In providing added convenience for Filipinos overseas, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) partners with UnionBank of the Philippines (UBP) for its car remittance program. Honda and UnionBank recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement in bolstering the Honda CAREmittance program that provides Filipinos abroad online access when buying a brand new Honda vehicle for their dear families here in the Philippines.
“Ever committed in providing sheer customer satisfaction, the addition of UnionBank of the Philippines to the program’s existing partners, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation and Banco de Oro, offers added option and convenient access to more remittance centers.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.’s President and General Manager.
“UnionBank is honored to be Honda’s key partner in its CAREmittance program which is designed to help OFW’s enjoy the fruits of their labor. Being the first of its kind in the automotive industry, Honda CAREmittance complements UnionBank’s established credentials as a leading technology-driven bank.” said Mr. Genaro Lapez, UnionBank’s Executive Vice President for Consumer Finance.
To avail of the program, simply visit www.hondaphil.com and fill out the CAREmittance Application form located within the CAREmittance link. Purchases may be made through cash or financing payment terms. For financing applications, just submit online the completely accomplished application form, together with Employment Certificate, Income Tax Return and Remittance Receipt. Once approved, applicant may send payment through BPI Express Remittance Centers, RCBC Telemoney Centers, BDO and now UnionBank Remittance Centers located in key cities around the globe.
Successful CAREmittance applications shall receive a special package that includes free 3-yr. LTO registration, Hydrophilic Paint Protection, Platinum Tint, seat cover, floor mat and other premium items.
Leading the contract signing ceremonies are Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. President and General Manager and Mr. Genaro Lapez, UnionBank of the Philippines Executive Vice President for Consumer Finance.
Since the program started in 2006, Honda CAREmittance has received warm response from the market and has converted inquiries into over one thousand successful deliveries. Honda CAREmittance Program eliminates distance barriers and offers ease of application in our fast-paced times. Through this pioneering program, Filipinos overseas can buy a Honda vehicle from across the miles.
Your family deserves no less than a Honda. Log on to www.hondaphil.com and give your loved ones the best gift through Honda CAREmittance. For more information, you may call 857-7200 local 392 or email caremittance@hondaphil.com.
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A year after being named “Green Ambassador” of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Chery Automobile, strengthens its commitment to the preservation of the environment.
For eight (8) consecutive years, Chery ranks no.1 in the aspects of auto production, sales and Research & Development (R&D), as well as in the field of Electric Vehicle (EV) and development of new-energy vehicle in China.
Globally, Chery’s commitment to safeguard the environment, as well as its responsible corporate, is manifested through manufacturing fuel-efficient and environmental-friendly products. Likewise, it has continuously addressed environmental issues, particularly in the areas where it operates.
The exclusive distributor of Chery cars in the country, Iseway Motors Phils., Inc. (IMPI), continues it promise to offer environment-friendly, affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles to Filipino motorists.
According to Mr. Tito Yupangco, Dealership Network Manager of IMPI, “Chery’s subcompact car, the QQ has been a consistent bestseller in China and in the Philippines because the car not only gives you fuel efficiency benefits.” He adds, “The QQ is reasonably priced and comes with an eye-catching style, coupled with functional and safety advantages.”
The QQ’s design is ideal for travelling, providing stability because of minimal wind resistance on the body contour. Halogen driving lamps come in standard to enable safe driving, especially during the night. Other features include the stabilizer bar or strut bar, which is perfect for maneuvering. Under the hood lies the double overhead cam engine, which delivers combustion efficiency and optimum fuel economy. Capable of producing 52 ps @ 0.8 li engine and 68 ps @ 6000 rpm for 1.1 li engine, the QQ offers a free-spirit driving experience, while delivering fuel efficiency.
Mr. Yupangco said, “We, at IMPI, are also developing company-wide efforts with SM towards a greener future,” shares Mr. Yupangco. He continues, “At present, we have a tie-up with SM’s Leisure Center for the Chery Cup that customers of SM and Chery must look forward to.” He adds, “It will definitely be a fun-filled event for a good cause.”
With the busy world-motorist’s concerns in mind, Chery has devised long-term developments of fuel-saving and environment-protection vehicles as its orientation. These efforts will contribute to the healthy and sustainable development of the Chinese auto industry and to the world’s motoring realm.
Chery aims to offer the Filipino market fuel-efficient and economically-priced vehicles, exuding innovative engineering design and manufacturing quality. It is backed up by 10 dealerships and another 8 authorized service providers with a re-strengthened parts network nationwide to provide periodic maintenance service.
For more information, visit or contact any Chery dealership nationwide or log on to www.cheryiseway.com.
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Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation brings a fresher, sportier image for the country’s best selling sedan and SUV with the introduction of the New TRD Vios and Fortuner Accessories. Experience the best of both worlds with looks that inspire envy and performance that delivers the rush and edginess of the racetrack. TRD accessories are designed to fulfill every motorist’s passion for spirited driving. TRD accessories composing of aero parts, alloy wheels and suspension sets will be available in the Philippine market beginning December of 2009.
TRD Design Concept
The new Vios and Fortuner TRD accessories perfectly fuse sporty and trendy without compromising sophistication in its new aero parts design. The sleek contours of each aero skirt compliment the fun and outgoing lifestyle of the modern Filipino auto enthusiast -- a lifestyle that shuns the ordinary and craves the exciting!
Made from high grade polyurethane (PUR) rubber, TRD aero parts are designed for flexibility that is perfect be it for high speed driving or just for easy cruising. The material has also been tested to withstand extreme weather conditions. So whether it’s the looks you’re aiming for, or the attitude that comes with it, these new TRD accessories are sure to deliver the job.
Complete the exterior upgrade with new TRD alloy wheels available in 15” for the Vios and 18” for the Fortuner. These sporty rims in gun metallic are sure to breathe a distinctive flair to the vehicle.
TRD Performance
And since TRD is all about function and performance, special TRD suspensions have been designed to upgrade every ordinary drive into a great riding experience!
Enjoy a more fun and thrilling journey with TRD suspensions enhancing the Vios and Fortuner’s handling performance. Experience maximum stability and less body roll when turning at corners. TRD suspensions lower down the vehicle giving it optimum traction and improved centre of gravity. And since these are not your typical stiff race car suspensions, the new TRD springs and shock absorbers bring you all the fun without sacrificing riding comfort.
Applicability and Pricing
The new TRD accessories are applicable to all Vios and Fortuner variants.
Vios TRD aero parts package consisting of the Front, Rear, Side Skirts, TRD Emblem and Muffler Cutter is at 93,500. Vios TRD suspension set is at 49,500. And the Vios wheels package consisting of 15” alloy wheels and TRD centre caps sell at 51,500.
Fortuner TRD accessories are also available in the same packages. The Fortuner TRD aero package comprised of the Front and Rear Skirts, Side Step Covers, Roof Spoiler, Muffler Cutter, TRD Sticker and TRD Emblem is at 119,500. The Fortuner TRD suspension set sells at 47,300. While the 18” TRD alloy wheels set with centre caps is available at 110,700.
Welcome to the wild and furious world of TRD. Join the team! Visit your nearest Toyota dealer for more information.
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The Honda City is the country’s subcompact sedan of choice not only for the motoring critics but the general public as well. Winning back-to-back recognition from two premier award giving bodies in the motoring realm, the introduction of the 3rd generation City early this year is a ground-breaking treat for the industry.
The Honda City is named the subcompact sedan of the year during the 5th Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFPC) and the Car of the Year Awards (COTY). These awards groups aim to assist consumers in making a sound choice when purchasing a vehicle.
From July to September of this year, AFPC empowered the general public to vote for their favorite automobiles. AFPC winners were determined by tallying all votes generated from online, newspaper, magazine and radio polls. AFPC has been running its search for the most popular and most appealing automobiles in the market for five years now.
Meanwhile last October, the Car Awards Group Inc. composed of motoring journalists from print and broadcast media conducted qualitative and quantitative tests on qualified vehicles. Tested models included newly launched models with major modifications and those with upgrades that have effect on the power train, drive train or suspension.
“These recognitions are very dear to us because these attest the local market’s warm appreciation of the third generation City. Year 2009 is indeed very significant for the City. The third generation City has not only been introduced at the onset of the year but is also on its way in setting a new sales milestone. With City sales averaging to 3,400 units per year, the new City already hit more than 8,000 sales mark with still one month to go before the year ends. We thank our dear customers and the motoring media for their nonstop support.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.
The third generation City presents cutting-edge design and technologies that set new standards in it class. It bears sleek and powerful stance, spacious interior with advanced audio system and comes equipped with the i-VTEC engine technology. Merging modernism with practicality, the City simply changes the rules on how subcompacts should be like.
Honda has earned good reputation for its unceasing quest to improve its products and services. The birth of the first generation City in 1996 was Honda’s response to the growing demand for automobiles in the Asian market.
Through the years, the City’s over-all value for money package gained worldwide market acceptance as it came loaded with functionality features while keeping maintenance and fuel consumption costs low.
Such key strengths paved way for the 3rd generation City to reach beyond Asia and Oceania and advance to the Middle East, Europe and Latin America.
To know more about the award-winning City, visit any of Honda’s 26 authorized dealerships in the country. Be smart and schedule a testdrive.
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Cites 14 winners who continue to “Drive History”
Ford Group Philippines (FGP) awards 14 outstanding works in the 2009 Henry Ford Awards (HFA), the country’s premier award-giving body for excellence in automotive journalism. The HFA forms part of the commitment of Ford Group Philippines to give due recognition to journalists who have supported the automotive industry by providing consumers with accurate news reports and information.
In the photo Ford executives, Rick Baker, President, Ford Group Philippines (7th from the Left), Neal McCarthy, Corporate Communications Director of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa (6th from Left), Steven Tan, Vice President for Marketing and Sales (5th from Left) , Dave Macasadia, VP for Customer Service Operations (12th from the left) and Anika Salceda, AVP for Corporate Communications (2nd from the Left) joins the 2009 HFA Winners namely: (from Left to Right) Mike Potenciano and Lindy Pellicer-Magnaye of Turbo Time, Eggay Quesada of StoplightTV, Tet Andolong of Business Mirror, James Deakin of C! Magazine, Dinzo Tabamo, Paulo Subido, Vernon Sarne and Alfred Mendoza of Top Gear, Ulysses Ang of Philippine Star, Chris Van Hoven, Ronald de los Reyes of AutoReview, and Popong Andolong of Business Mirror.
Now on its ninth year, the HFA is unparalleled in its efforts to recognize excellent automotive print, broadcast, on-line reportage and photography, awarding work not only specific to Ford and Mazda vehicles, but also those of other car manufacturers and the automotive industry in general.
“We recognize the key role that our friends in the automotive media have played and continue to play in growing our business in the Philippines. Alongside us, they each have built their careers with the ups and downs of the industry -- their insights and voices contributing to shaping the automotive landscape of the country. Acknowledging this, we have chosen ‘Drive History’ as our theme for this year's awards, to celebrate these individuals as well as our long-standing and continued partnership with them,” said Ford Group Philippines President Rick Baker.
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De La Salle University students out to make a mark in the field of solar energy technology could not have chosen a better partner to build SINAG. SINAG, the Philippines’s first solar car, was developed by dedicated and talented university students, in cooperation with what has become the Philippine Solar Car Society.
The story of SINAG is nothing short of phenomenal. A group of engineering students from De La Salle University, armed with sheer vision, intelligence and skill, supported by some of the country’s biggest companies, ventured into uncharted territory, by proposing to build the first Philippine solar car. But more than building merely a showpiece, the group also aimed to run the car in the punishing World Solar Car Challenge, not a mean feat for virtual beginners in the world of solar car technology. Conceived by fuel economy expert Hans Tholstrup in 1987, the World Solar Challenge is the biggest car race involving more than 20 countries. The race is 3,010 kilometers in distance across the Australian continent from Darwin to Adelaide.
The Philippine team, crossed every finish line in the 3-stage race, ending in 12th place over-all, besting some of the more experienced participants of the Challenge.
THE SOCIETY
The Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society, Inc. (SINAG Society) was formed after a visit to Australia a few years ago by Henry Co, the President of Ford Philippines and currently the Society’s current vice president, who was impressed by the values and international competitiveness fostered by the World Solar Challenge.
The Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization incorporated to promote the beneficial use of renewable energy sources –including, but not limited to, solar power. The Society aims to undertake a viable and continuing program for the study and application of renewable energy sources toward the development of a Philippine program for sustainable utilization of renewable energy.
Coming together to support the development of the first Philippine Solar Car, the society’s members are leaders of some of the Philippine top corporations. Together with students from the De La Salle University, the Society funded the completion of SINAG. To those who remember the proud moment, SINAG continued on to win the 12th place in the WSC. While the Society has committed to keep the Philippines represented in the race event, it also seeks to go beyond building solar cars solely for competition. After the initial success of SINAG at the World Solar Car Challenge (WSC) in 2007, the Philippine Solar Car Society, has taken on the mandate of developing solar energy technology in the Philippines.
The Society Board Members are from various organizations and industries but have joined together in their personal capacity to promote research and development of renewable energy sources such as solar energy. Its members’ list sounds like a veritable roll-call of the Philippines’ top executives: Ramon Agustines of Motolite as Chairman, Edgar O. Chua (Pilipinas Shell CEO), Henry Co (Ford Motor Company Chairman), Roberto Kanapi (Pilipinas Shell VP for Communications), Tammy Lipana (Chair and Senior Partner, Price Waterhouse Cooper), former Energy Sec. Vince Perez, and Greg Reichow (President, Sunpower), among others.
Like the other trustees, PSCS Chair Mon Agustines, is more than slightly enthusiastic about the potential of solar power in the Philippines. Agustines also heads Motolite, the leading automotive battery brand in the Philippines. Such is his belief in the project that Motolite is one of the top sponsors of the Philippine Solar Car project.
“Solar energy is something that is so abundant, especially for the Philippines. We believe solar energy can be the fuel of choice for transportation in the future, but it starts with awareness. Hence this year’s efforts – the songwriting contest, the launch of SIKAT, and the Roadshow across the Philippines -- are geared toward making the youth and the general public aware of the benefits of solar technology, and our potential to lead in it, as a nation,” he said, about the group’s initiatives.
By all indications, the Society is determined to create more awareness for the effort. This December, they will launch a series of activities designed, to take the solar car experience a little closer to the people. This year, too, the Philippine Solar Car Society has built a worthy successor to SINAG. Dubbed SIKAT, the Philippines’ second solar car, takes the vision of Philippine leadership in solar energy to greater heights. While SINAG introduced the Philippine Solar Energy effort to the world, SIKAT aims to make every Filipino aware of the benefits of the use of solar energy, through a series of provincial roadshows that connect it with the general public.
The members of the society are one in the view that the success of the SINAG in the solar car-racing world is a stellar example of how the Philippines can stand with the rest of the world in meeting a challenge, which requiring superior technology and skill. Recently, the Philippine solar car was on exhibit at the Mabuhay Germany 2009, an annual exposition sponsored by the German Philippines Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the Philippines’ excellence in the field of Solar technology.
”As SIKAT highlights our ingenuity, our will to lead, our capability for technology, and our commitment to the use of clean, renewable energy, SIKAT will be a source of great pride for the Philippines,” Agustines avers.
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Available initially in the U.S. and in Japan, the new CR-V is set to reach Philippine shores by February 2010. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), always at the forefront of introducing the latest globally available vehicles to the local market, officially announces the forthcoming arrival of the refreshed CR-V as the new year draws near. Exuding sleek sophistication, solid stance and refined functionality, the 2010 CR-V puts up a bold statement that is sure to complement the demands of urban living. It simply lets you live a crossover lifestyle for all your life’s adventures.
The CR-V is uniquely designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life. It now comes with new front grille, bumper and alloy wheel designs to bring out a tougher and more distinct look. Its revitalized front end styling balances smoothly with the CR-V’s clean lines and premium finish.
Beyond good looks, the CR-V is a vehicle of substance. Under its hood lies the same i-VTEC engine that cleverly combines powerful performance with fuel economy. It comes in 2.4 liter and 2.0 liter variants which produces maximum power of 170 ps and 150 ps, respectively. As per U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the 2010 CR-V with 2.4 liter engine has an estimated fuel efficiency rating of 27 miles per gallon (11.48 km/li) under highway condition and 21 miles per gallon (8.93 km/li) under city driving condition. More than good fuel efficiency, the CR-V is also engineered to meet the stringent EURO 4 emission standard level.
The CR-V has been a breakthrough model since the introduction of the first generation model in 1997, consistently leading its class to higher levels. Successfully introducing the crossover concept with the launch of the third generation model in 2007, the CR-V provides sedan-like comfort and performance, ample SUV space and exquisite design. With the market’s warm appreciation of the CR-V’s premium quality and styling, the third generation CR-V leads the compact SUV category with cumulative sales of 8,945 units. Honda’s undying passion to present new values to the market brings forth further improvement on the CR-V’s suspension system and NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels for better ride and passenger comfort.
As a manufacturer of high quality vehicles fitted with modern technologies, Honda products are known for its reliability and high resale value. The Kelley Blue Book, one of the most trusted resources in the U.S. for used car values, recognizes the Honda CR-V as the Best Resale Value Awardee under the compact utility vehicle category for years 2009 and 2010.
The CR-V comes in different colors to match your modern lifestyle:
Urban Titanium
Crystal Black
Taffeta White (2.0 li variant only)
Sparkle Gray (2.0 li variant only)
Polished Metal (2.4 li variant only)
Brilliant White Pearl (2.4 li variant only)
Crossover to the new Honda CR-V. Bookings are now accepted at any of Honda’s 26 authorized dealerships all over the country. The first batch of CR-V delivery should commence on the first week of February 2010. Visit www.crossovercrv.com and www.hondaphil.com for more details.
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ESPN STAR Sports, Asia’s biggest sports content provider, announced that Kia Motors will renew its title sponsorship of the KIA X Games Asia for three more years till 2012.
Next year’s event will be the 12th edition of Asia’s biggest action sports competition, and the fourth to be held in Shanghai. The latest edition held in May this year was enthusiastically received by the Shanghai community and broke attendance records with 54,500 fans at Shanghai’s KIC Jiangwan Sports Center.
The KIA X Games Asia has earned a strong global reputation with a significant increase in awareness about action sports in the region. The event saw the total number of sponsors and partners has grown to 32 this year –an increase of nearly three times more than last year. All the brands stand to benefit from various promotional and marketing opportunities as part of their association with the KIA X Games Asia.
Said Manu Sawhney, Managing Director, ESPN STAR Sports: “We are very pleased to renew our partnership with Kia Motors, a passionate supporter of action sports. We are also heartened by the enthusiasm of Shanghai’s Yangpu District and the Shanghai Media Group, in addition to our category sponsors and co-organisers in making KIA X Games Asia a truly spectacular experience for fans and we look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver another exhilarating edition of KIA X Games Asia event to fans in Shanghai.”
Kia Motors has been a proud sponsor of the X Games Asia since 2005 and became its title sponsor since 2007 when it was first held in Shanghai, China. Said Byung-Tae Yea, Executive Vice President of Kia Motors: “The KIA X Games Asia continues to evolve every year in line with the growing popularity of extreme sports in China and the entire Asia region. And we at Kia Motors are delighted to be a big part of such a dynamic competition featuring some of Asia’s best athletes. As a brand, Kia Motors strives to appeal to adventurous and young-at-heart consumers, and the X Games Asia is a perfect fit for our global brand ambitions.
“With the event scheduled to be held in China every year through 2012, we at Kia Motors view this as an exciting opportunity to continue our support of extreme sports in the region while continuing to broaden the appeal of the Kia brand to Chinese consumers. The new three-year deal will build on existing popular programs already in place. “
The X Games Asia was the first international X Games outside of the US and was launched in Phuket, Thailand in 1998. Since then, the event has been held across Asia, which also saw editions held at Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Seoul (Korea).
Every year since 2007, the event has showcased nearly 200 of the best action sports athletes from more than 30 countries from five continents, featuring the categories Aggressive Inline (Vert and Street), Skateboard (Vert and Street), BMX Freestyle (Vert and Street) and Sport Climbing (Men Speed and Women Speed), and Moto X Freestyle demonstration (Big Air). In addition to the high-level competition, many young and trendy artists, musicians and dancers will give spectacular performances to local audiences.
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