GMPh introduces new products

You have to give it to the local automotive manufacturers. Despite the ongoing fuel price increase crisis, they remain optimistic about the continued growth of the many segments that they compete in. Take General Motors Automobiles Philippines (GMPh), the domestic subsidiary of the world’s number one automaker, for instance. Last week, GMPh introduced not one, but two new vehicles that promise extreme driving pleasure and optimum power. But dig this, neither hark on diesel-like fuel consumption. Thing is, considering the target market of both the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and the Chevrolet Optra 1.8L, you can’t really blame them.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a mid-size sports utility vehicle that has consistently led its segment in the United States. It has a standard Vortec 4200 I-6 engine that delivers 275hp @ 6,000 rpm and a robust 275lb/ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. The carrying capability of the Trailblazer is thus almost unquestionable. Inside, it’s packed with features that scream luxury at almost every turn. Try the 275 watt six-speaker Bose system and you’ll understand what we mean. Obviously, this is one vehicle that aims to please a very discriminating set of customers.

This was made clear by GMPh president and general manager James Lim when he said, "In line with our commitment to deliver the finest and best value products in the Philippines, we introduce the Trailblazer EXT and the Optra 1.8L and offer a full-suite of Chevrolet products that will cater to different segments of the market."

For its part, the Chevrolet Optra 1.8L is set to deliver its own brand of customer satisfaction to its segment. When it was first introduced to the Asian motoring media last year, the few Filipino journalists sent to Thailand for the unveiling were in agreement that this was one vehicle that should be made available to the Philippine market. Of course the strong showing of the Optra’s 1.6 version in the local market may have been enough to keep GMPh executives optimistic for the next year or so but considering that the battle for compact sedan supremacy has reached higher displacement proportions, the Optra’s 1.8 liter iteration could not have come at a more opportune time. Look for the Optra 1.8L to once again figure prominently in the compact sedan wars.

Aside from the more powerful engine, the Optra 1.8 is made distinct by a comprehensive noise and vibration reduction system. Leather seats and woodgrain paneling plus an impressive 5-disc in-dash CD changer with six-speaker system round out the 1.8L Optra experience. Take it from this writer, who was one of the few Filipinos lucky enough to have already driven the Optra 1.8 as early as September last year, this is one impressive automobile.

So confident is GMPh with the Optra 1.8L, in fact, that Lim went as far as to predict its strong showing as early as now. "We are expecting the Chevrolet Optra would equal if not surpass the success of its predecessor and continue to boost the sales of GMPh," he said This, coupled with the introduction of the Trailblazer, Lim argued, will see GM playing an even more significant role in the local playing field. "We continue to see an uptake in the sales of our Chevrolet vehicles. With the value add-ons that we are giving as part of every purchase, we would like our esteemed customers to feel that they are getting the most out of their vehicle investment."

So, back to our point, despite the almost uninhibited increase in fuel prices, the arrival of powerful vehicles continues — for a reason. A discriminating set these vehicles’ target market may be. But they do exist. Try visiting any of GMPh’s Autoworld and Chevrolet showrooms to see if you are indeed among these value-wary customers. And just so you know, the Chevrolet Optra 1.8L A/T is available at an introductory price of P799,000 while the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT has an introductory price of P1,995,000. In the meantime, we have been informed that the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT has been scheduled for STAR scrutiny at the end of the month. Immediately after our test drive, we’ll give you the low-down on this impressive-looking new SUV.