February 2014

Volkswagen BGC dealership

MANILA, Philippines – Iconic Dealership, Inc., formally opened its flagship showroom—Volkswagen BGC with no less than Ayala Corporation president and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Volkswagen official distributor, Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. (ACEI) president and CEO John Philip Orbeta leading the ceremonial inauguration. Also in attendance were Ayala Corporation CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Taguig City Major Lani Cayetano.

Lexus Gallery Robinsons Magnolia

Lexus Manila expanded its presence by opening a small boutique at the upscale Robinsons Magnolia mall in New Manila, Quezon City. Called the Lexus Gallery, it has been opened to serve potential clients since December 2013, but was only officially inaugurated in February.

Hyundai Paranaque West

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai cars in the Philippines, opened its newest dealership in Parañaque City. Poised to treat customers, this new Hyundai dealership packs star power as the first automotive business venture of actor Dingdong Dantes.

Philippine flag flies high at the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli 2014

The Philippines’ lone representative, Vincent Floirendo, flew the Philippine flag at the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli 2014. Floirendo took the wheel of a 458 Challenge race car beginning with the first Asia-Pacific round at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

Lexus CT 200h

Lexus finally updates its CT 200h entry-level hybrid to accommodate the brand’s trademark spindle grille. Aside from that, the CT 200h receives a wealth of new design and technological changes to keep it fresh.

Toyota Innova

There’s more to love as Toyota refreshed the bestselling Innova with the sculpted front grille, new bumpers, and a sophisticated back door garnish. Inside, top-end models get a standard GPS navigation system. The Innova remains powered by the proven 2.0-liter VVT-i gasoline and 2.5-liter D-4D diesel engine.

Hyundai Grand i10

The diminutive Hyundai i10 drinks a healthy dose of Cherifer and transforms into the Grand i10. The larger Grand i10 features a new hexagonal grille flanked by larger headlights. The Grand i10 also gets a huge bump in equipment levels. Propulsion is provided by a 1.0-liter and 1.2-liter engines both having 4 cylinders. It’s also available in both manual and automatic versions.

Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2014

Students from all across Asia and the Middle East arrived in Manila to tackle a street circuit in the heart of the Philippine capital, with the fuel efficient vehicles they designed and built. The 109 student teams were in town to compete in the fifth edition of Shell’s annual Shell Eco-marathon Asia.

Hyundai Grand Santa Fe

Hyundai unveiled the latest addition to its line-up: the Grand Santa Fe. The long-wheelbase Santa Fe has a body lengthened by 225 mm and is essentially the replacement to the Veracruz. The Grand Santa Fe offers the same “Storm Edge” design but with unique LED rear combination lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and dual exhausts.

Subaru WRX Concept comes to Manila

For customers and fans to get re-acquainted with the WRX nameplate (a model not sold in the Philippines since 2010), Motor Image Pilipinas, the official distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, brought in the Subaru WRX Concept.

BMW 4 Series

BMW Philippines solidified its leadership in the premium car segment by launching the 4 Series Coupe. Replacing the 3 Series Coupe, the 4 Series has an athletically designed body, enhanced performance, and improved efficiency. It is wider, longer, and lower than the previous 3 Series and rides on a wider front and rear track.