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.

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.

In celebration of this remarkable feat, Honda brings the City to yet another level of refinement as it introduces a new exciting color to its line-up. Hailed as the time’s new black, the City now comes in Taffeta white for its top of the line variant, City 1.5 E. Exuding youthful, refreshing, sporty and stylish appeal, Taffeta White City spices up an already sensational package that has created new standards in its class.

“We are more than delighted with the news that the latest City has created new sales record on its first year anniversary. We are very grateful for the market’s unrelenting patronage that makes such achievement possible. Driven to constantly provide new values in our products and services, we hope that the addition of Taffeta White in City’s color selection will further stir up the interest of the discerning market.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.

More than the usual subcompact sedan, the City’s overall value-for-money proposition changes the rules in its class, both in style and in performance. The City neatly merges modernism with practicality with its sophisticated and class-leading features that used to be reserved for luxury vehicles.

Just like any other Honda models, the City is equipped with an i-VTEC engine and conforms with EURO 4 emission levels that translate to lesser deposit of harmful emission. The City 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. To further enhance fuel efficiency, it comes with a class-leading 5-speed automatic transmission which also contributes to reduction of engine stress. Delightful and easy tracking of one’s fuel consumption is also made possible with the fuel economy and range indicators available in the liquid crystal display of the instrument panel.

Visit any of Honda’s 26 dealerships nationwide and check out the 1.5 City gleaming in its latest color Taffeta White. Other exciting colors available for the Honda City include Polished Metal, Crystal Black, Habanero Red, Bold Beige and Alabaster Silver. The Honda City comes in four variants with the following prices:

1.3-liter A MT Php 686,000
1.3-liter S MT Php 726,000
1.3-liter S AT Php 766,000
1.5-liter E AT Php 816,000

For more details, visit www.citychangetherules.com and www.hondaphil.com.

Remember to try before you buy. Be smart! Testdrive!

“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.

To avail of the program, simply visit www.hondaphil.com and fill out the CAREmittance Application form located within the CAREmittance link. Purchases may be made through cash or financing payment terms. For financing applications, just submit online the completely accomplished application form, together with Employment Certificate, Income Tax Return and Remittance Receipt. Once approved, applicant may send payment through BPI Express Remittance Centers, RCBC Telemoney Centers, BDO and now UnionBank Remittance Centers located in key cities around the globe.

Successful CAREmittance applications shall receive a special package that includes free 3-yr. LTO registration, Hydrophilic Paint Protection, Platinum Tint, seat cover, floor mat and other premium items.

Leading the contract signing ceremonies are Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. President and General Manager and Mr. Genaro Lapez, UnionBank of the Philippines Executive Vice President for Consumer Finance.

Since the program started in 2006, Honda CAREmittance has received warm response from the market and has converted inquiries into over one thousand successful deliveries. Honda CAREmittance Program eliminates distance barriers and offers ease of application in our fast-paced times. Through this pioneering program, Filipinos overseas can buy a Honda vehicle from across the miles.

Your family deserves no less than a Honda. Log on to www.hondaphil.com and give your loved ones the best gift through Honda CAREmittance. For more information, you may call 857-7200 local 392 or email caremittance@hondaphil.com.

In an interview, Honda president and general manager Hiroshi Shimizu said that this year has been a very good year because of the high sales for the fuel efficient Honda City and Jazz. Shimizu noted a strong demand for fuel efficient vehicles.

As of the end of November, Honda has posted a 17 percent growth from last year.

For next year, Shimizu said that they will be growing as fast as the industry at four percent. He said that there will be new models coming in.

In terms of production, Shimizu said that they have been operating at almost full capacity by producing more than 1,000 units. However, he said that they will not be ramping up their production capacity for next year.

Earlier, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers Association of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) said the automotive industry exceeded expectations for this year as it is projected to sell 127,0000 units or a 2.3 percent growth from last year.

“If you remember, at the start of the year, we were hoping for a flat growth as the worst case scenario. So it looks like we’re not only hitting our target, we are going to exceed it,” Elizabeth H. Lee, CAMPI president said.

At the same time, CAMPI announced that they see 2010 to be a better year with a four percent growth on sales of 132,000 units.

Lee noted that the growth this year was a direct result of the typhoon replacement rate, strong overseas Filipino workers remittance and the stable financing environment.

According to Lee, the typhoons that hit the country has devastated many vehicles and affected owners scrambled to replace the damaged vehicles. At the same time, the steady inflow of OFW remittance has helped bankroll vehicle purchases. Lee approximated that remittance went up 8.6 percent for the first nine months of the year.

Likewise, the stable financing environment and the aggressive promotion of partner banks has helped the auto industry.

“We are thankful that the industry was spared from the devastating effects of the global crisis. After all, bucking the trend by growing, especially for a developing country such as ours, is no small feat,” Lee explained.

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio, Philippine Star

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.

To join, simply send in your two pictures enjoying the company of the Honda CR-V. You may submit your entry thru email or thru snail mail. For online entries, email them directly to pr@hondaphil.com. Pictures must be in 300 dpi resolution and 5R size. For mail-in entries, place 5R photos in a sealed brown envelope and send to 8/F Pacific Center Building, # 33 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Capture your family’s kind of CR-V fun and share these unforgettable moments. Deadline for submission of entries is at midnight of December 13, 2009. Please visit www.hondaphil.com for more details.

For three years in a row, the Civic has remained the undisputed Compact Sedan of the Year awardee. With its refreshed styling, sporty demeanor and advanced technologies, the Civic is still the top choice of the market today. Continuing the winning streak is the City, being proclaimed as the Subcompact Sedan of the Year. Noted for setting a new standard in its class, the City has upped the ante with class leading technologies that used to be exclusive for higher displacement models. The City neatly merges modernism with practicality for an ultimate driving pleasure.

Meanwhile, the Accord and the CR-V are named runner ups in the midsize sedan and compact SUV categories. Capable of activating and deactivating cylinders only when needed, the Accord V6 with VCM technology combines the comfort of refined and spirited performance with fuel efficiency. Likewise, the CR-V has gained a strong market following as it has carved a name in providing sedan-like ride comfort.

Another highlight of the event is the recognition given by members of the motoring media to the automobile industry. The Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards gives honor to automotive players with high quality products that provide best amenities, safety features and ride comfort. Honda is privileged to receive two Media’s Choice Awards for the Jazz. For two consecutive years, the Jazz has been awarded the Most Fuel Efficient (gas category) and Most Functional Cabin among the nominees.

The Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards is an annual event that empowers the general public to vote for their favorite automobiles in the country. Now on its 5th year, 2009 AFPC winners were determined by tallying the votes generated from online, newspaper, magazine and radio polls. The Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards is a reflection of a vehicle’s market appeal and popularity.

“All these awards would not be possible without the help of our beloved customers, the motoring media and all the car enthusiasts. Thank you very much for your trust and confidence in Honda products. These awards inspire us to further improve our products and services for the better appreciation of the local market.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, HCPI President and General Manager.

Honda invites on everyone to feel the joy of owning an award-winning vehicle. Visit the nearest Honda showroom for a testdrive. For more dealership information, visit www.hondaphil.com.

The increase in CO2 emissions, rapid depletion of fuel supply and threat of global climate change make the need for any form of savings and corrective measures highly essential.

Accordingly, Honda invited 10 fleet accounts and embarked on a fuel efficient driving competition entitled, Honda Challenge Cup to demonstrate practical driving methods under real-world situations. Encouraging everyone to drive every drop, the competition posed various challenges in both city and highway driving conditions using normal, day-to-day driving style and with a running airconditioning system.

Since 1996, Honda has pioneered in the conduction of fuel economy competitions in the industry. Honda has been promoting care for the environment awareness by means of saving fuel consumption and minimizing CO2 emission, even when gas prices were not yet an issue.

There are several techniques that can be applied in optimizing fuel mileage but the most essential of all trickles down to three main aspects: vehicle, fuel and driver.

In achieving greatest impact on fuel economy and clean air, Honda has always targeted the mass-market models. Years of research has led to the development of engines with highly efficient internal combustion system like the i-VTEC, for you to get the most out of every drop of fuel. More than outstanding fuel efficiency, Honda vehicles are also engineered to pass the stringent European Emission Standards. Aimed to regulate the amount of pollution that can be released into the atmosphere, these standards set the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in Europe. The European Emission Standard is also considered one of the strictest in the world. Among local manufacturers, Honda is the only brand that has reached EURO 4 levels for ALL its model line-up, even if Philippine regulations only require EURO 2 compliance. Conformity with EURO 4 standards translates to approximately 55% reduction in carbon monoxide if compared with EURO 2 levels. As early as 2004, Honda has started to introduce models with EURO 4 levels, accumulating to 67,400 units sold. Indeed, driving a Honda does provide a strong sense of social responsibility for a cleaner environment.

Another significant factor in going for the extra mile is the use of high quality fuel. High quality fuel has special formulation that aid better combustion efficiency.

Lastly, the key to a fuel efficient driving is in the hands of the driver — having full control over the machine. One has to have proper driving skills and understanding of the vehicle. Simple tweak on one’s driving habits not only extends fuel mileage but maximizes monetary savings and lessens deposit of harmful pollutants into the environment. Just imagine, if a corporation is maintaining a fleet of 100 cars and each vehicle user gets to save 1 liter of gasoline per day for 20 working days within a month, the company can already save approximately Php 936,000 in fuel charges per year (computed at Php 39 per liter of gasoline). That is how significant a mere liter of savings per day is.

Now is the time for change. Honda takes proactive measure as it calls on everyone to decisive action for the benefit of the generations to come. Get the most out of fuel, DRIVE EVERY DROP and reduce emissions towards a cleaner and healthier future for everyone.

For fuel saving tips and technologies that reduce harmful emissions, kindly visit www.hondaphil.com. Watch out for more updates and upcoming editions of Honda Challenge Cup.

Toyota will offer discounts on replacement of flood-related parts and labor, as well as extend service workshop operations to accommodate affected customers while Honda is offering 30-percent subsidy on all parts, lubricants and 10 percent on labor charges for flood-related repairs.

“Toyota would like to express its sympathy to motorists affected by Ondoy. The number of damaged vehicles is unimaginable and we sympathize with our valued customers who are victims of the crisis,” Raymond Rodriguez, TMPC first vice president for Vehicle Sales Operations said.

Less than a week after the typhoon, Metro Manila Toyota dealers have received more than 2,000 affected vehicles for service and repairs. The numbers of Toyota cars that need to be serviced have now reached a level way above the capacity of Toyota dealers.

In order to help its customers, Toyota will provide discounts of 40 percent for engine Electronically-controlled Units (ECU), 20-percent discount on selected flood-related parts, and 20-percent discount on labor.

All Toyota Metro Manila and Luzon dealers shall likewise fully utilize its current workshop capacity to accommodate all vehicles for service and repair. Each dealer will also have a Special Help Desk for typhoon victims, and customers can directly contact the Toyota Customer Assistance Hotline.

“The typhoon has caused widespread damage in Luzon. We send our deepest sympathies to all the victims of this disaster. After the storm has passed, we have projected a significant increase in service intake of inundated vehicles,” Hiroshi Shimizu, president and general manager of HCPI said.

At present, Honda regularly monitors its dealership network to assess the actual situation.

To prevent further damage to the vehicle, Honda advises immediate disconnection of the battery terminal or better yet, complete removal of battery from the vehicle.

Honda also warned affected owners to avoid switching of ignition or starting of engine to prevent electrical short circuit. For vehicles completely submerged with floodwater, it is best to clean the car, especially the engine bay and air-conditioning unit, with clean water to prevent further rust formation and corrosion.

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio, Philippine Star

The announcement ends the introductory prices of the City in January 2009, when the 3rd generation model was officially launched in the local market.

The entry of the 3rd generation City and 2nd generation Jazz in the market reinforced Honda’s claim on the passenger car segment. This year’s combined City and Jazz sales from January to August more than doubled as compared to the same period in 2008. Such favorable market acceptance enabled Honda to increase its total passenger car sales by 35%.

Bearing refined and class-leading features that were once reserved for luxury vehicles, the City neatly merges modernism with practicality for an ultimate driving pleasure. The launch of the 3rd generation City simply changes the rules on how subcompacts should be like.

The Honda Jazz also ups the ante for subcompacts. This multi-awarded model has been acclaimed for its remarkable use of space, thanks to its versatile ULTRA seats. Its innovative seat configurations can accommodate almost anything – be it tall, long or any utility items.

Just like any other Honda vehicle in the country, the City and the Jazz models are equipped with an advanced i-VTEC technology that makes the most out of every drop of fuel. By employing valve timing combination that pumps in fuel only as needed, the i-VTEC engine creates a perfect blend of remarkable fuel economy and optimum power output.

Apart from outstanding fuel efficiency, Honda vehicles are also engineered to pass the stringent European Emission Standards that regulate the amount of pollution that can be released into the atmosphere. Among local manufacturers, Honda is the only brand that has reached EURO 4 levels for all its model line-up.

So hurry! Rush over to any of the 26 Honda dealerships all over the country and make early reservations. For more details, you may contact any Honda dealership or log on to www.hondaphil.com.