This is in line with Honda’s commitment and dedication in bringing in bringing world-class products and services closer to its customers for ultimate customer satisfaction. Already the third dealership in the region, the opening of HCNE strengthens Honda’s presence in Central Luzon.

As in any Honda dealership, HCNE houses state-of-the-art facilities and prides itself with competent service technicians, well-trained sales associates and accommodating customer relations officers. HCNE is now ready to sell the latest vehicle models, parts and accessories, and to provide general repairs, preventive maintenance and body and paint services.

HCNE is located along Maharlika Highway, Brgy. Luna Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija. To know more about the dealership, you may reach HCNE through telephone number (044) 311-0780.

Supreme in Sales
Since it was first introduced in the 70’s the Honda Civic has been the most popular compact sedan. Currently sitting at the top of the fiercely competitive compact class, the Civic has a long running reputation for reliability, low maintenance costs, and fuel efficiency that keep it at the top of the list. It is the number one selling compact sedan since the introduction of the 8th generation model in 2006. In fact, from 2006 up to the present day, the Civic’s closest competition trails at about two-thirds of the Civic’s total sales.

Reigning in Awards
The excellence of the Honda Civic is not only recognized by the buying public, the critics have also taken note of its supremacy.

The Civic has had a strong showing in the local awards scene for the past few years, winning the Auto Focus Compact Sedan of the Year for two years running and the prestigious Automobile of the Year in 2007. Also in 2007, it was chosen as the C! Editor’s Pick for Compact Car and Car Awards Group Inc.’s (CAGI) Compact Car of the Year. But 2006 was the year of the Civic in the CAGI Car of the Year Awards as it took home three major awards namely the Compact Car of the Year, the Value for Money Award, and the much-coveted Car of the Year honors. Before that, J.D. Power Asia Pacific named the Civic the Best Midsize Car of 2004.

Internationally, the Civic is also a force to reckon with, boasting of a number of awards, which validates its overall performance. Recently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recognized the Honda Civic Sedan as a 2009 “Top Safety Pick” due to its strict compliance with industry safety standards. The award came as no surprise considering the safety features included in the Civic such as the adjustable 3 pt. ELR seat belts with pre-tensioner, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution with Brake Assist and G-CON body structure which allows better impact absorption.

Aside from its safety features, the Honda Civic’s reliability, fuel-efficiency, and even resale value also earned the nod from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com and Cars.com. Kbb.com, the trusted automotive information resource, named the Civic Sedan one of its 2009 Best New Family Vehicles as well as the 2009 Best Resale Value Award in the Brand category. For the fifth time, kbb.com also put the Civic on its “2009 Best Resale Value: Top 10″ list. In describing the Honda Civic, editors at kbb.com, waxed about its “unrivaled reliability” and described it as the vehicle “by which all its competitors are measured.”

Cars.com also expressed the same high regard for Honda Civic when it won the Cars.com Lifestyle Awards as the “Best New Car for First-Time Drivers” for 2008. In explaining why they chose the Civic, the staff of Cars.com described it as “safe, reliable, gets good mileage, retains its value and has a lot of standard features.” In addition to that, “the Civic has sporty handling and a sharp-looking exterior in coupe and sedan models. The interior is futuristic and well-made, and the doors shut with a solid thunk.”

The Best Packaged Sedan
The 2009 Honda Civic’s impressive resume does not end with the awards. The Civic is most renowned for the many choices it offers to the buying public. It is available in different types to satisfy the demands of different drivers. The Civic is available in the 1.8V and 1.8S in manual and automatic transmission and the 2.0S-L in automatic transmission. The range of colors available to suit your taste and lifestyle include Alabaster Silver, Bluish Silver, Habanero Red, Night Hawk Black, and Carbon Bronze (exclusive for 2.0 S-L).

But for all of the Honda Civic’s impressive showing in sales, its gamut of awards, and the many testaments to its stylish interior and eye-catching exterior, the best judge of its performance remains to be you, the driver. Nothing beats experiencing the product yourself to see how it measures up against the competition and ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth. Evaluating your car of choice has indeed become more important during these trying times than ever before.

So go ahead, get behind the wheel of the Civic just waiting for you at that Honda dealer near you and see why this wonder of a car has reigned supreme in the world of compact sedans since the 70’s.

For more information about the Honda Civic, go to www.hondaphil.com.

Honda Philippines Media Release

As a standard in any Honda dealership, Honda Cars Batangas houses state-of-the-art facilities and prides itself with competent service technicians, well-trained sales associates and accommodating customer relations officers. HCBT offers sale of the latest vehicle models, parts, accessories and provides general repairs, preventive maintenance and body and paint repairs.

The addition of HCBT strengthens Honda’s presence in Southern Luzon. It is the second dealership in the region next to Honda Cars Laguna. The opening of HCBT provides Batangenos convenient access to an unparalleled Honda experience. Strategically located along Diversion Road, Brgy. Bolbok, Batangas City, HCBT lies along the business hub of the area and is just 5 minutes away from Batangas City town proper.

Leading the inauguration ceremonies are Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. President and General Manager Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu and Honda Cars Batangas General Manager Mr. Mariano Lomeda.

To know more about the dealership, you may reach HCBT through telephone numbers (043) 738-0760 and (043) 402-0384 or you may log on to www.hondacarsbatangas.com.

Rest assured that Honda will continue to pave way in establishing additional dealerships all over the country. As proof of its stern dedication, its 26th dealership is already under construction. Soon to rise along Barangay Luna, Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija, Honda Cars Nueva Ecija is a full-service dealership set to serve nearby residents by June 2009.

Meanwhile, HCPI also celebrated the inauguration of its latest automotive service center called the Honda S.P.A. (Honda Service, Parts and Accessories) in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. Dedicated in achieving relentless customer satisfaction, Honda is in constant search for means to improve the quality of its products and services. The emergence of Honda S.P.A. enables convenient access to superior technical expertise, genuine parts and accessories.

The concept behind the Honda S.P.A. is to provide quick and basic services like full periodic maintenance and light to medium general repairs to areas where there are many Honda owners. Honda S.P.A. will eventually help lessen the load of dealerships and service centers to provide improved service quality at a faster time.

Aside from offering quick services, Honda S.P.A. also enables customers to watch and monitor actual repairs. Honda S.P.A. patrons can also wait comfortably at the Customer’s Lounge while waiting for the release of their vehicles.

“During our service caravans, we have been receiving several requests from our customers to establish a dealership or service center within their area. As a provisional solution, we have increased the number and frequencies of our service caravans. However, we still find it insufficient. As such, we are now focusing our efforts in establishing more service centers in response to the growing service requirements of motorists.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, HCPI’s President and General Manager.

The first Honda S.P.A. outlet is located along Mindanao Avenue, Bgy. Talipapa, Quezon City. For inquiries, you may contact telephone numbers 983-28-98 and 983-28-76. At least two more outlets are set to open in Metro Manila within the year.

Honda Cars Philippines Media Release

Entering the local scene last January 2009, the 3rd generation City reinforced Honda’s claim in the PC segment with 744 unit sales in February.  The introduction of the new City’s cutting-edge design and class-leading features that were once reserved for luxury vehicles simply changed the rules on how subcompacts should be like. 

Honda’s other sedan models likewise played significant role in protecting the PC crown. The Civic logged 4% growth with 303 unit sales, thereby capturing 33% share of the entire compact sedan class.  Jazz and Accord models posted 159 and 36 unit sales, respectively.

Honda remained optimistic as its Year-to-Date (YTD) PC sales grew by 31%.

In terms of commercial vehicle (CV) sales, Honda’s performance was up by 4% with its CR-V model.  Including CR-V sales of 228 units, it recorded a total of 1,470 units in February.  Of this figure, Honda ranked second among the entire automotive industry, thereby attaining 16% share of the market.

In spite of the effects of global financial crisis, the first two months of year 2009 proved positive for Honda as it earned 12% increase in combined passenger car and commercial vehicles sales.  Such growth is in comparison with the same period last year.  “We are confident that the increase in our year-to-date sales performance signals the beginning of a promising trend for 2009.  With the market’s unrelenting trust in the Honda brand, we look forward to the coming months with prudent optimism.  The market’s support only inspires us to provide only the best products and services for our customer’s ultimate satisfaction.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, HCPI’s President and General Manager.  With continued favorable sales trend, Honda hopes to deliver significant contribution in attaining 130,000 year-end industry target.

Essential in attaining PC dominance is the City – Honda’s latest product offering.  With cutting-edge styling and technologies that are geared towards creating new industry standards, the City got the nods of the local market with 719 unit sales.  Such sales feat was in fact 63% higher as compared to the same period of last year.  Out of the 1,278 sedans Honda sold in January, 62% are City models.Aside from the City, Honda’s other sedan models likewise played significant role in gaining the PC crown.  The Civic continued to log favorable sales with 290 units, thereby capturing 32% share of the entire compact sedan class.  Celebration continued as the Jazz and Accord posted 26% and 32% growth respectively, up against December 2008 sales.

Among the vehicles available locally, three out of the top five best selling vehicles in January bore a Honda badge:  City, Civic and Jazz.  “We were very grateful with the market’s continued patronage and trust in Honda products.  We felt even greater delight as the market embraced the City’s new styling and improved driving performance. Despite the implicated threats of economic slowdown, Honda still managed to register sales growth.  The unwavering support of the market inspires us to enhance product and service excellence for ultimate customer satisfaction.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, HCPI President and General Manager.

As a whole, the start of year 2009 proved positive for Honda as it earned 102% growth in combined passenger car and commercial vehicle sales, versus the same period last year.

Honda Philippines Media Release

The new City presents cutting-edge design and technologies that shall set new standards in it class. Bearing refined and class-leading features that are once reserved for luxury vehicles, the City neatly merges modernism with practicality for an ultimate driving pleasure. It simply changes the rules on how subcompacts should be like.

Taking inspiration from an arrowshot form design concept, the All-New City ascertains sleek and powerful stance from any angle. It features streamlined grille, harmonized with sharp headlights, smoother contours with rooflines that finish off to a higher rear deck and a 15” tire size to enhance its over-all sporty design.The new City retains its compact form, despite the increase in interior space, in order to maintain its maneuverability. Taking pleasure from its spacious interior, the City radiates a refreshing atmosphere realized with careful selection of design and materials. Honda takes the liberty to compliment the City’s relaxing air with premium sound quality. It comes with an advanced audio system that is compatible with iPod and other MP3 players via USB and AUX ports. Using four high-powered 45 watt speakers, digitally crisp and clear sound quality is achieved.

The entry of the 3rd generation City completes Honda’s all i-VTEC line-up. Sharing the same powerplant as the Jazz, the City is equipped with an i-VTEC engine technology that delivers maximum power output of 120 ps at 6600 rpm and 100 ps at 6000 rpm for 1.5 liter and 1.3 liter variants, respectively. The i-VTEC engine intelligently delivers powerful and torquey yet fuel efficient driving performance by switching valve timing during start-up and acceleration, then delays intake valve closure timing during cruising and other low-load conditions. To further enhance fuel efficiency, it comes with a class-leading 5-speed automatic transmission to reduce engine revolution and stress. Delightful and easy tracking of one’s fuel consumption is now made possible with the fuel economy and range indicators available in the liquid crystal display of the instrument panel.

The 3rd generation City is the only one in its class to be equipped with an F1-inspired paddle shift (1.5 E only) to deliver superb driving pleasure of a manual transmission, right at your fingertips. Also available in other models like the Jazz, Civic and the Accord, the paddle shift option enables manual shifting of gears without the clutch.

Taking cue from Honda’s fundamental values, Honda is ever committed in minimizing carbon footprint on the environment and in ensuring safety to every passenger. Just like any other Honda models, the new City conforms with EURO 4 level emission standards. In going beyond packaging and styling, G-CON body structure, Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist all come standard in the new City. Meanwhile, dual SRS Airbags are available for 1.5 E and 1.3 S variants.

More than the usual subcompact sedan, the new City’s overall sensational package changes the rules in its class, both in style and in performance. No wonder, the All-New City has made waves in neighboring Asian countries as it debuted in Thailand, India, Singapore, Indonesia, China and Malaysia. Intended to be one of Honda’s important global products, the new City is set to expand beyond Asia and Oceania and advance to the Middle East, Europe and Latin America.

“Honda ushers 2009 by introducing a model that shall play a significant role not just in the local but international market as well. As a testimony of Honda’s confidence in local manufacturing operations and commitment to the Philippine government and Filipino people, the much anticipated City shall continue to be manufactured at our plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.

Fast and emerging demand for automobiles in the Asian market brought about by the economic growth in the region set forth the birth of the City in 1996. Its success continued to grow with the second generation’s sophisticated styling and economical performance using the i-DSI and VTEC engine technologies in 2003. Famous for being high in functionality features yet low in maintenance and fuel consumption, the City’s over-all, value-for-money character gradually earned market acceptance beyond the Asian market and has even spread out to Africa, Middle East and Europe, reaching a total of 39 countries around the globe.

The All-New City comes in four variants with introductory prices starting at:

It comes in a variety of colors:

Polished Metal (1.5 E only)
Crystal Black
Habanero Red
Bold Beige
Bluish Silver (1.3 S and A)
Alabaster Silver (1.3 S and A)

Yesterday, January 7th, the new City took the limelight of Honda’s 5-day exhibition at the Activity Center of the Glorietta Mall in Makati City.

Visit www.citychangetherules.com and www.hondaphil.com to appreciate even better the new benchmark in modern and sophisticated motoring. Rules are bound to change with the All-New Honda City!

Honda Cars Philippines Media Release

Sales of Honda Cars Philippines Inc. plummeted by 17.4 percent to 14,298 last year from 17,320 in 2007, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and Truck Manufacturers Association said in a joint report.

As a result, Honda, which used to be the Philippines’ second-largest carmaker, shed its market share to 12 percent from 15.

Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Philippines Inc. (TMPI), the country’s biggest car company, maintained its market lead, posting overall sales to 45,915 units from 45,091 units in 2007.

Toyota was trailed by Mitsubishi Motor Corp., which was able to sell 17,539 units, a 17 percent hike from last year’s figures.

Universal Motors Corp., which distributes Nissan vehicles, reported the highest sales increase, selling 4,789 units in 2008, up from the previous year’s 3,330 units.

Similarly, Suzuki Phils., Inc. said sales rose by three percent to 2,182 units in 2008 from 2,125 in 2007.

GMANews.TV

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. forecasts over 10 percent increase in sales this year from a negative 17 percent growth last year as it invests P140 million for the local assembly of its all-new City models, which are expected to drive the company back to a growth path despite the turmoil in the global auto market.

HCPI president Hiroshi Shimizu told reporters at yesterday’s launch of the locally assembled City 2009 the global crisis that is harshly affecting the auto market abroad is not seriously affecting Philippine auto operations.

“There is no big impact in the Philippines compared with other countries,” Shimizu said.

In fact, Shimizu said the company expects over 10 percent increase in sales volume this year from last year’s 14,300 units, which was a 17 percent decline versus 2007 sales.

Shimizu said the sales growth would be driven by the expected strong demand of the All-New City model for which the company invested P140 million for new tools, jigs and equipment for the City CKD assembly at its plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

City is expected to sell 7,000 units this year from last year’s 5,000 units.

City and Civic models are HCPI’s volume sellers accounting for 65 percent of its total sales. Both are assembled locally as CKD packs.

Shimizu expects City to outperform Civic this year.

Shimizu said the City would be its only new model introduction for the entire year the rest would be minor upgrades of existing models.

HCPI finished third biggest carmaker this year after Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. grabbed the second slot.

Shimizu said their sales performance was pulled down by the poor performance of its other models.

Shimizu said they are not conscious about market share stressing its priority is always customer satisfaction.

“Can we survive with market share?” he asked.

Instead, the company is expanding its reach with the opening soon of its 25th dealership in Batangas and another Service Center in Tandang Sora.

In terms of exports, Shimizu said they were able to increase its export last year to P4 billion worth of transmissions and other auto parts last year.

But with the global crisis this year, the company is not confident of increase in its exports. It exports to UK, India and Southeast Asia.

Shimizu is confident that its All-New City will pull its sales this year as it has done in the past.

Since its introduction here in 1996, City has generated cumulative sales of over 43,000 units grabbing a fair share in the passenger car segment.

The All-New City comes in four variants with introductory prices starting at:

1.3-liter A MT P676,000

1.3-liter S MT P716,000

1.3-liter S AT P756,000

1.5-liter E AT P806,000.(BCM)

Manila Bulletin

The much-anticipated 2009 Honda City recently rolled off the assembly line at the manufacturing plant of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The third-generation Honda City will be sold in the local market starting on the first quarter of 2009.

“Proud to be Philippine-made, the production of City is a testament to Honda’s long-term confidence in local manufacturing operations,” said HCPI President and General Manager Hiroshi Shimizu during the roll-off ceremony in December 2008. The roll-off ceremony, attended by nearly 700 Honda employees, was the culmination of several months of trial production and fine-tuning of new processes to meet Honda’s stringent standards of quality and efficiency. From engine and body assembly, welding, painting and final quality inspection, each section of the production process has been meticulously refined to create high quality products for the customer’s ultimate satisfaction.

“We are very thrilled with the introduction of the third-generation City. The market can look forward to a new City that will totally change the standards in its class,” HCPI Department Head for Sales Operations Voltaire Gonzales said. “Apart from value for money and reliable qualities the City has been known for, the 2009 model offers dynamic styling and class-leading technologies that are suitable to the demands of modern-day urban living.”

The first-generation Honda City was introduced in 1996 in response to the growing needs for automobiles in Asian markets, considering the economic condition in the region at the time. Today, the City is produced in seven countries, namely: Thailand, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, and the Philippines.

Besides the City, HCPI’s Laguna plant also produces the best-selling Civic. “Filipinos’ craftsmanship and competitive skills live up to Honda’s global standards to ensure that every Honda product comes with a distinction of world-class quality,” said Mr. Shimizu.

Photo shows Honda executives, led by Hiroshi Shimizu (5th from the left), President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., leading the roll-off ceremony of the 2009 Honda City in Sta. Rosa, Laguna recently.

Honda Philippines Media Release

Available until December 31, 2008, the year-end exclusive promo allows buyers to drive home any Honda City, Civic, Accord and CR-V through flexible financing schemes, discounts or accessories package.

The Honda City is captivating as ever with low monthly and low downpayment plans.  Experience the City’s fuel efficient driving performance for as low as 15% or Php 89,250 downpayment, subject to bank’s approval.  Monthly payment is as affordable as Php 6,414 with 50% DP.

Easy-to-own installment plans are also available for the multi-awarded Civic.  Feel the excitement of the Civic’s i-VTEC engine, class-above features and dynamic styling with as much as Php 30,000 savings.  It is available for only Php 8,899 a month with 50% downpayment. Opt for the low downpayment plan and drive home the Civic for as low as Php 124,500 initial payment.

Experience sophisticated styling and sedan-like riding comfort of the Honda CR-V for only Php 13,739 a month with 50% downpayment.  Initial cash outlay can also be as low as Php 183,000 downpayment.

Aside from flexible financing schemes, you can drive home the most powerful Accord with free three year preventive maintenance package option.  This translates to three years of worry-free driving.

“The year-end exclusive promo is our simple way of showing our heartfelt appreciation for the public’s continuous patronage to Honda products and services.  Year 2008 is extra special as we celebrate the 200,000 unit sales milestone.  In giving back the glory, Honda offers easy-to-own promo packages that we hope will bring more cheers this holiday season.”  said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, President and General Manager of HCPI.

For more details, you may contact any Honda dealership or log on to www.hondaphil.com.  Try out and schedule a testdrive of your preferred Honda and get to experience a new level of driving performance.