Motor Image Pilipinas recently disclosed that there will be a new member in the family of Subaru vehicles lined up to be introduced for model year 2012. Last December, its parent company Motor Image Singapore, the region’s distributor for Subaru vehicles invited members of the regional media to test-drive the new Subaru XV model as well as attend its regional launch in Thailand’s Motor Expo 2011, held at the Impact Challenger exhibition center located at Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok.

The XV was unveiled to the international press and the public at the Thailand International Motor Expo by Glenn Tan, executive director of Tan Chong International (parent and holdings company of Motor Image) and group chief executive of Motor Image Group, together with Guinness Record holder and international stunt performer and motoring celebrity Russ Swift, who also flew in to attend the show.

According to Nicky Mariano, General Manger for Motor Image Pilipinas, the country’s exclusive distributor for Subaru vehicles, the new Subaru XV model will be one of their major product launches for 2012 and it will be launched at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS 2012) this year at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, this coming March 29.

Russ Swift will once again perform live in the four-day international motor show. Dubbed as the biggest motoring event in the country, Subaru will also have a bigger display in this year’s auto show. “All the vehicles that we will display at this year’s MIAS will be all new model year 2012 vehicles. The XV is a totally new car, we will be using a new engine and it will be the first time for us to use the new CVT transmission which will give us an edge as far as fuel economy is concerned. On top of the superb styling, it has a combination of fuel efficiency and good value,” Mariano added.

When asked what their target market is for the new XV, he said that they are targeting the young, urban buyers who need a nimble and able urban daily commute which may not necessarily be extensively used for long out-of-town trips but a kind of vehicle that has a good maneuverability. Aside from its flagship and first showroom on EDSA, Greenhills, Motor Image has set up dealerships in Alabang, San Fernando (Pampanga), Cebu and its soon-to-open showroom at the Bonifacio Global City.

Motor Image entered the Philippine market in 2006, and even as a niche brand, it took the automotive market by storm, growing its sales in high double-digit levels year on year, thanks to its aggressive brand marketing and the market’s demand for value-for-money performance cars like its highly successful Subaru Impreza and Forester models.

Soon, it began to introduce its bigger siblings, the Tribeca, Outback and Legacy models. The Subaru XV was developed as a crossover vehicle and as with all Subaru vehicles, the XV is a combination of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with the latest generation of its boxer engine with continuous variable transmission (CVT), which ensures the vehicle to be planted on the road because of its low center of gravity that offers superb handling, plus responsive and smooth driving experience. Its bold fender flares and sleek profile are a glimpse to the new styling cues that are to be expected in the new generation of other models to come in model year 2012 and beyond.

Motor Image Pilipinas’ parent company is based in Singapore and is the Asian region’s distributor for Subaru.

With its strong regional presence and network, it has been actively participating in all the major auto shows in the region and its signature event is the Subaru Russ Swift Show, led by Guinness record-holder Russ Swift, whose signature maneuvers include its famous parallel parking, two-wheel driving and high-speed donut maneuvers that never fails to thrill the crowds. Mariano further added that Swift is confirmed to showcase his driving skills anew for Subaru and local fans at the MIAS.

Text and Photos by Alvin Uy, Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Sales of Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP) for the first half of the year reached 399 units, marking a 96 percent growth in performance. The exclusive distributor of Subaru in the country also reported the biggest sales jump among all major automotive brands based on the latest figures from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI). Subaru is coming off from a 100 percent increase in sales in 2008 and continues to sustain its strong performance in 2009.

Motor Image’s sales from January to June of this year marked the strongest sales performance in the Philippine automotive industry which registered a modest growth of 4.4% based on the latest CAMPI figures. Subaru’s 96 percent growth in performance is the biggest so far in the automotive industry followed only by Mitsubishi which posted the biggest growth among CAMPI members at 27 percent. Subaru’s total sales of 399 units for 2009 almost doubled its sales during the same period in 2008. The strong sales performance of its compact SUV, the Forester keyed MIP’s growth despite the economic slowdown that has affected the automotive industry.

Since its introduction in July of last year, the Forester has been the most in-demand model with sales reaching 248 units for the year, making up for 62 percent of Subaru’s total output. The 2009 model’s new design and trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive configuration continues to generate strong demand outselling other compact SUV models in its class. The highly-respected Motor Trend magazine in America recently awarded the Forester as its 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year citing its “uncompromising safety, go-anywhere capability and lasting durability”.

In 2008, Motor Image posted a year-end performance growth of 100 percent, biggest by any automaker last year. Subaru has since become a mainstream automotive choice for those familiar with its symmetrical all wheel drive and horizontally opposed boxer engine layout. Started in 2006, Motor Image Pilipinas has continued to sustain its growth in the market with Subaru establishing itself as the premier sports-luxury brand in the country.

Motor Image is set to further expand its market with the opening of a Subaru dealership in Cebu City later this year. The soon-to-open Subaru dealer will provide a complete showroom and after-sales facility for all Subaru customers and owners in the Visayas region. Despite previously having only one dealership, Subaru has managed to attract customers from different parts of the country including Ilocos, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao. It reflects the growing popularity of Subaru and its trademark symmetrical all wheel drive technology which is perfectly suited for the country’s various terrains and weather conditions.

Motor Image also continues to strengthen its after-sales support operations by increasing its inventory of genuine Subaru parts and accessories. With a regional support network from Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, Subaru owners are guaranteed a continuous and on-time availability of parts and accessories ensuring an enjoyable and worry-free ownership experience. The service technicians of Motor Image are regularly given trainings in the Subaru Academy in Singapore and its Fuji Heavy Industries headquarters in Japan.

The Subaru Greenhills showroom and service center is located along EDSA, San Juan and is open from Monday to Sunday. A complete line-up of test drive vehicles is also available to all customers. For inquiries and test drive appointments, interested parties may call 727-8333. They may also visit its website at www.motorimage.net.

Source: Philippine Star

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Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP), the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines reported a year-end sales performance of 602 units, marking an increase of 100 percent from 2007. It also registered the biggest growth in performance in the Philippine automotive industry based on the figures released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI). Subaru has been the fastest growing automotive brand since its arrival in 2006 and Motor Image has announced plans to expand its business in 2009.

Motor Image’s sales in 2008 marked the biggest increase in the automotive industry with an increase of 100 percent. The exclusive distributor of Subaru reported year-end sales figures of 602 units, doubling its output from 301 in 2007. The strong sales performances of its compact SUV, the Forester and its Impreza models keyed MIP’s growth despite the economic slowdown that affected the automotive industry in the last quarter of 2008.

Since its arrival in 2006, Motor Image Pilipinas has continued to sustain its growth in the market with Subaru establishing itself as the premier sports-luxury brand in the country. In 2008, Motor Image launched three new models that further strengthened its position in the market; the luxury SUV Tribeca, the 300-hp WRX STI and the third generation compact SUV, the Forester. Aside from these three models, Motor Image has also made available other well-known Subaru models such as the Outback, the Legacy and Impreza 2.0R variants.

Motor Image will be opening new dealerships not only in Metro Manila, but also in other regions in the country. This year, it is looking to open new Subaru dealers in south of Manila and Cebu City to complement its lone dealer in San Juan. Despite having only one dealership, Subaru has managed to attract customers from different parts of the country including Ilocos, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao to name a few. This reflects the growing popularity of Subaru and its trademark symmetrical all wheel drive technology which is perfectly suited for the country’s various terrains and weather conditions.

Motor Image will also continue to strengthen its after-sales support operations by increasing its inventory of genuine Subaru parts and accessories. With a regional support network from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan, Subaru owners are guaranteed a continuous and on-time availability of parts and accessories ensuring an enjoyable and worry-free ownership experience. The service technicians of Motor Image are likewise given regular trainings in the Subaru Academy in Singapore and its headquarters in Japan.

The Subaru Greenhills showroom and service center is located along EDSA, San Juan and is open from Monday to Sunday. A complete line-up of test drive vehicles is also available to all customers. For inquiries and test drive appointments, interested parties may call 727-8333. They may also visit its website at www.motorimage.net.

Motor Image Pilipinas Website

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Motor Image Pilipinas has formed the 10-man team that will represent the Philippines to the “MediaCorp Radio Subaru Impreza Challenge” – The Regional Face-off” in Singapore this November. The team is composed of the top ten survivors of the Manila leg of the Impreza Challenge held from October 10 to 12 at the Greenhills Shopping Center. The Impreza Challenge is an endurance competition where the top 10 qualifiers will be sent to Singapore where they will have the chance to win a brand new Subaru Impreza WRX 2.5 Turbo.

The Subaru Impreza Challenge was started by Motor Image Enterprises in Singapore in 2002 where contestants gear up to battle the harsh weather elements and body fatigue in their ultimate goal of winning a brand Subaru Impreza. With their right palms firmly placed on the palm decals located strategically on the Subaru Impeza cars, hundreds of contestants embarked on their endurance journey where they were only allowed a 5-minute break once every 6 hours.

The Manila Leg of the Impreza Challenge was held last October 10 at the G-Strip in Greenhills. The challenge officially started on Friday at 2:00 in the afternoon with 73 challengers all vying for the chance to represent the country in the Singapore Regional Face Off. One by one, the challengers gave in fatigue and the rigors of trying to do nothing except to place their right palm on their assigned position on the car. The challengers also learned how to make the most of their routine 5-minute breaks after every 6 hours, toilet breaks, rest and taking their meals – all within the time allotted.

On Sunday morning, after 46 hours and 30 minutes, the top ten that will represent the country was formed after the one of the eleven remaining challengers dropped out due to heat exhaustion. Not content on being in the top ten, the ultimate challenger 28 year old Gerard Gonzaga was declared the first winner of the Manila Leg of the Impreza Challenge by logging in an astounding 47 hours and 58 minutes, almost breaking the 48 hour mark. Joining him in Singapore is runner-up and lone female survivor, 23 year old Farrah Aggarao who clocked in 47 hours and 57 minutes. Rounding out the team are Robert Tomas, Aldrin Mariano, Alex Neblasca, Baltazar Liwan, Geovani Lapina, Jommel Dimapilis, Nadine Cabacog and Ernie Banarez.

The qualifiers will be flown to Singapore in November courtesy of Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the country. They will be facing off with hundreds of other challengers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, China and, of course, Singapore. All will be vying to become the last one standing and will face the daunting challenge of equaling, if not exceeding, the 2007 record of 77 hours 13 minutes set by the first ever female winner 25-year-old Sandra Yeow.

The winner of the MediaCorp Radio Subaru Impreza Challenge will get a brand new Subaru Impreza WRX 2.5 Turbo worth P1.750 million. The last one standing in the Philippine team will also get P100,000 regardless whether he wins the competition. For more information and updates on the Impreza Challenge, log on to www.imprezachallenge.com.ph and the Motor Image Pilipinas official website www.motorimage.net.

Motor Image Philippines Media Release

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Registration is now on-going for the 2008 Subaru Impreza Challenge sponsored by MotorImage Pilipinas, Inc. and MediaCorp Radio Subaru Impreza.

The Subaru Impreza Challenge is an endurance challenge where contestants are instructed to place one hand on the vehicle for five consecutive days. The contest objective is to outlast one another –braving the weather and pushing their mental and physical limits in order to win the Brand New Subaru Impreza.

Each year Singapore hosts the MediaCorp Radio Subaru Impreza Challenge whereby the winner of the challenge would win a brand new Impreza WRX. For this year’s competition, Singapore invited contestants from each Motor Image regional dealership.

For 2008 Motor Image Enterprises has decided to invite their regional offices to take part in the highly anticipated Impreza Challenge. Ten pre qualified contestants from each participating Regional Office would be flown in to Singapore to compete in the Impreza Challenge-Regional Face Off where they will get a chance to vie for the grand prize.

MotorImage Pilipinas Inc. would be hosting their own Subaru Impreza Challenge on October 10-12, 2008 to select the 10 local winners that will compete in the MediaCorp Radio Subaru Impreza Challenge. The MediaCorp Radio Subaru Impreza Challenge is on November 7-12, 2008

Interested Participants must register online. They must complete application form and submit to proceed to page to download Indemnity Form, which they will need to submit together with their other requirements to the MIPI office (187 EDSA NORTH GREENHILLS SAN JUAN METRO MANILA) from Sept 15-30, 2008 Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm

A general sign up event would be held on September 20 at the Greenhills Parking lot to kick-off the Subaru Impreza Challenge

- During the sign up event there would be a mock up of the Impreza Challenge that would be open to media and celebrities.
- Simultaneously, there would be a Road Show for the WRX and Forester variants during the event
- After the event there would be an after party that would formalize the event kick-off of the Impreza Palm Challenge.

For more details see the Subaru Impreza Challenge website

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The new Forester combines comfort, style and convenience to meet the demands of everyday driving.

With the all-new Subaru Forester, Motor Image proudly presents the third-generation of its award-winning cross-over Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). Fresh from a complete redesign, this handsome new model boasts a bolder, sleeker design while all the features that won its predecessors international acclaim have been retained and enhanced. Improvements in design and comfort allow for a far more luxurious drive while exacting demands on safety, quality and capability make the all-new Forester the epitome of form and function.

Since its initial launch in February 1997, Subaru’s Forester series has earned accolades across the globe as a cross-over SUV that combines passenger car comfort and safety with even greater adaptability and functionality. Built upon its predecessor’s reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and versatility, the completely redesigned Subaru Forester now boasts of increased space and comfort.

“When Subaru launched the Forester 11 years ago, it redefined the industry. Here was a vehicle that defied all labels and definition, enhancing the comfort and safety of cars with greater function and capability. It has since become an icon of safety, dependability and versatility”, said Mr. Glenn Tan, Group Chief Executive, Motor Image Enterprises.

Mr. Tan adds, “The new Forester builds on the many features that made Foresters such a worldwide hit. With greater luxurious comfort and practical convenience, without compromising on safety and quality, it boasts an irresistible charm. Its streamlined design makes it a stylish companion that takes you easily from board meetings to golf games to family picnics while its spacious interiors, distinctive versatility and contemporary elegance will impress business partners and in-laws alike. How to improve upon an icon? Come try the all new Forester and find out”.

The all-new Forester range available in Singapore includes the Subaru Forester 2.0X and the Subaru Forester 2.5XT. Both models are available only in 4-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT. The Subaru Forester 2.0X is powered by a Subaru Boxer 2.0-litre DOHC engine, while the Subaru Forester 2.5XT runs on a Subaru Boxer 2.5-litre Turbocharged DOHC engine. Both models of the all-new Forester come with Subaru’s trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

Redesigned with cosmopolitan sophistication in mind, the all-new Forester now integrates more stylish design elements – both internally and externally.

Exterior Design
A vision to behold, the all-new Forester has replaced its predecessors’ boxy look and benefited from a stylish redesign that incorporates a perfect balance between practicality and contemporary elegance. Streamlined and sharply defined lines run from the sides of the headlights to the tail lights of the all-new Forester, combined with boxed front fenders and projected rear quarter panels, giving it a sculpted and well-accentuated profile. Metallic grey in colour, the front grille now lends a sharp yet elegant contrast to the all-new Forester’s chromeplated contours. The headlamps of Subaru’s latest offering are chrome-plated on the inside, allowing even projection of light outwardly and the rear lights are designed to accentuate the rear styling. These modern design aspects come together to give the all-new Forester a fresh, sophisticated outlook, making it the perfect vehicle to drive on all occasions.

Interior Design
Decorative insets with a brushed aluminium-look flow from the center panel of the dashboard to the door trim, adds spaciousness and airiness to the interior, emphasizing a sporty feel in the cockpit. Its rich and refined design is accentuated by the center panel, which combines wood and metal finishes, as well as the door trim, embellished with metal-finish panels for its window and door switches.

Packaging and Utility
Both models feature an all-new platform that incorporates a longer wheelbase and an enhanced double wish-bone rear suspension. Compared with the previous Forester model, the all-new Forester is 110mm taller (excluding the roof rail) and 45mm wider, and its wheelbase has been expanded by 90mm, granting it increased interior space and cargo room without substantially enlarging its body size. The double wish-bone rear suspension now has room for deeper and wider luggage compartment, which enhances the all-new Forester’s storage utility.

Storage capability is further enhanced by a host of individual storage areas located around the cabin, which include a centre tray, overhead console and door pockets. Designed with the commitment to provide the perfect seating configuration for passengers, the seating layout of the all-new Forester can be adjusted to suit a variety of different uses. The interior versatility of the all-new Forester is boosted by larger rear door openings, a multi-functional centre console which includes an auxiliary audio input jack and 12-volt power outlet, ideal for connecting portable audio players and other devices. A retractable rear tray with two cup holders is installed between the rear seats (of the 2.5XT model), elevating rear passenger comfort.

Creature Comforts
Further enhancing the luxurious drive experience that the all-new Forester boasts is the inclusion of climate control, entertainment, navigation functions and blue interior illumination. Climate control functions include manual air-conditioning system with anti-dust filters, heater ducts for rear passengers and front and side defrosters. The all-new Forester’s entertainment features comprise a 7-speaker audio system with SRS Circle Surround Automotive and a 6-CD changer that is controlled via the steering satellite switch. The central ceiling lighting within the cabin illuminates the console area in blue while the centre tray, retractable rear tray cup holders each include individual built-in blue lighting, creating a calm and cosy night time environment.

Safety Features
With its advanced Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frames, a high level of safety has been achieved for the all-new Forester in terms of shock absorption and crash-impact dispersion. Standard interior safety features on both models include three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters located in the front and rear passenger seats, fitted SRS frontal, front side and curtain airbags, as well as active headrests for both driver and passengers. The safety level of the all-new Forester is further supplemented by the inclusion of ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and a Brake Assist System. The all-new Forester also blends positive SUV attributes, such as a high seating point, which enhances a driver’s all-round visibility, boosting active safety.

The all-new Forester is available in nine colours: Dark Gray Metallic, Obsidian Black Pearl, Spark Silver Metallic, New Port Blue, Topaz Gold Metallic, Steel Silver Metallic and Satin White, including two new colours – Camellia Red Pearl and Sage Green Metallic.

Built around innovative engineering and coupled with a design that appeals to both the heart and mind, the all-new Forester ups the ante of giving drivers the ultimate driving experience – a commitment that Subaru strives for with each and every vehicle under its luminous stable.

For more information on the all-new Subaru Forester, please visit Motor Image’s website at www.motorimage.net.

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