Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) held its fifth Media Roadtrek last May 21-23, 2009 throughout western Negros Island. Through visiting various locations around the country and getting closer nature’s wonders, the annual event aims to promote environmental awareness, local tourism, and sustainable mobility. Since its first run in 2005, the Roadtrek has seen various regions across the country including Panay Island, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dumaguete, Rizal, and Palawan.
The Toyota Roadtrek’s fifth run this year included 24 media participants who experienced a comprehensive test drive of the locally-produced and Completely Knocked Down (CKD) Innova and Vios.
Media attendees represented major print and broadcast outfits including Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Manila Times, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard-Today, FHM, TopGear, C! Magazine, Motoring Today, Auto Extreme, Auto Review, Stoplight TV, and Magic 89.9. Participants were divided into 6 groups with 4 members and 1 vehicle each. The Vios and Innova traversed roughly 500 kilometers from Sipalay in Negros Occidental to Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental.
Toyota’s Bacolod dealership, represented by its Assistant General Manager Mr. Roque Jarillo, welcomed the participants, “Holding the Roadtrek in Negros Island is very befitting of this year’s Environmental Theme. Bacolod is famous for its eco-treasures as recognized with our hall-of-fame award as the country’s cleanest, greenest and most livable city. The Vios and Innova will prove worthy companions as you enjoy the extensive road network matched with the greatest view of the South China Sea and the famous Mt. Kanlaon.”
From there on, activities took place in the diverse areas of Negros including the up-hill winding roads of DS Benedicto, Sugarcane-hauling and Crab-catching challenges in Kabankalan, the hilly rough roads of Cauayan and Balanan Lake in Siaton, and the city traffic of Dumaguete. Driving through various road conditions and terrains, and performing environmental conservation challenges demonstrated the vehicles’ versatility, performance, toughness and fuel-efficiency. “Toyota vehicles are capable of traveling various road conditions of the Philippines, and at the same time able to cater to diverse lifestyles of customers, regardless of the province or region they come from,” reaffirmed Raymond Rodriguez, TMP’s First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations.
Efforts of teams who played their best were recognized with cash prizes during the Culminating Night. These were awarded by Toyota’s Marketing Officers, Mr. Daniel Isla, First Vice President, Mr. Raymond Rodriguez, First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations (VSO), Mr. Jing Atienza, Vice President for VSO, and Mr. Sherwin Chua-Lim, Assistant Vice President for Sales Distribution Department.
The 2nd Runners Up were Allan Madrilejos of FHM, Boom Gonzalez of Magic 89.9, Jaykee Evanglista and Dinzo Tabamo of TopGear. The 1st Runner Up was composed of Vernon Sarne of TopGear, Brian Afuang of Manila Times, Dong Magsajo and Jeff Reyes of Philippine Star. The members of the winning team who scored the most points were Butch Gamboa, Jenny Bleza, and Matt Mallari of Auto Focus and Charles Buban of Philippine Daily Inquirer.
The positive response of the participating media and their willingness to participate in the Roadtrek inspires Toyota to continue the tradition. In line with moving forward, this is only one of Toyota’s efforts to work towards sustainable mobility.
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Goodyear Philippines has signed up as the Main Presenter of the 3rd Auto Review Run for Road Safety and Courtesy to be held on May 24 at McKinley Hill at Bonifacio Global City Taguig. In the photo are Mr. Ramon Barredo (left), Goodyear Philippines’ Marketing Director and Mr. Ron de los Reyes, Auto Review anchor and Road Safety Run organizer
“The event’s objective of promoting safety, discipline and courtesy on the road jives well with Goodyear’s own safety advocacy and commitment to relevant safety innovations through a portfolio of tires for the discerning Filipino consumer,” says Ramon Barredo, Goodyear Philippines’ Marketing Director.
Also lending their support to the race and the road safety exhibit are Ford Group Philippines, Mazda, Isuzu Philippines, Volvo, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., Mitsubishi Motors, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., Asahi Flat Glass, Megaworld Corporation, McKinley Hill, McDonald’s, San Miguel Beverages, and activity partners Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC), Recreational Outdoor Exchange (ROX), Tuason Racing School, Run for Change, Sports Spray and Takbo.ph, with Elite Multi Sports Resources for the race management.
At the Road Safety Exhibit, Goodyear will showcase its various road safety programs to include Bayani ng Kalsada, a highway heroes search, and Women with Drive, an empowerment workshop series for women. Goodyear will also conduct part of its 10 Point Safety Check program for participants' vehicles. Ford will likewise conduct basic safety motorcycle riding clinic via their "Driving Skills for Life" program.
Registration for the 10Km, 5Km Run and 2Km Walk is going on at ROX at B:1 Bonifacio High Street, Paul Calvin’s Deli at G/F Forbeswood Heights, Rizal Drive and McKinley Information Center at McKinley Hill cor Lawton Avenue all at Global City Taguig; Restaurant of Choice (ROC) at UP Bahay ng Alumni at UP Diliman, Quezon City, All Terra 650 at Libis along C-5 Road and Botak in Kamuning Quezon City.
Entry forms may be downloaded by logging on to www.autoreview.ph and/or www.takbo.ph. For further inquiries, call 742-0283 or 742-3091 (fax) & 0908-8643114 or email autoreview10krun@gmail.com .
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Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) dominated the passenger car (PC) segment during the first quarter of the year with 3,869 unit sales. This was 33% higher than the 2,920 units it sold in the same period last year. With the entry of the 3rd generation City in January, Honda was able to secure its claim in the PC market for three consecutive months. Data released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) showed that Honda captured 38% share of the PC market during the first quarter.
Out of Honda’s 3,869 year-to-date PC sales, 58% were composed of City sales, 24% Civic, 15% Jazz and 3% Accord.
Designed to change the rules on how subcompacts should be like, the City raked considerable following in the market today. The new City brings out the most spirited driving performance in its class with a maximum power output of 120 ps maximum for its 1.5 variant. The entry of the 3rd generation City completes Honda’s all i-VTEC line-up that promises optimum power yet fuel efficient performance. To further enhance fuel efficiency, it comes with a class-leading 5-speed automatic transmission to reduce engine revolution and stress. The City also ups the ante when it comes to safety. It inspires confidence in all-around protection with its dual SRS airbags (except for City 1.3A MT), Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brake-force distribution with Brake Assist features.
Apart from the City, the Civic likewise gained favorable market reception to help seal PC leadership. The Civic dominated the compact sedan class with a total of 933 unit sales in the first quarter. Sporting advancements in all technological aspects, the multi-awarded Civic is designed to bring utmost value for money for the customer’s utter satisfaction. Just like the City, the Civic delivers the most powerful driving performance in its class. Powered by the newly developed i-VTEC engine, its 1.8-liter variant combines spirited acceleration that is comparable to a 2.0 liter engine yet achieves fuel economy that is similar to a 1.6-liter engine. The Civic also comes with a class-leading 5-speed automatic transmission for better fuel economy.
Out of all the passenger cars in the market, City and Civic models were among the top 3 best selling cars in the market.
Despite the tough economic condition, Honda remained optimistic as it managed to register sales growth. “We hope that the 33% increase in our first quarter PC sales reflects the beginning of a positive trend in 2009. We believe that the domestic automotive market will be relatively favorable with the market’s continued patronage and support. Rest assured that the public’s unwavering confidence and trust in the Honda brand only inspires us to continue providing high quality, reliable, fuel efficient, fun to drive and the best value for money vehicles.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, HCPI President and General Manager.
Experience Honda’s superior performance firsthand and schedule a testdrive. Visit www.hondaphil.com to know more about Honda’s products, services and latest offering.
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