DTI Lauds Toyota Philippines Action on Prius model

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) lauded Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) for implementing a recall on the Prius. Toyota implemented a recall on the hybrid car due to faulty brakes.

“We are pleased that TMP has taken the initiative of contacting their customers and perform the required repair at no cost to customers,” Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila said.

DTI said that mistakes that occur in the manufacture of products pose danger to the health and safety of the consuming public. When similar incidents occur in different people when using a specific product, this could be an indication that there is a flaw in its production, and when this happens, a product recall may be necessary. Read more

Philippine Auto Parts Makers Target ASEAN market

Philippine automotive manufacturers are now aggressively promoting its products in the ASEAN market starting in Thailand, the region’s automotive hub.

This developed as the local auto parts makers are going to participate for the first time in the Thailand Auto Parts and Accessories (TAPA), the largest auto parts and accessories trade fair in Thailand, reported the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The auto show is identified as an important sourcing event for international players in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market. Industry reports say that the ASEAN region has a promising global market for the automotive industry with sales amounting to 2 million vehicles in 2008. ASEAN countries are attracting major investments in vehicle production and because of growing demand; some major auto companies are in want of a production hub in ASEAN next to Thailand. Read more

Honda Accord 2010 Model Gets Enhancements

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. offers an enhanced model of its highly acclaimed premium sedan, adding a new dimension to rich styling with the 2010 Accord. Presenting a well-appointed interior design, the 3.5 liter Accord is now fitted with black leather seats.

Controls for audio and air conditioning system are also improved for better functionality and ease of use.

Honda Accord also offers flawless performance such as the i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control). The 3.5 liter variant ably responds to your heart’s desire with its maximum power capacity of 275 ps @ 6200 rpm. Such variant is also equipped with the latest advancement in fuel-efficient technology called, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).

With the VCM system, optimal power output, promising fuel economy and lesser harmful emissions in actual driving situations become possible by simply closing down cylinders when not needed. VCM tailors the number of cylinders to be activated to match one’s driving requirements. Such seamless activation and deactivation of cylinders from 6 to either 4 or 3 brings about the coining of its nickname, VCM 6 4 3.

The 2010 Honda Accord comes in Alabaster Silver (2.4 liter variant only), Bold Beige (2.4 liter variant only), Polished Metal, Night Hawk Black and Brilliant White Pearl (3.5 liter variant only). It is available in two variants: 2.4 liter with automatic transmission comes with Php 1,680,000 price tag while 3.5 liter variant with automatic transmission is priced at P2.03 milliom. Additional Php 20,000 is applicable for the exclusive Brilliant White Pearl color.

Ford Launches 2010 Vehicles

Ford Group Philippines (FGP) introduces 2010 editions of the Expedition Eddie Bauer EL, E-150 Club Wagon and Explorer Eddie Bauer. The firm said standards of business class driving were raised by offering larger full-size vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art features and amenities — the 2010 editions now feature award-winning Ford SYNC connectivity and entertainment technology.

“The quest to meet and exceed our customers want and need never cease at Ford Motor Company,” said FGP president Richard Baker.

For more information please visit Ford.com.ph.

Honda Vehicles in the Philippines Not included in SRS Airbag Recall

On February 09, 2010, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and on February 10, 2010, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced expansion of recall related to a defect in the driver’s SRS airbag installed on certain vehicles produced in 2001 and 2002.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. officially announces that the local market has no reason to worry since ALL models sold in the Philippines are not affected by the recall. Parts used for the locally sold Honda models are DIFFERENT from those included in the recall.

CAMPI Supports Perks for CKD Importers

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), which groups 19 automotive players in the country, Thursday clarified that while they are supporting a policy bias for CKD (completely knocked down) assemblers this should not be done at the expense of the CBU (completely built-up) importers.

“The auto policy should be biased for assembler and the intention of CAMPI is for the expansion of the assembly operations in the country, but the question is the way by which it will be accomplished and (how) will the objective be attained in such a manner,” said CAMPI president Elizabeth H. Lee
It could be noted that the Deloitte Consulting, which came up with an assessment on the domestic auto industry, has proposed for a $1,000 subsidy for each CKD unit produced in the country.

Lee said there is no problem with the move to grant subsidy whether fiscal or non-fiscal incentives to CKD assemblers, but it was not clear as to the source of this subsidy. Read more

Local Auto Sales Surge 33.8% in January 2010

The local auto industry reported a strong performance in January as sales went up by a strong 33.8 percent to 11,763 units from a year ago level.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) said the growth was backed by a strong dollar inflow from overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and an increase in domestic business activity.

“A high January sales volume augurs well for the year. It is a good start for stronger sales for 2010,” CAMPI president Elizabeth H. Lee said.

“ We are looking forward to a much stronger growth for this year with increased spending as a result of bullish OFW remittances which is projected to grow by eight percent or exceeding $18 billion; increased appetite for investment and business expansion; continued liquidity in the market; ease in taking out loans and availability of loans serving buyers needs; ….not to mention this being an election year as well,” Lee added.

However, month-on-month comparison showed a decline of 13.5 percent as sales for December 2009 stood at 13,596 units. In spite of this, Lee stressed that this will be a good year for the industry. Read more

Toyota Cars Sold in the Philippines not Included in Recall

Toyota cars sold locally are not affected by the accelerator-pedal recall implemented in the United States, a top official of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) said.

In an interview, TMP vice chairman Alfred Ty said the cars sold here are not affected by the recall because the Toyota Camry and Corolla Altis sold by TMP in the Philippines are manufactured in Thailand while RAV4 models are imported from Japan.

“The recall is a preventive measure that shows the consciousness of Toyota management. This is the reason for the recall,” Ty explained.

Ty said they have received some inquiries from their dealerships about the recall that is why they decided to issue a public notice assuring the public that Toyota vehicles sold here are safe. Read more

Great Wall Cars Hit the Local Market

Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd., China’s first privately-owned automaker listed in the Hong Kong stock market, through its Philippine importer and distributor, Statemotor Corp., is set to introduce six models in the Philippine automobile market.

According to Statemotor president Allen Roxas, “Statemotor Corp. has been tapped by Great Wall Motor Co. to bring high-quality and cost-effective products to the Philippine market, namely, the Florid compact passenger car, Peri sub-compact passenger car, Wingle 4×2 & 4×4 pickup, Cowry MPV, Coolbear compact passenger car and Hover 4×2 & 4×4 SUV.”

Based in Hebei Baoding, China, Great Wall Motor Co. is dedicated to making its mark on the international market as an excellent globalized brand of vehicles by conveying the brand connotation of “fashion, high-tech and elegance” and presenting “sophisticated and elegantly made products with excellent price & performance.” Since its establishment in 1976, Great Wall has been developing pickups, SUVs, passenger cars and MPVs in the high-end, mid- and economy ranges. The company adopts European technology in all its products and uses major parts and components from Bosch of Germany, which speaks a lot about the quality and proven track record of its vehicles. Read more

Subaru Philippines Closes 2009 with 56 Percent Growth

Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP), the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, announced it capped off 2009 with sales of 942 units, marking a 56-percent growth—the biggest in the local automotive industry based on figures released by the Chamber of he Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines.

Subaru has been the fastest growing automotive brand in the country as it consistently increased sales every year since it opened in 2006, according to MIP.

In 2008, the company posted a 100-percent growth. Read more

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