July 29, 2011. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces the introduction of its Civic MUGEN Limited Edition model. With only 26 units available in the market, the Civic MUGEN Limited Edition model offers original, factory-installed MUGEN accessories that bring the sporty character of the Honda Civic 2.0 S to another level.
Exclusively designed for the discerning car enthusiasts who appreciate enhanced premium dynamic styling to complement spirited driving performance, the Civic MUGEN Limited Edition model bears front and rear under spoiler, side spoiler, front sports grille, ventilated visor, rear wing, forged gunmetal aluminum alloy wheel, heptagon nut set, door under garnish and MUGEN metal emblem. It also comes with a certification paper to ascertain authenticity of the fitted MUGEN accessories. All these frills definitely make the Civic MUGEN Limited Edition stand out from the rest.
“Honda enthusiasts have long been waiting for a model that is spruced up with authentic MUGEN accessories,” said Mr. Voltaire Gonzales, vehicle sales and corporate communications head of HCPI. “For an exclusive offer, we are very excited to present the Civic 2.0 S in Pearl White Mica color with original MUGEN accessories to further enhance the Civic’s sporty demeanor,” he added.
MUGEN, which is a Japanese word for infinite, designs and manufactures racing engines and premium aftermarket parts under the strong partnership with Honda. MUGEN has a strong racing heritage and has gained international recognition from its Super GT and Formula One background, to name a few. It also specializes in tuning engines and developing customized parts exclusively for Honda products since the mid 1980’s.
Chiefly designed to deliver pure intensity into one’s driving experience, the Honda Civic provides spirited performance and technologically-advanced features that go perfectly well with its unparalleled styling. It comes with a race-inspired paddle shift technology that enables manual shifting of gears without the clutch. Staying true to its sporty DNA, the Civic 2.0 S variant is equipped with an i-VTEC DOHC engine that delivers a maximum power output of 155 ps at 6000 rpm. Easily, more than 26,000 units of the current generation Civic have already been sold in the country.
Be part of the 26 privileged soon-to-be owners who will get the rare chance of owning the Civic MUGEN Limited Edition. It will hit select Honda dealer showrooms starting August 5, with a suggested retail price of Php 1,398,000. For more details, you may get visit www.hondaphil.com.
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- Top title ‘Best of Best’ secured in the category for overall brand design
- Three Kia models triumph in the category for Exterior Design
- New competition promoted by the German Design Council
(SEOUL) July 20, 2011 -- Kia Motors is one of the main winners in the first-ever Automotive Brand Contest. This new international brand and design competition was organised by the Rat für Formgebung (German Design Council), which is also
responsible for the Designpreis der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (German Design Award).
The judging panel of the first Automotive Brand Contest declared Kia Motors the worthy winner in two categories. In the Brand Design category, where strategy and focus of the brand’s overall design is rated, Kia was ranked ‘Best of Best’.
For the Exterior category, in which the design of the vehicle itself is the centre of attention, three Kia models were picked as winners: the compact Sportage CUV, the forthcoming Rio B-segment model (on sale from Fall 2011 in most global markets)
and the all-new, athletic D-segment Kia Optima sedan. The Kia Optima and Kia Sportage have already been awarded prestigious design prizes: the red dot award (Kia Optima: ‘best of the best’) and the iF product design award.
“We are all exceedingly proud that Kia Motors has done so well in this new competition, which is very important within the automotive industry,” says Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer. “By changing our basic design focus, we have given our brand a face, a distinctive identity.
“The ‘Best of Best’ title for Kia’s new design identity in the Brand Design category is a great endorsement of the creative and professional work done by our entire international design team. The latest awards conferred on the Sportage and Optima,
and the very first one to go to our latest model, the Rio, reflect the continuity of our efforts to uphold our own high design standards. All four awards are a fantastic acknowledgement of our strategy to position design as a core Kia brand promise,” adds Schreyer.
Three Kia award winning models: design that points to the future
The fourth-generation Kia Rio, which celebrated its world premiere at the 2011
Geneva International Motor Show, is not a further development of its predecessor, but a powerful new personality in its own right. By clearly moving away from its past, the new B-segment model epitomizes Kia’s transformation to a design and quality-led brand. The wedge-shaped profile and sleek side windows lend the newcomer dynamic flair, while the balance between window graphics, wheelbase and the vehicle’s overall proportions creates a ‘premium’ impression rarely found in
this segment. Developed with the global market in mind, the Rio will be available in Europe in both three-door and five-door bodystyles, with four-door and five-door bodystyles offered in most other markets.
The newly developed Kia Optima is a model that bears no resemblance to the brand’s earlier D-segment vehicles. Peter Schreyer headed the design of the athletic sedan at the Kia design centres in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, USA. Immediately
following its launch in the Korean market in mid-2010, the Kia Optima topped the D-segment sales chart there – the first Kia model ever to do so.
With its third-generation of the Sportage, Kia has given the popular compact CUV a complete makeover. The Sportage combines all the key off-road features – raised ground clearance, commanding driving position and heightened sense of security –
with a sleek and urban-friendly design. In Europe, the most eco-friendly version, the Sportage 1.7 CRDi 2WD featuring a start/stop system, achieves a CO2 emissions rating of just 135 g/km.
Winners to be presented at IAA motor show in Frankfurt
The Rat für Formgebung (German Design Council), organiser of the newly instituted Automotive Brand Contest, was founded in 1953 as an initiative of the German Federal Parliament, and today counts among the world’s leading centers of excellence for communication and knowledge transfer in the field of design.
Among the patrons of this independent institution are 170 companies from both Germany and abroad. With its competitions, such as Designpreis Deutschland (Germany’s highest official design award), its exhibitions, as well as its conferences,
seminars and workshops, the German Design Council’s purpose is to spread the word about good industrial design to a broad public. The Automotive Brand Contest is open to all companies in the automobile industry and their partners, in the supply industry and in the fields of design and brand communications.
This first year’s winners of the new competition will be presented with their awards at the IAA in Frankfurt on Automotive Designers’ Night, 13 September 2011 (first press day).
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Premium ownership and guaranteed peace-of-mind
Viking Cars, Incorporated (VCI), the exclusive distributor and dealer of Volvo cars and parts in the Philippines, takes the lead in raising the bar of premium ownership experience as offers its 5 Year Warranty Program. Now you can drive home a brand new Volvo and enjoy worry free ownership for the next five years.
“Volvo cars are designed around people. With this in mind, Volvo Philippines remains committed in enhancing ownership experience by giving them peace of mind and assuring the best quality of their Volvo even on their fourth or fifth year of ownership” says Roselyn M. Dimalanta, First Executive Vice President of VCI.
“Volvo’s core value of safety extends not only to the people inside the car but also to the people they care for. The 5 Year Warranty program will give our customers more opportunities to celebrate life with their loved-ones knowing that their car is taken care of. This is the kind of security we want to give our clients. This is the kind of safety and quality Volvo is known for”, adds Loi Concepcion.
Volvo’s best-in-class 5 Year Warranty Program comes with unlimited mileage and a 5-year, 24-hour roadside assistance. This guarantees that repairs on your Volvo will be done when needed regardless of mileage and secure yourself with a hassle free experience with you Volvo. All repairs will be undertaken in Volvo’s authorized service center where internationally-trained technicians are ready and well-equipped to take care of your car.
Visit the Volvo Showroom and find out that safety and security can be achieved without much effort with Volvo’s 5 Year Warranty Program.
It’s about time you drive a Volvo.
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MANILA, Philippines, 8 July, 2011 – Ford Group Philippines (FGP) kicks off its comprehensive and UN-recognized road safety initiatives under the company’s global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) campaign this month. This program is part of Ford’s ongoing commitment to promote and improve driver safety in the Philippines.
Ford is planning a series of day camps and seminars throughout the year and aims to have 2,000 licensed drivers participate in the DSFL program. Training will focus on safe, smart and fuel efficient driving skills as well as providing handy tips on vehicle maintenance.
Driving Skills for Life offers free courses, both classroom training and practical learning, to help educate drivers of all ages on safe driving practices. The program has been customized for the Philippines to reflect the local driving environment and road conditions. Since 2005, Ford’s DSFL program has had more than 20,000 participants.
The Driving Skills for Life program also includes seminars for Ford employees, licensed student drivers, customers, corporate fleet accounts and automotive enthusiast such as car clubs. “Our commitment to our customers does not end with our products. We are also dedicated to encouraging people to become responsible and safe drivers. Since road safety is an important issue and concern in the Philippines, we aim to minimize road traffic accidents and promote economical and fuel-efficient driving through the Driver Skills for Life education campaign,” said Anika Salceda-Wycoco, FGP’s AVP for Communications.
This year’s first DSFL seminar was held recently with customers at Ford EDSA dealership. A total of 21 Ford owners and 9 dealership employees participated in the session that was conducted in collaboration with Ford’s DSFL partner, Tuason Racing School (TRS), and featured interactive activities on safe, smart and fuel efficient driving techniques. Participants were also given the opportunity to drive and apply their classroom learning’s.
“There are different causes of motoring accidents every year. Speeding, drunk driving and not following road signs and regulations are just some of them. We need to understand that road safety is a full time commitment and licensed drivers should always keep an open eye and undistracted mind when on the road,” advises JP Tuason of TRS.
Customers who participated in the Driving Skills for Life seminar were not only pleased with vehicles they test drove, but also with Ford’s admirable initiative.
“As part of my family’s business I transport heavy appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners using my Ford Ranger, my truck has been with me for over a year now and it hasn’t failed me once. After learning so much from the seminar, I feel confident again knowing that I am well-equipped with road safety knowledge which can help me avoid traffic violations as well as road accidents,” explains Ryan Vincent Mitra.
“I really learned a lot from this session. I’m glad that I had the chance to practice my newly-learned skills and apply it to real driving situations. This will help me prepare for or prevent possible dangers on the road,” adds Fiesta-owner Jocephine Yao.
“The Driving Skills for Life program is an ideal way for Ford to leverage our global expertise to help make a difference here in the Philippines. We hope to encourage more Filipinos to practice safe driving every time they are on the road,” Wycoco added.
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July 2, 2011- Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. proudly announces winners of its online photo contest entitled, “Lovin’ My Civic.”
Lovin’ My Civic creatively captured the owners’ strong fascination and memorable experiences with the Honda Civic, across model generations.
Lucy Dy, Jericho Antiporda and Raphael Francisco bested entries across the country and won HTC Desire S android phone, Nintendo 3DS and Sony 2GB W Series MP3 Walkman, respectively.
Just like the other entries, each of the winners had unique and interesting stories to tell. Lucy Dy shared how her family simply can’t get enough of the Civic. Buying their first Civic in 1997, they continued to acquire four more in 12 years’ time, without disposing any of it. “There is simply no alternative to the reliability, dependability and comfort provided by the Honda Civic,” said Lucy. Meanwhile, Jericho Antiporda and his family looked at the Civic as an achievement. His parents were a bit emotional when they initially drove it. After all, it was Jericho’s first brand new car. The Civic served as proof of Jericho’s success and how his parents raised him well. As for Raphael Francisco, his strong admiration to his Civic inspired him to coin the words ‘comfiably sweentense’ to best describe its winning features. “Traveling from Tagaytay to Manila everyday, I just love its comfortable ride on both winding and straight roads; its ability to deliver the power I need; its sweet looks; and its intense personality that stirs and never bores me,” said Raphael.
Lucy, Jericho and Raphael are part of over 100,000 civic owners who share the same passion for excitement and innovation. Schedule a test drive and experience first-hand what the rave is all about. For more details, visit www.hondaphil.com and ‘like’ the photo entries at HCPI’s Civic Facebook page (keyword: Civic Republic)
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Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) experienced strong demand of its passenger car line-up, consisting of the Jazz, Accord, City and Civic models, with 1,030 unit sales in May. Launched last March, the refreshed Honda Jazz increased sales by 39% from March to May as compared to the same period last year. Presenting dynamic and vibrant styling plus legendary spacious interiors and fuel efficiency, the new Honda Jazz is clearly the hottest premium lifestyle hatchback in the market. And in keeping its products always fresh and updated, Honda subsequently revitalized its Accord model in May. With the introduction of the 2011 Honda Accord that promises absolute refinement and power beyond compare, sales nearly tripled as compared to sales in April.
Regrettably, the parts supply problem that resulted from the powerful earthquake that shook Japan last March still persists. Production volume of Honda’s regional network has been affected and has yet to normalize. Consequently, stock availability of all models, in certain engine displacements, transmissions and color options, remains to be an area of concern.
“Our sales performance is pleasant news. However, what is more important and what remains to be our top priority is to quickly serve customer requirement as much as possible, given the current situation,” said Mr. Voltaire Gonzales, HCPI’s Vehicle Sales and Corporate Communications Head.
"In behalf of HCPI, I would like to extend our sincere apology for the inconvenience being experienced by our waiting customers. Kindly bear with us as Honda makes every effort to normalize operations and deliver the joy of driving a brand new Honda at the soonest time possible," he added.
In the meantime, Honda's 28 dealerships nationwide will keep its customers posted for the latest developments on the delivery dates of their requirements.
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Favorites rely on Bosch diesel technology
Bosch diesel technology once again proves its leadership in diesel technology at the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race last June 11 and 12 in France. The Audi Sport team took the Le Mans title from 2006 to 2008 with its diesel-powered cars. Last year, Audi Sport took the top three spots with its Audi R15 TDIs –each time with Bosch technology on board.
Bosch is also the development partner for the common-rail injection system of the current Audi R18 TDI. This system comprises the high-pressure pump, injectors, high-pressure rail, and a customized engine control unit (ECU). Other components supplied by Bosch Motorsport include the starter and alternator as well as the vehicle's data logging and telemetry system, which transmits all the relevant data from the car to the pits during a race.
Another of this year's favorites is Peugeot Sport – the 2009 winner – which has introduced the new 908 to replace its 908 HDi FAP. The team has been participating in the race since 2007 and took first and second places in 2009. Bosch works as a development partner for this team, too, supplying a full range of diesel injection technology including high-pressure pump, injectors and rail. Other components supplied by Bosch Motorsport include the driver box for the piezo injectors and the rail pressure control as well as the starter and alternator.
24-hour races put a tremendous strain on the technology used in the racing cars, which are expected to cover almost the same distance as all 19 races of the entire 2011 Formula 1 season put together. The task of making each component durable enough to last the race is a major challenge – as is the integration of the hydraulics, electronics, and data acquisition components into one overall system.
Diesel-powered vehicles have triumphed in Le Mans every year since 2006. “The teams have learned to fully exploit the key benefits of diesel technology – high torque combined with low fuel consumption,” says Dr. Gerhard Turner, president of the Bosch Diesel Systems division. “And of course many drivers already enjoy the advantages of diesel engines on a daily basis on regular roads.” 42 percent of all new passenger cars registered in Germany in 2010 were diesel-powered – and the figure was even higher in France at 70 percent.
As an experienced systems and components supplier for multiple racing series, Bosch Motorsport and its experts have built up the systems competence and integration know-how required for motor sport applications. Bosch Motorsport is part of Bosch Engineering GmbH, a Bosch subsidiary that specializes in engineering services. Bosch Motorsport can draw on 110 years of motorsport tradition – Bosch technology has been helping racing drivers to victory ever since 1901.
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