Motor Image embarks on expansion program: New facilities, models to enter PHL market

Jakarta, Indonesia— Motor Image Pilipinas has taken the local market by storm since it opened its first showroom in 2006. Through their efforts, they have single-handedly raised Subaru as one of the most sought-after and prestigious car brands in the country. Six years on, there are no signs of slowing down as Motor Image Pilipinas announced future plans at the recently concluded Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta.

CKD assembly of Subaru XV

The Subaru XV is the country’s hottest-selling compact crossover because of its blend of dynamic style and excellent fuel economy. It also represents the biggest investment for Motor Image parent company Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL) as it opens a US$10-million CKD assembly plant for the Subaru XV in Malaysia. This is the first time a CKD plant has been opened since 1999, apart those operated by Subaru and parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI).

With global demand for the XV at a fever pitch, the Subaru assembly plant in Gunma, Japan is already at full capacity. This new CKD assembly plant aims to reduce the waiting list for the XV, particularly in right-hand drive markets. Left-hand drive units, particularly for the Philippine market, will remain sourced from Japan.

Malaysian-made XV

Around 30 to 40 percent of components are sourced in Malaysia, in order to comply with AFTA regulations, while sensitive components such as engine and drivetrain are still built and sourced from Japan. According to Motor Image Executive Director Glenn Tan, the CKD assembly plant can match the quality of XV units made in Japan and has met the standards set by FHI in just 18 months, as compared to the industry average of 24 months. In addition, it is a sign that his company is willing to invest to grow and expand the Subaru brand in the region. In fact, he remains very bullish about Subaru, indicating that they are targeting to double regional sales annually.

A short spin in the Malaysian-built Subaru XV reveals no discernible difference compared to a Japanese-built unit. In a special track comprised of both smooth tarmac and loose gravel, the CKD XV shows remarkable solidity and impeccable build quality—two characteristics that are hallmarks of the Subaru brand. It feels and drives just like a regular XV, which is what Motor Image is after.

When quizzed about future assembly plans aside from the right-hand drive XV, such as the possibility of producing left-hand drive units for the Philippines, Mr. Tan says it remains to be seen.

“It depends if it’s a boom or bust for this assembly plant,” he said. “But as early as now, we are studying the potential of assembling more Subaru models.”

Motor Image Pilipinas GM Michael Luyun

Subaru BRZ set to arrive by October

The rumors and speculations can be finally laid to rest as Motor Image Pilipinas has also confirmed the availability of the BRZ sports coupe as early as October. Hot on the heels of the new Impreza, the BRZ marks yet another new addition to the Subaru line-up. Motor Image Pilipinas General Manager Michael Luyun said that initial inventory is already on its way, and they should begin serving the 50 or so individuals who placed reservations on the BRZ.

Built as a collaboration between Subaru and Toyota, the BRZ is a purebred sports car with a 2.0-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine featuring direct-injection technology. It generates 200 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of less than seven seconds. Together with a lightweight body (not more than 1,275 kgs) and perfect weight distribution, the BRZ first the first two-door coupe for Subaru in almost 16 years, the last one being the Subaru SVX.

Although the final pricing and specifications are yet to be revealed, Luyun has quashed any rumors that it will be priced more than P2 million. However, he does admit that it will be priced higher than its sister car, the Toyota 86, but will feature more luxury amenities and a longer list of standard features. It will be sold locally in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic guise. Reports indicate that the Subaru BRZ will be priced at P1,928,000 for both manual and automatic variants.

Would-be buyers will be happy to know that the Subaru presents a different driving experience compared to its Toyota sibling. Taking the BRZ around a slalom track revealed a more precise, sportier car. The steering feels snappier with a quicker feel, while the ride is most definitely firmer with much more emphasis on on-road dynamism. In fact, the BRZ emphasizes more grip rather than the tail-happy nature of the 86. Plus, the BRZ sits 10mm lower than the Toyota (ground clearance of 120 mm) thanks to Subaru-specific suspension tuning and components. Aside from the sportier demeanor, the BRZ’s unique exhaust tuning emphasizes the throaty Boxer rumble more. And inside, the BRZ benefits from electro-luminescent gauges and aluminum-like trim pieces.

Motor Image Pilipinas is currently accepting reservations for the BRZ, and its arrival marks the second all-new model range (the first being the XV) to join Motor Image Pilipinas’s mainstay models which include the Impreza, WRX STI, Forester, Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca. Undoubtedly, it’s a show of force that Motor Image Pilipinas remains optimistic about growing the brand in the country, and in doing so provides the best that Subaru has to offer.