We seriously believed that the Columbian Autocar Corp. (CAC), the Philippine distributor of Kia, would be launching the all-new 2013 Carens at the 9th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). Well, we were wrong. Now they tell us that stocks are not expected to arrive until May or June. And to mark its arrival, they're asking you, yes you, to help hatch the newest member of the Kia family. Yes, hatch... like an egg.
Although the contest has nothing to do with the all-new Carens, you do get to win some cool prizes from Kia such as a fun-filled day at Enchanted Kingdom or the Manila Ocean Park. Here's how to join.
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Contest and Promos
If you haven't yet noticed, there are two separate entities selling Nissans here in the Philippines. One is Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) and the other is Universal Motors Corporation (UMC). While they're technically competitors in the market, these two have put their differences aside for a cause. Over the weekend, employees of NMPI and UMC teamed up with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to distribute repair kits to disaster-stricken communities in Brgy. Gatid, Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
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Industry Update
24 April 2013
Chery makes a comeback with all-new models at 2013 MIAS
Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera | Photos by Christopher Kho
Do you guys still remember Chery? The Chinese car manufacturer first came to the Philippines through its previous distributor Iseway Motors Philippines Inc. about six years ago, bringing with them models such as the QQ and Tiggo. These guys had some success with the brand, but were plagued by customer complaints regarding reliability and after sales service. Faced with all these problems, they then decided to call it quits in 2011. And that's when Chery Motors Philippines, Inc. stepped in with hopes to give the brand a second chance at life.
After a long hiatus, Chery is finally back on its feet and they just launched four all-new models at this year's Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
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Newly Launched
24 April 2013
AVID back on track with 8% sales growth in March 2013
Recovering from February's dismal 20% sales decline, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) bounced back in March 2013 by recording an 8% year-on-year growth. Tally from 7 out of its 11 members, who actually published sales figures, show that the group sold 3,027 units compared to last year's 2,792.
But what really strikes us is that, for the first time since AVID was formed, their monthly report now detail Passenger Car (PC) and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales as separate figures. This gives us a better idea how well each of their model perform.
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Industry Update
23 April 2013
Toyota Motorsport GmbH builds race-ready GT86 CS-V3
Words by Ferman Lao | Photos courtesy of Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG)
In case you haven't noticed, it's an open secret that the Toyota 86 was made for far greater things than just being a fun little sports coupe. It's not just for someone suffering from a midlife crisis or some yuppie who think that he's got it made. No sir! The Toyota 86 is so much more than that. Its mission in life is to remind all of us that we drive not just to get from point A to point B. Instead, driving is a skill that needs to be nurtured and the drive should be as much fun as the destination itself.
With that in mind, Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) created a “cost-effective” motorsport version of the 86. After an auspicious development period, wherein it finished 1st in its class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, the car dubbed the TMG GT86 CS-V3 is now available on sale as an entry-level race car that offers low maintenance and running costs at a price that won't break the bank - €38,500 excluding tax to be exact or P2.071 million. This makes it the perfect choice for anyone who wants to get into motorsports.
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Motorsports
At last, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has responded to the Global Airbag Recall fiasco that has also affected Nissan, Honda, and Mazda. They just announced that an estimated 3,500 units of the Toyota Corolla Altis sold locally might be affected by the global recall that's caused by a faulty passenger airbag.
Affected units are said to be assembled between May 11, 2001 and March 31, 2003 only, but they can't pinpoint exactly which ones were equipped with these faulty airbags. That means customers whose vehicles fall within the said production date should visit an authorized Toyota dealership nationwide to have it checked. And if found defective, Toyota will replace the part at no cost to the customer.
Affected units are said to be assembled between May 11, 2001 and March 31, 2003 only, but they can't pinpoint exactly which ones were equipped with these faulty airbags. That means customers whose vehicles fall within the said production date should visit an authorized Toyota dealership nationwide to have it checked. And if found defective, Toyota will replace the part at no cost to the customer.
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News
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) was only able to sell 316 passenger cars in the first three months of 2012. But this year, we're glad to hear that they've done a lot better. You see, year-to-date sales of Mitsubishi's passenger cars totaled 2,172 units in the first quarter of 2013, which is a mind-blowing 587.3% increase from 2012. And the reason behind this surge are the new Lancer EX 1.6 and the newly-crowned 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines, the Mirage.
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Industry Update
22 April 2013
Ford's updated 2013 Everest grows a smile for 9th MIAS
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
If history is any indication, Ford will base the upcoming next generation Everest on the latest all-new Ranger. And now that the Everest we currently have is already six years old, it's only about time that Ford comes up with a new one. But at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), Ford Philippines gave their best-selling SUV one last hurrah by giving it a smile. This is the new 2013 Ford Everest.
Unlike the other Fords on display, the 2013 Everest didn't receive as much fan fare. It was only when our own Assistant Editor Carlo Sapera pointed it out that I noticed the differences.
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Newly Launched
