philstar.com - Motoring

Apr 142015
 
Toyota hits record sales, underscores lack of new plates

When a steel girder erector being used for the Skyway project near Tramo and Andrews Avenues in Pasay City fell to the ground last month, it hit eight vehicles. Now while it’s noteworthy that the occupants of those cars were miraculously unharmed, it’s also interesting to note that four of those eight vehicles were Toyotas. You don’t have to be a statistician to see that half of the cars involved were Toyotas. And if you want to talk about odds, there’s a high probability that that’s because of Toyota’s stranglehold on the Philippine market—to the tune of almost 45 percent on average month to month for more than a year already. That’s almost half of the local market. Imagine that. Out of 10 cars sold here, almost five of that will be Toyotas. Which means that the 20 or so other Japanese, Korean, American, European, Chinese, and Indian brands competing in our market will be fighting tooth and nail for the other five units. Extrapolate that to 100 units, or 1,000 units, or 10,000 units, or even to 100,000 units, and it’s still Toyota owning almost half that number. The implications are staggering. And now comes news that the largest local car manufacturer in the country achieved its highest sales to date in a single month last March. Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) registered its record-breaking performance of 10,237 units sold. Its previous sales milestone was recorded last October 2014 with 10,163 units sold. Based on the most recent CAMPI report, Read More …

Apr 072015
 
Bridgestone launches new Adrenalin RE003

A large patch of perfectly manicured asphalt, a couple of cult classics from both East and West, and more rubber than a Rolling Stones after-party, was all that Bridgestone brought to its launch of the new Potenza Adrenalin RE003. But boy, was it enough to wake up the neighbors. On the menu was a 2015 WRX and the Golf GTi wearing a mixed collection of RE002s, RE003s, and some of the competitor’s tires that they had the class to file off the markings on the sidewalk to avoid embarrassment. They staged it all at the Performance Driving Center in sunny Gold Coast in Australia and had just one simple brief: drive. Sure there were some parameters, like suggested speeds, etc. but, in essence, it was quite simply designed to feel everything for yourself. Let me just say before I numb your brain with technical quotes from the PDF files we received on a thumb drive that this is the way to launch a performance tire. Period. Anything more is like trying to explain dance with algebra. A good tire can be felt, and that doesn’t happen in powerpoint. Needless to say there’s a ton of new technology in the RE003, but I run the risk of us both losing all feeling in our left side and slipping into a silica-based coma if I tried to explain it. Unless of course you’re a competitor. So to put it as simply as possible, the RE003 promises three key improvements: responsive and precise Read More …

Mar 312015
 
Petron Lakbay Alalay: Kasama mo sa biyahe for 30 years

MANILA, Philippines – With domestic tourism on the rise, more and more Filipino families are taking holiday road trips all over the country. Now celebrating its 30th year, Petron Lakbay Alalay, the country’s longest running motorist assistance program, has developed into a year-round road safety program and customer service advocacy to ensure safer, worry-free travel for everyone. Marking its 30th year milestone as the country’s pioneer motorist assistance program, Petron employees launched the Lakbay Alalay Volunteerism campaign last March 26 and 27. On-site and digital initiatives will also be undertaken to engage motorists to pledge for road safety. For the coming Holy Week break, identified pit stops along the major expressways—NLEX, Lakeshore, SLEX, TPLEX, and STAR Tollway—will offer various activities on April 1 & 2, and April 4 & 5, 2015. The expanded Petron Lakbay Alalay program will include services such as: free safety check for 2-wheel and 4-wheel vehicles; free medical assistance; free 15-minute massage; free food and drinks; a Kiddie Corner; freebies and games from partners; parking assistance; and free Wi-Fi and free cellphone charging area. The growing number of Petron Lakbay Alalay partners include: Chevrolet, Honda Cars, Honda Motorcycles, Honda Safety Driving Center, Motolite, Globe, Red Cross, Unilab, PhilCare, Purefoods Tender Juicy, San Mig Coffee, Jelly Sip, Pepsi, Magnolia Ice Cream, Polo Mints, Doña Maria, Nissin, Judge Candy, Glade, HBC, Bridgestone, CNN Philippines, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Mar 242015
 
Local motorcycle clubs vie to break World Record

MANILA, Philippines – Members of local motorcycle clubs belonging to the National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines, Inc. (NFMCP) will converge in Tagaytay City from April 6 to 12, 2015 for the 21st National Motorcycle Convention. An estimated 5,000 motorcyclists from more than 120 member motorcycle clubs and guest clubs are said to be gearing up for the grand event dubbed as the “Gran Vientiuno Convencion Nacional.” Hosted by the Law Enforcer Riders’ Association of the Philippines (LERAP), this year’s convention promises to be the grandest one ever with concerts, motorcycle displays, stunt shows, bike features and competitions. Bazaars and bike shows will be held from April 6 onwards at the Tagaytay Convention Center grounds while a track day will be held on April 9 at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC). The convention proper will commence on April 10 with the arrival of delegates from all over the Philippines and some guest delegates from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Dubai, Australia, and more. Motorcycles for rent will be available for delegates who want to ride around the Tagaytay and Batangas venues to enjoy the scenery and the camaraderie among bikers. A brand-new 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S will be raffled off as the grand prize. One of the highlights of the event is the simultaneous motorcycle tire burnout activity which will attempt to top the Guinness Book of World Records that currently stands at 213 motorcycles achieved by Team Harleystunts and Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson in Maryville, Tennessee, USA in August Read More …

Mar 242015
 
Roberts showcases capabilities at WorldBex

MANILA, Philippines – Last March 11-15, 2015, Roberts Automotive & Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corporation joined the 20th WORLDBEX (The Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition) held at World Trade Center, Metro Manila. The annual convergence of representatives of local and international building and construction industries was participated in by 500 exhibiting companies from 25 countries in Asia. Roberts, as one of the competitive manufacturing businesses, emphasized its high-quality products that continuously serve the construction industry such as custom-built u-bolts, Evercool radiator, Tiger leaf springs, Soundex mufflersand its new capabilities such as painting, pipe bending and welding.

Mar 172015
 
Chevrolet PH inaugurates newest dealership in Batangas

CHEVROLET Philippines – The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI) celebrates the expansion of its dealer network with the inauguration of Chevrolet Batangas. Dubbed as an industrial center with its growing population of 2,377,395 residents, the city of Batangas is expected to be another significant market for Chevrolet in southern Luzon. Chevrolet Batangas marks the 24th full sales and service outlet that Chevrolet operates in the Philippines—a testament to the growing strength of the brand as more and more Filipinos are beginning to trust, patronize, and Love this Chevy. True to its #BeChevyStrong campaign, Chevrolet has doubled the business network that the company assumed in 2009 and expects to close the year with 29 strong dealers in full operation. Spearheaded by its president Felix K. Limcaoco III, the new dealership is managed by Juno Cars Inc. –the same company that managed other Chevrolet outlets, including Chevrolet Alabang, Chevrolet Carmona, Chevrolet Pasig and Chevrolet Shaw, and mastered anything and everything Chevy. As a matter of fact, Juno Cars Inc. emerged victorious in the recently concluded 2014 Chevrolet Grandmasters Awards night with Chevrolet Alabang winning the Best in Sales award and Chevrolet Pasig winning the Best in Parts award. Showcasing their Bowtie expertise, the company signed their 5th partnership with TCCCI. “We are very pleased with our new venture with Chevrolet. The city of Batangas holds a special place in my heart as it is my maternal family’s hometown. We are thankful to TCCCI for giving us the chance to offer excellent cars Read More …

Mar 172015
 
The luxury of understatement: Nissan Altima 3.5SL

Space, power, refinement, and comfort are prime qualities expected of an “executive” level midsize sedan. For the longest time, the class has been dominated by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and only fairly recently has Mazda given serious competition with their sporty 6. Nissan used to have its own entry in the big-and-heavy Cefiro during the early to mid-00’s, and just a few years back tried to go for even larger with the yacht-like Teana. This time around, and as part of the renaissance going on with the consolidated Nissan that has combined its trucks and passenger cars into one entity, they are going for a more understated, yet even more refined entry with the Altima. Those of you who remember the pickings for a midsize car back in the 90’s will recall that the Altima was the bigger brother of the Sentra. It had soapbox styling, a rather coarse 2.0-liter engine, and was a sort of neither-here-nor-there car like the Toyota Corona. You might still see a few running around these days, the bodies and mechanicals obviously having seen better days. It eventually gave way to the Cefiro, which made no apologies for its DOM-ish appeal. The new Altima shares nothing with the old one save for the name, and gives prospective owners a peek at what it might be like to own an Infiniti.  It’s a shape characterized by soft curves and strategic edges to give it a timeless look; a classy presence that doesn’t scream “Money.” Read More …

Mar 102015
 
First time ever: Monster Jam thunders into Manila

MANILA, Philippines – American-based Feld Motor Sports has announced that monster truck juggernaut Monster Jam is headed to Manila for the first time ever, debuting at Mall of Asia Arena on the 20th and the 21st of June for three exciting shows, with ticket prices starting at P850. For decades, Monster Jam has been one of the biggest and most successful touring family shows in the United States.  Monster Jam is one of the most exciting forms of family entertainment, featuring four-meter tall, five-ton beasts. The stars of the show are the biggest performers on four wheels: the Monster Jam trucks. These amazing machines bring fans to their feet while racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over – or smash through. Monster Jam is a family-friendly event that will appeal to the young and young at heart, as well as lovers of motor and adventure sports, and will be sure to have Filipino hearts racing. Monster Jam is a huge day out for all the family kicking off with the world famous Party in the Pits. Before the 2pm shows on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday June 21, fans will have the opportunity to meet the Monster Jam superstars, get their autographs and take pictures with the trucks. This unequalled access allows fans to really get amongst the Monster Jam action. “We are thrilled to be bringing Monster Jam to our fans in Manila for the first time!” said Feld Motor Sports’ International Vice Read More …

Mar 032015
 
Honda unveils all-new Odyssey

MANILA, Philippines – Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), launched last night the all-new Odyssey minivan in One Esplanade, Pasay City. Originally made to answer the increasing need for mobility for a family and other large groups in Japan 20 years ago, Honda developed the Odyssey as a multi-passenger vehicle that has a large cabin space. That introduction triggered the minivan boom in Japan. Since then the Odyssey has strived to be an evolution in every way, generation after generation. In the Philippines, the Odyssey nameplate was reintroduced in 2012 catering to families who opt for the “Ultimate Family Vehicle” that combines elegant styling, class-leading performance, advanced safety, and maximum utility in a minivan. Its exterior design was based on the “Solid Streamline” concept with an ultra-low platform to achieve an elegant and dynamically proportioned look while still mindful of the cabin space. This resulted in a sedan-like stance with a low floor to ease passenger entry and exit. LED dual projector type headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED tail lamps complete the new Odyssey’s stylish yet commanding presence on the road. New to Honda’s luxury minivan is the use of Captain Cradle Seats with Ottoman in its second row; and the third row showcases a three-way split reclining structure that enables three passengers to sit side-by-side with different reclining angle for each section to provide ultimate sense of relaxation for all seven passengers. The new Odyssey is equipped with a 7” touchscreen audio system with navigation system and it Read More …

Feb 242015
 
Taking Clark by Porsche

MANILA, Philippines – While it is a legitimate, indulging occupation in itself, gawking at Porsches can get frustrating very quick—for the simple reason that the temptation proves overwhelming. At some point, you will want to get your hands on the Stuttgart supercar maker’s beautiful vehicles. You need a tactile experience—hands on the wheel, foot on the gas pedal, and butt on the driver’s seat. This makes the recent Porsche World Roadshow (PWRS) at the Clark International Speedway a most rewarding fix – and eye opener for people who hadn’t driven (or driven lately) any of the growing number of stallions in the Porsche stable. Conceived as a marketing strategy to present its lineup to “prospects and existing customers,” the PWRS invitation is extended to members of the motoring media wherever it is held. Facilitated by Porsche-certified instructors specifically flown in for the event, PWRS allowed drivers to not only get up close and personal to the range of Porsche vehicles, but to experience what makes them stand out as among the most coveted cars in the world. Before getting into the cars, participants were walked through a sundry of Porsche features, as well as the kind of workmanship and technology that goes into each vehicle. Distinct, too, is the vastly increased option of customization that allows owners to realize a new breadth of options for their own vehicle. First and foremost, however, Porsche is a vehicle built to go fast. “Porsche is synonymous to racing,” said instructor Dario Garcia. “Everything Read More …