“The relatively peaceful election means only one thing and that is, a more vibrant automotive industry for 2010. This augurs well for the Philippines, and for Filipinos as foreign investors take a serious second look in terms of mid to long term investments- particularly in automotive,” CAMPI president Elizabeth H. Lee said.

“We can now step on the throttle and go full speed ahead with perhaps business ‘unusual’ as we look forward to an improved environment on the back of stronger consumer and business confidence that will benefit auto sales,” Lee added.

The industry’s confidence was also boosted by the issuance of Executive Order 877 or the new Motor Vehicle Development Program.

Lee said that once the initial errors and inconsistencies have been corrected and all the stakeholders are invited in the crafting of the EO’s implementing rules and regulations, then the MVDP would help attracting new investments in the auto sector.

“A fair and relevant MVDP will welcome and entice new investments as well as help expand the operations of those who are already heavily invested in the country,” Lee said.

Lee pointed out that in the first 4 months of the year, automotive sales showed a robust 37.4% growth.

“We should be well on our way to meet if not exceed our original forecast of 137,000 sales for the year,” said Lee.

This year will also be a most exciting year for car lovers nationwide where motorists can look forward to CAMPI’s 3rd Philippine International Motor Show this August 19-21, 2010.

“We are looking forward, we anticipate a new beginning and perhaps a brighter future for our local automotive industry,” Lee said.

Manila Bulletin

The Japanese-controlled carmaker attributed its growth to the aggressive financing terms banks/financial institutions gave even to entry level buyers, such as small to medium entrepreneurs and families of migrant workers.

All industry categories saw increased sales, with Mitsubishi passenger cars surging by 51.6% fueled by Lancer 1.6 and Lancer EX 2.0 models. Mitsubishi’s light commercial vehicles also increased by a 56.4% over last year’s level. Mitsubishi was able to achieve 19% market share and maintained its ranking as the 2nd best selling automotive brand in the Philippines.

A new vehicle line up also kept buyers coming in. The Montero Sport drew interest in the SUV segment. Sales of Montero Sport grew by 90% over last year’s level and continued to lead the SUV segment.

Manila Standard Today

“Pay Light” offers monthly plans for as low as P6,400 for Vios 1.3E M/T and P7,400 for Innova J Gas for up to 72 months with 50 percent downpayment. Zero percent interest payment for up to 18 months is also available for selected variants.

Under “Pay Cash”, cash buyers may get up to P40,000 savings for Innova V, G, and E diesel variants.
Lastly, “Pay Low” plan offers downpayments of as low as P65,000 for Vios 1.3E M/T and P79,000 for Innova J Gas. In addition, Innova customers are entitled to free one-year comprehensive insurance, free three-year LTO registration, and free chattel mortgage fee.

Affordable payment options for the newly-introduced Vios 1.3E A/T are also available with the Toyota Great Summer Savings.

“Pay Light” with only P6,887 for 72 months with 50 percent downpayment, “Pay Low” with 10 percent downpayment of P72,000 or “Pay Cash” and get P20,000 cash savings.

“Pay Light” and “Pay Low” transactions are subject to Toyota Financial Services (TFS) credit approval.
Participating models include all variants of Innova (except SR), and Vios 1.5 and 1.3E only.

Visit any of the 27 dealerships nationwide and avail of the Toyota Great Summer Savings before summer ends.

Manila Bulletin

First introduced as a five-door hatchback in the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover was designed by automotive hall of fame designer Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign studio, and was originally intended only for the European market.

In 2007, the Suzuki SX4 Sedan debuted in the New York Auto Show. One year after, Suzuki Philippines introduced to the local market the Suzuki SX4 sedan.

This year, the company brought in the new Suzuki SX4 Crossover. It is equipped with new features such as honeycomb type front grille, fender arch, roof rails, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

More power and better fuel efficiency are the hallmarks of its new M16A engine, a 1600cc 16-valve DOHC engine with variable-valve timing (VVT). Mated to a 4-speed gate-type automatic transmission, it is able to deliver maximum output of 110 hp at 5,600 rpm and maximum torque of 150 Nm at 3,800 rpm. Likewise, occupant safety is assured by a high rigidity body that utilizes TECT (Total Effective Control Technology) as well as dual air bags, anti-lock brakes and keyless entry.

The instrument cluster serves as a virtual information center with a fuel consumption gauge, fuel range and digital clock.

Plush seat fabric material, all-power features, and chrome inner door handles all add to the luxe-feel. A spacious cargo area and passenger seat under tray complete the Suzuki SX4 Crossover package.
The renamed Suzuki SX4 Aero, which is the upgraded Suzuki SX4 Sedan, has also been completely restyled with a sportier profile and a more aggressive front grille. A rear spoiler with third brake light, 17-inch alloy wheels and rear disc brakes make this sedan a standout.

Sharing the same basic specifications as the Suzuki SX4 Crossover, the SX4 Aero now boasts of a more powerful M16A engine, a 1600cc 16-valve DOHC engine with variable-valve timing (VVT). Mated to a 4-speed gate-type automatic transmission, it is able to deliver maximum output of 110 hp at 5,600 rpm and maximum torque of 150 Nm at 3,800 rpm.

Manila Bulletin

Honda works with government agencies and non-government organizations towards environment protection convened to promote fuel economy awareness in the face of unstable fuel prices, depleting fuel supply and excessive exhaust emissions. Present during the competition were representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy (DOE), Bantay Kalikasan, Philippine Business for the Environment (PBE), National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) and Honda Club of the Philippines (HCP).

Through this type of event, Honda advocates driving every drop of fuel by considering three basic factors: vehicle, driver and fuel.

Honda Challenge Cup educates regular motorists some fuel efficient driving techniques that are applicable in practical, day-to-day setting.

Honda provided its complete model line-up namely City, Jazz, Civic, CR-V and Accord for the activity and loaded these vehicles with Petron XCS gasoline.

Applying the basic formula, vehicle plus driver plus fuel equals fuel economy, these green warriors accomplished amazing results despite the accident that happened along NLEX which caused heavy traffic in the area.

The 1.3 City AT driven by John Paul Balayon and Ricky de Leon of Bantay Kalikasan bested its category and posted 13.35 km/li.

Malaya Online

For having achieved the highest points on Suzuki’s Balanced Score Card in 2009, Suzuki Auto Cebu was declared Dealer of the Year among Suzuki’s 18 automobile dealers nationwide.

In 2008, Suzuki Auto Cebu was the top dealer in the provincial category.

Asked about the secret to their success, Suzuki Auto Cebu general manager Debbie Chua said that, “Winning the Dealer of the Year award is a testament to the hard work of our people. We will be trying very hard to maintain or even improve our sales volume and at the same time focus more on customer service so that we can continue to be the top Suzuki dealer.”

Suzuki Auto Cebu is owned by Cebu Autocentrale Corporation, headed by the dynamic husband and wife team of Brian and Debbie Chua.

Suzuki employs a Balanced Score Card system for evaluating and rewarding its dealers in terms of marketing strategy implementation.

The comprehensive rating system evaluates retail sales performance and spare parts sales, as well as service and showroom compliance.

The system also ensures that Suzuki dealers maintain the company’s global standards to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.

Now celebrating its 25th year in the country, Suzuki Philippines is committed to introducing more dynamic, value-packed products to meet the mobility needs of Filipino motorists.

Despite their relatively recent entry into the market, Suzuki automobiles enjoy a niche following among local car aficionados and have earned accolades for fuel-efficiency as well as value-for-money.

Currently, the Suzuki automobile line-up consists of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Suzuki APV Type II, Suzuki Jimny, Suzuki SX4, Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Celerio, and Suzuki Alto, the SPH press release said.

The Visayan Daily Star

“We are looking forward to stronger growth for our product lines with at least a 10% increase in sales on the back of stronger consumer and business confidence after the country went through its successful, first ever automated elections,” said UMC executive vice-president Elizabeth H. Lee.

UMC’s products include the Nissan Navara Sport Utility Truck, the popular Nissan Urvan van lines supported by its pioneering “Ur Van, Ur Business” program, the luxury SUV Nissan Patrol Super Safari, and the recently launched premium crossover Murano Z51.

“Should the aggressive growth trend continue with ample supply to support the growing demand, growth could possibly be upwards of 20%,” she said.

CAMPI figures showed overall auto industry sales were robust with a 37.4% growth for the first four months of the year with the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines., Inc. looking to revise its original conservative 4% growth from 2009.

Based on the CAMPI figures, UMC sales for the first quarter already registered a 35.6% increase in sales for the first four months of the year compared to the same period in 2009.

“Key factors that will help boost sales especially for products such as our Nissan Urvan include the continued entrepreneurial trend where entrepreneurs purchase the Nissan Urvan as a self-liquidating, mobile business venture, leaving buyers with an asset and a business in every Nissan Urvan,” Lee said.

“That, coupled with the expected increase in OFW remittances of over USD$18 billion for the year, plus aggressive financing packages available for buyers, 2010 is shaping up to be a pretty good year for vehicles sales,” she added.

Manila Bulletin

Superimposing Hyundai’s signature of excellence is the boundary-breaking success of Hyundai Cebu as it won the 2009 Hyundai Dealer of the Year Award for the Asia-Pacific region after overtaking 260 other dealers. Another revelation of Hyundai’s continuing surge as a global automotive brand is Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, which secured the 2009 Award of Excellence for its outstanding performance in the area of Sales operations, and for commendable overall distributor operations during the said conference as well. With all these distinctions, Hyundai Cebu and HARI are indeed in a league all their own as they continue to live to their name as kings in the automotive industry, riding on the crest of accolades awarded by no less than Hyundai Motor Company.

The Hyundai tradition of Excellence

Setting new milestones with every automotive trend it spearheads and garnering the highest honor from its local and global counterparts with its unending pursuit to creating cutting-edge automotive innovations, Hyundai does not rest on its laurels yet as it continues to secure its presence in the market. With this, the HMC Asia-Pacific Dealer Conference becomes an annual convention where Hyundai’s network of distributors and dealers gather together to share the Hyundai vision of being an automotive market leader through relentless training of its most valued dealers and distributors.

Implementation of HMC’s DEP or Dealer Enhancement Program becomes one of the conference’s highlights to ensure world-class operations and customer service to uphold its status as a trusted automotive brand among customers and motorists. But HMC also recognizes the astuteness of a select group of elites by giving away awards and recognitions to Hyundai’s crème de la crème in all areas of distributor management.

And indeed, top-notch dealership Hyundai Cebu was recognized in this most celebrated event after being heralded as Hyundai’s Dealer of the Year for the Asia-Pacific Region, besting over 260 of its Hyundai counterparts from different countries in Asia. With its dedication to providing no less than the best motoring lifestyle to the Cebuano people, this provincial dealer was esteemed by the awarding bodies of HMC for being a champion leader in terms of Parts, Sales, and Service Operations – the true global standard of excellence trademark of the Hyundai brand.

Considering the award as more than a prized trophy, the prizewinning dealership deems the Asia-Pacific Dealer of the Year Award as a tribute to its hardworking and passionate members of the Hyundai Cebu team who devotedly uphold Hyundai’s signature Best C.A.R.E., or Cordial, Accurate, Reliable, and Efficient and speedy service – making them one of the class-leading dealers of HARI in the Philippines all over. Additionally, this award serves to foster the maturity and the strength of the Filipino members of the global Hyundai community in terms of distributorship management and implementing effective strategies to promoting the different aspects of Hyundai brand excellence locally and abroad.

Thus far, this kingly victory goes for Hyundai Cebu’s exceptional performance, reaffirming HARI’s stance as one of the fastest-rising and leading automotive players in the Philippine market, with global expertise in actualizing Hyundai’s refined and confident brand image through quality vehicle offerings and effective dealer and customer support.

Infusing Excellence in Hyundai’s Next Generation innovations

The Hyundai Dealer of the Year Award for the Asia-Pacific Region and the 2009 Award of Excellence are yet another testament to the Hyundai brand image as a trusted, customer-oriented, and class-leading industry leader in the automotive market. Albeit these awards and recognitions reiterate the passion of the whole Hyundai dealer network in the country to improving the motoring lifestyle of the Filipinos, it is the synergy of the human will to advance and Hyundai’s Next Generation innovations that truly underscores the spirit of the Hyundai automotive distinction. And with the growing Hyundai line-up of modern cars and SUVs, Hyundai carries on its signature of excellence as it brings modern-day Filipinos to a whole new level of driving.

Philippine Star

Owners are advised to contact the local arm of the Japanese automotive firm to arrange for a free reprogramming of their units’ “vehicle stability control” program, the company said in a statement late on Monday.

The development came after more than 20 Toyota Prius hybrids in the Philippines were recalled in February to address faulty brakes.

This time, it is the Land Cruiser Prado with 18-inch wheels and fitted with the kinetic dynamic suspension system that is up for a “special service campaign,” Toyota Philippines said.

The model’s control program needs to be updated or the vehicle could slide sideways when a driver sharply turns the steering wheel in high-speed conditions, Toyota Philippines said.

“[Toyota Philippines] has started contacting its Land Cruiser Prado customers and will perform home service repair at no cost to the customers. Customers may also contact [the Toyota Philippines] customer assistance hotline,” it said.

Forty-eight of the units sold here in 2009 and 103 that have entered the market so far this year need to be serviced, a spokesman said in a text message yesterday.

The 2009 figure accounted for 0.1 percent of the firm’s total sales that year. The 2010 figure, meanwhile, was 0.8 percent of Toyota Philippines’ first-quarter sales.

Aside from the recall of left-hand drive variants of the Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota headquarters earlier announced faulty vehicle stability controls were found in 13,000 units of the Lexus GX 460 sold in the US, Russia and Oman, among other markets.

But Toyota Philippines clarified that “no other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are affected by this recall in the Philippines.” Toyota Philippines has sold 12,341 units of various models in the first quarter, up by more than a quarter, industry data showed.

Jessica Anne D. Hermosa, BusinessWorld

“We tried but the stumbling block was that the price requirement from them and our cost does not match. So that was the biggest barrier, the biggest hurdle,” Takeda said at the sidelines of the turnover ceremony of the company’s leadership. “We will continue our effort to minimize the gap but it is too big for them to get the big order.” Ryoji Yamazaki is taking over the presidency of Isuzu.

Takeda in February said the company was looking at the Central American market for its vehicles, including the Crosswind and possibly the recently-launched Microbus. “I’ve been telling my people to study the possibility of [the inclusion of] a Microbus but that is just a very, very initial idea,” he said, adding that he himself did not know if there would be a market for Microbus.

“But I think that like in the Philippine market, I also believe that we will have a strong potential to export to Central America. Another difficulty is that… from the Philippines to Central America, [it would be a] very, very long way,” he said.

He said the size of Microbus could present logistic problems “so we are still studying about it.”

Takeda said the company had not received orders yet for the Microbus in the local market. Isuzu is set to launch the Microbus by the end of the year yet and may adjust its initial P1.3-million price tag.