MANILA, Philippines – July was all about rough-and-ready vehicles of every price range headlined of course, by the much-awaited all-new Toyota Hilux. However that wasn’t the only new vehicle that entered the market. New entries from the likes of Mahindra and even Isuzu showcased the Filipino’s love for the great outdoors.
Isuzu D-Max goes off-roading
Isuzu Philippines Corporation showed off the off-road prowess of its D-Max pickup by taking it through the Sacobia River area surrounding Mount Pinatubo. Through the channeling lahar-filled off-road trail, the D-Max proved itself at home showing great power and confident handling.
Philippine STAR Wheels TV starts Season 2
After a successful Season One, the country’s only print-to-broadcast motoring show is back with an all-new season. With a revamped format, Wheels TV is hosted by heartthrob and car fanatic Matteo Guidicelli. Joining him are the other Masters of Wheels led by Philippine STAR Motoring editor Manny de los Reyes, Kap Maceda-Aguila, Ulysses Ang, and Angel Rivero.
Lotus previewed at Globe Slipstream 2.0
The iconic purveyor of lightweight, high-performance British sports cars is finally in Manila. Lotus Cars Manila, a new brand under the Autohub Group, gave the public a sneak peek of their line-up at the Slipstream 2.0 event in Bonifacio Global City. It was the perfect venue as the Prince of Speed and Globe Tattoo ambassador Marlon Stockinger was on hand to show off his car handling prowess using his Lotus Formula Renault 3.5 open-wheeled race car. With that thrilling event as a backdrop, Lotus Cars Manila showed off its line-up namely: the award-winning Evora, the iconic Elise, and the stunning Exige.
Kia Philippines’ technician recognized
Columbian Autocar Corporation revealed that Ferdinand Ralar of Kia Pampanga was recognized with a Silver Medal in the Kia World Service Advisor Competition held in South Korea. Ralar already won the top prize in the 8th Kia National Skills Competition.
Mazda-MFI Graduates begin OJT
Mazda Philippines together with Meralco Foundation, Inc. (MFI) began the second phase of its Industrial Technician Program. This means students will start their OJT work at various Mazda dealerships in Metro Manila.
Ford Sta. Rosa opens
Continuing its rapid expansion, Ford formally opened its Sta. Rosa, Laguna dealership. The 1,648-sqm dealership features a six-vehicle showroom and six-service bays. This is Ford’s 37th full sales and service dealership in the country.
Mahindra enters the Philippines
Mahindra, India’s leading SUV manufacturer makes its comeback into the Philippines under the exclusive distributorship of Asiabrands Motors Corporation, a new company under the Columbian Group of Companies which also distributes brands such as Kia, BMW, and Peugeot. Although Mahindra was in the Philippine market in the 1990’s, it’s only now that they’ll get a large corporate backer ensuring proper and reliable customer support.
Ford is now part of AVID
The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID), a non-profit business association of automotive importers and distributors founded in July 2010, welcomes a new member: Ford Group Philippines, Inc. AVID aims to promote the competitiveness of the Philippine automotive industry and boost its value contribution to the Philippine economy.
BMW Philippines launches X6
BMW Philippines formally introduces the all-new X6, the brand’s flagship Sport Activity Coupe or SAC. Featuring a coupe-like roofline and the iconic BMW look, the X6 offers a distinctive and innovative character perfect for today’s progressive man. It comes loaded with features such as 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic tailgate, two-zone climate control, and many more. Powered by a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine, it has a healthy 258 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic, it rockets the X6 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds.
Toyota launches all-new Hilux
Toyota Motor Philippines finally laid down its cards in the high-stakes pickup wars with the introduction of the all-new Hilux. Taking a departure from its boxy predecessor, the all-new Hilux is emotional and evocative with its “under-priority” and “keen look”. It also has a car-like interior featuring expanded room. The biggest news though is the introduction of all-new engines: a 2.4-liter and 2.8-liter engines. These next-generation diesel engines codenamed ‘GD’ boasts of more power, better efficiency, and low NVH. The higher-trim models also feature unparalleled safety with 7 SRS airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Active Traction Control (A-TRAC).
Suzuki breaks ground in Sta. Rosa
Suzuki Philippines, Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony for its latest car dealership: Suzuki Auto Sta. Rosa to rise along Tagaytay-Balibago Road. It joins the current roster of 32 dealers nationwide making the brand much more accessible to motorists, especially in the Southern Tagalog region.
Ford Ormoc opens
Ford opens their 38th full sales and service dealership in the country in Ormoc, Leyte. This is the second dealership of Ford in Leyte further strengthening the brand’s presence in the Visayas region. The 1,700-sqm dealership offers a 5-vehicle showroom and 6-vehicle service bays.