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.

Lexus Manila Celebrates First Anniversary

Lexus Manila, Inc. marks its first year of doing business in the Philippine luxury automotive scene this month. Since its brand debut in January 2009, it did not take long for Lexus Manila to make good on Lexus global reputation for production quality and customer satisfaction.

During its first year, Lexus Manila has responded to market trends by offering its customer a fresh option of luxury car line-up. With the opening of its world-class showroom at the heart of Fort Bonifacio Global City last year, Lexus also launched its initial line-up composed of the flagship sedan LS460, ES350, GS460, IS300, and full-size SUV LX570. This was immediately followed by the March introduction of the global best-selling Lexus cross over SUV RX350, and the sporty convertible IS300c in September. By year end, 172 satisfied Lexus customers can attest to the understated elegance of its products and the warm hospitality of its associates. Lexus garnered 13 percent share of the market, quickly climbing to the fourth position. Read more

MINI Global City Opens

British United Automobiles, Inc., the authorized importer for MINI in the Philippines, opens the doors of MINI Global City at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig today, Jan. 15.

Designed by Architect Abraham F. Flores together with the BMW Group, the showroom will introduce a new world of motoring fun to MINI enthusiasts in the Philippines.

“After months of planning, we are excited to open our doors. The MINI Global City is something special, created on the basis of a car that is already very special. The interior is designed with exclusive style to reflect the sophisticated features of the MINI,” said Willy Q. Tee Ten, president of British United Automobiles, Inc.

“No other car has become the object of art and fashion as often and in the same diversity as the MINI. We are therefore pleased that MINI Global City is designed with exclusive style to reflect the sophisticated features of the MINI,” said Preecha Ninatkiattikul, MINI manager, Asia. Read more

Toyota Philippines Introduces Tougher Innova Sport Runner

Toyota Motor Philippines sets the stage for the new Year 2010 as they introduce a tougher version of the country’s best-selling commercial vehicle, the Innova Sport Runner. All the passenger car-like comfort offered by the Toyota Innova is packed inside this new variant, with an improved sportier exterior. The Innova SR features new overfenders, side skirts, rear spoiler, new front fog lamp design, 15” alloy wheels in a wider 225 / 55 R15 tires, Sport Runner badge and exclusive black and bronze exterior colors. It will be available in 2.5-liter diesel automatic and manual transmissions at Php 1,064,000 and Php 999,000 respectively. “The Sport Runner is a fresh addition to the Innova line-up. While the Innova has been consistently performing very well since its 2005 introduction, averaging 900 units per month in sales, we understand that there are customers who are also looking for a tougher or sportier look that will compliment the Innova’s driving performance and riding comfort.

We are confident that this new variant will further solidify the Innova’s position as the best-selling MPV, and will contribute to TMP’s overall sales leadership,” surmised Raymond Rodriguez, First Vice President for Vehicle Sales. The Innova Sport Runner will be available in any of Toyota 27 outlets nationwide this month.

Honda Partners with UnionBank for OFW Car Remittance Program

In providing added convenience for Filipinos overseas, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) partners with UnionBank of the Philippines (UBP) for its car remittance program. Honda and UnionBank recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement in bolstering the Honda CAREmittance program that provides Filipinos abroad online access when buying a brand new Honda vehicle for their dear families here in the Philippines.

“Ever committed in providing sheer customer satisfaction, the addition of UnionBank of the Philippines to the program’s existing partners, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation and Banco de Oro, offers added option and convenient access to more remittance centers.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.’s President and General Manager.

“UnionBank is honored to be Honda’s key partner in its CAREmittance program which is designed to help OFW’s enjoy the fruits of their labor. Being the first of its kind in the automotive industry, Honda CAREmittance complements UnionBank’s established credentials as a leading technology-driven bank.” said Mr. Genaro Lapez, UnionBank’s Executive Vice President for Consumer Finance. Read more

2010 Honda CR-V to Arrive February Next Year

Available initially in the United States and in Japan, the new CR-V is set to reach Philippine shores by February 2010, according to Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI). Exuding sleek sophistication, solid stance and refined functionality, the 2010 CR-V puts up a bold statement that is sure to complement the demands of urban living.

The CR-V now comes with new front grille, bumper and alloy wheel designs to bring out a tougher and more distinct look. Its revitalized front end styling balances smoothly with the CR-V’s clean lines and premium finish.

The CR-V is a vehicle of substance. Under its hood lies the same i-VTEC engine that cleverly combines powerful performance with fuel economy. It comes in 2.4 liter and 2.0 liter variants which produces maximum power of 170 ps and 150 ps, respectively. Read more

Honda Captures Fun Family Moments with CR-V Photo Contest

The search is on for the most fun and memorable family moments with the CR-V. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. recently announced the launch of its My Kind of CR-V Fun photo contest. Open to owners of the 3rd generation CR-V which was introduced in the market back in 2006, My Kind of CR-V Fun photo contest aims to capture how the CR-V has taken part of happy family trips and gatherings – simply suitable to the Filipino lifestyle. With its sophisticated styling, sedan-like ride and comfort, the CR-V is truly the perfect vehicle for any occasion.

Exciting prizes will be given to the lucky winners! The photo that best reflects the theme of the contest wins the Flip Video digital camrecorder. Flip Video offers easy video recording, editing and sharing in an ultra-portable design so that you can capture more of those family memories. Honda premium laptop bags will also be given as consolation prizes to five other lucky senders. Aside from these exciting prizes, the top six (6) photo entries will be printed on Honda’s official magazine, Challenge Magazine and posted on www.hondaphil.com. Read more

Toyota Philippines Offers Special Discounts for New Vehicle Purchases of Typhoon-affected Customers

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation offers special sales incentives for new vehicle purchases of Typhoon-affected Toyota Customers. The devastating effects of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng have left a lot of vehicles damaged, some beyond repair. To aid flood-affected Toyota customers, TMPC will offer discounts ranging from P25,000 to P62,000 for select Toyota models for purchases made from October 1-31, 2009.

There are two ways to avail of Toyota’s special sales incentive. With the PAY CASH scheme, customers with cash purchases will enjoy special discounts for the Vios, Innova, Yaris, Avanza, Hilux, Altis, Hiace, Fortuner, RAV4 and Camry.

With the PAY LOW scheme purchases made through Toyota Financial Services (TFS) Lease-to-Own scheme will enjoy payment terms from 24 to 60 months, 10 to 30% cash out, and an all-in package including free one-year insurance with Acts of God coverage, LTO registration, and no chattel mortgage. A 90-day payment holiday will also be enjoyed wherein the first monthly amortization will be settled by customers three months after vehicle release. Read more

Armor All Tsikot Challenge

Armor All has an exciting challenge for all tsikot.com members. Armor All “Spot That Car Challenge”.

How to Join:

1. The 1st 10 tsikoteers to spot the Armor All car parked somewhere in Metro Manila will receive a gift pack P1000.00 of Armor All products. This challenge is open for Metro Manila-based members only.
2. If you have spotted the Armor All car from the period of October 26-30, take a photo and upload/embed it right away at this tsikot.com forum thread. Your tsikot forum name should come with the photo and your contact number (Mobile phone and landline).   Reminder: don’t reveal where you found the car to keep up the challenge for tsikoteer hunters.
3. Clue of Armor All car location: (Only 1 clue per day)
Oct 26 Clue # 1 – You can find the Armor All car somewhere in Metro Manila where they celebrate the feast of St. John the Baptist- “Wet day”

4. Bonus: 1st tsikoteer to spot and upload/embed the photo of Armor All car (valid entry) will have a chance to meet a celebrity guest and a cover girl of a popular men’s magazine. This special event will be on October 31, Saturday, 3:00 PM and have his car featured at our demo station applying different Armor All products to make it Clean, Shiny and Protected.
5. Come and join the fun and receive your prizes on October 31 at 3:00 PM

Good luck! May the best tsikoteer spotter win!

For more information, please read this thread.

Honda Safety Driving Center Now Offers Specialty Courses

Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC) has recently announced the opening of special short courses to enhance the driving skills of automobile drivers and motorcycle riders. Each lasting 100 minutes (1:40 hrs), the courses will focus on specific skills and techniques in various driving/riding situations. Each course starts with a 15-minute safety orientation which includes proper riding/driving posture, 360-degree scanning, spotting for hazards and dangers, and blind spot areas. This is followed by a 75-minute practice session, and closes with a 10-minute discussion time to address concerns and answer questions from the trainee.

Offered for both motorcycles and automobiles, the Wet & Emergency Braking course is an advanced program that gives even experienced riders/drivers the opportunity to practice emergency braking on a simulated wet road surface. In this program, the trainee learns how to avoid wheel-lock, particularly on vehicles with no ABS, through modulation of the brake pedal pressure. The trainee also learns how to deal with a skidding car or motorcycle. Vehicle control on uphill and downhill slopes is also part of the program. The Wet & Emergency Braking course is very affordably priced at P180 for motorcycles and P950 for automobiles.

Specific for motorcycle riders, HSDC is also offering the Dirt (Off-Road) course, which allows riders to practice riding and handling motorcycles on a loose dirt track. Experienced riders know that loose traction often results in a crash. With repeated exercises, the trainee gains the confidence to control his ride on dirt roads. The Dirt (Off-Road) program is offered for P180. Read more

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