Thailand Motor Expo 2014: Mazda2 Sedan Makes Global Debut

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Mazda Press

Fresh from winning the Japan Car of the Year 2014-2015 award, the Mazda2 gains a new sedan form which debuts at the 31st Thailand Motor Expo 2014. The all-new sedan variant joins the hatchback in offering the most up-to-date Skyactiv technology in the Mazda line-up. In Thailand, the Mazda2 also brandishes a 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D clean diesel (Euro 5) engine good for a healthy 105 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm. It makes the all-new Mazda2 sedan the first vehicle to quality for Phase II of Thailand’s Eco Car program. It easily exceeds the requirements of doing 23.2 km/L and CO2 emissions not above 100g/km.
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UPDATED: Thailand Motor Expo 2014: Honda Launches 2015 HR-V, Brio-Based Wagon (w/ Video)

Photos by Ulysses Ang

UPDATE 2: This is how the Honda HR-V squares up against the competition. (6/9)

UPDATE 1: Honda Cars Philippines just launched the HR-V for the Philippines. (6/7)

Readying its assault in the growing sub-compact crossover segment, Honda finally pulled the wraps off the Jazz-based HR-V at the 31st Bangkok Motor Expo 2014. Dubbed the “Premium Sport Crossover”, the HR-V gets a unique powertrain configuration for the Thai market which will most likely be carried over to the rest of the ASEAN region.
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Thailand Motor Expo 2014: 2015 Ford Mustang is Now a Global Muscle Car

Photos by Ulysses Ang

In time with the Ford Mustang’s 50th anniversary, Ford shows off the all-new 2015 version of the iconic muscle car for the first time in the ASEAN region at the 31st Thailand Motor Expo 2014. Showcased in a left-hand drive configuration at the show, the all-new Mustang is expected to make its arrival in the Philippines early 2015.
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Thailand Motor Expo 2014: Nissan Gunning for the Top with NP300 Navara

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Not to be outdone and outgunned in the pick-up race, Nissan Philippines invited a couple of journalists to preview the all-new 2015 NP300 Navara at the 31st Thailand Motor Expo 2014. Although the X-Trail is the main highlight of Nissan Thailand’s pavilion (it’s the venue for the Thai market’s launch), Filipino eyes looked straight towards the striking NP300 Navara which shared the stage with Nissan’s premium compact crossover.
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Thailand Motor Expo 2014: Hyundai HND-9 Concept is the Future Genesis Coupe

Photo by Ulysses Ang

First showcased at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show, Hyundai is showing off its future design direction with the HND-9 Concept, a luxury sports coupe that’s being shown in ASEAN for the very first time at the 31st Thailand Motor Expo 2014. A further evolution of the company’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design philosophy, the HND-9 is Hyundai’s modern interpretation of the classic premium sports coupe. It was developed at the company’s R&D Center in Namyang, Korea.
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UPDATED: Thailand Motor Expo 2014: 2015 Mitsubishi Triton/Strada Gets Face Time

Photos by Ulysses Ang

UPDATE 1: The all-new 2015 Mitsubishi Strada is officially launched (3/20).

One of Mitsubishi’s best-selling and most important products, the Triton (Philippine market Strada) receives the lion share of attention at the 31st Thailand Motor Expo 2014. Not only does it occupy the majority of Mitsubishi’s huge pavilion, but several examples of the pick-up are displayed around the Impact Challenger convention center. The first major re-design in nine years, the all-new 2015 Strada is Mitsubishi’s revamped entrant in the ever competitive pick-up segment.
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Thailand Motor Expo 2014: 2015 Subaru Outback is Now a More Premium Flagship

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Subaru’s flagship crossover, the all-new 2015 Outback, takes center stage at the brand’s pavilion at the 31st Thailand Motor Expo 2014. It serves as the venue for the regional launch of the said crossover along with the all-new Legacy (which isn’t shown at the show itself). As always, the Outback combines passenger car comfort with the long-distance touring capabilities and load space of a sport utility vehicle. In developing the latest Outback, Subaru delivers class-leading performance, confident all-wheel drive handling, and all-around safety.
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Thailand Motor Expo 2014: 31st Thailand Motor Expo 2014 Kicks Off

Re-invigorating the stagnant Thai automotive industry, Inter-Media Consultant Co., Ltd. has formally opened the doors to the 31st Thailand Motor Expo at the Impact Challenger Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. The show brings the biggest brands and names together showcasing the capability and readiness of Thailand to maintain its status as ASEAN’s main automotive hub.
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Ford Re-Opens Tacloban Dealership

Ford Philippines celebrated the re-opening of Ford Tacloban in Leyte a one year after super typhoon Yolanda struck the Eastern Visayas and destroyed the facility.
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Video: Ferrari California T Driven Around Monaco

Ferrari’s Head of Development test-driver, Raffaele De Simone, gives a thrilling taste of the Ferrari California T’s driving prowess on the challenging streets and roads of the Principality of Monaco. He takes his viewers through the new car’s performance as it tackles the Col de Turini mountain pass, one of the toughest stages on the famous Monte Carlo Rally, the legendary Tunnel and, of course, the Monaco Grand Prix’s famous Loews hairpin.

Video is after the break. Happy Sunday!
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Volkswagen Holds 2nd Leg of Fuel Eco Run

Following the successful first leg last October 21st, Volkswagen Philippines continues its Eco Fun Run together with its partner, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum.
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Volvo Marks 20th Year in the Philippines

Marking its 20th year in the country, Volvo Philippines continues to offer its distinct mark of premium ownership experience to its valued patrons and brand enthusiasts. Established in November 1994 with a clear vision to be an esteemed car brand, it has since then reaped a multitude of rewards and accolades, including the coveted Volvo Diamond Award. Given only in its first full year of operation, this recognition is given to outstanding performance in the areas of vehicle sales, parts and service operations, competitive positioning and customer satisfaction.
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Honda Cars Philippines Updates CR-V for 2015

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines surprises the market once more as they uncover their New CR-V at Enderun Tent, McKinley Hill. The event marks HCPI’s 7th newest offering for the Philippine Market, following the Accord, City, Jazz, Brio, Brio Amaze and the Civic.
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First Drive: 2014 Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4WD

Photos by Ulysses Ang

For Isuzu, a lot is hinging on the success of the all-new mu-X. The mid-sized 7-seater SUV market is the country’s fastest growing segment and yet, their previous effort, the Alterra, barely made a dent in the market. After lessons were learned, they got back to the drawing board and pretty much re-designed, re-engineered, and even re-named their effort. Fast-forward years later and you have five Isuzu mu-Xs parked in a row in the scenic province of Palawan. The mu-X’s first drive just happens to be a road trip in paradise.
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Lexus Manila Launches RC and RCF

Aggressiveness and dynamism blend together into one bold, sensual package as Lexus Manila unveils not one, but two additions to its growing line-up: the RC and RCF. Engineered as a standalone model as opposed to being simply a two-door derivative of an existing sedan model, the RC and RCF have been honed on the world’s most famous race tracks. And now, they are ready to attack the streets of Manila.
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Tata Motors Quezon Avenue Officially Open to the Public

Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. (PTAJ), the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles in the Philippines, continues to expand through its newest dealership to date, Tata Quezon Avenue, on November 21, 2014.
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Michelin Takes 'Fill Up with Air' Safety Campaign to the Philippines

Michelin underscored its Road Safety advocacy with the launch of its Fill Up with Air (FUWA) Safety Campaign on Friday November 21, 2014 at S&R Alabang Open Parking Lot along Alabang-Zapote Road in Alabang, Muntinlupa. An inspection tent setup onsite invited all S&R members to have their vehicles’ tire pressure checked and adjusted for free. The Michelin tire experts also provided more tire safety advices to the participants and an assessment of the tires’ condition.
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X-Men Inspired Kia Sorento to Debut at Australian Open 2015

Kia Motors today announced details of a new collaboration with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment to promote X-Men: Days of Future Past on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD and Kia’s sponsorship of the Australian Open 2015.
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UAAP Basketball MVP Kiefer Ravena Stays with Suzuki

To continue bringing great value and fuel efficient cars to the young and active market, Suzuki Philippines (SPH) recently renewed partnership with UAAP Men’s Basketball MVP Kiefer Ravena as its endorser for the second straight year.
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Subaru XV STI Performance is Finally Here

After being previewed in Malaysia last July, Motor Image Pilipinas, the authorized distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, has announced the arrival of the new Subaru XV STI Performance. It’s the newest addition to the Subaru XV line-up.
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Philippine Car Price Guide: October-November 2014

The much awaited, much delayed Philippine Car Price Guide is finally here. It’s been a good two months since the last update, but you know what they say, patience is a virtue. So sit back, relax, and glance through the most up-to-date Car Price Guide researched by yours truly. Seems you don’t need a back office to do these things!

Here are the new things in this update:

• BMW M135i
• BMW M235i
• BMW M3
• BMW M4
• Ford Escape
• Ford Explorer Sport
• Ford Ranger Wildtrak (price adjustment)
• Honda Brio (price adjustment)
• Honda City (new variants)
• Honda Civic (new variants)
• Honda CR-V (new variants)
• Honda Jazz (price adjustment)
• Hyundai Grand Starex (new variants)
• Lexus RC F
• Mitsubishi Mirage (price adjustment)
• Tata Ace
• Tata Indica
• Tata Indigo
• Tata Xenon (price adjustment)
• Toyota RAV4 (price adjustment)
• Toyota Wigo (price adjustment)
• Volvo S60 (new variant)

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First Ayala Auto Fair Happening on November 26-28 at Ayala Triangle Gardens

This November, three powerful automotive brands come together to bring you the first Ayala Auto Fair organized by Ayala Automotive Holdings Corporation. Taking centerstage at the Ayala Triangle Gardens from November 26-28, Ayala-owned dealers of Honda, Isuzu, and Volkswagen, will showcase some of the best vehicles in the country today.
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Hyundai Sales Up 18 Percent in October

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, saw its sales accelerate to 1,982 units for the month of October, reflecting solid growth of 18% year-on-year. To-date, sales reached a total of 19,675 units for the first 10 months of the year, up by 10% from the same period last year.
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Bikefest 2014 Happening on November 29 at SM MOA Grounds

Harley-Davidson of Manila and Harley Owners Group (HOG) join forces to stage one of the biggest gatherings of premium motorbike enthusiasts in the Philippines: BIKEFEST 2014. A whole day of fun activities will be held at the SM MOA grounds, planetarium parking lot, Pasay City, on the 29th of November 2014, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM the next day.
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BMW Named As Official Premium Mobility Partner for APEC 2015

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, recently forged ties with the Philippine Government to roll out over 200 BMW luxury vehicles to serve as VIP mobility shuttle for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) event to be hosted by the Philippines in 2015. Secretary Albert Del Rosario of the Department of Foreign Affairs, together with Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez, Chairman of ACC, led representatives from the national governement and key officers of ACC to formalize the partnership in a signing ceremony held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.
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Ford Philippines Hosts Opening of Largest Dealership in the Country

Ford Philippines celebrates the continued expansion of its nationwide dealer network with a gala event to mark the opening of Ford Alabang, the biggest Ford dealership in the country.
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Honda Accessories Corner Now Open in Alabang and Global City Dealerships

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, opens additional Honda Accessory Corner business in Honda Cars Alabang (HCAL)  and Honda Cars Global City (HCGC)  with the continuous effort to provide its valued customers an enhanced driving enjoyment and ownership experience.
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Singapore Airlines Offer Exclusive Travel Deals to BMW Owners

There’s more reason to travel in luxury as an exclusive travel promo awaits BMW car owners nationwide. In partnership with Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, the world’s most awarded airline Singapore Airlines (SIA) brings exceptional fares to 16 destinations in three continents.
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UPDATED: 2015 Mitsubishi Strada Unveiled

UPDATE 4: It has officially launched (3/20).

UPDATE 3: Here is the official Philippine brochure. (3/7).

UPDATE 2: More info of the Philippine-spec model via an interview with Mr. Namiki. (2/14).

UPDATE 1: More info, pics of 2015 Mitsubishi Strada/Triton live at the 31st Thailand Motor Expo 2014 (12/1).

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has formally unveiled the all-new Triton (our Strada) in Thailand. It’s the Triton’s first full re-design after nine long years and it’s already on sale in Thailand. It will soon hit other markets, including the Philippines, in 2015.
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All-New Mazda CX-3 is the Urbanite's Crossover

Mazda used the Los Angeles Auto Show to unveil a new addition to its Skyactiv-equipped crossover range: the CX-3. The CX-3 will first launch in Japan in 2015 followed by the rest of the world soon thereafter. Mazda believes it will become a core product in their ever-expanding model range.
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Instant Cars and Motorcycles at Stake in Petron Fast Prize Promo

Loyal Petron customers will have the instant sur-prize of their lives when the oil industry leader rolls out its biggest ever promo, starting from November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015.
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Smash Your Way to the Australian Open 2015 in Kia's Newest Promo

Now on its 4th smashing year, Kia will once again bring one lucky test-drive participant to the Land Down Under to witness world-class tennis action at the Australian Open 2015!
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Volvo Gives Back with 20/20 Platinum Program

Volvo Philippines celebrates its 20th year with a grand gesture as it offers its valued clients and Volvo enthusiasts a myriad of exclusive offers tailored to make their Volvo ownership a more rewarding experience.
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Honda Global City Pioneers Night Service Operations

Honda Cars Global City (HCGC), situated along 28th Street corner 9th Avenue, City Center, Bonifacio Global City, launches its Night Service Program beginning this month of November; extending its service operations to a total of 19 hours.
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Review: 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Hatchback

Photos by Ulysses Ang

About two years ago, I was given the opportunity to drive the Sonic (sedan, hatchback), Chevrolet’s replacement to the solid but otherwise unremarkable Aveo. And while I had a great time loving the delectably designed exterior, premium feeling interior, and the respectably solid driving manners. The experience was without its hiccups, but in the end, you know the General is heading in the right direction with their revitalized sub-compact.
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Get a Free iPhone 6 for Selected Volkswagen Purchases Until December 31, 2014

This season, don’t get caught in traffic while on your way to Christmas gatherings. Navigate your way with Volkswagen and the most anticipated gadget of the year – the iPhone 6.
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Suzuki Swift Sells 4 Million Units Worldwide

One of Suzuki’s most well-loved compact cars, the Suzuki Swift, recently achieved a worldwide sales milestone of four million units since sales started in 2004. Demand remains high for the Swift in various countries where Suzuki operates, including the Philippines.
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All You Need to Know About the 2015 Ford Everest

Editor’s Note: If you want to check out the full launch story, click here. For the ASEAN launch story, click here. Philippine specs, model variants, and prices here.

You’ve seen the all-new 2015 Ford Everest. Now let these handy “cheat sheets” help you out. These series of factoids, produced by Ford serves as a handy chart to see why the Everest is bound to re-write the SUV rulebook when it finally hits Manila and the rest of ASEAN soon. It’s pretty extensive covering its heritage, safety technology, exterior and interior design, and a whole lot more.
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Finali Mondiali Ferrari to be held in Abu Dhabi this December

From December 3 to 6, Abu Dhabi’s spectacular Yas Marina circuit will host the 2014 Finali Mondiali Ferrari, which therefore takes place outside Europe for the first time. The event features four days of excitement and spectacle, of the sort that only Ferrari can provide, aimed at all fans of the Prancing Horse.
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UPDATED: 2015 Ford Everest: This is It

UPDATE 4: See the Philippine specs, models, and prices here (05/19/2015).

UPDATE 3: The ASEAN model has been launched (03/25/2015).

UPDATE 2: We included the fact sheets of the all-new Ford Everest here (11/14/2014).

UPDATE 1: We included the official press release after the break (11/14/2014).

After countless teasing, the all-new production Ford Everest has finally been revealed and it’s undoubtedly going to be the benchmark by which every mid-sized SUV would be measured against. Built from the ground up to be a smart, rugged, and refined SUV, the all-new Everest promises to blend rugged off-road capability with exceptional on-road ride quality and dynamic handling.
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Subaru Palm Challenge 2014: New Winner Crowned After Record 82 Hours and 16 Minutes

The MediaCorp Subaru Challenge 2014 came to a dramatic finish, with the Singaporean 50 year-old catering officer, Mr G. Jaishanker emerging as the champion and setting a new Challenge record time of 82 hours and 16 minutes after the runner up, Ms Analiza Binte Mokhtar dropped out.
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Beyond the Limit: Porsche Tracks the 911 Turbo S and 911 GT3

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Porsche Press

On the moon. At the north pole. In the deepest jungle. There isn’t a place where someone hasn’t already been and opened up new territory, raised the flag, and written history. You can follow their example or leave your own tracks. For Porsche, the answer has always been obvious: it’s in the company DNA to take new routes which question what was once cast in stone. Where others give up, that’s where their engineers begin. The all-new 911 Turbo S and 911 GT3 are testaments to engineering a tradition, a tradition of leaving the beaten path.
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Get a Free Trunk Organizer for All Honda City Purchases Until December 31, 2014

Planning out of town getaways, family reunions, and parties with friends to celebrate this yuletide season made easier as Honda’s best selling sub-compact sedan promise to deliver nothing but unparalleled travelling experience with additional versatility for all your hauling needs. HCPI gears you up before hitting the roads offering a free holiday organizing kit for all Honda City variants until December 31, 2014.  The City holiday organizing package consists of genuine Modulo utility accessories namely trunk tray, trunk drawer, cargo hook and cargo net.
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Kia is Official Transport of TV5's The Amazing Race Philippines Season 2

More surprises from the brand with the Power to Surprise as travel warriors of The Amazing Race Philippines Season 2 are set to take on their Philippine & Asian adventure aboard a Kia Sportage!
The Amazing Race Philippines is the local franchise of the award-winning reality competition of the same name. Since 2001, the show has garnered a worldwide fan base and critical acclaim for its unique challenges, highly-competitive nature, and visual spectacle featuring the world’s finest landmarks.
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The Honda Jazz MUGEN is Here

Last September, Honda Cars Philippines gave us the privilege to drive its concept Jazz 1.5 VX+ MUGEN edition with the caveat that it will be launching the official car in the third quarter of 2014 with a retail price that’s ‘to be announced’. Well, after all the speculation, here it is: the 2014 Honda Jazz MUGEN and it’s all yours for P 908,000.
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Honda Cars Philippines Adds 3 New Variants to Civic Line-Up

Honda Cars Philippines is slowly re-aligning its Civic compact sedan to have more salient features which buyers are increasing looking out for. For the 2015 model year, Honda is bringing the Civic’s total variant range to six in either 1.8- or 2.0-liter displacements. And for the first-time ever (since the FD), it will be available with a 5-speed manual transmission box for the entry-level 1.8 S variant.
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Review: 2014 Toyota Yaris 1.5G

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Whether you like it or not, sub-compact cars are becoming more and more complicated. Once seen as the first rung in the ladder of automotive ownership, today’s small cars are jam-packed with features and technologies which can frankly turn some people off. Voice-activated controls, touch screen audio systems, turbocharged engines, stability control; they are all well and good, but for the Average Joe, having to navigate through all these while trying to acclimatize to driving in Manila can be daunting. What if you just want a no-frills everyday commuter that’s still safe and solidly-built? What if you don’t need any of the extra trimmings and just want to get to the meat of the matter. Well, the Toyota Yaris 1.5G is for you.
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Toyota Reaches Highest Monthly Sales Record in October

The number one car company in the country has reached its highest monthly sales record registering 10,163 units last October. This is the first time any local car brand experienced such performance in terms of vehicle sales. On a year-to-date basis, TMPC has registered a growth of 41.92% vs previous year selling a total of 86,794 units and already surpassing its 2013 sales level.  Likewise, TMPC’s YTD market share of 45.2% for the first 10 months of 2014.
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Experience BMW to the Power of M this November 14-16 at McKinley West

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, once again reinforces BMW’s continued dominance in the premium automotive segment by holding its biggest selling event for the year, the BMW XPO 2014.  From November 14-16, BMW will be hosting an exciting weekend that will allow BMW fans and the general motoring public to experience the best of BMW.
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Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Announces Safety Recall for Lancer EX, Lancer EX Ralliart, Lancer Evolution, ASX, and Outlander

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) recently announced to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that it will conduct a safety recall inspection campaign on the ASX, Outlander, Lancer Evolution and Lancer EX models, as part of the recall campaign earlier announced by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan.
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