The long wait is finally over

The country’s rapidly expanding motorcycling community is now basking in excitement with the recent launch of the much-awaited big bikes bearing the Honda logo. 

Last Saturday afternoon, December 9, at the Grand Ballroom of the Shangri-La at the Fort in BGC, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the country’s recognized dominant market leader in motorcycle sales gathered select members of the motoring media to witness the unveiling of six of the eight motorcycle models that would form part of maiden lineup of Honda Big Bikes in the Philippines.

“It has always been my dream to bring Honda Big Bikes here since I came to Honda Philippines in 2015,” were the opening words of Mr. Daiki Mihara, president of Honda Philippines during our on-cam TV interview right after the unveiling. “Honda Big Bikes have seen action in many different countries. Now is the time for the Philippines to enjoy the power and innovation of these motorcycles,” the young and friendly top HPI Japanese executive added.

In a statement HPI shares that in relation to the high growth rate of the Philippine economy, the motorcycle market experiences a similar development that leads to the diversification of customer demand. It added that this could be seen through the market growth of bikes used for leisure aside from commuting. To serve such demand, HPI decided to introduce Honda Big Bikes.   

The eight Big Bike models that HPI brings to the country are categorized in four distinctions: Traveler, Sport/Racer, Roadster and New Adventure. The four models that are presently available include the CB500X, CRF1000L Africa Twin, X-ADV, CBR500R, Rebel 500 and CB650F, while the CB1100EX and CBR1000RR FIREBLADE SP will be available in 2018. 

“This newest line up of Honda Big Bikes will be available in our newest flagship shop in Manila, the Honda Prestige Traders, Inc. located along EDSA corner Harvard,” announced Ms. Beth Alejandro, AVP for Finance of HPI. “The shop is made to be an accessible hub for Honda’s growing community. The Honda Big Bikes will also be launched in Cebu and Davao in January 2018,” she added.

The inauguration of Honda Prestige Traders flagship shop was held right after the unveiling of the Honda Big Bikes.

Industry Thanksgiving Parties

There’s been a series of Thanksgiving Parties hosted by various industry players and we have a collage of some of the most recent ones.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) celebrated their annual media Thanksgiving and Christmas party at the Brick & Mortar bar and grill at the Fort Strip in Bonifacio Global City. On the same night, Honda introduced the new and refreshed 2018 Honda Odyssey, which is now available in two variants.

With a successful 2017 campaign, HCPI announced a significant growth in the market wherein they sold a total of 23,687 units.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPI) celebrated a successful 2017 by treating their motoring media friends to a Christmas and Thanksgiving party held at the Chaos Bar, City of Dreams Casino.

According to MMPI, Mirage and Montero have remained their top-selling models. For 2018 and through the following years, Mitsubishi is optimistic that the said models will continue to increase in sales along with the other models.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) held its Christmas and Thanksgiving party at Okada Manila.

During the event, IPC extended their gratitude to their motoring media friends for their continuous support. According to the company, 2017 has been a good year for Isuzu and they’re looking forward to the next coming years.

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation (formerly Asian Carmakers Corp.), the official distributor of BMW vehicles in the country held its annual media Thanksgiving party at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Capitol Commons, Pasig City. This is the company’s way of saying thank you to motoring journalists for their unending support for the BMW brand. It was a night filled of good food, unlimited drinks, games and prizes.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) held a Christmas and Thanksgiving party for their motoring media together with their dealers and friends at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. HARI took the opportunity to look back at their fruitful 2017 along with the past years. According to Hyundai, they are positive that 2018 as well as the next years will be as successful with regards to the company’s increase in sales.More yearend parties and get-togethers are still lined up this week. Indeed the busiest days of the year for the motoring media.

 Happy Motoring!!!

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