Despite Crisis, Ford Unveils Longer SUV

Despite the economic slowdown and fuel price swings, Ford Group Philippines recently launched its 2009 Expedition that is 14 inches longer than the previous model.

Those extra inches cost P100,000 as the 2009 Expedition Eddie Bauer Extended Length version carries a sticker price of P3.099 million, a Ford Philippines official said yesterday.

The previous Expedition models sell for a little less than P3 million.

“The launching of the 2009 Expedition affirms the belief of Ford in the future of the Philippine market, and we are here for the long haul,” the official said. Read more

Flat Philippine Sales for Full-Size Ford Vehicles Expected

Ford Group Philippines expects to sell the same number of its full-size car models this year amid a global economic slump.

The auto maker on Friday launched tweaked car versions that can accomodate a higher biofuel blend.

But the sports utility vehicle 2009 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer EL and the 2009 Ford E-150 Club Wagon van will not be the firm’s major sales drivers, an official said.

“These vehicles are helping to build the brand image of Ford. We sold 120 Expeditions in 2008, and if we sell 120 this year, that would be good,” Ford Group Philippines President Richard Baker told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of yesterday’s launch. Read more

Mitsubishi Philippines Remains Positive for 2009

With 2008 total vehicles sales of 124,449 falling slight short of the projected industry forecast of 125,000 units, last year’s total vehicle sales performance have increased by a modest 5.6% from 2007.   This is in spite of the global financial crisis which hit during the last quarter.   Even before the worldwide financial crisis, automotive sales have been resilient to the pressures from peso depreciation, high inflation rates and fuel price hikes which saw prices of gasoline reached a record high of P60/liter.

For this year, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) is projecting total industry to be 130,000, which is 4.5% better than last year.   MMPC believes, that in spite of the prolonged effects of the global financial crisis, which is affecting a lot of industries, which includes new vehicle sales in first world countries, the local automotive sales will remain positive or worst be flat for 2009. Froilan Dytianquin, MMPC Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services said that, “As long as the local financial institutions / banks are healthy and still be aggressive in accepting vehicle loans and at the same time the Peso to US Dollar remains to be below Php50 level then this industry sales target is achievable”.

Last year MMPC regained No.2 position in the industry with market share of 14%.  MMPC sold a total of 17,539 vehicles last year which is around 17% better compared to its 2007 sales of 15,005.   MMPC attributes this performance to its exciting new vehicle line up, which was further enhanced with the launch of the all new Lancer EX and Montero Sport 4×4 last year.   The all new Lancer EX was one of the highly admired and commended passenger car models by most motoring editors last year, while the Montero Sport was awarded as the Best Executive Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) by the Car Awards Group Inc. Read more

Subaru Sales in the Philippines Doubles in 2008

Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP), the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines reported a year-end sales performance of 602 units, marking an increase of 100 percent from 2007. It also registered the biggest growth in performance in the Philippine automotive industry based on the figures released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI). Subaru has been the fastest growing automotive brand since its arrival in 2006 and Motor Image has announced plans to expand its business in 2009.

Motor Image’s sales in 2008 marked the biggest increase in the automotive industry with an increase of 100 percent. The exclusive distributor of Subaru reported year-end sales figures of 602 units, doubling its output from 301 in 2007. The strong sales performances of its compact SUV, the Forester and its Impreza models keyed MIP’s growth despite the economic slowdown that affected the automotive industry in the last quarter of 2008. Read more

Isuzu D-Max Places in 2009 Dakar Rally

The Isuzu D-Max has added the Dakar Rally to its impressive resumé, finishing 11th overall among 177 participating cars, which included such brands as Volkswagen, Hummer, BMW and Opel. Needless to say, the D-Max–piloted by Australian Bruce Garland and navigated by Japanese Harry Suzuki–was also the best diesel pickup in the 2009 staging of the world-famous off-road endurance race, held from January 3-18 across Argentina and Chile.

“The 2009 Dakar Rally covered a total distance of 9,500 kilometers, including 5,650 kilometers of special stages through sand dunes and rough terrains,” said Isuzu Operations Thailand president Ken Takashima. “This event is renowned for its harsh driving conditions that make for the ultimate proving ground for man and machine.”

This latest feat is part of the Isuzu Diesel Mission, which tapped the successful Australian rally team Garland Motor Sport to compete in three rally events to demonstrate Isuzu’s diesel expertise to the world. It aimed to prove that vehicles equipped with Isuzu diesel engines have speed, power, endurance and fuel economy. Read more

Mazda Clubs Feted at Zoom Fest at the Fort

On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, Mazda Philippines celebrated its 5th Anniversary

Zoom Fest at The Fort open grounds on February 14 and 15.  It was a weekend to remember for Mazda club members, the motoring media, drifting enthusiasts and the general public.

Guests were given a special treat as Mazda car owners and modifiers showed off their prized automobiles. Three of the country’s largest groups of Mazda owners– Miata Club Philippines, Club Mazda3 and MazdaTech were present for two days of revelry and friendly competition. Read more

Mazda Philippines Rolls Out Mazda BT-50 – TRS Drift Team

Living up to its Zoom-Zoom mantra of spirited performance and pure driving excitement, Mazda Philippines recently unveiled its Mazda BT-50 Drift Truck, in collaboration with the Tuason Racing School (TRS).

“The Mazda BT-50 drift truck is a great way to showcase the toughness and handling of our new pick-up truck”, Prudz Castillo, Brand Manager, Mazda Philippines said during the recent Mazda Zoom Fest held at the Fort Open Grounds at the Bonifacio Global City.

The new generation Mazda BT-50 launched in October 2008, boasts of leading-edge driving dynamics developed by Mazda’s sports car engineers that makes the Mazda  BT-50 pick-up perform effortlessly under any driving condition with superior stability and control.  Read more

Auction-Manila Presents Car Show and Selling Event

Auction Manila will be presenting “The Great Rides, Great Buys @ Auction Manila” on February 27, 28 and March 1, 2009 at HK Sun Plaza along Macapagal and Roxas Boulevard.

The three-day event will feature the “Great Rides Car Show”, real-time and live internet car auctions, the “Auction Manila Warehouse Party”, stage performances, a fashion show, bands, and dancers aim to liven up the atmosphere as a DJ plays lively music the whole day. Read more

Audi Philippines Upbeat on Higher Sales for 2009

The Philippine unit of German car maker Audi AG is looking at selling 50% more units this year, following the launch of its new showroom, new models and continued demand from the high-end market.

“The new Audi Terminal in Alabang will play a major part in achieving this, as well as the exciting lineup of Audi vehicles for 2009,” Audi Philippines said in a statement yesterday.

“The Philippines will remain a strong market for luxury automobiles,” it added.

In a telephone interview, Audi Philippines Marketing Manager Doris B. Pastoriza said they expect to hike sales by half this year, but declined to say how many units were sold last year. Read more

Manila International Auto Show Slated on April 2 – 5, 2009

Expected to be the biggest motoring event of the year, the Manila International Auto Show 2009 will reel off on April 2 to 5 , 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized yearly by Wordlbex Services International, MIAS 2009 will highlight the Russ Swift Precision Driving Stunt Show, the Motul Nismo 350Z JGTC Race Car Exhibit, public debut car launches, off-road and on-road demonstrations and test drives, exiting raffle prizes, Top Gear Special Exhibit, Summit Fashion Show, motorsports clinics and various test drives by leading car manufacturers.

Competitions within the show include classic and custom car, Car of the Year Awards Exhibition, Outstanding Exhibitor’s Booth and a Photography contest.

Tsikot.com and Tsikot.Tv are official media partners of the Manila International Auto Show 2009.

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