Category: News releases

China’s BAIC partners up with behind-the-scenes giant Magna of North America

Gelzon de la Cruz

After their major win overtaking Nissan and Tesla sales with their all-electric EC hatchbacks, leading Chinese carmaker BAIC partners up with North American giant Magna International to build electric vehicles at a 180,000-unit annual capacity plant in Zhenjian.

Press Statement by BAIC Philippines, “BAIC and silent giant Magna partner up to make electric vehicles in China,” 2018:

Magna International, Inc., the auto-industry’s silent global giant, is partnering up with BAIC to build electric vehicles for and in China, the world’s largest automotive market. Well known only in B2B circles, Magna International of Canada is the world’s largest automotive contract manufacturer, both producing parts for major brands like Detroit’s big three and assembling entire vehicles for marques such as Peugeot and MINI.

Where China has required joint ventures of any foreign company intending to manufacture vehicles in the country, they are now phasing out the requirement in the case of electric vehicles, zero-emissions vehicles that they’ve fast tracked to advance their eco-industrial agenda. But, in spite of this shift that would allow Magna to set up their wholly-owned shop in China, they’ve partnered up with BAIC subsidiary Beijing Electric Vehicle Co. Ltd,.

With a deal already in place to develop an all-electric vehicle for China, the partners now add a second agreement for Magna to take over an existing BAIC production facility in Zhenjian, Jiangsu Province where they intend to roll out new models by 2020. Part of the large facility’s 180,000-vehicle annual capacity will also be used for contract work for other companies.
BAIC Chairman Xu Heyi says, “from a strategic point of view, the establishment of the JV’s will benefit both Magna and BAIC to further strengthen our business growth in China.”

Hino invests further in workforce, breaks ground on new technical training center

Gelzon de la Cruz

Hino Motors Philippines, the country’s second largest truckmaker and the top brand with trademark in-house body-building operations, is investing further in the country’s workforce, breaking ground on a new building to house a technical training center as well as new offices at their expansive grounds in Canlubang, Laguna. The new facility will have 17,990sqm of floor space and will be completed by July next year.

Press Statement by Hino Motors Philippines, “Hino breaks ground for newest building and training center,” 2018:

Laguna, 11 September 2018–Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, has recently broken ground for its new office building and technical training service center in Hino Plant, Canlubang, Laguna.

Besides expanding business operations, Hino’s new facility will be used to strengthen the skill set of the company’s manpower through the technical training service center. Rooted on its commitment to providing Total Support, Hino hopes to provide the best kind of training and preparation for its staff and dealers to enable to handle different situations as truck service providers.

“Hino is always looking for opportunities to improve the quality of products and services that we offer. From launching Euro 4 vehicles and the new truck line to opening new dealerships and continually improving our aftersales program, Hino ensures that we always offer something new and of high value to our customers,” said HMP President Hiroshi Aoki.

Hino Motors, Ltd. President and CEO Yoshio Shimo also graced the groundbreaking ceremony and shared a few words in light of the event with emphasis on communicating Hino as the “trucks and buses that do more”.

As the only one-stop shop in the Philippines for trucks and buses, Hino upholds its vision of creating a more connected community where goods and people reach their destination in the most efficient manner possible.

“All our actions derive from our commitment to provide Total Support to all our partners. By being passionate to serve the Filipino people, we uphold the premium standard Hino is known for globally and across the country,” HMP Chairman Vicente T. Mills, Jr. shared.

The new 17,990-square-meter facility is expected to be completed by July 2019.

Bestselling BAIC electric hatchback beats Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S in first quarter 2018

Gelzon de la Cruz

From China, where energy strategies reach beyond maxing out efficiencies and scrubbing up emissions from gasoline and diesel fuel, comes the BAIC EC electric car that outsold the popular Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S in the first quarter of the year.  Unmistakably an economy model, the BAIC EC hatchback is a fitting leader, harking back to when sub-compacts dominated global markets after the oil crises of the last millennium.

Press Statement by BAIC Philippines, “BAIC overtakes Nissan and Tesla with bestselling electric car for first quarter 2018,” 2018:

The BAIC EC has overtaken the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S as the world’s bestselling purely battery-powered electric vehicle. The first quarter 2018 review completed by industry monitor JATO Dynamics puts BAIC EC sales at 25,360 units, giving the Chinese carmaker a comfortable margin over the Nissan Leaf’s 22,124 units and the Tesla Model S’s 11,450. The numbers depict phenomenal 260 percent growth for the BAIC EC since the first quarter of 2017, as compared to the Nissan Leaf’s 47 percent increase and Tesla Model S’s 6 percent decrease.

The BAIC EC leads the battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) category which, along with hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), as well as extended range electric vehicles (EREV) and fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs), comprise the industry’s alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) segment. In this context, given how electrics represent a major avenue for curbing the world’s fossil fuel consumption and emissions, it seems appropriate that the BAIC EC sub-compact hatchback comes in ahead of the larger and more sporty Nissan Leaf compact hatchback and Tesla Model S premium mid-size sedan.

The base variant of the Tesla Model S has its motor delivering 362hp with 441Nm of torque to attain a top speed of 249km/h. The Nissan Leaf’s powerplant puts out 147hp with 320Nm of torque to push things up to a max of 150km/h. In contrast, and in context, the bestselling BAIC EC is optimized as a city commuter with an efficient 41hp and 140Nm motor keeping things civil with a top speed of 100km/h,

Consequently, these top-ranking BEVs, which represent a good sampling of all models that are currently on offer across markets, also have efficiency numbers that differ widely. Without needing a full picture of the fuel burnt for generating city grid power, a simple scan of battery capacities and vehicle ranges reveal just how divergent these models are in terms of energy efficiency.

The Tesla Model S with a 60kWh battery giving it a range of 335km manages to get 5.6km per kWh of capacity. The Nissan Leaf, its 40kWh battery giving it a 240km range, is more efficient as it gets 6.0km per kWh. But, best of all, the top-selling BAIC EC has its base variant’s 20kWh battery lasting for 156km and managing to deliver 7.7km per kWh.

This year’s first quarter is also when overall AFV sales broke the million-car mark with a total volume of 1.09 million units after a 21 percent increase over numbers from the same period last year. It seems even more appropriate that, behind this historic million-cars milestone for fossil fuel alternatives, the bestselling battery-powered electric vehicle is the BAIC EC, a sub-compact economy model much like the hatchbacks that started overtaking fuel-guzzling land yachts in the 1970’s.

MOMO-equipped team wins hilly 1000km Australian race

Gelzon de la Cruz

In the land down under, in Southeastern Australia, the MOMO-backed Reynolds-Youlden team won the Bathurst 1000 race held on the Mount Panorama racing circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales.  Like the Monaco and Singapore Formula One race courses, the Mount Panorama circuit is a street course.  And, although not an endurance race like the Bathurst 12-hour event (the other race held at the Mount Panorama circuit), the Bathurst 1000 nevertheless pushes both man and machine for 161 laps on a course that has174 meters difference between its lowest and highest points, at its steepest challenging racers with a 1:6.13 uphill grade. 

Mount Panorama Circuit (illustration by Will Pittenger, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Will_Pittenger)

Press Statement by Fuel Autotek Philippines, “MOMO-Backed Team of David Reynolds and Luke Youlden Win Bathurst 1000!” 2017:

The MOMO-equipped Erebus Motorsport duo of David Reynolds and Luke Youlden have won a chaotic and rain-hit 2017 Bathurst 1000.

Luke Youlden (left) and David Reynolds (right) with the Bathurst 1000 Trophy

Starting off the front row, the #9 Commodore was amongst the front-runners all day, proving quick in wet and dry conditions, however it wasn’t until the final laps that it all played to their favour.

Reynolds sat fourth on the final restart with just 16 laps to thecheckeredflag, and capitalized on other’s errors to catapult into the top spot. It was a faultless run from both drivers to the very end of lap 161.

It was much the same for Dale Wood and Chris Pither in the GB Galvanizing Holden, who propelled from position 21 to 4th by the end of the 1000-kilometre marathon.

The pair both dominated proceedings in the wet to sit just outside the top ten with 30 laps to go.

As the sun came out, their pace didn’t stop; the #99 Holden only just missing the podium and eventually crossing the finish in fourth.

The result marks Erebus Motorsport’s best team result, and first win since their switch to Holden over 18 months ago.

An exhausted David Reynolds was elated to close out the biggest victory yet in his racing career, and paid tribute to the Erebus Motorsport team.

“It feels really, really good. As a team we have worked extremely hard over the last year and a half to get to this point, it’s been a massive whirlwind experience. I owe everything to Betty, Barry and Al, it’s not just Luke and I, there’s an entire team of talented people behind us.”

The team at FUEL AUTOTEK, supplier of equipment such as MOMO driver and crew suits, race gloves and the steering wheels fitted to both Erebus VF Commodores, could not be prouder.

“We hope the new owners enjoy David Reynolds’ champagne-soaked bright red MOMO GT Pro race boots” after the Bathurst winner performed his trademark ‘Shoey’ on the top step of the podium and tossed his boots into the crowd. “We are ecstatic to have played a small part in the victory and the celebration!” beamed FUEL AUTOTEK Marketing Manager Scott Crosher.

After a short turnaround this week, David Reynolds and the Erebus Motorsport team will contest the final endurance event of the season, the Vodafone Gold Coast 600, which takes place October 22-29.

The Bathurst 1000 victory marks the second time in 2017 a MOMO-backed team has won a high profile race at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit after the Maranello Motorsport team won the Bathurst 12 Hour earlier this year.

The Isuzu Big Meet: a two decade history writ large in big-boned utilities

Gelzon de la Cruz

Celebrating their second decade this year, Isuzu Philippines organized the biggest meet-up of the marque’s vehicle owner clubs in the country and showcased their phenomenal success in shaping the mindset of Filipino motorists. Car owners came from all over and assembled a museum on wheels, on many wheels, bringing Isuzu’s very first Hi-Lander which evolved into the Crosswind AUV, their Fuego that passed on the torch to the popular D-Max pick-up, and their much-loved Alterra that was succeeded by the Mu-X SUV. They brought Isuzu’s history recorded in robust rolling stock.

Each and every one a utility model, Isuzu Philippines’ retail  offerings through the years have exclusively been light commercial vehicles–discontinued were the classic Gemini (and affiliated GM Holden) sedans that previous distributorships brought here before Isuzu Philippines took the reins for the brand, and for the country. Now, after twenty years of them pushing hard metal utility vehicles instead of conventional passenger models, it’s the market that’s come around to Isuzu’s way of thinking. Note today’s AUV’s and Asian spun MPV’s, those high-riding and sporty pick-up trucks, and, of course, those commonplace any-road SUV’s.

<Source> Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines, “Isuzu PH successfully holds biggest meet up for customers,” 2017:

Celebrating two decades of success in the business is not easy. The learnings, perseverance, and challenges, are some of the fundamentals on how to achieve sustainable growth in the company.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), recently celebrated two decades of success following the gathering of its biggest event for their recognized Isuzu clubs; Team Isuzu Pilipinas, Team Isuzu Car Enthusiast and mu-X Owners Philippines.

Dubbed as “Isuzu Big Meet,” the event, which was held at Megatent in Libis, Quezon City, was made to promote camaraderie between Isuzu vehicle owners, as well as recording the biggest gathering of Isuzu club members in one place.

Isuzu marketing executives together with the winners of the Isuzu Big Meet show

More than 300 Isuzu owners with their vehicles joined the grand meet, which displayed Isuzu’s current light commercial vehicle line-up, namely the Crosswind AUV, D-MAX pick-up and mu-X SUV, alongside its iconic models like the Hi-Lander, Fuego pick-up and Alterra.

To make event more exciting, IPC held its first car show for stock and modified Isuzu vehicles. Open for all clubs are categories such as Best AUV, Best Pick-up, and Best SUV. Meanwhile for the modified categories, Isuzu clubs competed on Best Engine Set-up, Best Sound/Entertainment System Set-up, and Best 4×4 Vehicle Set-up.

Judged by IPC executives and members of the motoring media, champions emerged from each club; Victor Candelaria (Best AUV), Dr. Roman Remo (Best Pick-up), JT Lerma (Best SUV), Ivan De Castro (Best Engine Set-up), Deni Von Amatorio (Best Sound/Entertainment) and Vic Makimkim (Best 4×4 Set-up). Each of them received cash prize, trophy, and premium Isuzu merchandise; as well as cash prizes and premium merchandise to the first and second runner-up winners.

Moreover, the owners of the Oldest Isuzu Model and the Highest KM Mileage in attendance, were also given recognition and prizes, Oldest Model awards was given to Alex Cabungal for his 1976 Gemini. Chito Villanueva from Team Isuzu Pilipinas took the highest mileage award for recording 998,628 kilometers on his Isuzu Hi-Lander.

Part of the giving thanks to its loyal customers, IPC provided an exclusive 20-percent discount to all event participants applicable to all Isuzu merchandise, parts and accessories displayed during the event.

The afternoon session was filled with fun games like the burger and hotdog eating contest participated by all clubs, and band entertainment by IPC Band, Pub Forties and PUPIL.

IPC President Hajime Koso expressed his elation over the success of the program, saying that the event is a true testament on the reliability and trustworthiness of the brand with Filipinos motorists.

“We are thankful for the trust that you have continually showed us over the course of the years. We value this partnership and rest assured that we will continue to provide utmost quality and topnotch service every time you would seek our service,” Koso said. “Just like car clubs, we want everyone to join hands and be united not just on meets, but also on the road,” he added.

Touchdown: Tata Trucks

Gelzon de la Cruz

Tata trucks are now here in earnest after the official launch of their entire, expanded and extensive line-up of 15 haulers featuring trucks from sub- to 60-tonners, and including medium and full-sized buses.   Signalling the new standing of Tata Motors Philippines as a fully commissioned distributor of the global brand’s commercial vehicles as well as their passenger vehicles, the pivot to trucks and buses comes three years after the brand’s introduction to the Philippine market in 2014.

Press Statement by Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc., “Tata Motors strengthens presence in Philippines with the launch of its range of commercial vehicles,” 2017:

Manila, 25 July 25 2017—Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer and among the top ten globally, today launched a range of commercial vehicles in Philippines. The company is making headway in the Philippines market through a distribution agreement with local partners Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc., an important business conglomerate engaged in the local distribution of motor vehicles.  Through this partnership, Tata Motors will commence the supply of its commercial vehicle brands – the Tata Prima Range of Tractor Trailers and Tippers, the LPT range of Light, Medium and Heavy Trucks, SFC 407, and the Mini Trucks range of Ace and Super Ace.

Besides Philippines, Tata Motors commercial vehicles are present across several South-East Asian markets including Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand with manufacturing facilities in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Rudrarup Maitra, Head (International Business), Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors said, “Philippines is one of our key markets in South-East Asia and we are delighted to be a part of one of the fastest growing ASEAN nations. With years of experience in the commercial vehicle business, Tata Motors has analyzed and understood our customers well and are dedicated to providing them with best-in-class products and services. We are confident that through our trusted partnership with Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc., we will be successful in establishing a long-term relationship with our customers.”

Mr. Jon Fernandez, Jr., President of Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc., said, “We, at Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc., are proud to partner with Tata Motors to offer customers with sturdy and reliable vehicles. We are looking forward to this new opportunity and are committed to catering to the commercial vehicle market with India’s largest and most trusted automobile brand here in the Philippines. We will closely work with Tata Motors to ensure customers here get the finest vehicles and services, that not only match their requirements but also their business needs.”

Tata Motors entered the Philippines market in 2014 with cars and small commercial vehicles. The low cost of ownership and availability of Diesel vehicles appealed to this market.

BAIC Philippines opens flagship showroom after building nationwide network of sellers and servicers

Gelzon de la Cruz

Now almost three years in the country, BAIC Philippines finally opens their flagship showroom after first focusing on fundamentals and having already established a network of dealerships and service centers nationwide. And, after the market’s positive response to their bargain priced utility vehicles, they now also launch a new line of light trucks, among which is the Freedom mini-truck that’s remarkably suited to the role of family workhorse.

Press Statement by BAIC Philippines, “BAIC Philippines opens flagship showroom, launches light truck models,” 2017:

BAIC Philippines formally opened their flagship showroom in Makati City last July 14 and made the new facilities the backdrop for the official unveiling of their new Bayanihan H5 light truck and Freedom compact truck models. The flagship showroom in a new, purpose-built building now speaks of BAIC Philippines’ continued commitment to this market, while the new Bayanihan H5 and Freedom trucks show their intent to keep providing up-to-date, affordable and versatile vehicles to Philippine customers.

Flagship to a fleet of showrooms and service centers

The inauguration of the flagship facilities comes with the automotive brand already having 8 dealers and 22 accredited service centers in Luzon, Visayas and in Mindanao.  A division of Universal Motors Corporation (UMC), BAIC’s Philippine distributor Bayan Automotive Industries Corporation (Bayan Auto) was launched almost three years ago at the 2014 Philippine International Motor Show.

Ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Mr. George Chua, president and CEO of BAIC Philippines, and Dr. Haiyang Dong, president and CEO of BAIC International Development Co., Ltd..

The new showroom stands in the country’s premier business district at 2232 Don Chino Roces Avenue in Makati City. The two-storey building has 1,200 square meters of floor-space featuring a 12-vehicle street-front showroom, a plush customer lounge, multiple sales offices, an after-sales services reception area, and the executive suites.  Well attended by business partners, customers, members of the motoring press, and by BAIC global brand dignitaries, the inauguration was officiated by Mr. George Chua, president and CEO of BAIC Philippines, and was graced with the participation of Dr. Haiyang Dong, president and CEO of BAIC International Development Co., Ltd..

The event was a milestone in many ways with Mr. Chua saying, “close to 3 years ago when we first introduced the BAIC Brand in the Philippines … we were confident that with the long and strong history of UMC and partnership with the dynamic and global outlook of BAIC, failure was not an option.”  Adding to the significance of the occasion, Dr. Dong revealed that, “the Philippines is a key market and a potential hub to service the ASEAN market.”

Mindful focus on Euro 4, lowest taxed haulers

“Establishing a new brand is indeed a challenge and doing so in a highly competitive market like the Philippines requires more than experience, financial resources and luck,” says Mr. Chua. “We realize that for us to succeed we must have the right product at the right price.”

Bayanihan H5 cab and chassis

Citing the county’s clean air act which mandates January 1, 2018 as the deadline for all new vehicles to be Euro 4 compliant, and the tax reform program that calls for a significant increase in vehicle excise taxes, Mr. Chua observed that these make “ownership of new vehicles more difficult and possibly out-of-reach for many of our countrymen.”

With these compelling factors in mind, BAIC Philippines has officially launched their Bayanihan H5 cab and chassis and Freedom compact truck, both with SRPs that put these squarely in the lowest taxed tier of the new vehicle excise tax structure.  The Bayanihan H5 is the only model in the light truck category that offers a ton-and-a-half of payload on a roomy 10-foot rear deck and is powered by an up-to-date Euro 4 compliant turbodiesel.  The Bayanihan H5 lists at P598,000 in basic cab-and-chassis form with built up variants that will feature dropside flatbed, aluminum van and passenger rear bodies—the last, also with an option for dual-type air-conditioning.

Double-cab Freedom compact truck

Completing BAIC Philippines’ small hauler line-up is the new Freedom offered in pickup truck layouts with a dropside flatbed cargo bed in back and either a single- or double-cab up front.  SRP for the single-cab variant is P458,000, the double-cab’s is P488,000. With its Euro 4 compliant 94hp and 115Nm 1.4L gasoline engine, and almost a ton of payload, the Freedom offers surprisingly mainstream capabilities yet at competitive prices. And the double-cab variant in itself is a rare enough offering in the light truck category, at least as far as new vehicles are concerned.  In Mr. Chua’s estimation, these features put together make the Freedom, “the affordable, smart man’s pickup!”

More to come from BAIC

Mr. Chua reveals that, in addition to the Bayanihan H5 light truck and Freedom compact truck, BAIC Philippines is looking to introduce a new model among their MPV offerings.  Although other details are still under wraps, Mr. Chua says the distinction of the new multi-purpose-vehicle vis-a-vis their popular M20 MPV will be an automatic gearbox for driving convenience in the country’s notorious traffic jams.

A year in sees the Ciaz hitting its feisty groove

Gelzon de la Cruz

It’s easy to see where Suzuki Philippines is coming from, now portraying the Ciaz as the road-warrior’s perfect mount, for city-slicker and country-bumpkin alike. The Ciaz’s dimensions bump up against the very edge, pushing that “sub-compact” form and comfort to the max. The early-torquing 1.4L petrol engine can be short-shifted up to reach its fuel saving 4th gear at 40km/h and up to 5th at just 50km/h. And its best-in-class wheelbase keeps things stable in turns and on straightaways while its tall stance lets it float above rough road hazards common in the city as well as in the countryside.

We called it more than a year ago, how the Ciaz is herself a fighter: “If Suzuki’s competitors don’t pay attention, the Ciaz’s pitch could be as frictionless as its aerodynamic body, slipping in and hitting the spots where the competition have left themselves exposed with design, engineering and business choices that are off the mark in today’s complex market.”

Press Statement by Suzuki Philippines, Inc., “Ciaz, Perfect for the Road Warrior,” 2017:

Today’s dynamic work environment demands more than sharp wit. To be at the top of the game, professionals need to be able to squeeze as much as they can in an eight-hour workday. This means scuttling to and from meetings, corporate events and office errands while still having some time for lunch dates and personal obligations.

Determined to help young professionals keep up with their fast-paced lifestyle, pioneer compact car manufacturer Suzuki Philippines has rolled out the Ciaz, a subcompact sedan that delivers fuel efficiency and a smooth driving experience for today’s road warriors.

Driven to deliver

The worsening traffic congestion in Metro Manila is making driving a daily challenge. With more vehicles plying the streets every day and road constructions and floodings added to the equation, getting to one’s destination on time is no mean feat.

The Ciaz, powered by best-in-class fuel efficiency and advanced features, is most suitable for city driving, braving the traffic and moving around cramped areas. With its superior engine performance that does not compromise the environment, millennials will sure look forward to riding this chic sedan!

A joy to drive

Reflecting elegance with a sporty touch, the multi-awarded car model is designed with redefined interiors tailored to today’s younger generation. The Ciaz boasts a roomy comfortable cabin and advanced features, including an integrated multimedia unit with an Android touchscreen. The GLX variant has audio and handsfree connectivity in the steering wheel and keyless push start system.

Available in three variants – the GL Manual Transmission, GL Automatic Transmission and the premium GLX – the Ciaz has grabbed considerable market share since its release in the first quarter of 2016. It won Best in Fuel Rating under the Sedan-Gasoline Category at the Department of Energy’s Euro Fuel Eco Run, Best Subcompact Car for the Car of the Year Awards by the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) and Best in Value for Money at the Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards under the Compact Sedan category.

For more information on the Suzuki Ciaz, visit http://suzuki.com.ph/auto/, like it on https://twitter.com/SuzukiAutoPH and follow on Instagram at @suzukiautoph

At MIAS 2017, Car Awards Group kicks off year’s search for best cars, trucks and now also motorcycles

Gelzon de la Cruz

The Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) kicked off their official calendar at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) held last week with the launch of their Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) and Truck of the Year Philippines (TOTY-P) awards categories for 2017.  Coming after reports of last year’s record setting growth for the Philippines’ automotive as well as motorcycle markets, CAGI also announced the maiden season of the Motorcycle of the Year Philippines (MOTY-P) competition, the awards group finally rolling out counterpart awards categories for two-wheeled motor vehicles.

Press Statement by Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), “Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) Kick starts a Packed 2017 Season,” 2017:

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – To start the ball rolling for the new 2017 season, the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) held their momentous launch events at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City last March 31, 2017.

With the continuous vision of keeping the Filipino consumer informed of the best cars for sale in the market, CAGI not only kick started the rigorous search for the best vehicles contending in the Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) and Truck of the Year Philippines (TOTY-P) awards, but also opened the doors to the world of two-wheelers with the inauguration of the Motorcycle of the Year Philippines (MOTY-P).

The 2016 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) winner, the Honda Civic RS Turbo and the 2016 Truck of the Year Philippines (TOTY-P) Isuzu D-Max are displayed at the entrance of the Manila International Auto Show.

“By welcoming new blood into our fold, the organization is expandingits reach, and tapping into the expertise of the motorcycle media to adapt our successful model,” said CAGI president Ronald de los Reyes during a speech.

“We believe that it’s about time that we also give due recognition to our fellow two-wheeled contemporaries on the road,” he added.

(L-R) Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) Treasurer, Novelyn Quiamco; CAGI Vice President External, Andy Rodriguez; KPMG partner Jefree Tapia; CAGI President, Ronald de los Reyes; DPWH undersecretary, Atty. Karen Jimeno; Worldbex Services International Chairman, Joseph Ang; Carmudi Philippines Managing Director, Abishek Mohan; Carmudi Philippines Marketing Manager, Kris Lim, CAGI Techinical Director Mariano Tamayo and CAGI Vice President Internal, Joel Quinto are all set for this year’s CAGI season.

Special guests representing various sectors of government graced the launching ceremonies, such as Department of Tourism assistant secretary Inaki Jose and Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Atty. Karen Jimeno.

“The state of our country’s infrastructure affects our car preferences,” Jimeno mentioned in her speech as she related the event to current local issues.

Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) is in synergy with the local motorcycle media to make the first-ever Motorcycle of the Year Philippines (MOTY-P) a reality.

Since 2004, CAGI prides itself of holding annual test fests, where all vehicle entries go through a strict process of classification and sorting, before they are subjected to qualitative (consumer) and quantitative (performance) testing. Qualitative testing uses predetermined consumer metrics like the ride, fit, and feel, while quantitative testing uses GPS-based hardware to measure handling, braking and acceleration. Each year, winners for each category are announced, and from that winning pool emerges the year’s COTY-P, TOTY-P and this time, the MOTY-P.

“We expect more than a 100 motor vehicles consisting of cars, pickups and motorcycles to be tested this season,” de los Reyes shared.

The Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) is comprised of members from various outlets in print, broadcasting and digital media

Aside from the official launch in MIAS, the usual Test Fest in September and October; and the awards night in November, this year’s season will include various dealer talks in April and May, test demonstrations in June and July, and the television special in December—thus further adding more excitement to the jam-packed season.

For the third straight year, www.Carmudi.com.ph presents this endeavor while internationally respected auditing firm KPMG is once again on-board as partner. The latter will be in-charge of all the data handling during the testing process, which consists of data gathering, tabulation, and up to the final audit and release of the official results.

CAGI is working together with KPMG, represented by its vice chairman on advisory Henry D. Antonio (center) and assistant manager on risk management Cedie Dimaculangan (2nd from left)

Car Awards Group, Inc. is a non-profit/ non-stock organization composed of motoring journalists from: Business Mirror, Cebu Daily News, Daily Tribune, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, The Manila Times, Bulgar, Abante Tonite, Mindanao Daily News, AQ Magazine, Autocar.Ph, C! Magazine, Motorcycle Magazine, Power Wheels Magazine, Top Gear Philippines,2nerMagazine.com, Carmudi Magazine, Motortech.ph, Iginition.ph, Interaksyon.com,Kotse.com, ManilaSpeak.com, MotionCars.com, Ride and Drive Phils., SprocketPh.com,TessDrive.com,TimeAttackManila.com, Yugatech.com, DZMM, Inside Motoring on DZRJ 810 AM, Mellow 94.7, Motoring sa DZME, The Motoring Page on Mellow 94.7 FM, ABS-CBN, Auto Review, Spotlight TV. Media partners supporting us are: Jamesdeakin.ph, Turbo Zone, Ride Philippines, Real World Drive, Wheels & Gears, Turban Rider, Motorsiklo Xklusibo, Wheels Philippines, JAP Media, Lifestyle on Wheels, Makina, and Speed Magazine.

Momo tires officially launched at MIAS 2017

Gelzon de la Cruz

It takes an international event to give proper venue to the official launch of the Momo brand, back in the country this time on mid-premium performance tires.  At the ongoing Manila International Auto Show, exclusive distributor Fuel Autotek Philippines, affiliate of the multinational Australian tire provider, has officially announced its presence here, the Philippines for them being a key market in the ASEAN region. Adding to the Momo brand and its deep history in international motorsports and the local street scene from before the turn of the century, Fuel Autotek completes their offering with Deestone tires from Thailand, trusted rubber for an even wider set of applications.  

Press Statement by Fuel Autotek Philippines, “Fuel Autotek officially forays into the Philippine Tire Market at the Manila International Auto Show 2017,” 2017:

Launches Fuel Autotek Sales Inc. as a Multinational Australian Tire Distributor in the country.

Launches MOMO Tires from Italy and Deestone Tires of Thailand at the Manila International Auto Show

Manila, 30 March 2017–Fuel Autotek Philippines, also known as Fuel Autotek Sales Inc., today officially launched and formally announced its entry into the Philippine tire market at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), 2017, held at the World trade Centre. The company has commenced its business in the Philippines with the distribution and importation of tire products from its two main brands, MOMO Tires from Italy and Deestone Tires of Thailand.

The MOMO Tires, leveraging on the brand’s 50 year motorsport heritage and expertise, proudly showcased its full line-up which consists of its summer range, lead by the flagship Top Run M30 high performance Run Flat Tire. Next are the MOMO Outrun M1, M2 & M3 passenger car radials with an asymmetrical tread design which is engineered for high performance and excellent driving comfort. Also in the line-up is the MOMO A-Lusion M9 high performance SUV tire and MOMO Mendex M7 light truck tire.

Deestone Tires from Thailand had a broader range of tires on display at the Fuel Autotek pavilion, starting from its new models, the Premium Tourer RA01 passenger car comfort tire and the Expedite R801E high performance passenger car tire. Additional highlights were Deestone’s Vincente and Carrera S high performance passenger car tires; Nakara passenger car tires, Payak SUV All Terrain & highway tires, and its Kacha light truck radials. Displayed and mounted on a Land Rover Defender were Deestone’s Mud Clawer, mud terrain tires, perfect for off-road enthusiasts and SUV owners alike. Also located at the Deestone section, were its Truck and Bus radials which are also being offered in the market.

Mr. Richard Crosher, CEO & Chairman of the Board, Fuel Autotek, said, the Philippines is one of the key markets for our company in the ASEAN Region. With our full range of tire products, we have embarked on a journey with a commitment to excite and ignite the passion of Filipino motoring community.

The Fuel Autotek – MOMO Tires Italy exclusive distributorship will bring premium branded tires with a competitive value price point, into the tire replacement market for the passenger car radial range. While Deestone Tires from Thailand, will strategically cater to the competitively priced, full spectrum of tire product requirements needed by the everyday motorist. It will also supply to the bustling trucking or hauling fleet of the transportation and logistics industry, with the demanding tire durability standards of the agricultural, industrial and construction sectors in the country.

Other brands carried by Fuel Autotek PH are: Roadwing truck and bus tires from China – distributed nationwide & the Kaizen truck and bus tires from India – distributed in the Visayas and Mindanao region.

For more information, please contact:
FRANZ KEVIN C. BUENASEDA
Marketing Manager
Fuel Autotek Sales Inc.
Tel. no. + 63 (2) 779 6540
Cell. no. 0917 835 7088