Celebrating 25 Years: Toyota Motors Philippines' World of Toyota Motor Show at the World Trade Center Manila

In celebration of its 25th year in the Philippine automotive market, Toyota Motors Philippines recently launched a world-class car show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, called The World of Toyota. This week-long car show features the latest line-up of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, as well as some interesting concept cars and classic Toyota models from the 1960s until the 1980s. For a minimum entrance fee (but free for pre-registered bloggers such as myself), you can get up close and personal with these cars, and get a glimpse of Toyota Motors' interesting history. Reserving a Toyota car right at the venue also entitles you to some pretty sweet deals that you might not get anywhere else. For one, you can get a free portable GPS navigation device if you reserve/purchase a Toyota Vios right at the World Trade Center! Awesome, isn't it?

I myself drive a Toyota (a 7 year-old Corolla Altis), and I must say, the car has never had any serious issues.  Toyota is known globally for its high quality vehicles and I can personally attest to that. Toyota is also known for its environment-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles, and Toyota actually pioneered the use of hybrid technology when it introduced the Toyota Prius in 1997, and soon enough, other car makers followed with their own line of hybrid cars. 

When the people over at Toyota Motors Philippines decided to invite bloggers to cover this event, I knew I couldn't pass up the chance to be part of it. I immediately registered as a blogger and a week later, I was at the World Trade Center to check out what Toyota has in store!

The Honda CR-Z is Finally Here!

Since the first hybrid car, the Prius, was introduced by Toyota to the Philippine market four years ago, other  car companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Lexus have brought in their own line of hybrid cars as well, taking the challenge of introducing these environment-friendly vehicles to Filipino car buyers who, unlike their counterparts in many developed countries such as the United States, are only still being introduced to hybrid technology. The fact that high import taxes have forced these car manufacturers to sell their line of hybrid cars at a relatively higher price compared to other markets abroad isn't helping at all. However, the Senate Bill No. 2856 or the Alternative Fuel Vehicles Incentives Act hopes to change all that. 

Despite current market difficulties, Honda Cars Philippines is taking on the challenge of bringing in hybrid cars to the country when they recently launched the sporty Honda CR-Z, Honda's first hybrid model to be sold in the Philippines. 

One interesting feature of this sporty hybrid is the Plus Sport System, which gives the car's performance a boost whenever the battery is charged over 50%. The Plus Sport System may be activated with a push of the S+ boost button found on the steering wheel. 

The Honda CR-Z sold in the Philippines has three variants: the Standard, Modulo, and the Mugen variants. The Modulo and Mugen variants are sportier versions of the Standard CR-Z with added features such as the ducktail rear spoiler and carbon-fiber-finish underspoiler for the Moldulo variant, and LED daytime running lights, a different exhaust system, carbon-fiber side mirror covers, a large rear wing, and new sets of front grille and rims for the higher-end Mugen variant. 

So, how much does the CR-Z cost, exactly? The manual-transmission Standard variant starts at--hold-your breath--P1,390,000! Not bad for a hybrid car, eh? Imagine how much lower the prices are going to be when the Senate Bill No. 2856 gets passed and becomes a law!

What about the other variants? Well, the prices for the rest of the Honda-CRZ models are as follows: P1,480,000 (Standard CVT); P1,470,000 (Modulo MT); P1,560,000 (Modulo CVT); P1,860,000 (Mugen MT), and P1,950,000 (Mugen CVT).

This has definitely been an exciting year for the Philippine car industry so far, and Honda Philippines just couldn't resist being part of all this buzz. With the introduction of the Honda CR-Z, should we expect other Honda hybrid models to be brought in as well? Let's see!

For the latest updates, please visit the Honda Cars Philippines official website at http://www.hondaphil.com.

Should We Expect the All-New Toyota Corolla by 2014?

A quick Google Image search with the keywords "2014 Toyota Corolla Altis" will give you several image results of a car similar to the one above. Could this be the all-new Toyota Corolla (called the Toyota Corolla Altis in parts of Asia)? The current version of the ever-popular car was launched maybe four or five years ago--it's definitely due for a replacement already, given the fact that other Toyota models such as the RAV4 and the Camry already have all-new models (The RAV4 was just officially launched in the Philippines very recently). The Toyota Vios is also due for replacement sometime this year. As of now, there is still no official word from Toyota, and we can only speculate on whether this really is what the all-new Corolla would look like. But, based on the Google search results, it looks as if this render isn't that too far off from the real thing. 

Toyota Motors Philippines Unveils the All-New, 4th Generation RAV4

If the earlier blog post about the 2013 Toyota Vios got you excited--wait till you hear this: Toyota Motors Philippines will be launching the all-new, 4th generation Toyota RAV4 very soon (read: early next year).

The new RAV4 will have a completely new look (it's about time!) and will be available in three variants: The entry-level 4x2 priced at P1,357,000, the full-option 4x2 at P1,581,000, and the top-of-the-line 4x4 at P1,963,000. Toyota recently showed off its new "baby" at the Christmas party held for its dealerships around the country.

Looks like 2013 will be an interesting year for the Philippine car industry. I wonder what else is in store for us?

A Quick Look at the 2013 Toyota Vios

Looks like Toyota Motors Philippines is gearing up for the launch of an all-new model of one of the country's most popular cars, the Vios, sometime next year. 

Although no specific date has been given yet, sources have indicated that the new generation Vios, along with an all-new Yaris, will reach showrooms by 2013. An all-new Corolla Altis is also scheduled to be introduced "within the next three years".

The new Vios will sport an all-new look, straying away from the "curviness" of the current model, similar to what Toyota has done with the all-new Camry. 

Could this be another bestseller? Will it be able to match up to its predecessor? Let's sit and wait.

A Matter of Security--Official Vehicles Used by Different Heads of State

Being the Head of State of a country is certainly not an easy job--though it may have its rewards (like a really cool, plush office chair--and that's just one of them!), along with this high-profile job comes its share of challenges and major headaches that the leader must overcome in order to ensure a happy, safe, and prosperous living environment for everyone. 

Part of the Head of State's job is to travel from one place to another--either to meet up with fellow dignitaries, open an art exhibit, give speeches at Universities, visit different government offices, and so much more--all of which may undermine the leader's safety and security. No Head of State is safe from the possibility of an assassination attempt.

Ensuring the Head of State's safety thus creates the need for an Official State Car--one that is heavily armored and of course, fitting for a passenger of such a high stature as the President or Prime Minister. The government just cannot choose any car, though--a lot of considerations must be made to ensure the Head of State's safety. It is thus considered an honor for a car manufacturer to be selected as the official manufacturer of the official state car. 

So, what cars do the different Heads of State around the world use, exactly? Here's a quick rundown of the official vehicles used by the leaders of certain countries (photos may not necessarily be that of the actual unit):

1. UNITED STATES (Cadillac One)

President Barack Obama travels on a customized, heavily armored limousine referred to as "Cadillac One" or more informally, "The Beast". The car resembles the Cadillac DTS (albeit larger) and comes equipped with features such as high-tech communication systems, gas-proof chambers, night-vision cameras, and internet connection, among others. The President takes his limousines (aside from the one the President actually uses, another one is included in the motorcade as a decoy) everywhere he goes--they are usually transported on large military aircraft.

2. GERMANY (Mercedes-Benz S600)

The Head of State of Germany travels around in an armored Mercedes-Benz S600, accompanied in the motorcade by a line-up of luxury vehicles from other German car manufacturers.

3. NORWAY (Lexus LS600h and BMW750Li)

The King of Norway, Harald V, travels around in a Lexus LS600h (hybrid), while the rest of the Norwegian Royal Family uses a combination of vehicles including the Audi A8 and BMW 7-series. The Prime Minister, meanwhile, uses an armored BMW750Li.

4. BRAZIL (Ford Fusion Hybrid)

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff uses an armored 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid for ordinary days, while a 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith is used for special occasions. 

5. KENYA (Mercedes-Benz Pullman S600)

The President of Kenya may be seen on-board an armored Mercedes-Benz Pullman S600, accompanied by a fleet of security vehicles which include (but not limited to) BMW 5 series, a Range Rover, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Ford Philippines Launches the All-New Ford Focus

July 5, 2012 was a big day for Ford Philippines--that day marked the launch of the all-new Ford Focus in the Philippine market, positioned as a "smart car" that possesses sleek styling and high-tech features that every car owner would surely want. 

The new Focus is designed according to Ford's kinetic design language, which we first saw on the Ford Fiesta which has also been launched here in the Philippines previously. Thus, the Focus now has a more aerodynamic design with a prominent roofline arc, with creases along the sides as well as the hood. The interiors, meanwhile, are made of high-quality materials, with cabin lighting similar to those on luxury cars. 

However, what would probably excite us the most would be the fact that the new Focus is one of the most technologically-advanced vehicles in its class. First off, the vehicle comes with a feature called Active Park Assist, where the car parallel parks itself--the driver only controls the acceleration, brake, and gearshift. This is made possible through the installation of sophisticated sensors around the vehicle. The vehicle is also equipped with a Smart Keyless Entry system--once the driver places his hand on the door handle, the Focus will automatically unlock its doors when sensors detect a smart key nearby, which owners may place inside their pockets or bags. Its Active City Stop feature, meanwhile, helps to avoid collisions in slow-moving traffic by applying the brakes automatically. Another added safety feature is the Blind Spot Information System, that warns drivers whenever another car enters the driver's blind spot. This is also most helpful when the driver is backing out of a driveway or garage. The high-tech safety features, however, doesn't stop there--to ensure that drivers keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road 100% of the time, a special software allows drivers to operate his mobile phone via voice commands--one can make or receive calls and even send and receive text messages. 

Visit your nearest Ford dealer today to get up-close with the new Focus and also to get more detailed information. You may also check out the Ford Philippines website at www.ford.com.ph.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. Welcomes the All-New Honda CR-V

Following the launch of the all-new Honda Civic a few months back, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. is at it again with the recent launch of the highly-anticipated 4th-generation 2012 Honda CR-V.

First introduced in 1997, the Honda CR-V has become a leading name in the compact-SUV category, allowing its owners a unique driving experience, offering a car-like driving feel with more room and added comfort. With the launch of the 2012 model, Honda promises an enhanced driving and ownership experience, by having a vehicle that combines the best of what passenger cars, mini-vans and SUVs have to offer.

The new CR-V features a new design on its grille and headlights, a more upscale wheel design, and distinctive tail lights. All CR-V models have fold-down rear seats, allowing owners to fold down the rear seats flat with just one pull of a lever located on either side of the rear cargo area, giving it more cargo space to suit any CR-V owners' needs. 

The CR-V, just like the new Civic, is more high-tech with the Eco Assist System. With the push of a button, the CR-V automatically adjusts its systems for fuel efficiency, while another push of the button returns the car to normal mode, allowing better performance. When engaged, the Cruise Control function automatically maintains the speed of the car for driving convenience. 

If you're willing to shell out a bit more money to be able to get the most out of what the car promises its owners, the top-of-the-line 2.4L EX variant comes with the intelligent multi-information display or i-MID, which includes a 5-inch LCD screen that displays various information such as fuel consumption, audio, and other vehicle settings. This variant also comes equipped with a rear camera that automatically activates when the gear is put on reverse. Moreover, to ensure the maximum safety of the driver and the passengers, the high-end variant includes a Hands-Free Telephone (HFT) function that allows the driver to make or receive phone calls with a Bluetooth-enabled cellular phone, through the use of controls located at the steering wheel. 

If you're concerned about the CR-V being another gas-guzzling pollutant, you might have to think again. The CR-V has a EURO-4 rating given by the European Emission Standards, which means that the CR-V's emissions have a significantly reduced impact on the environment. This rating is way above the EURO-2 minimum required by Philippine regulators. 

All these great features, though, come with a price. The base 2.0L LX AT (2WD) sells at a price of P1,425,000; the 2.4L EX AT (4WD) costs P1,655,000, while the top-of-the-line 2.4 EX AT 4WD (White Orchid Pearl) sells at a price of P1,675,000. Expect prices to be like this while Honda is still working on some problems at their manufacturing plant in Thailand, which was badly affected by flooding last year. In the meantime, the Honda CR-V (as well as the Civic) variants sold here in the Philippines would be imported from Japan. We do hope that these problems would be fixed soon. We wouldn't want the CR-V fans here in the Philippines to be disappointed. 

For more information, please visit www.cr-v.com.ph or visit any of the Honda dealerships throughout the country, where you can also schedule a test-drive. 

French Automaker Peugeot Returning to the Philippines

"...It's a return, a return to the millions of people who have never forgiven me..."

These are just part of one of the most famous lines uttered by the character Norma Desmond from the 1950s Hollywood film Sunset Boulevard. Miss Desmond, who in her younger days was one of the most popular silent film actresses, suddenly becomes irrelevant as the old silent films of the early 20th century were replaced by "talkies", putting the once shining silent film stars in the unemployment line, Norma Desmond being one of them. The film pretty much chronicles her attempts to become relevant again, (with the aid of a young writer named Joe Gillis), which ends in a disaster. 

Will we see another "diasaster", which the impending return of the French automaker Peugeot? 

Yes, Filipino car enthusiasts are abuzz about the return of Peugeot this July, which was first brought to the country by the now-defunct AutoFrance Philippines in 2003. However, an unfavorable exchange rate which resulted in expensive models in turn resulted to poor sales, causing the car brand to pull out of the country within just a few years of its launch. 

However, as part of Peugeot's mother company PSA Peugeot Citroen's plan to expand internationally (aiming for 67% of their cars to be sold outside of Europe by 2020), we would definitely see the return of the brand to the country within the year, as the Philippines is part of the company's expansion strategy. This time, Peugeot cars will be imported and sold in the country courtesy of Asian Carmakers Corporation (the same company responsible for the distribution of BMW in the country), as well as Columbian Autocar Corporation (the distributor of Kia). 

Recently, Peugeot had a groundbreaking ceremony for their new assembly plant in India, and it is possible that once constructions have been completed, this would be where Peugeot cars that would be sold in the country would come from,seeing the increasing popularity of Indian-assembled cars in the country  (such as the Hyundai i10). Hopefully, this would result in lower selling prices that would be more attractive for the budget-conscious Philippine market.

Initially, the Peugeot line-up in the country would include the 3008, 5008, 508, 308CC and the RCZ. Should this second attempt by the brand become more successful, then it is likely that more Peugeot models would be introduced to the country. For now, we'll just have to wait and see if the Philippine market would meet the brand's expectations, and vice versa. 

Here are some photos of the Peugeot vehicles that would be brought to the Philippines in July:

The 3008, a five-door crossover

The 5008, a compact MPV

The 508, a large family car

The 308cc cabriolet

The RCZ sports car

A Peek at the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai motors recently launched the new, third generation Hyundai Santa Fe at the 2012 New York Auto Show on April 4. This new model is expected to be on-sale by mid-2012 in North America, and other markets would soon follow. 

This new generation will be offered in two variants, the 5-seater "Sport" and the regular 7-seater Santa Fe. The regular variant would include a unique grille design, optional 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust pipes and a distinct body shape that would emphasize the variant's larger passenger capacity and cargo space. Both the Regular and Sport variants would have the "Storm Edge" design and would feature a refreshed unibody crossover platform, evident in most SUVs in the market today. 

The Sport variant, meanwhile, would feature either a 2.4L engine at 190 horsepower, or a 2.0L 264-horsepower turbo. In addition, Hyundai's Torque Vectoring Cornering Control would be included for a more improved driving performance. Just like in the Hyundai Azera sedan, the Santa Fe would feature six-speed automatic transmission, at 7.16L/100km for the Regular Variant and 7.62L/100km for the 2.0L Sport variant.  This high engine performance as well as additional cargo room is currently unmatched by any vehicle of the same class, and would certainly give competitors a run for their money. 

In the meantime, here are some preview photos of this much-anticipated SUV: 

It's Finally Here: The All-New Honda Civic

At last, it's here.

The new-generation Honda Civic has finally reached the Philippines, as it was launched recently at an event, presented before the media and other Honda enthusiasts. Following its launch in the United States last year, the all-new Civic's launch here in the Philippines would be inevitable. After several months, the new Civic is finally out to try and conquer the Philippine market.

Admittedly, the Honda Civic's popularity in recent years has been dwindling--with more car models being launched in the country, Filipino car buyers are now presented with more options to choose from. Add to that the increasing popularity of Korean cars, especially Hyundai which in the past few years has redesigned almost all models in their line-up, taking on a bolder, futuristic design while maintaining a relatively affordable price. The car models which once upon a time reigned supreme (the Civic included) have slowly been pushed out of the bestseller lists, indicating changes in the tastes and preferences of Filipino car buyers. 

So now the question is, will the new Civic be able to win back the hearts of Filipino car enthusiasts?

The front of the new Civic bears certain resemblances to the previous generation, but once you take a good look at the car in its entirety, you will soon realize that this new Civic is not just a facelifted version of the old one. The car's lines and contours give it a classy-yet-simple look, taking cues from both the City and the Accord. The car's overall aerodynamic design gives the Civic its own touch of elegance, while maintaining a price lower than the Accord, while still being able to distinguish itself from the entry-level City.

On the inside, the new Civic looks very futuristic, to say the least. While the digital speedometer had been introduced for the previous generation (launched in the Philippines in 2006), more features have been added, ensuring a better, safer and more exciting driving experience for its owners. 

The new model is equipped with an Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), as well as Bluetooth connectivity that also allows you to connect your mobile phone, so that you would be able to keep both hands on the steering wheel as you talk to someone on the phone. Steering wheel-mounted controls are standard, allowing you to control several of the car's functions without you having to take both hands on the wheel, ensuring your safety. The car's USB connectivity feature as well as an auxiliary jack allows you to listen to your favorite songs on your iPod, as the songs blast through six speakers found throughout the cabin.

The most interesting feature of the new Civic, however, would have to be the Eco-assist system. With the press of a button, the new Civic becomes more efficient as it makes adjustments to the engine and air-condition settings. More efficient driving is also encouraged as the Ambient Meter located at both sides of the speedometer turns  green when you are driving economically. This feature is something new which you don't really see in other cars within the same category as the Civic. 

Under the hood, the car is equipped with a powerful 1.8 i-VTEC engine, with a maximum power of 141ps @6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 17.7 kg-m @4300rpm, giving it a noticeably different driving feel from the previous model. It feels more powerful, yet is very economical, which is a big plus for the budget-conscious car owner.

The Civic here in the Philippines is exactly the same as the ones sold in the United States, and are imported from Japan. This is only temporary though, as Honda is still working to solve some problems at their manufacturing facility in Thailand, which was badly affected by flooding last year. Honda's plant at Santa Rosa, Laguna no longer manufactures the Civic, as they have decided to focus more on the Honda City which is actually doing much better than the Civic in terms of sales in the Philippines. 

With this new development, I wonder if things would actually make a turn for the better for the Civic here in the country. Stiff competition especially from Korean auto-manufacturers means that Honda would have to step up and make itself heard by introducing unique features on its latest model, which would allow it to stand out from all the rest. It's doing just just that, actually--now it's just a matter of gaining back the people's trust and confidence in the brand (if you recall, Honda Philippines ordered the recall of some of their models last year due to safety concerns). Who knows? Filipino car enthusiasts might just have a change of heart.

Lamborghini Coming to the Philippines

The Philippine automotive industry is now buzzing with excitement with the impending arrival of Italian auto-manufacturer Lamborghini later this year. The car company will be brought here courtesy of PGA Cars, who also distributes other European car manufacturers Porsche and Audi (and quite possibly, Volkswagen) here in the Philippines. The Lamborghini showroom could possibly be located at Bonifacio Global City, where PGA Cars Inc. has been constructing their newest facilities (right next to the Bonifacio High Street). 

It's great that more and more car manufacturers have become more confident with the Philippine market (with rumors that the other really famous Italian car manufacturer, Ferrari, could also be making their way here to the Philippines, either later this year or early next year, though to be distributed by another company), but--are our country's roads (particularly Metro Manila) ready to accomodate these supercars OR better yet, will these supercars be ready to adapt to Philippine road conditions? I'm sure the clientele these companies are aiming for are the ones in Metro Manila (since they are planning to set up their showrooms here anyway)--the bustling metropolis known for hellish traffic, flooded streets (during the rainy season), and terrible potholes. Hybrid cars have already been introduced in the Philippines since 2009 but are still not as popular. Aside from their above-normal selling price (because of taxes), people aren't so sure if they are able to adapt to Philippine roads that get flooded often. Repair costs for hybrid cars are, after all, higher than regular vehicles. 

These supercars' speed won't be maximized in hellish Metro Manila traffic

For now, we can only wait and see what happens next. But, who knows? The hindrances I mentioned earlier never really stopped car manufacturers from bringing in their Hybrid cars to the country (like Toyota, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz). 

Here's one last thing I would like to share with you readers. But fair warning though: if you're an avid car enthusiast, this next video will be heartbreaking. I cam across this video on YouTube before--it's a Ferrari F430 (obviously imported) on fire at the South Luzon Expressway. This video was uploaded four years ago and has since had more than 500,000 views. It's such a shame to let this super-expensive car go to waste.