25 countries join annual event in Pampanga
Clark, Pampanga, Philippines (February 11, 2010) - For the past 15 years, besides being the “love” month, February is also synonymous to hot-air balloons and flying. From February 11 to 14, at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, there will be over 25 hot-air balloons, flying in from different parts of the world including the US, Sweden and New Zealand, for the 15th Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF). On the ground however, as in previous years, the new Ford Escape will likewise make an entrance as the event’s official chase crew-vehicle.
Aptly entitled "A Weekend of Everything that Flies," a lot of exciting activities are lined up during the 4-day event, not to mention the many shapes and sizes of the newest hot-air balloon designs, set to color the skies of the weekend.
During each dawn of the four-day event, a dozen or so balloons, with sizes ranging from 60,000 to 140,000 cubic feet and about 60 to 90 feet high, will delight the nearly 100,000 spectators expected to be there. Each balloon, depending on the mix of temperature and wind speed, will fly roughly at a speed of 24 kilometers per hour from the launch site.
As these balloons decorate once again the Pampanga skies, with their courses and destinations generally chartered by the wind, a different kind of beauty decorates the ground as Ford, the official chase crew-vehicle, is tasked anew to immediately go wherever the wind takes the hot-air balloons.
The Ford Escape is again designated as the official chase crew-vehicle because it is deemed as the perfect SUV to navigate through the rough Pampanga terrain, be it across smooth highways, or through rivers and estuaries, rice fields, rough roads and lahar-covered fields.
“The Ford Escape has always been the epitome of a true SUV and for the modern driver with a non-compromising active lifestyle, the new Ford Escape can, in both form and function, boast of a distinctive sporty design equally matched by the outdoorsy spirit of a true SUV perfectly designed for every kind of journey," said explained Ford Group Philippines VP for Sales and Marketing Steven Tan. "And as always, the Ford Escape very easily differentiates itself by its real-SUV capabilities heralding a ground clearance of 200mm – giving it superior off-road capability to explore off-beaten paths. I truly believe that the Escape is the perfect chase vehicle for the Hot-Air Balloon Festival,” added Tan.
“The 2010 Ford Escape delivers a powerful 2.3L Duratec VVT engine, and features a revised 2,261cc, twin cam, electronic multi-point injection four-cylinder engine that maintains its peak output of 157 PS at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm at 4000 rpm. The new engine offers impressive performance and fuel efficiency without compromising drivability and safety standards,” added Tan.
Notwithstanding its power and agility for off-road manoeuvring, the new Ford Escape drives as smooth as a sedan. Packed with Ford Escape’s superior standard features – power accelerator, MacPherson Strut front suspension with stabiliser bar and multi-link rear suspension, the 2010 Escape offers better driver visibility and a more contemporary design that perfectly fits the urban lifestyle.
Design enhancements
Without sacrificing beauty with safety, the new Ford Escape has been enhanced with the inclusion of a uni-body structure for maximum protection of the passenger cabin. Front-seat airbags are standard for the driver and front passenger across all variants. Other safety features include Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
The 2010 Ford Escape comes in seven exciting colours to fit any kind of adventure: Diamond White, Panther Black, Tonic, Chill, Ocean Blue, Moondust Silver, and Infra Red.
Drop by the Ford booth at the 15th Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta and check out for yourself the new 2010 Ford Escape. The entire 2010 Ford Escape line up is also available across all 21 authorized Ford dealerships and display showrooms all over the Philippines. In Metro Manila, visit Ford Alabang, Ford Global City, Ford Balintawak, Ford Edsa, Ford Libis, Ford Quezon Avenue, Ford Commonwealth, Ford SM Fairview, or Ford Manila. Or find your nearest Ford dealership in Marilao, Cavite, San Pablo, Batangas, SM Lipa, Dagupan, Cabanatuan, Pampanga, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro or Davao.
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Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. lets the sunshine in with the Jazz Helios Yellow. Known for introducing chic and refreshing colors in its line-up, Honda struts in 2010 with a vibrant yellow color to bring out more fun in the Jazz.
Helios Yellow, exclusively available for the top of the line variant Jazz 1.5 V, further boosts the sporty and youthful appeal of the country’s Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV).
Widely acclaimed for its dynamic styling, spacious interiors, versatile utility and remarkable fuel economy, the 2nd generation Honda Jazz presents advanced and exhilarating features that deliver pure excitement to one’s driving experience. The Honda Jazz is one small car that is definitely not ‘small’ in terms of space, features, performance, styling, packaging and most importantly, the FUN factor.
Backed with these attributes, the Jazz bested the other hatchbacks in the country and posted a 79% sales growth for 2009. Ever since its debut in 2001, overwhelming reception on the Honda Jazz has led to various accolades here and abroad. The Honda Jazz was named 2009 Best Subcompact Sedan during the 5th Annual C! Awards. In Japan, both 1st and 2nd generation models won the much-coveted Car of the Year Awards, covering year 2001-2002 and 2007-2008 respectively.
For non-stop fun, visit the award-winning, interactive microsite of Honda Jazz, www.hondajazzfuv.com, to play around and learn more about the vehicle.
Two of the main highlights of the microsite are the Carvatar and Jazzmasutra features. Carvatar allows visitors to express their creativity as they get to design their very own graphic version of the Jazz. One gets to personalize the color, alloy wheels and special art patterns of the car. With the Carvatar feature, one can virtually dress up the Jazz in endless possibilities. Upon creation of the personalized Carvatar, the graphic image of the Jazz will then be used to represent the visitor whenever he logs on to the microsite. Meanwhile, the Jazzmasutra feature lets visitors check the versatility of the Jazz by enabling them to configure the ULTRA seats to fit in tons of items.
Truly, the fun never stops at www.hondajazzfuv.com. For that reason, the microsite has earned several recognitions in the world of cyberspace. During the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress in Subic, the Jazz website won the Silver Araw Award under the digital category. It is also a recipient of the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines’ (IMMAP) Cyber Boomerang Bronze Award.
Visit any of Honda’s 26 dealerships nationwide and say hello to 1.5 Jazz in Helios Yellow. Other exciting colors available for the Honda Jazz include Taffeta White, Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic (1.3 S only) and Polished Metal (1.5 V only). The Honda Jazz comes in three variants with the following prices:
1.3-liter S MT Php 742,000
1.3-liter S AT Php 782,000
1.5-liter V AT Php 842,000
Remember to try before you buy. Be smart! Test drive!
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Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is supporting the generation of renewable energy. The manufacturer of sporty premium vehicles is making a 40,000-square-meter area on the roof top of its central spare parts warehouse in Sachsenheim (Baden-Wuerttemberg) available to the firm Goldbeck Solar GmbH, Hirschberg an der Bergstrasse, in order to install and operate approximately 8,500 photovoltaic modules there. The system has a nominal output of two megawatts. The electricity will be fed into the grid of the energy provider E&W Eichwald GmbH, Bietigheim-Bissingen.
“Progressive environmental protection and conservation of resources isn't only a Porsche priority in production. Our central spare parts warehouse provides the ideal conditions for ecological energy generation,” says Wolfgang Leimgruber, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics of Porsche AG. The installation of the modules will begin before the end of February, and the photovoltaic system will be connected to the grid just a few weeks later. The system can generate nearly two million kilowatt hours per year, which is equivalent to the average energy consumption of approximately 500 four-person households. At the same time, approximately 1,780 tons of carbon diox-ide (CO2) will be saved every year. The photovoltaic system in Sachsenheim is thus one of the most modern and efficient in the Greater Stuttgart area.
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Honda’s highly acclaimed premium sedan adds new dimension to rich styling with the 2010 Accord. Presenting a well-appointed interior design for the latest Accord, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. offers an enhanced model that carries out what the market asks for. Committed to provide ultimate customer satisfaction by paying regular attention to consumers’ voice, the 3.5 liter Accord is now fitted with sleek and supple BLACK LEATHER SEATS.
The 2010 Honda Accord’s interior is delicately crafted with only the finest materials to draw out an air of opulence that matches its bold and sophisticated exterior. The Accord’s plush black leather seats provide comforting luxury that is also easy to maintain. Controls for audio and air conditioning system are also improved for better functionality and ease of use.
Beyond great styling, the Honda Accord also offers flawless performance that heeds your need for power without sacrificing fuel economy. The Honda Accord’s high caliber features make it perfect for those in control and those keen on substance. Powered by the i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control), the 3.5 liter variant ably responds to your heart’s desire with its maximum power capacity of 275 ps @ 6200 rpm. Such variant is also equipped with the latest advancement in fuel-efficient technology called, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).
With the VCM system, optimal power output, promising fuel economy and lesser harmful emissions in actual driving situations become possible by simply closing down cylinders when not needed. VCM tailors the number of cylinders to be activated to match one’s driving requirements. Such seamless activation and deactivation of cylinders from 6 to either 4 or 3 brings about the coining of its nickname, VCM 6 4 3.
"During start-up, acceleration, high-speed driving along North Luzon Expressway or uphill climbing to Baguio City, the engine operates on all 6 cylinders to unleash the full power potential of the Accord. For mid-speed driving along Subic or climbing a moderately inclined road, the engine deactivates 2 cylinders and runs on 4 cylinders. Meanwhile, fuel economy is optimized while cruising around town on moderate speed or driving downhill from Tagaytay. It is when the engine runs at 3 cylinder mode while the other 3 cylinders are closed down. It’s like having three engines in one with the VCM system! " said Mr. Voltaire Gonzales, Department Head for Vehicle Sales and Corporate Communications of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.
The ingenuity behind Honda’s VCM system actually complements the VTEC concept. VTEC adjusts valve timing and valve opening depending on the driving situation to optimize fuel economy and power output. Honda uses VTEC mechanism in closing down cylinder as it deactivates and closes the cylinder intake and exhaust valves. For inactive cylinders, spark plugs continue to fire up to keep the cylinders clean.
The 2010 Honda Accord comes in refined colors that accentuate its clear-cut lines and over-all modern finish: Alabaster Silver (2.4 liter variant only), Bold Beige (2.4 liter variant only), Polished Metal, Night Hawk Black and Brilliant White Pearl (3.5 liter variant only). It is available in two variants: 2.4 liter with automatic transmission comes with Php 1,680,000 price tag while 3.5 liter variant with automatic transmission is priced at Php 2,030,000. Additional Php 20,000 is applicable for the exclusive Brilliant White Pearl color.
Experience for yourself the Honda Accord’s most advanced technologies in its class. Visit any of Honda’s 26 dealerships nationwide or check out www.hondaphil.com for more details. Just always remember to try before you buy. Be smart! Test drive!
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On February 10, 2010, Toyota Motor Philippines announces that it will conduct a Special Service Campaign to install a modified ABS management program on Prius, which are sold in the market.
Toyota places the highest priority on the quality of its vehicles. Toyota is constantly monitoring the performance of our vehicles through a variety of quality programs.
In the Prius models, some customers may feel a slight delay in brake reaction, when driving the vehicle over certain road condition while lightly applying the brakes. As customer satisfaction is of paramount importance, Toyota has decided to conduct the special service campaign for the Prius models.
TMP has started contacting Prius customers and will perform required repair, at no cost to customers.
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The Civic Republic celebration continues! Honda Cars Batangas recently gathered Civic owners within the province to join the commemoration of over 100,000 Civic units sold in the Philippines. Since it first entered the local automobile industry in 1991, the Civic has been at the forefront of setting a new benchmark in its class to meet the changing needs of the times. No wonder, it is one of the country’s most sought-after models in the market.
With more than 100,000 Civic owners who share the same passion for excitement and innovation, Honda builds the CIVIC REPUBLIC – a republic of like-minded people exhibiting the same character as the Civic: attractive, fun-loving, gadget savvy, reliable and responsible.
The Civic Republic celebration in Honda Cars Batangas was led by its General Manager, Mr. Mario Lomeda. The day was filled with exciting display of spruced up Civics and entertainment. It was truly a fun get-together among Civic owners.
Be part of the Civic Republic! Visit any of Honda’s 26 authorized dealership in the country. For more details on the next Civic Republic celebration, check out www.hondaphil.com.
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Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) today announced that TMP and Lexus Manila Inc. (LMI) models sold in the Philippines are not affected by the U.S. Accelerator-pedal Recall.
Toyota Camry and Corolla Altis sold by TMP in the Philippines are manufactured in Thailand while RAV4 models are imported from Japan.
Last January 21, 2010, consistent with its commitment to product safety and quality, Toyota Motor Sales USA initiated a Safety Campaign on sticking gas pedals of specific US market models, including certain 2009-2010 RAV4, certain 2009-2010 Corolla, certain 2007-2010 Camry, 2009 – 2010 Matrix, 2005 - 2010 Avalon, certain 2010 Highlander, 2007 - 2010Tundra, and 2008 - 2010 Sequoia, in coordination with the NHTSA*.
In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedals may mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. The condition does not occur suddenly and results from wear. Toyota is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue. It is working quickly to remedy the situation.
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Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) officially announces the arrival of the 2010 CR-V. Radiating urbane styling, bold stance and world-class performance, the new CR-V lets you cross over to life’s different adventures. It ably goes well with various lifestyles and keeps up with the demands of modern living. The 2010 CR-V is an embodiment of the fine things life has to offer.
When the arrival of the new CR-V was first declared last December, a total of 200 customers have already placed reservations just be referring to released photographs and without even seeing the actual unit yet.
Heeding the call for continuous advancement in these fast paced times, the new CR-V lets you move into the realm of urban sophistication with its new two step front grille with honeycomb design, refreshed bumpers and alloy wheel designs. Its new styling blends perfectly with the CR-V’s clear-cut lines and over-all premium finish for a more refined and tougher look.
The interior also presents an added air of elegance with dual-tone black and silver color scheme, new seat fabric design for the 2.0 liter variant and stylish black leather seats with grey-stitch accents for the 2.4 liter model.
Experience an improved sedan-like comfort and performance, excellent safety features and great fuel efficiency benefits with the 2010 CR-V.
Committed in bringing new values in its products and services, Honda adjusted the CR-V’s suspension system for better handling and comfort. A more serene drive can also be expected with the additional seals and insulators applied for the improvement of NVH (Noise, Vibrations and Harshness) levels. These improvements simply make your CR-V experience safer, more comfortable and pleasurable.
Having the safety of passengers as top priority, the CR-V still comes with dual SRS and side airbag, with OPDS (Occupant Position Detection System), which intelligently detects weight, height, and positioning of the front passenger to identify whether to deploy the airbags or no. Meanwhile, its body is designed with the unique G-CON technology that provides an impact-absorbing structure to reduce injuries to driver, passengers and even pedestrians. The G-CON technology has been tried out at Honda’s real world car-to car test facility which happens to be the world’s first indoor omni-directional crash test safety facility.
Every Honda possesses advanced technologies that deliver spirited driving with reduced impact on the environment. The 2010 CR-V continues to generate 170 ps at 5800 rpm of maximum power for the 2.4 li variant and 150 ps at 6200 rpm for the 2.0 li variant with its i-VTEC engine technology. With its cutting-edge engine technology, the CR-V performs promising fuel economy and clean emissions that meet EURO 4 levels. Easy tracking of one’s fuel consumption is also made possible with the fuel economy and range indicators available in the liquid crystal display of the instrument panel.
Back in 2007 when the third generation CR-V came in, it successfully introduced the crossover concept in the local market. The third generation CR-V quickly captured the discriminating taste of the market and generated cumulative sales of almost 9,000 units, making it the number one compact SUV in the local scene.
Sold in 160 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia and China, the CR-V has successfully created a name in sedan-like comfort and performance, ample SUV space and stylish design. From 2007-2009, the third generation CR-V is the consistent best-selling SUV in North America, also placing it among the top 10 best selling vehicles within the said period.
The 2010 CR-V comes in three variants with introductory prices:
2.0 V MT 2WD Php 1,275,000
2.0 V AT 2WD Php 1,325,000
2.4 S-X AT 4WD Php 1,525,000
2.4 S-X AT 4WD (Brilliant White Pearl) Php 1,545,000
The new CR-V also comes in posh 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)
Cross over to the new Honda CR-V. We have prepared open houses and other exciting activities for you to get to know more about the CR-V’s sophisticated styling and no nonsense performance.
For more details, you may visit any of Honda’s 26 authorized dealerships all over the country or check out www.crossovercrv.com and www.hondaphil.com.
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