BMW Philippines Winds Down Operations, Posts Loss of P187M

Losses of BMW AG’s local unit widened as it ended operations in the Philippines last year and turned over the local dealership to its Filipino business partner.

BMW Philippines Corp., in its 2008 financial report, said it had to sell inventory at a loss ahead of the closure of local operations.

The company’s net loss last year…

Ford Philippines Asks Government to Relax Rules on Export Credits

Ford Motor Philippines has asked the government to relax the rules on export credits as the American automobile firm grapples with the worldwide crisis which has plagued the industry since last year.

In an interview, Board of Investments (BOI) managing head Elmer C. Hernandez said Ford has asked the government if it can suspend the rule…

Honda Offers Road Assistance and Free Check-ups this Holy Week

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), ready for the expected influx of motorists this Holy Week by providing on-site travel aid, service and support in different travel destinations through the Honda Emergency Assistance Team (H.E.A.T.) program.

H.E.A.T. is an annual motorist assistance program that is composed of an emergency action team who provides road assistance to motorists…

Russ Swift to be Back at MIAS 2009; Subaru to Unveil New Impreza

Doughnuts. Parallel parking. Two-wheel maneuver. All these and more daredevil stunts world-famous precision driver Russ Swift will perform using the new Subaru Impreza at the Manila International Auto Show scheduled early April 2009.

Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru, is bringing back Swift to treat all car enthusiasts to a thrilling exhibit at the…

Isuzu Philippines Still Optimistic Amid Crisis

Isuzu Philippines Corp. is bracing for a slight dip in its sales target for 2009 because of the global crisis, which is also bringing about shifts in strategy to boost its maintenance and repairs services, a top executive said.

At the same, Isuzu also has to deal with imported surplus trucks that are hurting sales of…

Toyota Philippines Launches Previa 2009

Competition just got more exciting in the executive minivan segment, with Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. launching the 2009 Previa. In enhancing comfort and styling features, Toyota said it was positioning the Previa as its bet in the executive minivan segment, further strengthening its commercial vehicle leadership.

The new 2009 Previa is equipped with the 4-cylinder, in-line…

DOTC Eyes Higher Fines for Traffic Violations

Secretary Leandro Mendoza of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) yesterday said there is a need to raise traffic fines in view of the rising number of road accidents.

But public transport groups protesting the agency’s refusal to defer raising the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) fines for traffic violations have vowed to conduct a nationwide…

Philippines Still a Budding Market for Luxury Cars

Lexus Manila is cautiously optimistic of sales this year, which marks its official foray into the local luxury-car market.

Hiroyuki Tsuda, Lexus Manila Inc. executive vice president, told a round­table at The Manila Times on Thursday that the global financial crisis would indeed slow down global automotive sales. The luxury-car segment, he said, would not be…

All Systems Go for Transport Show 2009

It’s all systems go for Trans Sport Show, the country’s much-awaited car show which is now on its 18th year. Expect the finest array of restored vintage and contemporary cars at the showfloor, which opens April 22, 2009 and will run until April 26, 2009 at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall, Building B, Mandaluyong…

Honda Safety Driving Center Offers Free Road Safety Seminars

Starting March 24, 2009, Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC), the country’s first world-class training facility, began offering free riding seminars every Tuesday, starting at 4:00 PM.

According to HSDC general manager Arnel Doria, “Summer is just around the corner and once graduation is over, we expect thousands of families, barkadas, classmates and officemates to motor to…