Hyundai starts the year 2014 with 13% growth

 

Performance and Drivers

Hyundai Asia Resources, official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, started the year on high gear with an impressive 13% growth year-on-year. Sales last month hit a total of 2,243 units, up from the 1,992 units sold in the same period last year.

The Passenger cars (PC) segment recorded an outstanding 17% growth in sales, soaring to a total of 1,447 units last month against the 1,236 units sold in January 2013.  The PC segment’s kick-start was headed by the resilient segment leader Eon, which grew by a remarkable 232% year-on-year.

Sales in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment experienced a 5% surge to total 796 units from the 756 units sold in January 2013. The rebound of  the LCV front was propelled by the positive gains and timely arrival of Hyundai’s forefront models; Grand Starex, Santa Fe and H-100.

Sales and Economic Outlook

Proving its strong macro fundamentals, the series of natural calamities did not hinder the economy to grow by 7.2% in 2013. The country’s rising macro story continues to be solidified by buoyant investment activities, growing business landscape and robust domestic demand.  The economy’s prevalent strength is expected to carry on in 2014 supported by an anticipated construction boom, sustained influx of remittances and resilient household spending. With the economy’s strong and positive outlook, the automotive industry is seen to cruise another stellar year in 2014 as brisk consumer demand and favourable financing terms will push sales to new record-highs.

Honda kicks off 2014 with the All New Honda Accord

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines successfully launched the 9^th generation Honda Accord at Blue Leaf Filipinas in Pasay City. Introducing in a luxurious fashion, the Honda Accord, offered in 2.4 S and 3.5 SV variants is bound to set the new standard in its segment.

The 9^th generation Accord prides itself of the improved “Honda DNA” of durability, quality and reliability. While maintaining its winning combination of smart packaging and sophisticated styling, the engineers who worked on this Accord, improved on the vehicle’s already impressive fuel economy, fun to drive performance, comfortable ride and cabin quietness  with advanced safety features making it the true value for money vehicle in its class.

“I could not think of anything but to start the year right by introducing Honda’s flagship model. With the launch of the All New Accord, we aim to present nothing but a sedan that excels in all areas that customers expect from this segment from exterior to interior;” said Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, HCPI’s President and General Manager in his executive remarks during the launch.

Brilliantly crafted to deliver a class-leading, luxurious journey, the All New Accord is available in with the following suggested retail prices:

2.4 S (5-speed AT with Paddle Shifters)   Php 1,720,000

3.5 SV (6-speed AT with Paddle Shifters) Php 2,097,000

Get behind the wheel of an Accord now. Visit any of the 30 Honda dealerships nationwide or visit www.hondpahil.com for more details.

Toyota Motor Philippines launches the All New Heart-Pounding Corolla Altis

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) launched the ALL-NEW COROLLA ALTIS.  Now on its11th generation after first hitting the market in 1966, Toyota gives the world’s best-selling car an EXCITING CHANGE that will definitely exceed customer’s expectations. Having sold over 40 million units worldwide, it is clear that customers value the Altis’ reliable, safe and trouble-free characteristics — making it earn a reputation of being a car loved by many. Given that the Corolla Altis is a vehicle that moves with its time, this new-generation model now combines the same trusted features along with an exciting new design elevating it to a top-class level.

The Altis’ newfound cutting-edge exterior is unique versus other vehicles today. Its fresh appearance now emphasizes its wideness boosting its stability while commanding a strong presence on the road. Just like Toyota’s other newly introduced vehicles like the 86 and the RAV4, the Corolla Altis also expresses its signature Underpriority and Keen Look.

The vehicle’s new shape carries an assertive lower grille which ensures aerodynamic and cooling performance. Furthermore, a luxurious feel is also expressed in this sedan as it is the only vehicle in its segment that carries LED headlamps.

Built with bold proportions, the Corolla Altis’ design theme of “Iconic Dynamism” is expressed all throughout in its interior. It is equipped with fine quality *cyber carbon material as you enter its cabin. Every driver would love to be in charge of a vehicle that is armed with optitron meter gauges that radiates dark blue illuminations. Furthermore, the new generation midsize sedan now has bigger legroom by over +92mm compared to the previous model making it even more comfortable for its passengers.

The All New Altis comes in the same reliable 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve DOHC with Dual VVT-I engine which aims to achieve fuel economy, high engine output, and decreased fuel emissions. Furthermore, excellent acceleration performance has been ensured from low to high speeds with its NEW 7-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transaxle) Technology.

The all-new Altis’s exterior comes in seven (7) refined colors:  Super White, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black, Red and Dark Brown. A White Pearl color option is also available for an additional P15, 000.

The all-new Altis is now available in four (4) variants: the 1.6E (P836,000), 1.6G (P935,000), 1.6V (P999,000) and 2.0V (P1,201,000.)

For more information on the all-new Altis, log on the Toyota Motor Philippines official website; www.toyota.com.ph or contact our Customer Assistance Center at 819 2912 or visit any of the 41 authorized Toyota dealer outlets nationwide.

The All-New Ford Ranger Wildtrak Voted as the 2013-2014 Truck of the Year; Additional Wins for the New Ford Fiesta

 

The Car of the Year (COTY) awards has recently concluded with Ford Philippines bagging a total of three awards.

Hosted by the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), the 3.2L all-new Ford Ranger Wildtrak was honored with the Best 4×4 Pick-Up of the Year and proclaimed as the 2013-2014 Truck of the Year.

The all-new Ford Ranger Wildtrak boasts of class-leading power and segment-first smart technologies – offering customers an unmatched packaged, making it a truck with no compromise.

“We are honored to receive this award. It is indeed a proud moment for Ford Philippines. Since the market launch of the all-new Ford Ranger last year, sales of this truck has exceeded our expectations and this recognition is a proof point that our One Ford plan is working to deliver vehicles that people want and value, with industry-leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technology,” said Kay Hart, managing director, Ford Philippines.

In addition, the 1.5L new Ford Fiesta Titanium Sedan was also awarded with the Premium Subcompact of the Year.

“Our new Ford Fiesta continues to push the boundaries of what a small car can do. Since its launch, the new Fiesta has continued to be a favorite among our customers for its overall fun driving experience and value package that offers a vehicle with unmatched combination of quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technologies,” said Hart.

The Honda CR-Z: Best Sports Car for 2013-2014

The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) recently awarded the Honda CR-Z Modulo M/T as  of the Best Sports Car during the 2013-2014 Car of the Year Awards Night held at the Filinvest Tent, Alabang. CAGI is composed of motoring journalists from the broadcast, print and online media who annually conduct qualitative and quantitative tests on participating vehicles.

“We, at Honda, are truly thankful for this recognition and for believing in what the CR-Z can offer,” Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. said. “We would also like to extend our sincerest appreciation to the motoring public for the positive reception you have shown from the start and making us not only the sports car of the year but also the best selling hybrid vehicle in the country” he added.

The letters CR-Z stand for “Compact Renaissance Zero”, which represents Honda’s commitment to go back to the point of origin (zero) to take on the challenge to create a new definition to mobility; successfully balancing sporty and eco. The introduction of the CR-Z shows Honda’s commitment to provide products that the market wants from the brand.

The All New CR-Z uses a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine as the main source of power with an electric motor, Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). The efficient combination of these two enables drivers to have a responsive and exciting driving experience; thus achieving excellent fun-to-drive performance and exceptional fuel efficiency.

The CR-Z is equipped with what is called the “Three-mode Drive System”; this feature lets the driver choose whether the hybrid system will be used for added performance, or for efficiency. With the push of a button, it allows drivers to freely shift to SPORT, NORMAL or ECON modes for different driving style and / or driving situations. The system is able to control the engine’s Drive by Wire, motor assist, CVT shift management, Electric Power Steering and air conditioner, depending on the selected mode.

The Plus-Sport System or S+ Button is another feature that makes the CR-Z unique. This Plus-Sport System uses the charge from the battery to power the electric motor and give an additional boost in power enabling more responsive acceleration to achieve additional fun and excitement while driving.