April 2014

The Manila International Auto Show 2014

MANILA, Philippines –  Worldbex Services International opened the doors to the 10th Manila International Auto Show or MIAS. Although key brands were absent from the annual show, it did not prevent the public from recognizing it as a tremendous success. After the 4-day event, MIAS welcomed 102,000 visitors. It also boasted of a 30,000-sqm display with 217 new cars and 102 classic and custom cars.

Ford Escape

The demise of Ford’s C-segment crossover in the Philippines is greatly exaggerated as the company used the Manila International Auto Show to preview the all-new 2015 Escape—a crossover that’s expected to bridge the gap between the EcoSport and Explorer in terms of both features and price. Like the Explorer and the Mustang, the Escape will be a completely built-up unit (CBU) straight from the US.

Tata is now in the Philippines

India’s leader in commercial vehicles and among the leaders in the passenger car market opened up shop through distributor Pilipinas Taj Autogroup. At the helm is industry veteran Nicky Mariano who serves as general manager. Pilipinas Taj Autogroup’s president and CEO David Coyukiat was at the brand’s launch where he showcased the Manza INI, Vista INI, Xenon, Ace and Super Ace.

Volkswagen 21st Century Beetle

Volkswagen celebrated the return of its most recognized icon: the Beetle. Dubbed the 21st Century Beetle, no less than Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala led the festivities at The Mind Museum.

Kia Soul

Kia showed off the second-generation Soul at the Manila International Auto Show. Though it shares similar lines to the previous model, it has influences straight from the Track’ster Concept. The all-new Soul has a “floating” body-colored panel insert on the tailgate, a trapezoidal-shaped lower air intake, and fog lamps pushed out to the edges.

Honda Cars Philippines names new president

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit names Toshio Kuwahara as its new president and general manager. Previously, Kuwahara was senior assistant vice president for HCPI’s marketing and sales division. Prior to his move to the automobile business, he previously held posts in Honda’s motorcycle business unit for the Asia and Oceania market.

Motor Image opens multi-brand showroom in Manila Bay

Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL), the parent company of Subaru and Changan distributors in the Philippines, opened the first phase of its brand new multi-brand facility in Metro Manila. Located at the automotive area of Manila Bay, the new facility will house major Subaru models, with the Changan brand set to be added in the latter part of the year.

Honda City

Honda aims to raise the standards in the sub-compact genre with the launch of the all-new City. Penned under Honda’s new design language—Exciting H!!! Design—the all-new City is a mix of angular lines, creases, and curves that look to elevate Honda back into the forefront of design. Beyond the design, the all-new City also presents new convenience features and a revised powertrain for improved power and efficiency.

Isuzu kicks off D-Max 4x4 Drive Series in Pampanga

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) kicked off the 2014 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 Drive Series in San Fernando, Pampanga in front of a visibly excited crowd of off-roading enthusiasts and pick-up lovers.

Peugeot 208 GTi

Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI), the official distributor of Peugeot in the Philippines, teased their upcoming super mini—the Peugeot 208 GTI by displaying a kitted up version at its pavilion at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). The Peugeot 208 GTI is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 197 hp and 275 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The purveyor of the original Sport Utility Vehicle, Jeep, launched the 2014 Grand Cherokee to a packed crowd at MIAS. The new Grand Cherokee builds on the legendary go-anywhere, do-anything reputation of its illustrious ancestor, the Willy’s Jeep, while delivering best-in-class fuel economy, advanced user-friendly technology, world-class craftsmanship, and on-road refinement.

Subaru WRX and WRX STI

The much-awaited performance sedans born out of Subaru’s rally heritage make a triumphant return with the all-new 2014 WRX and WRX STI. Considered as the “best handling WRX and WRX STI ever,” both of these turbocharged, all-wheel drive sport sedans have unparalleled performance to go with uncompromised practicality.

Mazda3

Mazda is brings KODO and Skyactiv to the mainstream with the launch of the all-new Mazda3. And like its namesake, the Mazda3 pushes the boundaries in vehicle design and engineering not just in the compact segment but of the automotive industry as a whole. Available in both 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback configurations, the all-new Mazda3 evokes a sense of movement while the interior exudes a driver-centric feel.

Jeep thrills Pinatubo

CATS Motors brings some members of the media and Jeep owners to experience a taste of their vehicle’s true potential with the Jeep Thrills Pinatubo. Using a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited CRD and the recently launched Grand Cherokee, owners went from the Jeep showroom located in EDSA Greenhills all the way to the lahar beds and the different river crossings surrounding Mount Pinatubo.

AutoFocus Summer Test Drive Festival

In the midst of the summer, car buyers and automobile enthusiasts had the opportunity to conveniently see up close and test drive all brand-new models of BMW, BYD, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot and Toyota as they got together at the Mall of Asia’s Concert Grounds for the Caltex Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival.