Manila Auto Salon 2008 Video

Manila Auto Salon 2008 gathered under one roof, local and international manufacturers, distributors and dealers of the automotive aftermarket industry.  Incorporating two long-running events –

Custom Car Show and the Sport Truck Show with the Bike Show and 2nd Mobile Electronics and Technology Show, MAS 2008 is conceptualized and produced by the Philippine’s leading motoring events organizer – Tradeshow International, Inc. (the team behind TRANS SPORT SHOW). Read more

Mazda Cars Confirm Fuel Efficiency

Mazda came out with excellent fuel economy ratings in a recent fuel efficieny test by the Department of Energy. Mazda3’s 2.0L version received a rating of 16.28 km per liter while its 1.6L version is 15.89 km per liter fuel efficient. Mazda6’s 2.5L was given a fuel efficiency rating of 15.20 km per liter. These ratings prove that Mazda vehicles do not only offer superb performance and sporty handling but are fuel efficient and “green” as well.

Mazda Philippines’ flagship vehicle - the 2008 Mazda3 is a car that can be considered a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). FFV’s have specialized connections between the engine and the fuel system allowing them to use alternative fuels when available. The Mazda3 is E20 capable this means it can take in gasoline mixed with up to 20% Ethanol. Locally available E10 fuel can cost around P2 less per litre which means one could save a little over P100 with every top up of the Mazda 3’s 50 liter fuel tank. Read more

The Mazda BT-50 2.5L 4X2 First Drive

Text and Photos by Sandre Lee Roque

Mazda Philippines has enjoyed long years of pride within their line-up of highly anticipated vehicles such as the Mazda 3, Mazda 6 and the head turning CX-9. Now the company has another ‘zoom-zoom’ product that pushes their market coverage towards hard-working businessman and farmers alike, that is their new Mazda BT-50.

The BT-50 is a straight heir to the ever reliable B-Series pick-up which we can still see a lot in the streets today. During its time, Mazda marketed it as a lifestyle pick-up that not only boasts its functionality, but a legendary heritage of toughness in which some of us may know. Not surprising (I must say) that the new one just got even better in terms of power and refinement yet still feels robust in every detail. Read more

Local Car Industry Lists Reasons for Bullishness in 2009

Consider these: low car-to-people ratio, returning overseas workers who will be looking for new sources of livelihood, local banks still enjoying liquidity and the rising income of Filipinos.

These factors inherent to the Philippine market are what, local automakers say, kept them confident these days—even if their counterparts in the developed economies are already frowning.

Elizabeth Lee, president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc., said the growth potential in the country remains very high amid the worsening financial and economic crisis. Read more

CoTY-P Announces Car of the Year

After the strenuous testing and rigorous shakedown of all the participants in this year’s Car of the Year-Philippines (CoTY-P) search, the smoke of battle cleared and the Subaru Impreza STi emerged as the best among the best. The Impreza also bagged the Sports Car/Sedan category, inching out Mazda’s pocket rocket, the Miata MX-5.

“It is an honor to win this award given the competitors that we had to overcome. This win further solidifies our claim that the Impreza is the best all-around performer,” stated Nikki Mariano, general manager of Motor Image Pilipinas, exclusive distributor of Subaru in the country. Subaru also won in the Crossover and Wagon 4WD category, beating seven other contenders, which included such heavy favorites as the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander. Read more

Honda Breaks Ground in Nueva Ecija

Honda recently broke ground on the future site of Honda Cars Nueva Ecija (HCNE), its 26th full-service dealership in the country. Being true to its commitment in bringing world-class products and services closer to its customers, HCNE will soon rise along Barangay Luna, Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija.

Strengthening Honda’s presence in Central Luzon, HCNE is the 3rd Honda dealership in the region. HCNE, with land area totaling 5,000 sq. m., will soon provide a more convenient access to its modern facilities with a four (4) car display capacity, general repairs, preventive maintenance and body and paint repair services. Nearby locals will finally get to enjoy a reputable Honda brand experience. Read more

Demand for Vans, Pickups to Keep Local Carmakers Afloat in 2009

Demand for vans, utility vehicles, and pick-up trucks will keep the Philippine automotive industry afloat amid the anticipated economic slowdown in 2009.

Appetite for commercial vehicles will result in a four percent sales growth next year, lower than the industry’s year-to-date expansion of ten percent, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) said. Read more

2008 Autofocus Motorshow & Auto Expo Begins at the Fort

It has been considered as “one of the biggest and widest displays of 2008 models ever assembled in one venue” – there for the motoring public to see and test drive. The 2008 “AUTO FOCUS MOTORSHOW & AUTO EXPO” begins today at the Bonifacio Global City grounds and will last until December 1, and it promises to feature more models than ever before.

This will be the 4th annual staging of this major motoring industry event organized by Sunshine Television Production & Marketing Services Corp. (STV), and as “Auto Focus” and “Motoring Today” TV host and STV Chairman and CEO Ray Butch Gamboa announced, “This year’s motorshow will have even greater participation by most of the popular brands like Audi, Chery, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volvo. A wide choice of these models will be available for test drives. Indeed, this week-long assemblage of such a varied and comprehensive range of competing makes/models in a single venue has always been a “must go” event for car enthusiasts and buyers. To them, it is a veritable “one-stop shop” that provides welcome and convenient relief from the ordeal of hopping from one dealer showroom to another in search of the model or offer of their choice. And, with November being a peak buying month, BPI Family Savings Bank will be at the venue with special financing offers for visitors who are looking for a model to buy!” Read more

Toyota Phils Not Poised to Undertake Major Investments in 2009

Market leader Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) is only looking at equaling its 2008 performance for next year and is not expected to undertake new major investments.

This, as car companies in the country are said to be “cautiously optimistic” of industry prospects in 2009, projecting a 2-percent to 4-percent growth in sales volume.

Elizabeth Lee, president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi), said the industry is aiming for a high of 130,000-unit sales volume for 2009. This will be 4-percent higher than the estimated 125,000 units that Campi is expecting to sell this year. Read more

CAMPI: Automotive Industry Seen to Grow 2-4% in 2009

The local auto industry is expected to grow by a slower rate next year due to the global economic downturn.

“For next year, growth maybe between two and four percent, down from this year’s 10-percent growth,” CAMPI president Elizabeth Lee said.

According to Lee, the local industry is better off than other countries which has been besieged by falling sales as a result of the slowdown in global demand especially in the European and American markets.

“So far auto players remain cautiously optimistic given the local industry’s better performance versus that of other developed markets,” Lee said. Read more

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