The search is on for the most fun and memorable family moments with the CR-V. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. recently announced the launch of its My Kind of CR-V Fun photo contest. Open to owners of the 3rd generation CR-V which was introduced in the market back in 2006, My Kind of CR-V Fun photo contest aims to capture how the CR-V has taken part of happy family trips and gatherings – simply suitable to the Filipino lifestyle. With its sophisticated styling, sedan-like ride and comfort, the CR-V is truly the perfect vehicle for any occasion.

Exciting prizes will be given to the lucky winners! The photo that best reflects the theme of the contest wins the Flip Video digital camrecorder. Flip Video offers easy video recording, editing and sharing in an ultra-portable design so that you can capture more of those family memories. Honda premium laptop bags will also be given as consolation prizes to five other lucky senders. Aside from these exciting prizes, the top six (6) photo entries will be printed on Honda’s official magazine, Challenge Magazine and posted on www.hondaphil.com.

To join, simply send in your two pictures enjoying the company of the Honda CR-V. You may submit your entry thru email or thru snail mail. For online entries, email them directly to pr@hondaphil.com. Pictures must be in 300 dpi resolution and 5R size. For mail-in entries, place 5R photos in a sealed brown envelope and send to 8/F Pacific Center Building, # 33 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Capture your family’s kind of CR-V fun and share these unforgettable moments. Deadline for submission of entries is at midnight of December 13, 2009. Please visit www.hondaphil.com for more details.

The Manila Auto Salon, featuring sport trucks, classic cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, crossovers, restyling products and accessories, tires and wheels, bikes and car clubs, will be held Nov. 26-29 at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City.

Three big events are lined up in the four-day affair, including the 14th Custom Car Show, the 14th Sport Truck Show and the third Mobile Electronics and Technology Show.

Aside from the competition events, the Auto Salon also showcases a wide range of car-enhancing accessories, gadgets and gizmos, tires and wheels, and the best mobile electronics.

The Manila Auto Salon 2009 is organized by TradeShow International, Inc., a member of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and PAIA (Philippine Automotive Aftermarket Industry.

The auto show will also feature a Sound Quality with Install (SQI) competition on Nov. 27 and 28 and a world record event on Nov. 29.

Over 120 customized/modified cars, sport utility vehicles and trucks will compete for the plum awards at the 14th edition of the Custom Car Show and Sport Truck Show, and over 30 of the best vehicles with mobile set-ups vying for the IASCA Sound Quality and IdBL events at the third Mobile Electronics and Technology Show.

The other highlights of the event are the Ultimate Tuner Award to be bestowed on the standout performance car; Resto-Mod Display of Classic and Vintage Cars; a Die Cast Scale Model Exhibit, Garage Tech Sessions; Celebrity Interview Sessions; and the hot search for the Manila Auto Salon Race Queens.

The auto show is sponsored by the Solar Auto Club and backed by Advanti Racing, Padi’s Point, Gotcha Paintball Adventure Games, and Lazer Maxx Laser Tag Arena.

The event is also supported by Solar Sports, Stoplight TV, Viva Prime, TV5, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Chinese Commercial News, Daily Tribune, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Bulletin, the Manila Times and The Philippine STAR.

For details, contact TradeShow International, Inc. at tel. Nos. 671-3122 or 671-8381.

Almazora Motors Corporation (AMC) a leading bus body manufacturer and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines collaborate for a viable alternative for the popular public utility vehicle the jeepney. The “BEEP” (Bus-jeep), is a micro sized bus which is suitable for crowded cities such as Metro Manila. It was designed for the primary purpose of modernizing Metro Manila’s public transport.

Inspired by European Gruau Microbus which exemplifies safety, convenience and modernism, the BEEP is designed for use as city passenger service. It has a seating capacity of 26 passengers (seating for 18 including driver and standing for 8). The BEEP body is locally designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors, while the chassis is supplied by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines using brand new FUSO Canter light duty truck which complies fully with Philippine emission and safety regulations.

The BEEP responds as a feasible option to alleviate pollution and also the worsening traffic problem in Metro Manila with its appropriate size and compliance to emission standards. Even our government recognizes that the jeepney is a problem that has defied solution. The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has reported that jeepneys contribute 50% of the pollution in Manila. Also the traffic flow in Metro Manila is worsened by oversized jeepneys with excessive turning radius that usually clog the U-turn slots. Currently the jeepney population as reported by the DOTC is around 400,000 units, 70,000 of which are in Metro Manila.

Accordingly, the general commuting public’s comfort and safety were considered in developing the BEEP. It has high roof and low flooring which makes the interior roomier and accommodate standing passengers easily. Other key features of the BEEP are as follows:

1. The BEEP rides on the Fuso Canter 4-wheeler truck chassis. The engine complies with the current Euro emission standard.
2. Ergonomically-placed steering wheel, shift knob and center instrument panel controls
3. Spacious interior and large door openings that offers passengers ease and comfort.
4. High roof and wrap around clear window styling makes the interior roomier and lessens the blind spots.
5. Functional seating layout with bench type seats, vertical and horizontal grab handles
6. Ceiling mounted air conditioner vents for relaxing ride.

The BEEP is also targeted to the new commuting passengers whom are expected to shift from private to public transportation as fuel costs are expected to become higher in the future. These new group of commuters are anticipated to require public transport that are better than current buses and jeepneys and are willing to pay higher fares for better service.

The initial price of BEEP is around Php 1.6 million. Though it is double the price of a brand new FX unit, the BEEP has double revenue potential since it has more seating capacity. Return of investment is expected to be faster because of higher revenue compared to jeepneys. In addition, since the BEEP utilizes entirely new truck chassis, vehicle financing is also possible thru the banks. Banks normally do not allow financing for even brand new jeepneys since it is backyard assembled and utilizes surplus components.

The BEEP will be available for sale by the end of November. “MMPC aims to fulfill its role as an automotive industry mover in the Philippine economy and society through the introduction of this BEEP” Mr. Masahiko Ueki, President and CEO of MMPC said. “The auto industry should not only care about selling brand new vehicles but also take a lead role in improving the mass transport system. And since no assembler has really pursued to modernize the public transportation, MMPC as a socially responsible automotive company have collaborated with Almazora to come up with a better solution for mass transportation.” Mr. Ueki added.

Auto sales jumped by 12.9 percent to 12,761 units in October from September’s 11,304 units as car owners scramble to replace vehicles damaged by the typhoons, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CAMPI) said.

For the first 10 months, sales went up by 1.3 percent to 106,146 units from 104,757 units a year ago.

“Overall, industry players are optimistic that targets can be achieved barring any major negative developments. Banks have continued to support the industry with availability of financing at lower rates, OFW remittances which are seen to increase during the holiday season will continue to support consumption, and players are offering promotions which make acquisition easier, in time for the holidays,” CAMPI president Elizabeth H. Lee said.

Lee noted that the improvement in sales was also a result of various dealer activities and the on time arrival of stocks.

“The industry is optimistic that it will hit its minimum target of 125,000 units sold for the year. Auto players have aggressively offered a wider product line coupled with low cost financing packages to help buyers purchase their vehicles. The goal was to sustain sales, preventing it from dipping into negative territory,” Lee said.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMC) sold the most number of vehicles from January to October with 36,593 units or 34.5 percent of the market. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp had 17.7 percent of the market or 18,896 units and Honda Cars Philippines with 13.7 percent of the market or 14,534 units.

Passenger car sales went up by 5.8 percent in October from a month ago level. Sales of commercial vehicles on the other hand, carried the growth with a 16.9 percent growth in October sales versus September, selling a total of 8,463 units for the month.

Within the category,  the popular light commercial vehicle segment which is composed of pick up trucks, vans, and c-wagons,  increased by 13.5 percent selling 5,182 units.

LCVs sales remain strong with a growth of 10.7 percent for the 1st 10 months of the year.  Asian Utility Vehicles (AUVs) sold 2,951 units in October with a 22.9 percent increase although year-to-date it still showed a decline of more than nine percent for the year.

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio, Philippine Star

Honda Cars Phils., Inc. expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the general public as it garners recognition for ALL its models during the 2009 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards.

For three years in a row, the Civic has remained the undisputed Compact Sedan of the Year awardee. With its refreshed styling, sporty demeanor and advanced technologies, the Civic is still the top choice of the market today. Continuing the winning streak is the City, being proclaimed as the Subcompact Sedan of the Year. Noted for setting a new standard in its class, the City has upped the ante with class leading technologies that used to be exclusive for higher displacement models. The City neatly merges modernism with practicality for an ultimate driving pleasure.

Meanwhile, the Accord and the CR-V are named runner ups in the midsize sedan and compact SUV categories. Capable of activating and deactivating cylinders only when needed, the Accord V6 with VCM technology combines the comfort of refined and spirited performance with fuel efficiency. Likewise, the CR-V has gained a strong market following as it has carved a name in providing sedan-like ride comfort.

Another highlight of the event is the recognition given by members of the motoring media to the automobile industry. The Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards gives honor to automotive players with high quality products that provide best amenities, safety features and ride comfort. Honda is privileged to receive two Media’s Choice Awards for the Jazz. For two consecutive years, the Jazz has been awarded the Most Fuel Efficient (gas category) and Most Functional Cabin among the nominees.

The Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards is an annual event that empowers the general public to vote for their favorite automobiles in the country. Now on its 5th year, 2009 AFPC winners were determined by tallying the votes generated from online, newspaper, magazine and radio polls. The Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards is a reflection of a vehicle’s market appeal and popularity.

“All these awards would not be possible without the help of our beloved customers, the motoring media and all the car enthusiasts. Thank you very much for your trust and confidence in Honda products. These awards inspire us to further improve our products and services for the better appreciation of the local market.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, HCPI President and General Manager.

Honda invites on everyone to feel the joy of owning an award-winning vehicle. Visit the nearest Honda showroom for a testdrive. For more dealership information, visit www.hondaphil.com.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. recently partnered with its corporate fleet accounts in promoting the importance of fuel efficient driving and in making it a habit. Taking into consideration the number of cars being managed by these accounts, a simple tweak on driving habits makes significant difference in extending fuel mileage.

The increase in CO2 emissions, rapid depletion of fuel supply and threat of global climate change make the need for any form of savings and corrective measures highly essential.

Accordingly, Honda invited 10 fleet accounts and embarked on a fuel efficient driving competition entitled, Honda Challenge Cup to demonstrate practical driving methods under real-world situations. Encouraging everyone to drive every drop, the competition posed various challenges in both city and highway driving conditions using normal, day-to-day driving style and with a running airconditioning system.

Since 1996, Honda has pioneered in the conduction of fuel economy competitions in the industry. Honda has been promoting care for the environment awareness by means of saving fuel consumption and minimizing CO2 emission, even when gas prices were not yet an issue.

There are several techniques that can be applied in optimizing fuel mileage but the most essential of all trickles down to three main aspects: vehicle, fuel and driver.

In achieving greatest impact on fuel economy and clean air, Honda has always targeted the mass-market models. Years of research has led to the development of engines with highly efficient internal combustion system like the i-VTEC, for you to get the most out of every drop of fuel. More than outstanding fuel efficiency, Honda vehicles are also engineered to pass the stringent European Emission Standards. Aimed to regulate the amount of pollution that can be released into the atmosphere, these standards set the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in Europe. The European Emission Standard is also considered one of the strictest in the world. Among local manufacturers, Honda is the only brand that has reached EURO 4 levels for ALL its model line-up, even if Philippine regulations only require EURO 2 compliance. Conformity with EURO 4 standards translates to approximately 55% reduction in carbon monoxide if compared with EURO 2 levels. As early as 2004, Honda has started to introduce models with EURO 4 levels, accumulating to 67,400 units sold. Indeed, driving a Honda does provide a strong sense of social responsibility for a cleaner environment.

Another significant factor in going for the extra mile is the use of high quality fuel. High quality fuel has special formulation that aid better combustion efficiency.

Lastly, the key to a fuel efficient driving is in the hands of the driver — having full control over the machine. One has to have proper driving skills and understanding of the vehicle. Simple tweak on one’s driving habits not only extends fuel mileage but maximizes monetary savings and lessens deposit of harmful pollutants into the environment. Just imagine, if a corporation is maintaining a fleet of 100 cars and each vehicle user gets to save 1 liter of gasoline per day for 20 working days within a month, the company can already save approximately Php 936,000 in fuel charges per year (computed at Php 39 per liter of gasoline). That is how significant a mere liter of savings per day is.

Now is the time for change. Honda takes proactive measure as it calls on everyone to decisive action for the benefit of the generations to come. Get the most out of fuel, DRIVE EVERY DROP and reduce emissions towards a cleaner and healthier future for everyone.

For fuel saving tips and technologies that reduce harmful emissions, kindly visit www.hondaphil.com. Watch out for more updates and upcoming editions of Honda Challenge Cup.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation offers special sales incentives for new vehicle purchases of Typhoon-affected Toyota Customers. The devastating effects of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng have left a lot of vehicles damaged, some beyond repair. To aid flood-affected Toyota customers, TMPC will offer discounts ranging from P25,000 to P62,000 for select Toyota models for purchases made from October 1-31, 2009.

There are two ways to avail of Toyota’s special sales incentive. With the PAY CASH scheme, customers with cash purchases will enjoy special discounts for the Vios, Innova, Yaris, Avanza, Hilux, Altis, Hiace, Fortuner, RAV4 and Camry.

With the PAY LOW scheme purchases made through Toyota Financial Services (TFS) Lease-to-Own scheme will enjoy payment terms from 24 to 60 months, 10 to 30% cash out, and an all-in package including free one-year insurance with Acts of God coverage, LTO registration, and no chattel mortgage. A 90-day payment holiday will also be enjoyed wherein the first monthly amortization will be settled by customers three months after vehicle release.

Toyota’s special typhoon assistance is open to all Toyota customers of typhoon “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” who are interested to replace their flooded vehicles with a brand new Toyota. Only those with vehicles flooded from seat level and above are eligible to participate. This special promo is available at any authorized Toyota Metro Manila and Luzon Dealers only.

“As the country’s biggest automotive company, this is our way of letting our customers know that Toyota will be here every step of the way to help them. We are already offering special discounts for parts and labor for those whose damaged vehicles need repair. But we also understand that there are cases where the damages are beyond repair. This is why we are offering discounts for new vehicle purchases,” expressed Raymond Rodriguez, First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations. TMPC is also offering 40% discount on engine ECU, 20% discount on selected flood-affected parts, and 20% discount on labor.

For more information on Toyota’s special assistance for flood-affected customers, please contact the Toyota Customer Assistance Center (CAC) at 819 2912.

Get ready for some serious auto styling and tuning once again at Asia’s coolest and the Philippine’s largest automotive aftermarket show – the 2009 Manila Auto Salon on November 26-29 at the SMX Convention Center.

Get madly chilled out, styled and tuned because at Manila Auto Salon everything is COOL! Over 120 customized/modified cars, SUVs and trucks will be showcased and competing for the 14th editions of the Custom Car Show and the Sport Truck Show. Over 30 of the best vehicles with mobile set-ups will be competing under the IASCA Sound Quality with Install and IdBL events at the 3rd Mobile Electronics & Technology Show. The country’s best performance cars will vie once again for the Ultimate Tuner Award and the hot search for the Manila Auto Salon Race Queens will finally be on!

Watch out for special event updates on the 4-day, activity-packed styling and tuning show of the year— the 2009 Manila Auto Salon. For participation and sponsorship inquiries, contact TRADESHOW INTERNATIONAL, INC, at 6713122, 6718381-82 or email tradeshow92@yahoo.com, www.manilaautosalon.com.

Tsikot.com and Tsikot.Tv are official media partners of Manila Auto Salon 2009.

Armor All has an exciting challenge for all tsikot.com members. Armor All “Spot That Car Challenge”.

How to Join:

1. The 1st 10 tsikoteers to spot the Armor All car parked somewhere in Metro Manila will receive a gift pack P1000.00 of Armor All products. This challenge is open for Metro Manila-based members only.
2. If you have spotted the Armor All car from the period of October 26-30, take a photo and upload/embed it right away at this tsikot.com forum thread. Your tsikot forum name should come with the photo and your contact number (Mobile phone and landline).   Reminder: don’t reveal where you found the car to keep up the challenge for tsikoteer hunters.
3. Clue of Armor All car location: (Only 1 clue per day)
Oct 26 Clue # 1 – You can find the Armor All car somewhere in Metro Manila where they celebrate the feast of St. John the Baptist- “Wet day”

4. Bonus: 1st tsikoteer to spot and upload/embed the photo of Armor All car (valid entry) will have a chance to meet a celebrity guest and a cover girl of a popular men’s magazine. This special event will be on October 31, Saturday, 3:00 PM and have his car featured at our demo station applying different Armor All products to make it Clean, Shiny and Protected.
5. Come and join the fun and receive your prizes on October 31 at 3:00 PM

Good luck! May the best tsikoteer spotter win!

For more information, please read this thread.

Due to the significant number of flood-damaged vehicles coming in Mitsubishi Motors service centers particularly in Metro Manila and nearby Luzon areas, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has issued a statement explaining delays encountered in repairing these units.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Vice President for Customer Service Department said that “We request for further understanding from our customers regarding the delays in repairing their flood damaged vehicles. Our dealers are doing their best effort to accommodate everyone and all of them are working in full force to avoid inconvenience to our valued customers. Because the volume of repairs has already exceeded our dealer capacity, our dealers are now taking initiative to secure additional space to accommodate these vehicles.”

Mr. Zafra added, “We are always in contact with our principal, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) in order to expedite the delivery of our ordered parts especially for the critical ones.” Critical parts such as electronic control units or ECUs for engine, automatic transmission, airbags and Mitsubishi Electronic Time and Alarm Control System (ETACS) are usually stocked by MMC Japan in very limited quantities. To accommodate all the requirements of flooded vehicles will mean that these ECUs will have to be produced by MMC’s supplier and would usually require a lead time of around 2 to 3 months.

MMPC continuously monitors and assesses dealers to ensure that quality service and satisfaction will always be served to every customer. To further assist affected customers, MMPC has also brought down the total repair costs for these flood-damaged vehicles by providing 40% discount on all ECUs (Engine, Transmission, SRS Airbag, ETACS), 30% for other parts (such as electrical parts, body and engine parts, maintenance parts), and a 20% discount on labor costs.

For more information, you may contact your nearest Mitsubishi dealer or call Mitsubishi’s Customer Service hotline at telephone number 658-0673, or you may also log on to www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ph.