Yes! The Civic has arrived

The all-new Honda Civic, the sedan that has been viewed with concern by its competitors in the local market due to its potential drawing power and eagerly awaited by many loyal Honda customers and those who are always on the lookout for anything new and possibly superior in the current line up of market offerings was finally launched last week, April 3 at the Greenbelt 3 lagoon area.

Amidst a novel theme setting, which Honda Cars Philippines seems to be consistently coming up with in their events lately, the 8th generation Civic was unveiled sporting improvements in all aspects topped by what’s described as "a bold, one-motion design" and powered by the revolutionary newly developed i-VTEC engine that combines off-the-line acceleration equivalent to a 2.0 liter engine and fuel economy with that of a 1.5 liter engine even if it comes in a 1.8 liter variant.

"Honda’s heart is best exemplified by the Civic. From its conception, the Civic has always been a benchmark shaping motoring industry and instituting world’s standards. Today, Honda introduces a new Civic to the Philippines — a new form, a new engine and exciting new features. The Civic reflects the leading technology of the times," said Arnel Doria, HCPI’s deputy head for marketing.

Another visible novel design that comes with the all-new Honda Civic is that which requires minimum movement of driver’s eyesight as the speedometer and other frequently checked displays are placed on the upper tier of the dashboard near the driver’s line of sight while the tachometer and other gauges are placed on the lower tire.

"Considered by many as a breakthrough car, the Civic fused intelligence and excitement setting a global benchmark with its new generation. To date, we are celebrating eight generations of innovation, advanced technology and unparalleled style — possibly making the Civic the only industry benchmark of the era," said Takashi Sekiguchi, HCPI’s president and general manager.

Now, here’s the clincher from Honda Cars Philippines — the hard to resist introductory prices that range from a low of P767,000 for the 1.8 V manual transmission to a high of P1,102,000 for the 2.0 S automatic.

The all-new Civic can now be examined up close with a test drive to boot at all Honda cars showrooms all over the country.

Congratulations to HCPI for what many describe as a sure winner.

50,000 units and still producing & selling

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPC) recently rolled out the 50,000th Adventure AUV from its Cainta, Rizal plant in simple but meaningful ceremonies attended by government officials, industry personalities, suppliers, dealers and the media.

During the ceremonies, MMPC president and CEO, Mr. Kengo Takase acknowledged the support of the government, specifically the BOI, then represented by Usec Elmer Hernandez, the local government with Governor Ito Henares in attendance and the dealers in making this achievement, in his brief remarks. And as a token of appreciation to its customers, Takase-san announced that MMPC will be giving away the 50,000th Adventure to a lucky Adventure buyer and also P50,000 minor prizes to five other winners.

All Adventure owners are qualified to join by simply registering at any Mitsubishi dealership nationwide. The Mitsubishi Adventure owner must simply bring their vehicle to the dealer to avail of a free 16-point Service Plus check up on their unit. Each unit will be given a commemorative 50,000 sticker which will serve as their raffle entry to the promo. And aside from this, MMPC is also extending the celebration to non-Adventure owners by ay of very easy financing plans, which you can check out at any Mitsubishi showroom located all over the country.

This Adventure 50,000 Celebration promo is valid up to March 31, 2006. So, march on to your nearest Mitsubishi showroom!

Ford Philippines joins up with SPMJ

As an integral part of their 2006 road safety campaign, Ford Philippines is "adopting" five schools, mostly located in and around the Sta. Rosa, Laguna area where the Ford Plant is located, to hold the "SPMJ Early Warning" seminars on road safety.

Henry Co, president of Ford Group Philippines, signed the "mother" memorandum of agreement (MOA) with SOPI, Safety Organization of the Philippines, TRS, Tuason Racing School and SPMJ, Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists to combine efforts to address the growing concern of the rising number of road accidents involving children, after which, Cherry Ramirez, Ford avp for corporate and government affairs confirmed the agreement with SPMJ to underwrite the logistics of the "SPMJ Early Warning Seminars", which are being given free to chosen schools.

The two MOAs were signed during Ford’s Road Safety Conference held last Wednesday, April 5 at the Mandarin Hotel where the Ford Road Safety Youth Council (RSYC) also presented their past accomplishments and future activities that will intensify the awareness on road safety among their peers.

The seminar was attended by other major stakeholders like the DOTC, which was represented by Usec Ricardo Alfonso who delivered he keynote address, the National Center for Transportation Studies, with Dr. Ricardo Sigua, who spoke about "Road Safety in the ASEAN", the DepEd, represented by Director Maximo Aljibe, who spoke on the "Importance of Education in Promoting Road Safety" and SafeKids Philippines, with its president, Dr. Rafael Consunji speaking about "Responsible Parenting ad Road Safety".

Pit Lane Notes

The Midland Formula 1 team recently announced that sporting director Adrian Burgess has already been let go after an internal restructuring that has been in the works in the last several months. Team manager Andy Stevenson and race and test engineer Dominic Harlow will take on Burgess’ job as sporting director. I find it rather odd because he’s been there barely a year — he accepted the position in May of last year. From what I know of Burgess, he is quite talented. Could this be a sign of tumultuous skies in the Midland camp?

Meanwhile, Mike Gascoyne, Toyota’s much-renowned technical director, has also been let go of his team over having varying opinions with regard to the team’s chassis and engineering. Since none of the two parties were willing to compromise, they both agreed that it would be best to part ways. The date they agreed on for the termination of their working relationship is on October of this year. It looks like an amicable separation though, as both Gascoyne and Toyota Motorsport have nothing but good things to say about each other. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Gascoyne in someone else’s pit lane in the next couple of years — it would be a shame to let such talent and expertise go to waste.

Isuzu Philippines to assist all motorists in need

Our friends from IPC requested us to announce that "Your dependable partner, Isuzu Philippines Corporation, again joins the public in observing the Holy Week with "Daan Balikatan 2006" — Isuzu’s annual program that aims to provide professional vehicle servicing to Isuzu customers, and other motorists, passing through major routes on their way to their hometowns during the Lenten Season."

Support centers shall be put up in Baguio City, Urdaneta City, Cabanatuan City, San Fernando, Pampanga, Tagaytay City, Sto. Tomas, Batangas and Lipa City and regardless of branding, all vehicles shall be accommodated on a first hand fist served mode.

Does this mean that our friends Art Balmadrid, Myrna Gonzales, Timmy Naval, Ronald "Isuzu Joe" Baladad, et al, will all work this Holy Week? How noble. I know that our good friend Dave "Mr. Mac" Macasadia of Ford Group Philippines shall be on the road too to make sure Ford owners and otherwise who may find themselves in distress on the road shall have a helping hand. Way to go guys!

Galant 240M vs Mazda6 2.3L — head-to-head

Those who may be contemplating on buying a mid size sedan and are comparing what’s currently on the market before the big decision is made may find it useful to watch Auto Focus — the premier motor show on television that’s exclusively dedicated to the automobile and the auto industry tomorrow, Thursday at 10 o’clock in the evening and now being carried on cable TV by Sports Plus. A feature to feature comparison of these two highly competing models shall be on spotlight on its segment Head-2-Head. Also part of the show tomorrow evening are the highlights of the SPMJ "Early Warning" Seminar held at the North Fairview High School, one of the schools adopted by Toyota Motor Philippines to conduct this "tech-in" on road safety. We shall also train the spotlight on a Shark Car Accessories, one of the leading brands of after market products for auto enthusiasts. We shall also have a close up look at the Toyota Innova and the Mazda Tribute V6, the week’s tandem of auto features on the weekly automobile show.

Highlights of the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix

Also in its new home on cable television, Motoring Today, the "Sunday viewing habit" on its 19th year and still counting, which now airs at 4 o’clock in the afternoon and also on Sports Plus, shall bring you this week on Easter Sunday the highlights of the recently run Formula 1 Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia on Race Weekend. We shall also have the highlights of the Honda Eco Run held recently in Pangasinan as a special presentation on our portion Showcase while discussions regarding the use on Coco Bio-Diesel continue on our segment Motoring Forum.

Happy Motoring!!!

For Comments: (E-Mail) [email protected].