01 August 2012
J.D. Power: Chevrolet retains top spot in After-Sales Service Customer Satisfaction in PH
For the second consecutive year, Chevrolet Philippines ranked highest in J.D. Power Asia Pacific's Philippine After-Sales Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, beating big names such as Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and its closest American rival, Ford. The bow tie brand scored an overall index of 836, which is an improvement over last year's 827. Simply put, Chevrolet owners are the happiest car owners in the country. This year's results show that Chevrolet performed particularly well in service quality and service advisor factors. Meanwhile, second-placer Nissan (832) stood out with their good vehicle pick-up factor, and third-placer Mazda (831) excels in service initiation and service facility factors.
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Industry Update
At the upcoming 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) this August 16 to 19, 2012 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, AVT will once again showcase its latest range of navigation devices, including the PN-504. But more importantly, visitors to their booth can trade in their old navigation devices of whatever brand, and avail of special discounts and freebies on AVT's PN navigation line-up.
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Contest and Promos
Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera | Photos by Leslie Sy
I've been driving for more than 10 years now, and my friends and loved ones always remind me to drive safely at all times. Though it might be more fun in the Philippines, it doesn't take an expert to know that the accident rate in our country is pretty high. According to the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), there were a total of 1,833 people killed and 29,000 people injured in more than 85,000 road accidents last year. The numbers speak for themselves. Road accidents is a big problem in the Philippines, and it needs to be addressed quickly.
That's why last July, Total Philippines Corporation gathered people together from the different sectors of society to help raise awareness in road safety. Called Total Drive City, we were asked to drive around the streets of the Metro and prove just how safe of a driver we really were. Participants for the day-long event included the Philippine National Police (PNP), members from the motoring media, driving schools, car manufacturers, car dealers, and private car owners.
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Features
30 July 2012
MIT engineers rules stiffer roads save fuel
Words by Niky Tamayo | Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology News
A recent study by Civil Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has, for the first time, mathematically modeled the effects of road surface on fuel economy. For anyone who's ever gone jogging or cycling, the results aren't terribly shocking: softer roads waste more fuel.
Other studies have traced the effects of surface roughness on fuel economy, but this is the first time that the flexibility of the actual road surface has been modeled. The results of this study could have far-reaching implications for the way we build and repair roads.
Published in
Road Safety
30 July 2012
The Brute Ute | 2012 Mitsubishi L200 GX Single Cab
Words and photos by Niky Tamayo
Australia has always been a motoring anachronism, the last haven of the great, American full-frame V8 sedan. Aside from the Commodores and Falcons, though, Australia is also home to the deliciously ironic “ute” (short for utility). It’s as informally laid-back as its name suggests. It’s simply a two-door car (often with a snarling V8) with a pick-up bed out back. Note: Car. While two-door pick-up trucks are available elsewhere, none quite capture the sporty, red-neck flavor of the “ute”.
Enter the L200. Though based on the Mitsubishi Strada, it’s bereft of rear seats, body-cladding, and even power windows and mirrors. As such, it weighs in at a mere 1,525 kilograms - over 400 kilograms lighter than the top-dog 4x4 and 200 kilograms lighter than the base-model 4x2. Even better, it’s lowered to within scraping distance of the ground, giving it a sporty stance despite the tallish tires.
But is it really a “ute”? Sadly, no. But rear wheel drive and a turbocharger spell fun any which way you spin it, even if it’s attached to a pick-up. Just look at the GMC Syclone. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, just yet...
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Pickup
Words by Hans Gerald Chua | Photos courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.
When Subaru unveiled their all-new 2012 Impreza to the world at last year's New York International Auto Show, we couldn't help but get excited, knowing that something this handsome will ultimately hit our streets sometime in the near future. Fast forward a year later, Motor Image Pilipinas gave us what is technically a jacked-up Impreza at the 8th Manila International Auto Show, otherwise known as the all-new XV.
The XV is Subaru's very first compact crossover that addresses the market's demand for “practical functionality, fashionable stylishness, and better fuel economy.” Though these are traits that anyone should be looking for in a car, the XV isn't exactly that “car-like” and left some of us wanting for more. Well, I'm glad to tell you that the wait is finally over.
Instead of spending a month's-worth of their marketing budget on an extravagant party, Motor Image Pilipinas opted to invite their closest friends, clients, and club members on a small intimate gathering to unveil the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza. Thankfully, we were there to get a close look.
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Newly Launched
After nine action-packed rounds and one new champion in 2011, the Lateral Drift Championship is finally ready to get sideways this 2012, starting with the 1st Round this Saturday, July 28, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. The tire-burning action begins promptly at 1:00 PM and last through the night until 8:00 PM. Admission is free to anyone who wants to see these monsters burn up some rubber.
Get ready for the 7th year running of the Philippines' premier drifting series. This season will have a full calendar of six rounds that will begin this July and last until the month of November. Four of the rounds will be held in the heart of Manila at the Quirino Grandstand, while the remaining two will take the challenge back to the Clark International Circuit in Pampanga.
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Motorsports
BPI Family Auto Loan is going out on a limb to help more Filipino car buyers as they extend their FREE 1-year comprehensive insurance with Acts of Nature coverage promo. To help even more BPI clients who intend to purchase a vehicle this rainy season, this special promo is now extended until October 9, 2012.
Learning from the lessons of Ondoy in 2009, the FREE insurance promo from BPI Family Auto Loan aims to help new car owners protect their investment from the adverse effects of calamities, as well as to relieve their trusted clients from the extra costs of insurance. Comprehensive insurance usually amounts to about 3% of the vehicle's market value and BPI Family Auto Loan is giving it to you for FREE.
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Contest and Promos
