Today, a growing number of motorists are increasingly aware of the need to save fuel. Cost-saving measures are very crucial in the current economic situation and with the continuously wavering fuel prices. It is therefore essential for Filipino drivers to be knowledgeable on saving on costs – especially on necessities like mobility – and in this case, on how to save on fuel consumption.
Right here, fuel “efficiency” is the operative word. And Bosch believes that investing in quality car parts will not only increase fuel efficiency, they also last longer. Ultimately, quality is cheaper in the long run.
Bosch offers tips and suggestions on driving style and information on technology that can help save money, including regular vehicle maintenance and using quality spare parts, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption.
So the next time you leave your car to your valet at the mall, do remind him to shut-off the engine when the vehicle is parked. After all, you would not want your fuel bill to run as fast as your shopping bill.
Here are some useful tips on how to reduce fuel consumption and save money on every journey:
o Conduct regular diagnostic tests on your vehicle. Engine errors can be identified and corrected. If functional errors are left unchecked, these can lead to increased fuel consumption due to faulty engine calibration.
o Make sure that the oxygen sensor is being checked or replaced. A worn-out oxygen sensor results in increased fuel consumption, poor engine performance and excessive exhaust emissions.
o Check the air pressure on your vehicle’s tires and its chassis set- up. Low tire pressure leads to increased friction while a misaligned chassis set-up will result in unstable movement of the vehicle. These can lead to higher fuel consumption.
o Replace air filter regularly. A blocked air filter leads to lower airflow rate, thus reducing power. This will then prompt the driver to compensate by increasing the pressure on the accelerator pedal and consume more fuel.
o Conduct regular maintenance of the ignition system. Any worn-out component would result to inaccurate ignition timing which will then lead to power loss or fuel wastage.
o Properly maintain your vehicle’s braking system. Regularly changing brake fluid will also help to maintain the functionality of the braking system, extend its working life and save fuel.
o Properly maintain your vehicle’s fuel system. A dirty fuel filter reduces fuel supply. This will then result to lower power output and higher fuel consumption.
o Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle. As the principle goes: accelerating with extra weight uses more energy while decelerating with extra weight increases brake wear.
o Drive more efficiently. Aggressive driving (hard accelerating, braking sharply, etc.) results in higher fuel consumption. Sensible driving is also safer for both drivers and pedestrians; thus, saving more than just gas money.
o Reduce electricity consumption. When more vehicle electronics are turned on, more fuel is required to power them. Activate only those systems that are really needed. Also pay attention to the air conditioning system as it uses a lot of energy.
Quality = lower cost per kilometer
The use of original Bosch parts can help reduce fuel consumption. Bosch products are backed up by years of experience, coupled with extensive research and meticulous production. Poor quality parts – while cheaper at the point of sale – may lead to adverse consequences for the engine: misfiring, faulty starts and even more expensive engine damage due to their questionable reliability. Additionally, poor quality reproduction parts usually create performance problems as the application does not fit 100% to the car and significantly result in high fuel consumption. Buying original and high-quality automotive products can help ensure optimal performance to your vehicle.
Bosch Car Service
Finally, make sure your vehicle is running properly and at optimum condition by having it vehicle tuned-up on a regular, recommended interval. Bosch Service workshops are located in key cities nationwide, offering to ensure accurate diagnostic services for vehicles and provide the right quality parts for every car. These workshops maintain the same global standards that one can find in over 14,000 Bosch Service outlets worldwide.
For more information on fuel efficiency tips and Bosch Car Service workshops, please call Robert Bosch Inc. at +63 2 817-7274 or visit www.bosch.com.ph.
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Honda Cars Philippines Inc. celebrated significant sales growth of the second generation Jazz for the first eight months of the year. Generating cumulative sales of 1,434 unit sales from January to August, this year’s Jazz sales were actually seven times better than its performance during the same period of last year. It already surpassed 2008’s total sales of 1,170 units by 22.6%, even if there are still four months left on the calendar. Out of Honda’s entire passenger car line-up, the Jazz accounted for 14% of this year’s sales.
Widely acclaimed for its dynamic styling, spacious interiors, versatile utility and remarkable fuel economy, the Honda Jazz has been one of the most favored hatchbacks in the market today. In fact, it has already registered cumulative sales of over 7,700 units since its local introduction in 2004.
The market’s warm acceptance on the Jazz is not only evident on its sales performance but is also reflected on its various recognitions received. Included in its prestigious streaks of accolades is the back-to-back over-all Japan Car of the Year award for both 1st and 2nd generation models, covering years 2001-2002 and 2007-2008. The latest Jazz model is also the recipient of the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Association (JAHFA) Car of the Year Award, the Automotive Researchers and Journalists Conference of Japan (RJC) Car of the Year and the CCC Car of the Year Eco Award, to name a few. Here in the Philippines, the Jazz has been named the Best Subcompact Sedan during the 5th Annual C! Awards.
One of the main reasons behind the numerous raves about the second generation Jazz is the application of Honda’s trademark i-VTEC engine for both 1.3 and 1.5-liter variants. The i-VTEC engine maintains delivery of outstanding fuel economy yet optimizes power output by intelligently varying valve timing depending on the driving conditions. It also complies with the stringent EURO 4-level emission standards even if local regulations only require EURO 2, making it an environment-friendly vehicle as well.
So let the country’s Fun Utility Vehicle (F.U.V.) bring out added excitement in your driving experience. Visit any of the 26 Honda dealerships located nationwide and schedule a testdrive. For more details, you may log on to www.hondaphil.com.
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New vehicles in portfolio continue to stir market excitement
Ford Philippines today reported a 17% increase in retail sales in August versus the same period last year, as customer demand for Ford’s high quality and fuel-efficient cars, crossovers, trucks and SUVs enabled the company to post record-high performance only shortly after its record-breaking sales in June 2009. Total sales from June to August were up 25% versus the same period a year ago.
Ford’s record sales in August comes hot on the heels of June’s retail results which represent the highest sales FGP has posted since March 2008.
“We have one of the freshest lineups of new products in the country,” said FGP President Rick Baker. “Our product portfolio now boasts of new and significantly freshened vehicles that are class-leading in quality, fuel-efficiency, safety and value. Our sales results reflect that our Filipino consumers continue to appreciate Ford’s efforts to produce vehicles they want and value.”
A total of eight new vehicles have been added to FGP’s portfolio in the last year. These are (in order of introduction): the new Escape in September 2008 and Focus in November 2008, and over the past nine months, the 2009 Expedition, the new Explorer and E-150 Club Wagon, the new Ranger, Everest, and most recently, the Ranger Wildtrak.
Since its introduction, the 2.0L Ford Focus TDCi with its Dual Clutch Transmission technology, known as Powershift, has made strong inroads with the Filipino consumer. “The 2.0L Ford Focus TDCi with Powershift Dual Clutch Transmission is today the sales leader in the premium 2.0L compact car segment which includes some of the strongest and more established Japanese competitors.” says Steven Tan, FGP Vice President for Marketing and Sales.
Ford Focus' PowerShift transmission introduces to the local compact car segment an innovative six-speed double-clutch automated transmission available with the 2.0-litre DuraTorq TDCi commonrail turbo diesel engine in the Focus Sport five-door hatch. For all of these and more, the Ford Focus turbo-diesel variant landed in the top 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles in the country following a fuel economy run initiated by the Department of Energy (DOE) earlier this year. The first of only two 2.0L variants that made it to the DOE list, its 2.0L variant ranked sixth, chalking in 21.39 kilometers/liter, consuming gasoline at a rate of only P2.15 per kilometre.
Ford's record performance continues with newly launched Everest. Sales of the new Ford Everest are up 39% from June to August versus the same period last year. The vehicle achieved its best-ever monthly sales when the new model was launched this June since it was first introduced in 2003, selling a total of 324 units. June 2009 sales represent an 80% increase versus the same month in 2008. Notably, June sales of the Everest were FGP’s highest single month sales for any nameplate since the Company started local operations over a decade ago.
Ford Escape continues its robust performance through 2009 as well with sales for the first 8 months of the year up 26% from the same period last year, with customer demand often outstripping supply. It posted a notable increase in June, with a 92% lift versus the same period last year. The Ford Escape now ranks third in the Small SUV Segment.
The recent launch of the new Ranger Wildtrak is expected to further boost sales of Ford's pickup lineup, building on Ranger's June sales which were up 11% versus the same period last year, boosting its share of the pickup segment increase to 9.3%.
Ford Expedition sales are up 11% year-to-date in August versus the same period last year. In the first half of the year, sales of the vehicle increased 27% versus 2008, helping nearly double its share of the full-sized SUV segment to 26.5 percent through June.
To help sustain sales momentum, FGP expanded its dealership network with new dealerships set up in key provincial cities that include San Pablo, Batangas, Pampanga, Dagupan, Cabanatuan, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao. In the coming months, Ford targets to launch three new dealerships (Ford Balintawak, Ford SM Marilao, and Ford Subic), while Mazda Batangas is set to welcome its customers in October. The company’s dealerships now total 21 Ford dealerships and 7 Mazda.
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In the same way two long chains of nucleotides determine who we are, each Honda car is created out of two principles embedded in its long and colorful tradition, “fun in driving” and “care for the environment”. Much like our DNA, the combination of these two principles governs how each Honda car should be built.
For years, however, US car manufacturers were challenged to create the car that could deliver the power consumers demanded and at the same time do what was then deemed impossible: pass the U.S. Clean Air Act. But this predicament was before 1972. Before Honda shocked the world by doing the impossible.
The CVCC or Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion engine characterized Honda’s relentless pursuit in finding the perfect balance between “fun driving” and “care for the environment.” Before the CVCC, car manufacturers had to install catalytic converters to reduce the toxicity of the emissions. Honda redesigned the engine to optimize the amount of fuel burned thereby producing cleaner emissions and better fuel mileage. The U.S. came to know the CVCC engine through the 1974 Civic, which was also the first model to pass the U.S. Clean Air Act. The CVCC engine cemented Honda’s reputation, especially in the U.S., as a manufacturer of well-built economy cars. And as prices of gases went up during the oil crisis of 1973, Honda left many competitors in the dust with its reliable, economical models.
Then, in the 1980’s, as consumers demanded for even more powerful cars with more economy, Honda once again accepted the challenge. Honda realized that the new demand called for a new breed of engine. Increasing the power output may have been easy; but Honda’s goal of producing 100 hp per liter was no mean feat considering that most 4-cylinder engines of that time were averaging only 50-60 hp per liter. But Honda was used to redefining the car industry. And it did so in style when it shattered all engine myths and, for the first time, put driving performance and fuel efficiency in one specs sheet.
The Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control or VTEC engine revolutionized the car industry with its two differently shaped cam lobes and two rocker arms per cylinder for two different combustion settings. This allowed the engine to regulate valve operation and optimize performance at all engine speeds. During low engine speeds, the valves are made to open a relatively small amount for better economy. As the car kicks in to higher engine speeds, the valves are made to open wide for higher air and fuel intake thereby delivering more power. This way, the VTEC technology was able to combine spirited, powerful performance, fuel efficiency, and cleaner emissions in one engine.
In the next few years, Honda devoted more time and research to further develop this DNA and meet the needs of society for fun-to-drive but environment-friendly cars. By the late 1990’s Honda came up with the 3-stage VTEC engine or VTEC 3, so called because of the three stages the engine goes through to boost engine power and fuel efficiency. At less than 2500 rpm, it turns off one intake valve per cylinder in the 16-valve engine to save fuel. From 2500–6000 rpm, all the valves are used and it functions like a normal VTEC engine. As the rpm rises to 6000, a wild cam lobe is engaged to increase the engine’s performance.
Then, the 21st century came and Honda welcomed it with its latest breakthrough in Variable Timing Control or VTC. This new innovation gave birth to an even more powerful incarnation of the VTEC engine—the i-VTEC. Whereas the previous VTEC engines are only capable of controlling valve lift and duration during distinct low and high rpms, the i-VTEC engine had continuous phase control of the intake valve depending on engine load rotation. This allowed for better balance between high power and fuel economy and resulted to even cleaner emissions.
Honda’s desire to perfect the balance between driving performance and eco-friendliness would push it to even greater heights. In mid-2000’s Honda unveiled the new lighter, shorter, and quieter i-VTEC engine. This new engine, which now serves as the base for all new Honda car models, makes the most of every drop of fuel by delaying intake valve closure timing during low-load conditions, thereby improving Honda’s already impressive fuel economy.
Knowing Honda, this latest i-VTEC engine wouldn’t be the last in a line of breakthroughs that have reshaped the car industry. Honda’s quest to create sporty, fun-to-drive vehicles that have the least impact on the environment is, to say the least, truly ingrained on its DNA. And as Honda explores other ways to make greener and spirited engines, the car buying public can rest assured that the future generation of cars will come from a very good family.
To know more about Honda’s latest products and technologies, log on to www.hondaphil.com.
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Honda achieved distinguished recognition for its subcompact and executive sedan models during the 5th Annual C! Awards held recently at One Esplanade in Pasay City.
Besting three other nominees, the 1.5 Honda Jazz was named the class winner in the subcompact sedan category. C! Magazine’s August issue remarked that, “Honda certainly took the Jazz to a whole new level especially with the 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine, the clever use of space, nifty features and sporty-inclined handling.”
In bringing sheer driving enjoyment to greater heights, the 1.5 Jazz comes with a race-inspired paddle shift that is also available in other bigger models like the Civic and the Accord. The paddle shift option enables manual shifting of gears without the clutch. The Honda Jazz also offers more than enough space to match active lifestyles. Offering versatility in seat configurations, the ULTRA seats can accommodate almost anything – be it long, tall or any utility items.
Meanwhile, the 3.5 liter Honda Accord was also acclaimed the best in the executive sedan category. As C! Magazine put it in its latest issue, “Its performance- be it forward or lateral motion- is perfectly suited for the executive that prefers to get behind the wheel.”
The V6 Honda Accord is powered by the i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control) engine that is equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). VCM is a new generation of fuel-efficient technology that closes down cylinders when not needed. Coined as the VCM 643, this technology provides seamless activation and deactivation of cylinders from 6 to either 4 or 3 to match one’s driving requirements.
The 5th Annual C! Awards aim to honor the country’s finest automobiles and the entire automotive industry as well. Each nominee was meticulously assessed based on power, space, comfort, handling, value for money and other features that make it distinct in its class.
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