of 1,467 kilometers. The winning average fuel consumption was an astounding 19.3km’s per liter!

Mitsubishi Mirage is CoTY – Philippines 2012-2013

At a grand event on the first day of MIAS, the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) revealed the 2012-2013 Car of the Year – Philippines: the Mitsubishi Mirage. Mitsubishi’s sub-compact hatchback scored high in the subjective test as well as the instrumented and track tests. The other big winner of the night was the Mazda BT-50 4x4 which scooped up the inaugural Truck of the Year – Philippines award. The awards night served as the culmination of a year’s testing, preparations, and deliberations by CAGI. All in all, 81 new cars in 19 categories vied for the top award.

Manila International Auto Show 2013 opens doors

For the ninth consecutive year, Worldbex Service International opened the automotive summer season with the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2013. A slew of new models headlined MIAS such as the expanded Ford Ranger family (including the much-awaited Wildtrak), Ford Explorer EcoBoost Limited, the all-new Subaru Forester, Mazda6 and updated CX-9, MINI Paceman, and the updated Peugeot RCZ. Ford also previewed the new Fiesta while Subaru continued its tradition of holding the Russ Swift Precision Driving Show. All in all, more than 300 cars were on display and 96,000 visitors trekked to the World Trade Center over the 4-day event.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation welcomes new president

Isuzu Philippines Corporation, the country’s leading diesel commercial manufacturer formally turned over the reins to a new president, Nobuo Izumina. Born in Tokyo, Izumina was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Isuzu Camiones Andinos in Bogota, Colombia. Izumina is poised to take on the accomplishments of outgoing president Ryoji Yamazaki who, during this three-year tenure, registered the best annual sales since 2004. Mr. Yamazaki also expanded the Isuzu dealership network to 21 dealerships and 15 satellite offices nationwide.

AVID holds ICON

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) once again convened top minds from the government, business, and academe at the Thought Leadership Forum (TLF). Dubbed ICON or Innovation Congress, AVID members mounted a mobility expo in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. ICON served as a platform to exchange ideas and advocacies among respected thought leaders on the importance of innovation. Hyundai Motor Creative Design Manager Casey Hyun (in photo) served as one of the keynote speakers while cars such as the Hyundai i40, Azera, Sonata Hybrid and the King Long Max made their appearance. Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. even brought in the i-oniq Concept.

Volvo unveils V40

The all-new Volvo V40 quietly entered the Philippine market as a much more modern, more expressive hatchback (they’ve shunned the term, wagon). The all-new V40 features a wide shoulder line back from the headlamps with a sharp line to echo the rising beltline. Inside, the V40 features a new fully graphic interactive dashboard with a personalized layout. The V40 also debuts the Volvo Sensus—an all-in-one infotainment system. The V40 has a 1.6-liter GTDi T4 engine good for 180 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque including a 30 Nm “overboost” function. The sole transmission of choice is a six-speed PowerShift dual clutch automatic.

Suzuki introduces Alto 800 and Swift Dzire

Suzuki Philippines launched two new subcompact offerings, the Alto 800 and Swift DZire. The Alto 800 is a refresh of Suzuki’s most popular and fast-selling cars. The outside features a “wavefront”-designed facia with a fresh and spacious interior. The Alto 800 features a new engine that promises 15 percent better fuel economy and 11 percent more torque than before. Meanwhile, the Swift Dzire is basically the Swift with a sedan body. The Swift Dzire features a 1.2-liter engine with variable-valve timing for better power and efficiency.

BMW holds Driving Experience 2013

BMW let owners and select members of the media lose on the Clark International Speedway with the BMW Driving Experience. Specifically designed to benefit BMW owners and would-be owners, the drive started with the very basics of driving including the proper sitting position in a car to what each safety system in a BMW did. After that, it was time to hit the track and this year, BMW had a full arsenal of cars including the 1 M Coupe, M5, and the X5 M. All in all, it showed that every BMW automobile, whether it be a regular 1 or 3 Series or any of the BMW M, dynamics came without compromise and power without limits.

Shell introduces EcoMarathon student teams

Top officials from Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation presented team members of each participating school to the media at the Clark International Speedway. This year, a total of 10 teams from the top engineering schools in the country, are entering in either or both the Prototype and Urban Concept categories. Pioneering teams from the Mapua Institute of Technology, University of Santo Tomas, and Don Bosco Technical College are leading the charge. Other schools representing the country are: De La Salle University – Manila, Technological Institute of the Philippines – Quezon City and Manila, University of San Carlos (Cebu), and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila. Each team conducted their first circuit shakedown to show how their entries might fare during the actual competition in the Shell Eco-marathon Asia at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sadly, because of the forest fire haze, the 2013 Shell Eco-marathon Asia was canceled.

BMW introduces FlexiLease

Celebrating a decade of leadership in the premium segment, Asian Carmakers Corporation introduced a unique program called BMW FlexiLease aimed at top professionals who want to experience sheer driving pleasure at the most convenient way possible. Open to both individual and corporate customers, the FlexiLease program is distinguished by features such as a minimal 10-percent deposit, 24- or 36-month lease terms, fast approval of lease applications, and monthly fees which are inclusive of comprehensive insurance, LTO registration, and BMW standard maintenance services. This unique program is made available on all automobiles including the famed BMW M models.

Toyota hosts Road Trek 9: Clark and Palawan Reloaded

Toyota Motor Philippines held its annual summer outing, Road Trek. This year, 36 or so “Road Trekkers” found themselves on the Clark International Speedway for a day of fun-filled activities with Toyota’s vast line-up of vehicles from the 86 to the RAV4 to the Prius before being whisked off to Coron, Palawan for some R&R. During the same event, the new Senior Vice-President for Marketing, Jose Ariel Arias was formally introduced to the motoring media.

Ford Philippines appoints new Managing Director

Ford Philippines announced a changing of the guard at the American carmaker. With Randy Krieger appointed as the Director of Marketing and Sales for ASEAN, Kay Hart is replacing him as the country’s Managing Director. In her new role, Hart is responsible for leading the successful and on-going product-led transformation of Ford’s business in the Philippines. This is Hart’s first Managing Director role. Before her assignment to the Philippines, she served as Dealer Development and Field Operations Director as well as Ford Thailand’s Vice-President for Marketing.

Ford holds “Daddy Day Out”

Ford Philippines called out young husbands and fathers-to-be to a “Daddy Day Out” to empathize with the woman’s side to pregnancy. It was a Part Two of sorts to the Baby Shower event held a week earlier. During this event, Ford showed off the Pregnancy Suit, a unique engineering tool that covers all the physical aspects of pregnancy.

22nd Trans Sport Show opens

The longest running car show in the country, the Trans Sport Show held its 22nd running at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. For over two decades, the Trans Sport Show has served the automotive industry by creating niches to which the mainstream car-makers can pick up ideas. Car accessory and personalization businesses have also taken advantage of the show, experimenting with set-ups and offerings. It has remained to be the only automotive exhibition that caters to a most diverse car loving audience—of all ages and from all walks of life—an institution and a powerful brand in the realm of competitions, auto restoration, aftermarket products and car club networking.

Chevrolet re-enters Makati with new showroom

Chevrolet is set to re-enter the Makati market with the formal groundbreaking of its newest dealership located in the heart of the business district’s automotive row. The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the Philippines formally signed an agreement with BT Auto Sport, Inc. to open a new dealership located along the vibrant automotive strip along Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City. The new venue is ideal in terms of size, location, and accessibility for the market.

Peugeot opens C5 Libis and Cebu showrooms

In anticipation of the growing demand for Peugeot vehicles, Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI), official importer and distributor of Peugeot vehicles in the country, committed to open 12 full service dealerships in the country throughout 2013. To complement showrooms earlier opened in Las Piñas, Cagayan de Oro and Quirino, Peugeot opened two more showrooms in C-5 Libis and Cebu.

Ford holds Summer Fun Drive in Bohol

Ford officially marked the end of summer with the Ford Focus Summer Fun Drive in Bohol. The drive started by visiting the newest member of the Ford dealership network, Ford Bohol before driving to the famous sites around the island. The group made its way to the Loboc River for a cruise and then to the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary before heading to the Mayacabac Man-Made Forest, the Chocolate Hills, and finally the Hinagdanan Cave. With rains dispersed throughout the day of the drive, summer was officially over but the Ford Focus proved that fun continues whatever the weather, whatever the destination.

Petron launches Blaze 100 Euro 4

Leading oil company Petron Corporation marked another milestone in fuels technology with the launch of the first Euro 4 premium plus gasoline in the country that meets European fuel quality standards. Another first from Petron, the new Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4 is specially formulated to meet the more stringent and environment-friendly Euro 4 standard. The Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4 was initially available in service stations in Luzon with a further expansion in Visayas and Mindanao.

Ford Manila Bay opens

Ford Philippines celebrated the continued expansion of its nationwide dealer network with the official opening of Ford Manila Bay in Parañaque City. Ford Manila Bay is the ninth new full sales and service outlet the Company has opened over the last nine months, bringing the total number of Ford dealers to 32. Ford remains on track to expand its nationwide network to 35 by year-end.

Isuzu hosts Truck Fest 2013

The 2013 Isuzu Truck Fest provided the public some of Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s unique transportation solutions. In the Isuzu Truck Fest, IPC fitted its line-up of trucks with various body configurations, highlighting their potential in numerous business and service applications. The new Isuzu Forward FRR and FVM medium-duty trucks made their debuts during the event, expecting to bolster IPC’s leadership in the medium-duty truck segment.

New-generation Bridgestone Ecopia Tires launched in Thailand

Aimed not only at individuals who make environmentally-conscious decisions, but at regular consumers as well, the new line of Ecopia tires made a splash at the Bridgestone Proving Ground in Wangnoi Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand. A total of three new Ecopia tires made their debuts. The EP150 is suitable for small and medium-sized passenger cars while the EP200 is the Ecopia line’s flagship and is designed primarily for medium-sized passenger cars. Finally, the EP850 is the first-ever Ecopia tire meant for SUV and CUV vehicle applications.

Rolls-Royce arrives in Manila

A part of the Autohub Group, British Bespoke Automobiles was officially appointed as the official importer-dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the Philippines. Rolls-Royce Motor Manila is slated to open an interim facility by the latter part of 2013 and a permanent showroom by early 2014 in the upscale Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Rolls-Royce Motor Manila is expected to carry the complete line of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from the Ghost to the Phantom to the Wraith.

Ayala, Volkswagen sign Importer Agreement

German auto giant Volkswagen formally signed the appointment of Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Corporation, as its Philippine distributor. In a simple ceremony held in Hong Kong, Weiming Soh, President for Commercial Operations in Greater China/ASEAN affixed his signature on the Importeur Agreement with Fernando Zobel de Ayala, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ayala Corporation, and John Philip S. Orbeta, Chairman and President of Ayala Automotive Holdings Corporation (Ayala Auto) and Managing Director of Ayala Corporation.

Subaru holds XV Drive in Cebu

After conquering the mountainous roads surrounding Sagada earlier this year with the all-new Forester, Subaru’s Philippine importer and distributor, Motor Image Pilipinas, decided to take on a very different challenge: the Subaru XV SubURBAN Drive. Ultimately, it had one goal: to prove that the XV is the perfect urban crossover. Cebu, the Philippines’s oldest city and a favorite vacation destination, played host to the first leg of the three-leg drive (the second was in Davao and the third in Manila) that saw a handful of Manila-based motoring journalists join several Cebu-based ones in driving the popular XV through the city’s various tourists spots.

Lexus unleashes IS 350 and IS 350 F Sport

Lexus debuted the all-new 2014 IS sport sedan with a track day at the Clark International Speedway. The all-new IS features a bold design highlighted by the new dynamic signature spindle grille and for the first time separated LED Daytime Running Lights. A combination of “aggressive elegance,” a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity help make the new IS models more alluring than ever. The all-new Lexus IS provides a more dynamic driving experience with enhanced stability and body control while delivering improved ride comfort. Two IS models were launched, the IS 350 and the IS 350 Sport, both models sporting a 3.5-liter V6 with 306 hp.

Mazda launches CX-5 AWD Sport with a drive to Baguio

Local Mazda importer/distributor Berjaya Auto Philippines introduced the Mazda CX-5 AWD Sport with a drive to Baguio. The newest member of the SKYACTIV family, the CX-5 AWD Sport is the top-end of Mazda’s compact crossover which has remained purely 2WD for quite some time. The CX-5 AWD Sport features 19-inch alloys, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, and HID headlamps outside while inside, it has leather seating, power-adjustable driver’s seat, moonroof, and a 9-speaker Bose sound system. The 184hp, 250Nm CX-5 AWD Sport was driven to the Philippines’s summer capital along with the recently launched Mazda6 sports sedan.