Autocar Philippines – Wheels August 2024

Woking Shuns Electrification And Aims For Lightness And Purity With 720S Replacement

ADVERTORIALS

ROAD TRIP

Neil Pagulayan

It’s ubelievable how fast time flew this year, I guess with so many things going on, we’ve been too busy to notice the days going by. Lets jump right into it shall we?

Another packed issue for August, and in Fresh Off The Boat, our new cars for this month includes the Mitsubishi Xforce, the Subaru Outback XT, the Zeekr 001 and ZeekrX and Hyundai’s Hybrid Tucson and Sta Fe.

Oh yeah, we’ve cooked up something for those of you who are always online, our editorial team and video production team will come out with a road trip series and that’s all I can tell you about it so far, and that we could possibly be driving through your town!

On top of industry news, we take a deep dive into the Mclaren 750S as our main feature in this issue.

We feature two road trips in this issue, we had the opportunity to drive the Mitsubishi XForce to Tarlac and La Union right before its public launch …and got to play rough with it. Our newest contributor Randy Peregrino drove to Taal Batangas in Kia’s recently launched offering, the Sonet.

Are you ready for the Ber months and what it brings? We’re not even thinking that far ahead as each week in the local auto industry is going to keep us working leading up to the end of this year. Tiring? Quite. Exciting? Very.

Enjoy!

Binky P.

The 0 akar is taking shape with the si th edition in a di rabia to be held from an ary to on a co rse stretching from isha to h baytah.

The th edition was presented by avid astera, ally akar vent irector, a respected akar motorcycle rider, co driver and organi er of different sporting events, to almost 00 g ests who descended on the es omes ff oad Track near arcelona, pain. fter the presentation, the akar To r reach o t to rally raid enth siasts in o th frica, taly, rgentina, e ico, the ech ep blic and the Netherlands. eat red for a ret rn is the 8 hrono, a traditional marathon stage and a three day advent re in the mpty arter, where the race will come to an end.

The akar organi ers have p t every effort in cleverness finding separate co rses for at least five specials and design m ltiple looped stages.

long stage divided between two days in which the competitors have to spend the night in one of several bare boned bivo acs scattered across the desert was appreciated by racers and televiewers alike, adding p to the drama and chaos among the contenders is the main concept of the 8 hrono.

The same idea with some modifications will be challenged for the 0 edition, with 9 0 m. already plotted, 0 m. more from last year, on more varied terrain

alternating fast and technical sections where there will be plenty of opport nities to open p a gap, and not st in the d nes, for all crews.

ive stages of the 0 edition will be on separate co rses to red ce overtaking by cars on motorbikes and a gmenting safety. This p ts car crews at the front of the field and lets them navigate witho t the benefit of the motorcycle riders’ tracks. These special stages are to begin before the break of dawn to ens re the special stages take place d ring the day and limit late arrivals at the bivo ac.

Tr cks will have their own separate co rse in one of the stages held thr the gateway to the vast desert of the mpty arter to h baytah in the ast.

New generations of “vintage” vehicles will also oin the scene of the akar lassic, fo r years r nning, for this reg larity rally in

pecial tages. esides vehicles from the early years of the aris akar events and into the late 80’s and 90’s, competition will be open to cars and tr cks omologated between 000 and 00 . pected in the entry list is the its bishi a ero that t phane eterhansel drove in his first victory in the car category in 00 , and the owler in which erlain hicherit and athie a mel made in their first appearance back in 00 . N 000, a akar t re rogram, will provide a test ro te for some alternative energy vehicle man fact rers for more than ten vehicles to p t their c tting edge alternative technologies f lly electric, f lly hydrogen powered and hybrid technology to the test in the landscapes and stages of the akar, tackling distances s itable for their c rrent potential every day drive.

EDITORIAL TEAM

IRA V. PANGANIBAN Editor-in-Chief

EDGAR QUESADA Associate Editor

NEIL PAGULAYAN Executive Editor

BINKY SIDDAYAO Technical Editor

OLSON CAMACHO Off Road Editor

RAPHAEL SORIANO Editor

MATT PRIOR | KRIS LIM | BINKY SIDDAYAO Columnists

JOHN REY SAN DIEGO Staff Writer

WILLIAM HERRERA | LUIS GERONA | RANDY PEREGRINO Contributors

ANJO PEREZ Senior Photographer

BONG BOADO | KEITH MARK DADOR | LOUIE CAMACHO

MARK QUESADA | ALAN RANCH SEVILLA | RANDOLPH DE LEON

ARNOLD RIODEQUE | BOBS JEROME | MEMERT MONTELOYOLA Photographers

RAYMUND RAVANERA Graphic Designer

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING SALES

DANG DORIA Sales And Marketing Manager

CORPORATE TEAM

Chairman of the Board GEORGE APACIBLE

President IRA V. PANGANIBAN

Vice President RONALDO TRINIDAD

Secretary OLSON CAMACHO

Treasurer EDGAR QUESADA

Administrative Head KAITE S. BELGICA

EDITORIAL TEAM

Editor-in-Chief – Anjo Perez

Contributors – Rica Sison, Joseph Bautista, Lara Camacho

William Herrera, Neil Pagulayan

Photographer – Mark Quesada

Staff Writer – John Rey San Diego

Graphic Designer – Raymund Ravanera

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New Cars Editor Rory White

Managing Director David Prasher

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Chief Executive Kevin Costello

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Batangas Racing Circuit

FRESH OUT THE BOX

Fearless August Launches

Aside from monsoons, August has been dreaded by local businesses for being the “ghost month.” Despite that, new car models have entered the Philippine auto market to embrace the ghost month and cater Filipino car buyers.

JOHN REY SAN DIEGO

Mitsubishi XFORCE

First seen as a concept car model during Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation’s 60th anniversary celebration, a year ago, the Mitsubishi XFORCE has now been officially launched in the country as the brand’s newest production compact SUV model. Set to pit among the highly competitive segment in the automotive market, the XFORCE is deemed to shake up excitement in the compact SUV race.

The XFORCE features a highly aggressive exterior styling courtesy of the brand’s latest generation dynamic shield design language. One of the most notable design features of the XFORCE are its T-shaped LED headlights and tail lights which further the compact SUV’s dynamic

styling.

Powering the all-new Mitsubishi compact SUV is a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter MIVEC gasoline engine that promises fuel efficiency combined with power. This four-cylinder mill is mated to a CVT system which drives the two front wheels.

One of the highlights of the Mitsubishi XFORCE is its in-car sound system that is a product of the collaboration between Mitsubishi Motors and Yamaha, the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system. The XFORCE features an eightspeaker system that has been expertly tuned by Yamaha Sound Meisters to deliver an in-depth and immersive experience in every drive. The Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system comes in sound types of Signature, Lively, Powerful, and Relaxing.

Subaru Outback XT

The rally-bred premium Japanese brand has introduced the latest iteration of its SUV model, the 2025 Subaru Outback XT. For its exterior bits, the Outback XT features a tough front grill, sleek LED headlights, and a subtly sculpted hood that seamlessly adds appeal to its front fascia. It also boasts 213 mm of ground clearance, black cladding on all four corners and around the body, and a set of roof rails, all of which emphasize the adventure-ready attribute of the Subaru SUV.

Contrary to its rugged-ready exterior design, inside, the Outback XT features spacious and comfy interior which makes it an ideal companion on long drives. As for its interior’s centerpiece, the Outback XT comes with a 11.6-inch infotainment system that is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Top variants even couple this big touchscreen infotainment with a Harman Kardon audio system.

Powering the Outback XT is the

powerful 2.4-liter Boxer engine that is rated to output 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This horizontally opposed four banger is mated to a Lineartronic CVT system which constitutes smoother drives. Like many Subarus, the Outback XT comes with a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system

that has been further enhanced with the accompaniment of the X-MODE, which gives different drive modes fit for various terrains or situations. As for safety, the Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard to the Outback XT which ups the SUVs value offering.

Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X

One of the biggest launches in the previous month is the official Philippine entry of Zeekr. Brought in by the automotive industry powerhouse, Autohub Group, Zeekr entered the local automotive market with two brand launch models, the Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X. Setting it apart from the increasing number of EV brands in the country, Zeekr has been best known for its rapid charging capabilities as well as safety features.

It is also notable how luxurious both Zeekr models are designed, especially their interiors. Zeekr models feature the latest digital cockpit technology combined with premium materials which create a luxurious cabin that features comfort as well as function.

With prices that start at P2,600,000, the segment in the local market that Zeekr is targeting is most likely the ones that value safety above all else. Well, both the Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X models have earned fivestar ratings from the European New Car Assessment Program.

Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson Hybrid

Riding its momentum, Hyundai Motor Philippines has further fortified its lineup by officially launching the hybrid electric variants of its SUV lineup, Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Tucson. The brand now has complete drivetrain offerings of internal-combustion engine (ICE) powered models, full electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

The electrified SUV Hyundai lineup was ushered into the Philippine market by the brand’s celebrity ambassador, Paulo Avelino. The launch also served as the public preview of the two new models that were showcased at the Alabang Town Center for an entire weekend.

Both models are powered by the Smartstream 1.6-liter Turbocharged HEV engine that is rated to output 235 ps and 367 Nm of torque. The Santa FE Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid are equipped with e-Dynamic Drive which features electricpowered Handling, Traction, Evasive Handling Assist, and Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control.

The two new Hyundai SUV additions are also equipped with Smart Regenerative Braking System which charges up the hybrid system battery during deceleration that automatically adjusts based on driving conditions for fuel-efficient driving.

Aside from fuel efficiency, the Santa FE Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid also boast safety thanks to the Hyundai SmartSense, the brand’s suite of driving assist safety features, which comes standard on both models.

The Chinese automotive segment in the Philippines has been growing at an exponential rate with about a dozen brands actively competing in the market today. The battle for automobile supremacy has never been this high and one of the main players is CHANGAN Auto.

Changan Auto is a prominent automobile manufacturer in China and has been making significant strides in the global automotive market. In the Philippines, focusing on

innovation, quality, and affordability, Changan has introduced a range of vehicles that cater to the diverse needs of Filipino car buyers.

Changan offers a variety of models designed to provide a balance of style, performance, and advanced technology. Growing its brand in the country, Changan aims to establish itself as a reliable and value-driven choice for Filipino consumers seeking modern and capable vehicles.

CHANGAN AUTO MAKING WAVES IN THE PHILIPPINES

MODEL OFFERS FOR DIFFERENT LIFESTYLES

To compete in the complicated market of the Philippine archipelago, Changan has introduced a variety of models that will suit the needs and lifestyle of every car buyer in the country. From SUV’s to the more traditional sedans, Changan says they have all that our market will need, from the professional to the first-time car buyer. Four of their premium models will keep your eyes glued and heart pumping for them.

CHANGAN CS15

The Changan CS15 is a subcompact SUV that has gained popularity among city dwellers and small families in the Philippines. This model is designed to provide a balance between efficiency, comfort, and functionality, making it an ideal choice for urban environments.

DESIGN AND INTERIOR: The CS15 sports a youthful and modern design with a distinctive front grille and sharp lines that give it a dynamic presence on the road. Inside, the cabin is surprisingly spacious for a subcompact SUV, offering

ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The materials used in the interior are decent for its price range, with a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch surfaces.

PERFORMANCE: Under the hood, the CS15 is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that delivers sufficient power for everyday driving. It is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and responsive ride. Its powertrain is efficient, making the CS15 a great choice for those looking for an economical vehicle.

SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY:

The CS15 comes equipped with essential safety features, including dual front & front side airbags, ABS with EBD, and a rearview camera with rear parking sensors. The infotainment system is userfriendly and comes equipped with features such as Bluetooth connectivity, wired smartphone mirroring, and a multi-function steering wheel, enhancing the driving experience. Overall, the Changan CS15 is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and practical subcompact SUV for city driving.

CHANGAN CS55 PLUS

The Changan CS55 Plus is a compact SUV that combines a stylish design with advanced features. It offers a more premium feel compared to the CS15, appealing to those who desire more space and better technology.

DESIGN AND INTERIOR: The CS55 Plus boasts a bold and aggressive design with a large front grille, LED headlights, and sporty accents that give it a commanding presence on the road. The interior is wellappointed with high-quality materials and a modern layout. It offers a spacious cabin with

comfortable seating and a host of convenience features such as a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a digital instrument cluster, enhancing the overall driving experience.

PERFORMANCE: This model is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, providing smooth acceleration and a comfortable driving experience. The CS55 Plus also features multiple driving modes, allowing drivers to customize their driving experience

based on road conditions and personal preferences.

SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY: The CS55 Plus is packed with advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. It also features a stateof-the-art infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Smartphone Mirroring, providing entertainment and connectivity on the go. With its impressive array of features and technology, the Changan CS55 Plus is a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

CHANGAN UNI-T

The Changan Uni-T is another compact crossover that stands out for its futuristic design and advanced technology. It is targeted at young professionals and tech-savvy individuals who are looking for a stylish and feature-rich vehicle.

DESIGN AND INTERIOR: The Uni-T features a striking design with a bold front grille, sharp LED headlights, and a coupe-like silhouette that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class. The interior is equally impressive, with a minimalist yet hightech design. It offers a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with the vehicle’s controls. The cabin materials are of high quality, providing a premium feel that enhances the driving experience.

PERFORMANCE: The Uni-T is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that offers a good mix of power and efficiency. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, providing quick shifts and a sporty driving experience. The Uni-T also features a well-tuned suspension system that offers a comfortable ride, even on rough roads, and sharp handling, making it fun to drive in various conditions.

SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY:

The Uni-T is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and integrated adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. Overall, the Changan Uni-T is a great choice for those looking for a stylish and tech-forward crossover.

CHANGAN UNI-K

The Changan Uni-K is a mid-sized crossover that offers a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a premium vehicle without the premium price tag.

DESIGN AND INTERIOR: The Uni-K features a sleek and modern design with a wide front grille, slender LED headlights complemented by trident DRLs, and a streamlined body that exudes sophistication and elegance. The interior is spacious and luxurious, with high-quality materials and a thoughtful layout that provides a comfortable and upscale experience. It comes with features such as a large panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and a digital cockpit with a dual-screen setup, offering both comfort and convenience.

PERFORMANCE: The Uni-K is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers robust power and smooth acceleration. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission

that offers seamless shifts and a refined driving experience. The Uni-K also features an all-wheeldrive system that enhances traction and stability, making it a great choice for both city driving and off-road adventures.

SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY:

The Uni-K is packed with advanced safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, integrated adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking, ensuring a safe and stress-free driving experience. It also offers a host of technology features, such as a high-definition infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Sony-branded premium sound system, providing entertainment and convenience on the go. With its combination of luxury, performance, and technology, the Changan Uni-K is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality midsized crossover.

Changan Auto has made a notable entry into the Philippine automotive market with its range of vehicles that offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and technology. From the subcompact CS15 to the luxurious Uni-K, Changan provides a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences. As the brand continues to grow, it is well-positioned to become a popular choice among Filipino car buyers looking for value-driven and modern vehicles.

Honda’s e:HEV technology explained

Honda Cars’ latest breakthrough in full hybrid systems, e:HEV, hit Philippine shores last September 2023 when it was launched with the RS variant of the All-New CR-V. This was a major milestone for Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., pushing it towards the future of sustainable mobility. The e:HEV system not only has numerous benefits, but impressive technological features as well.

e:HEV FULL HYBRID SYSTEM

The system is a powerful combination of two (2) electric motors, the Traction Motor and the Generator Motor. The electric motors put out 184 PS and 335 NM of torque, which are then mated to a new fourcylinder, 2.0 liter Direct Injection Atkinson Cycle engine, which provides 148 PS and 183 NM of torque. While the motor operates throughout the low to high speed range, e:HEV relies on the environmental performance and driving pleasure that could not be

achieved with an engineonly system.

The intelligence of the e:HEV full hybrid shines through the three (3) driving modes, shifting to adapt to different driving situations.

1. EV Drive Mode

Vehicle solely runs on battery power

2. Hybrid Drive Mode

Engine primarily acts as a generator to supply power to the battery and/or traction motor

3. Engine Drive Mode

Vehicle runs on engine power

It is because of these modes that the full hybrid e:HEV technology is able to provide more power and true fuel economy gains. These smooth and seamless power transitions create a quieter, more defined, and comfortable experience for both the driver and their passengers. Through the e:HEV technology, owners can also enjoy a selfcharging system. With its regenerative braking system and traction motor, the system can harvest energy from braking and

deceleration, recovering friction losses that would otherwise be unused. This helps extend the car’s electric power range and further optimize fuel economy. The battery can also be recharged with the help of the engine, serving as a generator to keep the electric drive system primed for action at any given moment. With all these remarkable benefits of the e:HEV technology, it is without a doubt a powerful stride in the technological advancements of Honda.

ALL-NEW CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT

As mentioned earlier, the e:HEV technology was introduced to local shores through the AllNew CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT launched last year. Launched along with this was Honda SENSING, Honda’s safety driver-assist system that makes driving fun again. Features of the CR-V’s Honda SENSING system are:

1. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

2. Low Speed Follow (LSF)

3. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

4. Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) with Road Mitigation Warning (RDM)

5. Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

6. Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

7. Auto High Beam (AHB)

8. Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB)

9. Lead Car Departure Warning (LCDN)

Meanwhile, Honda CONNECT, which made its debut through this variant, makes driving more convenient than ever. It is Honda’s very own mobile app that gives the owner remote access to the car’s features for enhanced safety, security, and convenience. Through Honda CONNECT, owners enjoy Speed Alert, Find My Car, Emergency Calls, and more.

In addition to technological advancements, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) is even prouder to add the e:HEV to its list of initiatives towards Honda’s global goal of carbon neutrality through zero environmental

impact by 2050. It is valuable to Honda to continue to be a company that society wants to exist by continuing to provide mobility solutions that are practical and meaningful to the communities it serves. Through the e:HEV technology, the company strengthens its commitment to this, and marks just the start of more improvements like this to come.

The e:HEV is currently available on the All-New CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT variant, which also comes with Honda SENSING & Honda CONNECT, and an eight (8) year or 200,000 kilometer battery warranty (whichever comes first). Additionally, the CR-V V Turbo CVT is up for a limited offer this July at a PHP 120,000 discount. Read more about the July promos at https://www. hondaphil.com/promos and find the nearest Honda Cars Dealership at https:// www.hondaphil.com/dealerfinder. Keep up with the latest Honda technologies https://www.hondaphil.com/ technology.

AC Mobility launches EV Charging Hub

ACMobility announces its latest milestone with the launch of a new EV charging hub in Ayala Malls Manila Bay. The new facility is part of the company’s initiative to expand EV infrastructure throughout the Philippines.

“As we inaugurate the Ayala Malls Manila Bay EV Charging Hub, we are empowering Filipinos to move forward into a sustainable future,” remarked Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility. “This reflects ACMobility’s vision of creating an EV ecosystem that provides convenience and value to Filipinos and supports the nation’s sustainability goals,” he added.

ACMobility: Empowering Filipinos to move forward

Formerly known as AC Motors, ACMobility has transformed its business from automotive retail and distribution alone, to an all-encompassing mobility platform that includes infrastructure and digital solutions. Through this, the brand is emerging as a leader in the Philippine electric vehicle (EV) sector, advocating for the widespread adoption of EVs.

The EV market in the Philippines currently faces challenges, primarily due to the issue of range anxiety,

which impedes EV adoption. ACMobility aims to solve this problem through an end-to-end ecosystem that provides high-value electric vehicles, infrastructure, and services to make people more confident about transitioning to EVs.

The Ayala Malls Manila Bay EV Charging Hub

In line with its initiatives, ACMobility has opened a new charging hub near the Almario Road parking entrance of Ayala Malls Manila Bay. This new facility boasts user-friendly features and cutting-edge technology designed to

accommodate the growing EV community.

ACMobility’s EV Charging Hub consists of three 22kW AC chargers compatible with both Type 2 and GB/T charge ports, and one 120kW DC fast charger that is CCS2 compatible and can charge 2 vehicles at a time. Overall, the hub is capable of powering up to five vehicles charging at once and can support a wide array of EVs, from private vehicles to public buses.

Accelerating ease of EV adoption through digital solutions

To optimise usability of their charging hubs, ACMobility has partnered with Evro to make charging simple and easy.

Evro is an e-Mobility Service Provider that was built and incubated by 917Ventures, the tech innovation arm of the Globe Group, another Ayala Company. The Evro app helps you find nearby charging stations, displays charger availability and compatibility, lets you plan and monitor your charging session remotely, and pay cashless.

“Evro comes at perfect timing as we aim to provide a total EV ecosystem for Filipinos to enjoy. The introduction of new charging hubs such as what we launched today, and the development of innovative infrastructure solutions is proof of our strong commitment to providing a seamless, user-friendly charging experience for new and existing EV owners. We welcome interested partners who share the same vision of sustainable mobility to collaborate with us as we make the EV lifestyle a mainstream reality in the country,” said Carla Buencamino, Head of Mobility Infrastructure at ACMobility.”

The Growth of the EV Ecosystem In the Philippines

ACMobility plans to foster growth in the EV ecosystem through an expansive strategy that includes the rollout of numerous EV charging hubs situated in highquality locations across the country. Currently, ACMobility’s nationwide charging network has a total of 70 charge points in

31 locations.

Strategic partnerships in both the public, private, and government sectors will play a pivotal role in supporting this vision, with regulatory endorsements and policy frameworks to bolster EV infrastructure development.

ACMobility’s goal is strongly backed by the Ayala Group, highlighting the collaborative efforts to promote sustainable mobility for Filipinos.

“As of July, we’re proud to say we have visibility of over 100 charging locations nationwide which will be fully rolled out by the end of 2024. We appreciate the unwavering support of our partners in Ayala, and others who share our passion for this, as we continue redefining mobility standards in the Philippines,” Zobel added.

For existing EV owners, you may now visit the ACMobility EV Charging Hub at the Almario Road parking entrance of Ayala Malls Manila Bay. To know more about ACMobility, its services and offerings, please visit https:// acmobility.ph/.

BYD CarsPH launches BYD App to enhance customer experience

BYD Cars Philippines

is strengthening its commitment to the Philippine market by launching the BYD App, a new mobile application designed to elevate the overall customer ownership experience through the convenience of vehicle monitoring at the palm of your hand.

Through ACMobility, Ayala Corporation’s endto-end mobility solutions platform, BYD is pushing for a heightened and more convenient ownership experience by leveraging the brand’s advanced technology. Alongside the new BYD App, BYD Cars Philippines will also introduce software updates for customers who previously purchased their BYD electric vehicles, ensuring the BYD App integrates seamlessly with the vehicles’ DiLink connectivity system.

“BYD is globally known for its advanced technology that integrates both hardware and software into a seamless driving experience,” shares Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines. “The BYD app, along with the new software update, will deliver enhanced value to our customers in the everchanging EV landscape and will further elevate their ownership experience.”

Enhancing Your Drive

The new BYD app integrates with the DiLink system, bringing a safer, smarter, and more comfortable driving experience to vehicle owners through its wide array of advanced technologies. These include voice recognition, built-in navigation, geo-mapping, and other services such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 4G

connectivity.

Going beyond the industry standard of a two to three-year subscription for connected services, the BYD app sets itself apart with a free 10-year subscription included with the purchase of a BYD vehicle.

The app allows users to monitor their vehicle in real-time, highlighting features such as the car’s status, location, and battery condition. It also offers remote control functionality to operate the door locks, horn, and lights, and to set any cooling or heating functions.

Additionally, the app monitors key vehicle stats such as charging percentage, vehicle health, tire pressure, and a brief driving history. It can even schedule the climate

control system to turn on at a specified time and applies to all models. As seamless connectivity is a highlight of the app, it also supports over-theair updates, ensuring that your vehicle always has the latest software available.

Keeping the Party Going with Stingray Karaoke

Along with the launch of the BYD app, new software that broadens the entertainment factor of BYD vehicles will soon be introduced, including the Stingray Karaoke app. Coming soon, the app provides in-car karaoke with over 80,000 licensed songs in 25 languages and a growing music catalog.

Music selection is made easy by browsing by genre, theme, artist, or even by the lyrics of the song. The

app also allows the user to harmonize with their favorite artist by turning the lead vocals on and off. To help set the mood, the app features themed backgrounds that can be changed.

Convenient In-car Web Browsing

BYD vehicles will soon have a new web browser designed to offer a familiar and user-friendly experience akin to computer browsing. It

will be included in a later update, offering easy tab navigation, multi-window functionality, and the ability to save websites for quick access. To ensure safety, the web browser is only operable while the vehicle is parked, preventing its use while driving.

BYD continues to innovate with the launch of the BYD app, enriching vehicle ownership with its advanced vehicle monitoring and control features alongside the excitement of the Stingray Karaoke app. These advancements not only improve connectivity but also ensure a dynamic and enjoyable journey for both the driver and passenger, reaffirming BYD’s commitment to enhancing convenience and usability.

“The introduction of the BYD App and other new features that integrate with BYD DiLink is an important achievement for us as we aim to provide a superior electric vehicle experience in the Philippine market. We are excited to see our fellow BYD drivers, and those who will soon own one, utilize the app to its full potential as we all embrace the future of driving,” adds Palanca.

For more information about the automaker and its vehicles, visit BYD Cars Philippines’ website at http://www. bydcarsphilippines.com.

Toyota conducts reforestation and livelihood development in Siniloan

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP), expands its nature conservation efforts with its upland tree planting in a 50-hectare adopted area in Siniloan, Laguna. The company recently mobilized a group of volunteers to plant 1,000 native tree seedlings with the aim of boosting potential livelihood source for the locals, enhancing biodiversity, and developing future carbon sinks at the same time.

Fifty-six volunteers representing TMP’s workforce, GT Capital Holdings, Inc., Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) –Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and the People’s Organization of Siniloan ascended to the uplands of Barangay Magsaysay in Siniloan that is part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. This terrestrial site is part of a critical ecosystem, being home to the Philippines’ oldest

forests and a habitat for megadiverse endemic flora and fauna.

This initiative converges with the DENR’s National Greening Program (NGP), a massive forest rehabilitation program aimed at reducing poverty, promoting food security, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change in the country.

In its five-year

implementation, TMP shall provide upfront financial compensation to the People’s Organization of Siniloan for every hectare that the local members will nurture, monitor, and maintain. Upon successful completion with a high survival rate, the tree species that were selected by the DENR are expected to eventually generate income for

the residents through agroforestry.

To date, TMP has planted 21,000 out of the 25,000-target total number of native fruitbearing and timber tree seedlings since TMP began its initial rehabilitation efforts on the same site in 2022.

Reforestation is one of the prime examples of nature-based solutions, particularly in carbon sequestration. According to the World Bank, these solutions could deliver up to 37% of the emission reductions the world needs by 2030 to maintain global temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius.

“Recognizing the urgency to address the current effects of climate change, Toyota is driven to actively pursue carbon neutrality and coexist in harmony with nature,” TMP President Masando Hashimoto said.

“I would like to express my gratitude to our partners from the DENR,

the local community of Siniloan, and volunteers for dedicating their time and exerting efforts to make a climate action and impact today.”

TMP’s extensive nature conservation efforts, including tree and mangrove planting activities and coastal and riverside clean-ups, are integrated into the ‘All Toyota Green Wave Project.’ Launched in 2015 under the ‘Toyota Global Environmental Challenge 2050,’ this project is a global initiative that aims to connect Toyota’s stakeholder network to nature and communities while addressing environmental issues and supporting local livelihoods.

TMP currently has a total of 108 hectares of active NGP sites, including mangrove areas in Lian and Calatagan in Batangas province, as well as a rainforest block in Maragondon in Cavite province.

CAMPI announces the return of Philippine International Motor Show this October

The Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) is set to return for its 9th edition at the World Trade Center Metro Manila from October 24-27, 2024. This four-day event will feature over 15 of the country’s top automotive brands, showcasing their latest products and innovations poised to redefine the industry’s future.

“We are thrilled to announce the return of the 9th Philippine International Motor Show this October,”

says Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) President, Atty. Rommel Gutierrez. “The industry has undergone significant changes in the past two years, and through this motor show, we aim to deliver the most exciting and comprehensive PIMS yet.”

This year’s theme, “Dare. Drive. The Future Redefined.” reflects CAMPI’s commitment to uniting the leading brands in the automotive sector as they navigate the evolving

landscape of mobility. “In facing new challenges, CAMPI is at the forefront of this mobility revolution, providing equitable transportation solutions for every Filipino,” Atty. Gutierrez explains.

More details about the 9th Philippine International Motor Show will be announced soon. For the latest updates, interested attendees are encouraged to visit and subscribe to CAMPI’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ PIMS2022.

NissanPH honors dealership excellence at 2024 Dealer of the Year Awards

Nissan Philippines recently celebrated the outstanding achievements of its dealership network at the prestigious 2024 Dealer of the Year Awards Ceremony, held at Okada Manila. This annual event recognizes the dedication and excellence of Nissan’s dealer partners in enhancing customer experiences and maintaining operational superiority.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Dealer of the Year award, which honors dealerships that demonstrate exceptional performance across sales, service, customer satisfaction, and overall business operations. This year’s winners were Nissan Commonwealth for the NCR category and Nissan Cebu Central for the Provincial category.

Nissan Philippines also awarded the 2024 Nissan Global Award, the highest accolade given to

a dealership that excels in all areas and aligns with Nissan’s global standards of excellence. This prestigious honor was bestowed upon Nissan Cebu Central.

Additional awards presented at the event included:

• Fleet Dealer of the Year: Nissan Commonwealth

• Best in Quick Voice of Customer (QVOC) Sales: Nissan Dumaguete

• Best in Quick Voice of Customer (QVOC) Service: Nissan Roxas

• Parts Team of the Year: Nissan Caloocan

• Service Team of the Year: Nissan Sumulong Highway

• Nissan Customer Connect (NCC) Dealer Team of the Year: Nissan Cebu North

• Finance Team of the Year: Nissan Cebu Central

• Dealer Customer Experience Team of the Year: Nissan Tuguegarao

• Top in Sales: Nissan Alabang

• 3rd Place in Patrol Sales Award: Tie between Nissan Global City & Nissan North

EDSA

• 2nd Place in Patrol Sales Award: Nissan Alabang

• Top Patrol Sales Award: Nissan Quezon Avenue

• Best in Service Retention: Nissan Butuan

• Brand Excellence Award: Nissan Cabanatuan Excellence in Sales: Nissan Cagayan de Oro

• Excellence in Aftersales: Nissan Camarines Sur

• Excellence in Customer Experience: Nissan Bacolod

• Excellence in Business

Sustainability: Nissan Cebu Central

Nissan Philippines remains committed to setting new standards in the Philippine automotive industry. The Dealer of the Year Awards not only celebrate the achievements of these exceptional dealerships but also reinforce Nissan’s dedication to excellence at every level.

Yasuhisa Masuda, President of Nissan Philippines, expressed

his gratitude for the hard work and commitment of the dealership network.

“Our annual Dealer of the Year Awards Ceremony is our way of saying thank you to our dealer partners for continuing to deliver exceptional customer experiences and embodying the essence of the Nissan brand,” he stated.

For more information on Nissan Philippines Inc., visit [nissan.ph](https://www. nissan.ph) and the Nissan Philippines Newsroom.

OMODA & JAECOO Philippines signs 5 new dealer partners

In June, emerging personalized automotive brands OMODA & JAECOO Philippines (OJPH) confirmed five dealer partners, many of which possess extensive experience in the automotive industry. In July, over five additional potential dealer companies are set to sign dealer agreements with OJPH, marking a strong start for these new brands.

Currently, OJPH have established partnerships with five key dealerships. These include Autohub Group, the largest automotive dealer group in the Philippines, and Autoklassik, which boasts 20 years of industry experience. Notably, new energy pioneer Evolve Mobility has also joined the fold. OJPH is committed to the creation and sale of new energy vehicles, offering Filipino consumers superior new energy products and services. Recognition from these esteemed dealer representatives has significantly bolstered the development of OJPH in the local market, promoting effective brand expansion in Southeast Asia and globally.

Autohub Group, a top-tier automotive dealership and service group in the Philippines, has long-term business collaborations with leading automotive brands from the United States, Japan, South Korea, and China. Their extensive cooperation includes finance, spare parts, and brand services, earning them high recognition in the

Philippine market. This milestone collaboration with Autohub Group signifies strong support for OJPH and injects powerful momentum into their development in the Philippines, further promoting brand expansion in Southeast Asia and the global market.

OJPH will soon establish showrooms in key areas such as NCR Taguig City, Quezon City, Manila City, West Visayas Iloilo City, and Central Luzon Pampanga. These showrooms will feature the first cross-border fashion SUV model, the OMODA 5, and the first new energy pure electric SUV model, the OMODA 5 EV. These models will provide local consumers with the opportunity to experience and purchase cutting-edge automotive technology.

Prior to finalizing the

cooperation agreement, OJPH and Autohub Group of Companies engaged in multiple in-depth interactions.

In January, Wayne Tee Ten from Autohub Group and his executive team participated in the OMODA & JAECOO Malaysia Tour, where they gained preliminary insights into the brands’ product types and technological advantages through test drives. This led to their positive assessment of OMODA & JAECOO’s model performance and

capabilities.

Subsequent engagements at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition and the 2024 Global Business Conference allowed Philippine dealers to gain a comprehensive understanding of OMODA & JAECOO’s global development strategy, technological R&D capabilities, and ecosystem innovation. Dealer representatives unanimously expressed confidence in the brands’ future in the Philippine market and anticipated

favorable reception from local consumers.

OJPH are actively preparing for local test drive activities to deepen media and consumer understanding of their brands and products. Looking ahead, OJPH will continue to prioritize user needs, launching highquality, high-performance automotive products like the OMODA 5 EV and JAECOO 7 PHEV new energy models.

These efforts aim to deliver superior and environmentally friendly travel experiences to Filipino consumers. Additionally, the brands will enhance their sales and service networks in the Philippines and globally, ensuring that the “global quality, global standards” of their products are fully upheld, providing consumers with exceptional service experiences.

Globe PH and Grab PH empower Filipino women through “Misiskolar” Program

The on-time completion of the two connector roads of the Cavitex Expressway (CAVITEX) has gained momentum, inspired by the expression of support by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he led the groundbreaking and inauguration of the three CAVITEX links or connector roads in different locations in one day.

“The Presidential declaration of support for these major infrastructure projects has energized us all in completing the projects on time, leaving no stone unturned to finish the job,” declared Raul L. Ignacio, President of the CAVITEX Infrastructure Corporation, a subsidiary of the larger Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) of the MVP Group.

In his speech, President Marcos called the actions taken only last week as “the final step in completing the CAVITEX C5 Link Expressway, enhancing our transportation infrastructure network on behalf of countless motorists and passengers.” He further emphasized that “the [CAVITEX]-CALAX Link, originating from Kawit, Cavite, is a 1.2-kilometer connection whose length may be short, but its impact will be substantial. By establishing a direct connection to CALAX, we also ease the traffic congestion at the busy intersection of Tirona Highway and Centennial Road.” This significant improvement is anticipated to enhance road network connectivity

from Kawit to the greater CALABARZON region.

President Marcos and his transport-related Cabinet members were joined by Manuel V. Pangilinan, MPTC

Chairman, Mr. Rogelio Singson, President and CEO of Metro Pacific Tollways, and Mr. Raul L. Ignacio, President and General Manager of Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation.

Two Contractors: Beating the Deadline

DMCI, under a P3.3 billion contract, has committed to meet the construction deadline to finish

Segment 3B, the final portion of the CAVITEX C5 Link, a six-lane 2.0 km expressway connecting CAVITEX at Paranaque in the West and C5 Road Taguig in the East. This segment will enable motorists to travel from

Cavite to Taguig City, bypassing a number of service roads.

EEI will be completing the 1.3-km dual 2-lane CAVITEX-CALAX Link

Extension also in August 2025, envisioned to stimulate commerce and industry in Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Manila.

“The Presidential imprimatur has resonated as the President’s marching orders for our CIC project managers and our two contractors

to speed up the construction so that the two segments will be ready for full operations in August 2025,” Ignacio pointed out.

Right-of-Way Acquisition

For both construction projects, Ignacio earlier met his right-of-way (ROW) acquisition team to resolve all issues to ultimately clear the way for the road alignments and access roads. Progress has been made

in CIC’s mix of persuasive initiatives addressed to project affected persons (PAPs) made up of legal, financial, and communication strategies, Ignacio added.

At press time, the ROW status of Segment 3B of the C5 Link stands at 70.60 percent, leaving the CIC ROW project managers only 29.4 percent balance to finish the job, Ignacio added. On the other hand, the progress of the CAVITEXCALAX Link ROW acquisition is ahead with 77.14 percent, leaving CIC only 22.86 percent to clear the way for this alignment.

“With this new impetus from the Palace, we will beat our construction deadline –and the winner is every motorist and passenger south of Metro Manila and beyond,” Ignacio said.

Ranger, Everest top FordPH’s strong mid-year 2024 sales run

Ford Philippines achieved robust retail sales for the first half of the year, with total sales reaching 14,460 units. Leading the charge were the Ford Ranger and Ford Everest, with the Ranger experiencing a 29% increase in sales from the previous year, totaling 6,872 units. The Everest saw a 20% year-over-year sales growth, reaching 4,536 units.

The Ford Territory also made significant contributions, with sales hitting 2,771 units. Meanwhile, the newly launched All-New Mustang and All-New Bronco combined for over 130 units sold, with additional customer orders anticipated in the coming months.

Launched in May, the All-New Mustang and All-New Bronco have bolstered Ford’s presence in the offroad and performance vehicle segments in the Philippines. The AllNew Mustang, known for its powerful engine, advanced technology, and stylish design, is available in two variants: the 5.0L GT Premium Fastback and the 2.3L EcoBoost® Premium Fastback. The All-New Bronco, renowned for its rugged design and off-roading capabilities, is offered in the Outer Banks variant with the Sasquatch Package.

Ford Freedom Deals: Big

Savings on Your Next Ford Ford Philippines is kicking off the second half of the year with a

lineup of special deals and offers under the Ford Freedom Deals, available until July 31, 2024. Customers can enjoy significant savings on their next Ford vehicle purchase, with options for low down payments, low monthly fees, cash savings, or free service offers.

Customers purchasing a Ford Territory can take advantage of an all-in low down payment of P98,000 or the 5-Star Care Package, which includes a free 5-year warranty, a 5-year scheduled service plan, and 5-year emergency roadside assistance. Additionally, a P20,000 cash discount is available on top of the 5-Star Care Package for Territory Titanium buyers.

Ford Everest buyers can avail of financing deals with monthly payments as low as

P24,000 or cash savings of up to P20,000. Those interested in the Ford Ranger can benefit from cash savings of up to P90,000 or a financing deal with a low monthly fee of P15,500. The Ford Explorer is also part of the Ford Freedom Deals, offering a special financing offer of 0% interest for 12 months or a low monthly fee of P34,400.

“We are pleased with

our sales performance for the first six months of the year driven by the continued demand for our best-selling Ford vehicles, with the addition of the All-New Mustang and All-New Bronco which were received warmly by our customers,” said Mike Breen, Managing Director of Ford Philippines. “We are excited to sustain the momentum through the next half of the year as

we continue to enhance the Ford ownership experience.”

“This month is definitely the best time to get a Ford with our wide range of exclusive financing offers and cash discounts for our bestselling vehicles under Ford Freedom Deals,” added Breen.

Visit the Ford website https://www.ford.com. ph/ or their nearest Ford dealer for more

McLaren 750S

Woking shuns electrification and aims for lightness and purity with 720S replacement

COUPE MODEL TESTED

ROAD TEST

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Range at a glance

MODELS POWER FROM GTS Coupé 626bhp £179,260

Artura Coupé 691bhp £202,660

Artura Spider 691bhp £222,760

750S Coupé 740bhp £246,655

750S Spider 740bhp £269,160

TRANSMISSIONS

7-spd dual-clutch automatic (GTS, 750S)

8-spd dual-clutch automatic (Artura)

The Artura and GTS featured on McLaren’s model configurator are 2025-model-year cars (the former with the more powerful engine sampled recently on the Spider version).

The 750S offers no trim levels per se, but there are various option packages bringing, for example, exterior carbonfibre trim, extended Alcantara interior trim, and McLaren’s TechLux interior.

 McLaren’s double-hinged dihedral doors remain a great bit of design. Space-efficient, they swing a combined metre less wide than conventional doors do when fully open and extend less far upwards than a typical hatch’s tailgate.

 Rear wing is longer than on a 720S and sits 60mm higher but, being made of carbonfibre, is also 1.6kg lighter. Part of the car’s active aero system, it can pop up to a near vertical angle in less than half a second to act as an air brake and stabiliser.

 Central-exit exhaust is stainless steel and saves 2.2kg of kerb weight compared with the twin pipes of a 720S. McLaren’s claim is that it gives the ‘M840T’ engine a crisper, raspier tone.

We like

 Superbly precise and involving handling and steering

 Huge braking power and general staying power for circuit use

 Boostier turbo V8 engine has extra vocality and performance drama

We don’t like

 Firmer springs, dampers and mounts make for a busier, coarser on-road experience

 Doesn’t quite compete with electrified supercars for outright performance punch

 It’s a little easy to overdrive on track and can struggle to put its power down

McLaren’s 720S raised the supercar bar

 Headlights are designed for a more sunken, eye-socket-like appearance than the 720S had, with a narrower gap to the bodywork above but still effective air intakes for the low-temperature radiators underneath. Visually, they remain something of an acquired taste.

Weights and measures

DIMENSIONS

PARKING

WHEEL AND PEDAL ALIGNMENT

A brake pedal positioned marginally more comfortably for your left foot than your right is typical of many midengined cars, and isn’t too problematic. Steering column has more adjustment range than it really needs.

HEADLIGHTS

Full LED headlights with ‘static adaptive functionality’ (lamps are fixed but with adaptive switching beams) come as standard. Summer test conditions offered no opportunity to test them.

 Driving position is low and straight, if accessed over a wide sill. Choose from comfort, racing bucket and these super-lightweight racing bucket seats.

 McLaren claims there’s 40% more cargo space here, behind the seats, than in the ‘frunk’, though fitment of the optional harness bars makes it harder to access.

 ‘Frunk’ is big by the standards of these things: both deep and – at a maximum 750mm – also usefully wide, it would swallow a smaller suitcase.

The Central Infotainment Screen on the 750S has been upgraded since appearing in the 720S. Portrait-oriented, it is fairly modestly sized and so doesn’t dominate the fascia, but it’s touchscreen-only for input, and navigating it remains a slightly less intuitive process than the best touchscreen systems.

McLaren’s layout and hierarchy of functions seem just a little odd somehow and take some getting used to. A physical home button is an aid to usability, though, letting you flick quickly through menu screens and navigate upwards easily. Wired smartphone mirroring for Apple CarPlay is supported but Android Auto isn’t. Neither wireless mirroring nor wireless device charging is supported.

McLaren has developed a new higher-powered Bowers & Wilkins stereo for the car that can be had as an option but our test car didn’t have it – and its standard audio system sounded a little bit underpowered.

 Press to call up the McLaren Control Launcher: a way to save and quickly access your preferred handling, powertrain and wider system presets.

 Instrument binnacle is now fixed to the steering column and has easily reached toggle controls for powertrain and handling modes on each corner.

 Satin carbonfibre finish on the gearshift paddles comes packaged with some other carbon trim. It costs £3250, but we still love the idea of a one-piece shifter.

It communicates even more vividly than the 720S did



HANDLING AND STABILITY

and steering are so deliciously predictable and faithful on turn-in that you can almost correct the car without looking; front and rear axles work in perfect harmony.

Chassis

Track notes, Anglesey Circuit (International)

There was no denying the outright potency of the 750S, and its ability to carry speed along Anglesey’s straights; into braking zones, leaning on that huge stopping power; and then, in turn, towards apices.

Good handling balance and reassuring steady-state turn-in stability make this a supercar that can sustain lots of roll-on cornering speed, the kind that tests your bravery to carry it through the heart of a corner. If you can find the nerve, you can find a lot of lap time that way.

The 750S’s shorter gearing and greater torque mean it can struggle to come out of tighter corners under power unless you short shift, which made its handling a little scruffier than the 720S’s was. You risk losing time rousing the traction control, or alternatively spinning its rear wheels. It’s a very easy car to overdrive in corners like this.

This ultimately made the car a tenth slower than the 720S around Anglesey, even on Trofeo R tyres.

 Crowned, off-camber Peel bend can be a hard one to pick a line around. 750S will spin up its rear axle coming out at the top of third gear, though any resulting slides are typically pretty benignly controllable.

1.4s1.8s

 The extra performance of the 750S’s powertrain, and its readiness to carry speed through Church bend, add up to 8.4mph more peak speed going into Rocket In than a 720S manages.

PEEL

PADDOCK

TOM PRYCE STRAIGHT

SEAMANS

ROCKET IN

CHURCH

TECHNICAL LAYOUT

The 750S uses McLaren’s Monocage II carbonfibre tub as its basis, rather than the new, more intensively carbon structure developed for the Artura. Aluminium front and rear subframes are hung from it, to which double-wishbone axles are fixed both front and rear. V8 engine and gearbox sit longitudinally ahead of the rear axle. Body is carbonfibre/aluminium. Weight was 1412kg with one-third of a tank, distributed 41:59.

POWER & TORQUE

log 45mph 8300rpm 69mph 8300rpm 94mph 8300rpm 122mph 8300rpm 155mph 8300rpm 198mph 8300rpm

MAX SPEEDS IN GEAR

RESIDUALS

 GT3 RS values are freakishly strong; 750S’s expected to be pretty supercartypical after a steep first year or so.

ROAD TEST N o 5679

McLaren’s new mainstay is a bit of a wild child – at times, to its own cost

Context is key to understanding why the 750S is the way it is. Clearly it isn’t quite the emphatically dominant statement its predecessor was seven years ago, with supercar performance enchmarks ha ing taken significant leaps since 20 7 his isn t the uickest car in its niche nor at its price in a straight line or around a lap If you approve of the way McLaren has repositioned this car, though, and of the philosophy it espouses slim performance deficits might seem unimportant he 7 0S comes into a model range in which the Artura has become Woking’s new everyday supercar and so it has necessarily ecome slightly more specialised rarefied and hardcore of a our s a follow up act for an owner of a 720S it also makes fine sense as an altogether spicier, more potent and more complex challenge to the palette. nd for us hat the 7 0S lacks the sheer road going readth of dynamic talent of its predecessor has to count against it, while what it has gained as a track car seems marginal in scope and a little de ata le in e cacy ut if nothing else this is a likea ly wild e ort from a company not known for taking such risks with its breadwinning volume sellers.

ROAD TEST RIVALS



 If

though not as spookily multi-talented.

Almost gone from showrooms. Not as well attuned to UK roads as some but its V10 will be missed.

Track-day-ready Stingray has plenty of grip, pace and drama, but heavy and hard to come by.

Power, torque

top speed

2 , economy

£241,560 819bhp, na 2.9sec, 205mph 149g/km, 44.1mpg

£246,655 740bhp, 590lb ft 2.8sec, 206mph 276g/km, 23.2mpg

£209,803 632bhp, 417lb ft 3.2sec, 202mph 328g/km, 19.5mpg

$121,650 (£95,600) 637bhp, 439lb ft 3.1sec, 195mph na

£165,000 656bhp, 590lb ft 3.4sec, 202mph 274g/km, 23.3mpg

LAMBORGHINI HURACAN EVO 640 TECNICA COUPE

McLAREN 750S COUPE Wilder, rawer, firmer and more demanding than its forebear. Likeable,

FERRARI 296 GTB Maranello’s second, simpler tilt at supercar electrification is by far its best. Sensationally fast, superbly agile.

CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 COUPE 3LT

ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE

New baby Aston is an old-school charmer well worth considering over mid-engined rivals. UK verdict soon.

Choose a bright colour like Mantis Green. Avoid the Black package and carbon exterior. Go for the Performance interior with bright contrast trim and comfort seats unless you have regular track driving in mind.

 Restore a little more of the 720S’s McLarentypical on-road ride compliance.

Tune out the on-limit scruffiness to the track handling when exiting slower bends.

you can’t beat Ferrari without a Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyre, consider joining them.

MITSUBISHI XFORCE MEDIA DRIVE WE

PUT IT TO THE TEST.

Words and photos by Neil Pagulayan

Afew weeks before it was launched, our friends from MitsubishiPH invited us to experience the All-New XForce compact suv in Tarlac. Usually, media drives are leisurely road trips for us to get a good feel for the vehicle and it’s amenities, but a side trip to a race track in Tarlac probably means we should expect something interesting.

The XForce was launched almost a year ago in Indonesia and has finally landed on our shores. It fills the gap left by the ASX which Mitsubishi stopped selling some years back and this segment has shown growth as there has been renewed interest in the compact suv.

We all met up early for a pre-drive breakfast at the Ayala Cloverleaf mall, the organizers held a

briefing before we headed out to NLEX to make our way to Tarlac Circuit Hill. The first part of the drive allowed us to get familiar with the Xforce’s features.

EXTERIOR

The Xforce features the new generation shield concept front end with the signature T-shaped LED headlamps and tail lamps. It stands tall with a decent ground clearance of 193mm and rolls on good looking 18” two-tone alloy wheels.

INTERIOR

Getting behind the tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel puts you in front of an 8” colored digital instrument cluster, which may seem small but manages to display gauges in a good size. The dashboard is logically laid out with everything easily within

reach. Its Dual Zone Climate Control is equipped with nanoeTM X technology which purifies and deodorizes the air circulated in the cabin. In the middle of this is the 12.3” Touchscreen Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Theres a big plus for you who love to listen to music when you’re on the road, the XForce infotainment is equipped with an 8 speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system, making your favorite songs sound like you’re hearing them for the first time all over again.

If you prefer, the screen can show vehicle information or AVIONICS which we found pretty cool. When you switch to this display, you’d think you’d need the equivalent of a flight engineer to monitor

the gauges it shows such as the current drive mode, steering input, individual tire pressure (for GT variant), brake pressure, and coolant temperature, as well as ambient temperature and barometer.

You can also choose different modes to display – RELIABLE shows the Steering Angle, Active Yaw Control (AYC) Monitor and Traction Control, ADVENTUROUS shows the Altitude, Tilt Angle and Compass and RESPONSIVE displays the Torque, Acceleration and Fuel Economy (both Instant and Average). The Driving Score determines how smooth you drive based on acceleration, steering, and braking, while it displays your score on the screen.

My carmates and I drove the top GT variant with a nicely appointed interior which saw the use of soft touch premium materials where the dashboard panel was finished in a White Melange Fabric and also treats you to ambient lighting. The front seats offer

good support and comfort at the same time while we also enjoyed the rear seat’s 8-step recline, it is 40-20-40 split and folds flat to expand cargo room. The seat material is faux leather with Heat Guard in black with brown trim.

CONVENIENCE FEATURES

There are quite a few creature comforts which came in handy

on our drive, the center console can keep four drinks cool, USB A and C charging sockets for front and rear occupants, wireless charging, an under seat tray beneath the front passenger seat and a hands-free power tailgate equipped with a memory function to save your preferred opening height. Side Mirrors are power adjust and power folding. It also has an Electric Parking Brake with Brake Auto Hold Function.

POWERTRAIN

Under the hood is a four cylinder MIVEC 1.5 Liter DOHC 16-valve gasoline engine that puts out max power of 105Ps @ 6000rpms with max torque of 141Nm @ 4000rpms mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which drives the front wheels.

DRIVE MODES

When we got to Tarlac Circuit Hill, we got to try out the Drive Modes, and not in a mild manner mind

you, we put the XForce through it’s paces. These drive modes were specially configured for ASEAN conditions.

NORMAL (for dry paved roads) was the mode we drove from our start point to Tarlac, and we first tried out WET (for wet, flooded paved roads) on the race track, where they had soaked a portion of the track with a firehose and the vehicle’s Active Stability and Traction Control worked it’s magic, mitigating under-steer and keeping the vehicle controllable under what should have been very slippery conditions. Next we switched to MUD (for wet unpaved roads) and we drove it in a tight circle on a mud track expecting lots of oversteer, but getting very little and retaining control thanks mostly to the Active Yaw Control, this coming from Mitsubishi’s rally heritage. And finally, GRAVEL mode (for dry unpaved roads) where we ripped around the unpaved parts

around the race track looking to lose some form of control, but failing on our part as the Xforce’s drive modes made sure we were always going in the direction we pointed the vehicle to.

SAFETY

The XForce GT CVT variant we drove is equipped with Advanced Driver Assist Systems – Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM), Leading Car Departure Notification (LCDN), Blind Spot Warning System (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Active Stability and Traction Control and Active Yaw Control. Its also equipped with a reversing camera and driver, front passenger, side and curtain airbags.

At the end of our day in Tarlac, we proceeded to La Union where we would spend the night and the

next day driving around La Union enjoying the sights and heading up to Santol, up Bilagan road.

Overall Mitsubishi’s XForce is a good choice to add to their local lineup, with it’s capabilities and amenities, you can face your daily drive knowing your Xforce can tackle just about anything that comes your way.

PRICE AND COLORS

The Xforce GT CVT variant we drove is priced at Php 1,581,000 and is available in Energetic Yellow Metallic, Quartz White Pearl and Graphite Gray Metallic, in two-tone with Black Roof. Its price places it at the middle of the price range for compact suvs available here in the Philippines, and if you’re looking for a reasonably priced, but very capable suv, you should definitely check this out.

IT’S THE SONET’S WAY OR THE HIGHWAY

ACMOBILITY calls it a true game-changer in the Small SUV category, targeting the younger generation. Derived from the words “Social” and “Network,” the Sonet is all about modern mobility and the brand’s take on the evolving segment.

After its debut in the Philippines, an experiential drive was organized to test and validate Kia’s newest entry model. The entire drive was via the long stretch of southern freeways to a lakeside pitstop in Taal, Batangas, and then the winding road to Tagaytay for the last stop. The media participants took turns driving the commissioned 1.5 SX AT and 1.5 EX AT variants.

BOLD INSIDE AND OUT

The Kia Sonet’s platform configuration is what a small SUV is supposed to be. With its 4,110 mm length, 1,790 mm width, and standing 1,642 mm height, with a class-leading 205mm ground clearance, the vehicle is not a hatch pretending to be a crossover. Upfront is the latest rendition of the signature Kia Tiger-nose grille. The front and rear bumpers are highlighted with metallic bottom trims, complementing the body claddings. All variants feature 16-inch wheels, with the higher-tier variants sporting sleek two-tone alloy wheels.

The entry SUV’s design includes Star Map Signature LED multi-

Words and photos by Randy Peregrino

reflector headlamps and daytime running lights on the 1.5 SX AT and 1.5 EX AT. The 1.5 SX AT also boasts premium exterior features such as an electric sunroof, roof rails, rear spoiler, and new tailgate LED strip connecting the left and right rear LED taillights, underscoring its premium appeal.

Inside the top-spec 1.5 SX AT variant are luxurious leather seats, while the other trims have premium cloth upholstery. For added convenience, the 1.5 SX AT and 1.5 EX AT feature driver and front passenger seatback pockets and 60:40 folding second-row seats, providing ample cargo space. Other practical details are driver and passenger sun visors with vanity mirrors and a standard room lamp.

The 1.5 SX AT has a sophisticated 10.25-inch TFT LCD multi-function digital instrument cluster, while the 1.5 EX AT features a 4.2inch TFT LCD in the driver’s display. Exclusive to the 1.5 SX showcases is an advanced 10.25inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple

Inside the top-spec 1.5 SX AT variant are luxurious leather seats, while the other trims have premium cloth upholstery.

CarPlay and Android Auto. On the other hand, the EX-trim has an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Other standard features are a six-speaker setup, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, voice recognition, and multiple USB ports, including USB-C.

As for convenient features, the top-of-the-line 1.5 SX AT has wireless charging, while all variants feature power windows and central door locks. The 1.5 SX AT variant includes a Driver-Side Auto up/down window with safety features. Remote keyless entry is also standard across all models, with the 1.5 SX AT and 1.5 EX AT offering Remote Engine Start, Smart Entry, and a push start button for added ease. Each variant also includes a full-size spare tire.

NOT THREE BUT FOUR CYLINDERS

Under the hood is a 1.5-liter

In-Line 4-Cylinder Dual Port Fuel Injected Smartstream gasoline engine, generating 113 hp at 6,300 RPM and 144 N-m of maximum torque at 4,500 RPM. It is paired with the Kia Intelligent Variable Transmission. This is the same motor fitted to the Seltos EX variant. Thanks to the Sont’s smaller frame, the engine enabled quicker acceleration and better torque registration. Evidently, the advantages of having a better powerto-weight ratio were there throughout, particularly during ascents. Whether SX or EX, the performance is the same, with the top-spec taking advantage of having a sequential mode to squeeze more torque per gear. But the sport mode for the EX works fine by retaining higher engine rpm ranges.

FUN-TO-DRIVE

Of course, small cars always entail fun-to-drive dynamics. It may seem compact, but the driver seating has an elevated configuration, providing better vantage points and comfort.

Space-wise, there are plenty for its compact size, particularly at the back. On the road, consider the Sonet a more agile car than the already impressive Seltos. The vehicle’s agility, nimbleness, and stable form remained even on freeway high-speed limits. The steering response was even the least to ignore. For its size, the Sonet’s NVH is one for the books.

The top-spec’s suite of driverassist functions, particularly the LKA, were on top of everything during expressway stretches.

The 1.5 SX incorporates Kia Drive Wise advanced driving assistance safety measures such as Lane Following Assist (LFA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward

Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), and High Beam Assist (HBA), plus the standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

Comfort-wise, the long drive did not pose any problems for two tall adult occupants. The new seat contours provided enough support and coziness. Also, the cool aircon and crisp

audio sound factored into the pleasure of driving and riding. Additionally, all variants have rear parking sensors and a rear-camera display, which provides maximum visibility and assistance during parking maneuvers. We all returned to Manila safe and relaxed, and we wanted more from this engaging new small SUV from Kia.

MOTORSPORTS

News, insight and opinion from the world of motor racing

TUASON RACING READY FOR ROUND 2 OF 2024 FORMULA V1 & 1NZ UNITY CUP

Tuason Racing Sports Unlimited, an industry leader in Philippine motorsports, is thrilled to announce the second legs of the 1NZ Unity Cup and the Formula V1 Series. These events promise to bring high-octane excitement for spectators and participants and showcase the best in Philippine racing talent. With the continued format of racing under the same banner of the 1NZ engine, the upcoming races will showcase a large grid with a variety of cars. The series has the Toyota Vios cars, veterans of battles in the onemake Vios Cup, and the popular road cars Toyota Vitz, Echo, and Yaris, which now get their chance to duke it out on the track.

Running alongside the 1NZ is the agship racecar of Tuason Racing, the Formula V1 an import straight from Japan courtesy of the historical West Racing team who have long dominated in the highly

competitive Japanese national racing scene. Bringing this purely specialized racing car has been a privilege for Philippine motorsports as the engineering of the car allows for both the thrill of open-wheel racing, a ordability, and true power behind the wheel.

We can also anticipate great excitement this weekend as race winner Jesse Garcia, who, in the last race, had a erce battle with rivals Danzel Waytan and Will Lucas, both of whom are decorated go-karting alumni. There will also be special guest drivers in the form of Shunji Okumoto and Masahiro Aoai of Japan. All in all, an exciting weekend ahead for the 32-strong drivers grid.

Aileen Santos, Vice President for Operations of Tuason Racing, commented, “The most exciting thing about this round is being able to bring an experienced Japanese F4 racer on our grid. I think this will de nitely fuel the competitiveness in our

racers, so I’m looking forward to it!”

The Formula V1 Challenge and 1NZ Unity Cup is presented by Tuason Racing & GT Radial, powered by Unioil and Gulf, and supported by OMP, Rota, FASA, Toptul, DynoPro, On Shoes, Imprint Customs, AAP, and Clark International Speedway. Together with its media partners, C! Magazine,

Autodeal, Autocar, Time Attack Manila, Inquirer, Autoindustriya, and Skramble.

Visit Tuason racing’s o cial website http:// www.tuasonracing. com/ Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/tuasonracing and Instagram https:// www.instagram.com/ tuasonracing/ for more information and updates.

FILIPINO RACER ZACH DAVID CONCLUDES 2024 FRECA RD. 5 ON

A HIGH NOTE

solid weekend at Mugello Circuit in Italy has given Zachary ‘Zach’ David a lot of con dence as the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) passes its halfway mark in 2024. A er experiencing tire degradation issues on Saturday, the Maltalicensed Filipino driver fought his way to a strong point-scoring nish on Sunday to conclude Round 5 on a high note.

AThe level of competition has now reached new heights with the FRECA grid stretching to 33 entries. This means that despite being only 0.523 secs o pole position during Saturday Qualifying, David ended up P13 on the grid for Race 1.

He got o to a clean start and slotted into P11

by the end of the rst lap. But halfway into the race, as he pushed hard in an attempt to further improve his position, his #20 R-ace GP entry began to slip back due to tire degradation issues. David had to defend from a hard-charging Ruiqi Liu of Trident Motorsport all the way to the nish line to maintain his 12th place. With lessons learned from the previous day, the 16-year-old yielded better results in Sunday Qualifying. P7 on the grid placed him within striking distance of his championship rivals and would start alongside his teammate Tuukka Taponen. David muscled his way at the start of Race 2, avoiding contact and successfully moving himself up to P6. He then tailed his teammate as both

R-ace GP drivers chased a er the frontrunners. However, with all the drivers so evenly matched, it proved hard to nd an overtaking spot around the 5.245 km circuit.

David just held position throughout the 18-lap race to secure a solid 6th place when the chequered ag dropped with points in the bag. With a doubleheader weekend between Mugello and

Paul Ricard, there will hardly be any time to rest as the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) moves to France for Round 6 on the 20th to 21st of July.

Zach David: “A lot of positives from the weekend at Mugello. No big mistakes, clean driving, and nished both races higher than where we started.

Given how the weekend panned out, nishing

6th in Race 2 was the best as a team could do. What’s important was to end with good points. Some things to x and work on for Paul Ricard, but a very good progression through the weekend lls us with con dence going into race week.”

Zach David is sponsored by Ceramic Pro, Stilo Helmets, Attard Baldacchino, Puma, Green Amenities, JG Summit Ole ns Corporation, AutoPlus Sports, Automobile Association Philippines, Time Attack Manila, ISR, and Malta Motorsports Federation.

For more info and the latest updates, follow ZachdavidRacing on Facebook, @ zachdavidracing on Instagram, @zachdavid. racing on TikTok, and @zachdavidracing on YouTube.

TOYOTAPH CELEBRATES 10TH SEASON OF RACING SERIES WITH TGR PHILIPPINE CUP

oyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has announced the start of its 2024 motorsports season, with new developments to celebrate its racing series’ tenth season. This year, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Cup (TGR Vios Cup), its premier one-make-race (OMR) series, will be held as the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup), signifying a new chapter in the country’s racing scene.

The TGR Philippine Cup will be held over three race weekends that are open to the public — July 13 for Race Weekend 1, September 28 for Race Weekend 2 and November 9 for Race Weekend 3. All three race weekends will be held at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

TMP launched its racing series in 2014 with the goal of bringing the thrill of motorsports closer to Filipino racing fans by inviting professional and amateur homegrown racers to race the locally made fanfavorite sedan, the Toyota Vios, in its OMR form. Now in its 10th edition, the annual motorsports event is expanding to provide ever-better experiences for fans with more activities to look out for.

New name, more racing excitement

New and returning racers from various racing teams across the country will compete

in the TGR Philippine Cup Sprint Race under the three categories — the Promotional Class, Sporting Class and Super Sporting Class — to determine the best of the best in Philippine motorsports. Participating in the Sporting Class as part of the TGR Philippines team is actor and host Ryan Agoncillo, while actor Troy Montero continues his bid for the Super Sporting championship.

Celebrity, in uencer and media racers who showed exceptional skill in the previous editions’ Autocross Challenge have been promoted to a new sprint race category — the Novice Class. Making their circuit race debut at the TGR Philippine Cup are Reph Bangsil and Lexi Mendiola. Joining them is sim racer Russel Reyes, and media racers Pablo Salapantan, Jose Altoveros, Jamil Lacuna and John Rey San Diego. A surprise driver will also be taking on the challenge!

All classes will go wheel-to-wheel in both the sprint race and the Endurance Race. Previously known as the Grand Prix during the 2024 TGR Vios Cup, the Endurance Race is a 1.5hour circuit race that will exhibit the capabilities of the Vios OMR. The Sprint Race, previously known as the Circuit Championship, is a 12-lap or 30-minute race that will test the skill of the drivers. Both formats will hold a qualifying to set the starting grid.

The Autocross Challenge, a time-attack format slalom race, will soon be opened to more drivers and audiences through a separate TGR tour that will be announced separately.

Thrilling activities for fans

Now for those who want to experience the thrill of the racetracks themselves, Toyota will be holding a track day for TGR car club members! During the track day, participants will get exclusive access to the Clark International Speedway and get a chance to drive their GR vehicle on the racetrack. Registration will be announced soon on TGR PH’s online channels.

E-racing enthusiasts will also get a chance to showcase their driving skills on the virtual tracks through the TGR GT Cup experience booth!

Interested participants can try their hand at setting the fastest lap for a chance to win a prize!

The TGR Philippine Cup will also feature a driving exhibition by professional dri ers using the GR 86. And even more exciting is the opportunity for eventgoers to win a shotgun ride via ra e! The winner will get to ride in the passenger’s seat of the GR 86 and experience being dri ed around a slalom course on the track.

There will be freebies

and prizes up for grabs during the event, o cial GR merchandise for sale, GR road cars on display and for test drive, and even a special live stage by a musical guest.

“In 2014, TMP launched its motorsports program dedicated to producing highperformance cars, activating exciting motorsports events, and creating unique experiences for fans,” shared TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations, Mr. Danny Cruz. “Our hope for this new chapter of Toyota motorsports in the Philippines is to elevate the experience even further for fans by providing them with more ways to enjoy TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.”

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup is brought to you by O cial Fuel Parter Petron and O cial Tire Partner GT Radial, and in cooperation with O cial Timekeeper Seiko. This event is also supported by Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One.

For more information on the TGR Philippine Cup, visit https://toyota. com.ph/tgrphilippines. Follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing on Facebook and Instagram and TMP’s o cial pages—Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter, and join the Viber community at Toyota PH for updates.

ASPIRING RACERS LIVE MOTORSPORTS DREAMS AT TOYOTA GAZOO RACING

ACADEMY PHILIPPINES

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) recently opened the 2024 class of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Academy Philippines (TGRA), its training ground for both aspiring and experienced racers.

Held at the Clark International Speedway, the rst half of the two-part course taught students racing basics such as how to identify the ags used during a race, braking points on the track, and racing etiquette.

Students were able to apply what they learned during the second half of the course through a slalom activity on

the track. The lessons concluded with a ‘follow the leader’ activity where students drove around the track behind a pace car.

More than 30 individuals participated in the classes, from sim racers looking to transition to actual racing to racing fans who wanted to experience the thrill for themselves.

“For aspiring racers, the TGRA is a gateway to achieving their dreams,” shared TMP Vice President for Marketing Services Elvin Luciano. “Our mission with the TGRA is to provide a starting point for anyone who wants

to try their hand at racing. We’re thrilled to know some even go on to pursue professional careers in the sport a er graduating from the TGRA.”

Since its launch in 2014, the TGRA has produced skilled racers

who have gone on to participate in various local racing events, including TMP’s own racing series, the TGR Vios Cup.

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Academy is brought to you by Petron and GT Radial, and

in cooperation with Seiko. This event is also supported by Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, Tuason Racing, OMP, ROTA and Kinto One.

For more information on the TGRA and other TGR events, visit https:// toyota.com.ph/ tgrphilippines. Follow

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing on Facebook and Instagram and TMP’s o cial pages—Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter, and join the Viber community at Toyota PH for updates.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER CARGO SECURING ENSURING SAFETY ON THE ROAD

Words by Anjo Perez

Transporting goods, whether for work or personal use, is a task many drivers face regularly. From moving household items to hauling equipment or luggage, ensuring that cargo is properly secured in your vehicle is more than just a practical step—it’s a crucial safety measure. Whether you’re using a pickup truck, roof rack, or cargo trailer, failing to properly fasten your load can lead to serious accidents, injuries, or even fatalities.

One of the primary reasons to secure your cargo is the safety of everyone on the road. Unsecured items can quickly turn into dangerous projectiles during sudden stops, sharp turns, or accidents. According to traffic safety reports, improperly secured loads are responsible for numerous accidents every year, many of which result in severe injuries or death. These incidents affect not only the driver and passengers but also pedestrians and other motorists.

A tragic example occurred recently in Davao City, where a truck driver and his assistant were killed after unsecured metal cargo surged forward when the vehicle made an abrupt stop. This heartbreaking incident highlights the potentially deadly consequences of neglecting basic cargo safety precautions. Simple steps, such as using proper tie-downs and routinely checking the security of your load, can help avoid similar tragedies and save lives.

In addition to safety, there are other practical reasons for securing your cargo. Loose items can shift while driving, creating hazardous situations. In pickup trucks, unsecured cargo can be ejected from the bed, putting other vehicles and pedestrians at risk. Roof-mounted items can become dangerous projectiles in the event

of a sudden stop, while unsecured loads in trailers can cause instability, increasing the risk of rollover accidents.

Securing cargo properly also prevents damage to the items being transported. A shifting load can lead to broken or damaged goods, which can be costly. For businesses, this can mean lost revenue, customer dissatisfaction, and additional expenses. By using the right restraints, such as straps, ropes, and nets, cargo can be kept in place, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining the value of the transported goods.

The vehicle itself can suffer from improperly fastened loads as well. Loose items in the bed of a pickup truck can cause dents, scratches, and other damage that may require expensive repairs. Overloaded roof racks can strain the vehicle’s roof, affect aerodynamics, and reduce fuel efficiency. Trailers with unevenly distributed cargo can place excessive stress on the frame and axles, leading to costly wear and tear.

Tips for Securing Cargo Safely Using proper restraints is the first step to ensuring cargo is securely fastened. It’s important to invest in high-quality straps, ropes, or

nets specifically designed for cargo transport. These tools need to be in good condition and strong enough to handle the weight of your load. Lashing belts or tie-down straps can easily be found at automotive stores or online, providing a reliable solution for securing a wide range of items.

Distributing weight evenly across your vehicle or trailer is another critical consideration. Uneven loads can put unnecessary stress on one side of the vehicle, which may lead to instability and increase the risk of accidents. By balancing the load, you ensure that the vehicle or trailer maintains its stability and control, especially during turns or sudden stops.

Before starting your journey, it’s essential to check that all items are securely fastened. Taking a few minutes to double-check the stability of your cargo can prevent

dangerous shifting during transit. On longer trips, it’s advisable to inspect the load periodically, especially after rough roads or sharp turns, to ensure that nothing has come loose.

Covering loose items is also a key safety measure. Using tarps or other covers protects cargo from weather conditions and prevents lighter items from flying off your vehicle. This precaution is especially important when transporting irregularly shaped or lightweight objects that are more prone to becoming airborne.

Lastly, always follow the load guidelines provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Every vehicle and trailer has weight limits that, if exceeded, can compromise safety and performance. Overloading can lead to issues such as reduced fuel efficiency, difficulty steering, or even vehicle damage. By staying within the manufacturer’s recommended limits, you ensure a safer journey for yourself and others on the road.

Each of these measures plays a crucial role in keeping your cargo secure and ensuring the safety of all road users.

HARIPHIL ASIA RESOURCES OUTLINES BOLD VISION FOR CHEVROLET IN THE PHILIPPINES

HARIPHIL Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) recently unveiled an ambitious three-year roadmap aimed at strengthening the Chevrolet brand in the Philippine automotive market. At an exclusive event held at Solaire Resort Entertainment City, HARI’s leadership, alongside key executives from General Motors (GM), shared their strategy for making Chevrolet a preferred choice for Filipino car buyers.

Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI’s Vice Chairman, President, and CEO, spearheaded the event, where she introduced the company’s new campaign theme: “Generation Chevrolet 3.33.” This marked the first formal gathering with Chevrolet dealers since HARI took over the brand’s distribution, creating an atmosphere of optimism and shared commitment to Chevrolet’s growth in the country.

Revitalizing Chevrolet’s Potential Perez-Agudo, who is renowned for successfully revitalizing automotive brands, expressed her enthusiasm

about the partnership with Chevrolet. “Chevrolet is a brand with significant potential, and we are committed to positioning it as a top contender in the Philippine market once again,” she remarked.

Chevrolet’s resurgence is already evident, with the brand reporting an impressive 131% growth in sales during the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. This surge in demand has been driven by popular models such as the Chevrolet Tracker, Camaro, and Trailblazer. “These numbers are just the beginning of what we envision for Chevrolet’s future in the Philippines,” Perez-Agudo added.

Recognizing Dealer Excellence

The event also celebrated the vital role played by Chevrolet’s dealer network in the brand’s success. HARI recognized topperforming dealers with awards in categories such as Sales, Service, Parts, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Dealer Management. “We are deeply appreciative of the hard work and dedication shown by our dealer teams, whose exceptional

performance has helped us achieve remarkable results this year,” Perez-Agudo said.

Bold Plans for 2024 and Beyond

Looking to the future, Perez-Agudo outlined HARI’s goals for Chevrolet over the next three years. The company’s strategy includes the introduction of new models, the expansion of its dealership network, and the pursuit of aggressive targets for the 2024-2027 period. Attendees were also treated to a sneak peek of exciting new Chevrolet models set to debut in the Philippines in the near future, further igniting anticipation for the brand’s upcoming product lineup.

A Resilient Journey of Growth

As HARI approaches its 25th year in the industry, Perez-Agudo reflected on the company’s journey. “Our path hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges we’ve encountered have only made us stronger. We are more determined than ever to build on our successes and take Chevrolet to new heights in the Philippine automotive industry.”

With a clear vision and strong partnerships with GM, HARI is poised to make Chevrolet a leading name in the local market. The event concluded on a high note, with optimism surrounding the brand’s future as HARI and GM look to expand Chevrolet’s presence and achieve sustained growth in the years to come.

A Bright Future for Chevrolet in the Philippines

The combination of strategic product launches, dealership expansion, and the revitalized dealer network positions Chevrolet for a promising future in the Philippines. With HARI at the helm, backed by GM’s global expertise, Chevrolet is ready to embark on a new chapter, aimed at becoming a key player in the competitive automotive landscape.

The event was attended by top HARI and GM executives, including Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, GMI President Ernesto Ortiz, GM International Business Planning Manager Misha Benisi, HARI CFO Ladislao Z. Avila, GM CFO Mitchell Early, Director of Operations Jungsuk Lee, and Sales Leader for Southeast Asia Anatolio Enderez.

SAGADA ADVENTURE

Words by Anjo Perez

EXPLORING THE HIGHLANDS IN THE ISUZU D-MAX WITH OVERLANDING KINGS

The road to Sagada, nestled deep within the Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines, offers a driving experience like no other. The rugged terrain, majestic mountain views, and crisp air are perfect for those who seek both adventure and serenity. What better way to conquer this terrain than behind the wheel of an Isuzu D-Max? Combined with a luxury camping setup by Overlanding Kings, owned by Joel Pedro, and gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs, this trip redefines outdoor adventure and comfort.

The Journey

When you’re heading to Sagada, the journey is just as important as the destination. The Isuzu D-Max, with its powerful engine, robust chassis, and off-road capabilities, is an ideal vehicle for this kind of adventure. Known for its durability and reliability, the D-Max handles the steep climbs, sharp turns, and occasionally rough roads with ease.

Navigating the Terrain

The route to Sagada, starting from the lowlands and moving into the mountains, is one of

breathtaking beauty but also challenging roads. The infamous Halsema Highway, known as one of the most scenic but treacherous roads in the country, offers switchback turns, narrow passes, and dramatic drops. But with the D-Max’s high ground clearance and 4x4 capabilities, you’ll feel secure and confident. Its stability control features and comfortable suspension ensure a smooth and controlled ride, whether you’re on paved roads or navigating through mountain trails.

Overlanding Kings: Setting Up Camp in Style

Once you arrive in Sagada, the beauty of the mountain

ranges greets you. After a rewarding drive, it’s time to shift gears—from adventurer to luxury camper. Partnering with Overlanding Kings, a premium outfitter owned by Joel Pedro, this adventure takes camping to the next level. Known for providing top-tier camping equipment and setups, Overlanding Kings ensures that your experience is as comfortable as it is exciting.

Luxury Tents and Glamping Setup

Forget the old-school tents that take forever to pitch. With Overlanding Kings’ modern camping gear, like pre-pitched glamping tents, you’ll be able

to settle in without breaking a sweat. These tents are spacious, equipped with comfortable beds, soft linens, and even solar-powered lights for a cozy ambiance. The full glamping experience includes eco-friendly essentials like portable showers, eco-friendly toilets, and lounging areas complete with plush seating and throw pillows.

Outdoor Living Room and Campfire

With Overlanding Kings’ thoughtful design, the camp transforms into a stylish outdoor living room, complete with comfortable chairs, tables, and soft rugs, all placed under the open sky. A fire pit crackles at the center of your camp, keeping you warm as the mountain air cools at night. Gather around with your group and take in the stars, a spectacle you don’t get to enjoy in the city.

A Magical Morning at Kiltepan Peak

One of the highlights of your Sagada adventure is the early

morning trek to Kiltepan Peak to witness the famed sea of clouds during sunrise. Waking up before dawn, you head to the peak in your Isuzu D-Max, its off-road capabilities perfect for navigating the rough path leading to this iconic spot. As the sun begins to rise, the valleys below fill with a dense layer of clouds, creating an ethereal scene that will leave you in awe.

With the first light illuminating the horizon and the cool mountain breeze brushing against your face, this magical moment offers the perfect

blend of tranquility and natural wonder. Watching the sun peek over the mountains and light up the vast sea of clouds is an unforgettable experience, made even better with a cup of freshly brewed coffee prepared by your Overlanding Kings team. It’s these moments that make the journey to Sagada truly special.

Culinary Delights: Gourmet Meals in the Wilderness

One of the best things about this luxury camping trip is the culinary experience. Sagada’s

local produce, including fresh vegetables, mountain coffee, and organic meats, serves as the base for gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs who accompany the trip.

Chef-Prepared Feasts

Forget freeze-dried camping food or instant noodles. With the help of trained chefs, each meal is a culinary delight. Fresh salads, grilled meats, handmade pasta, and local delicacies are all prepared over an open fire or using modern portable stoves. For breakfast, savor freshly brewed Sagada coffee paired with eggs, local sausages, and freshly baked bread.

The Sagada Experience: A Balance of Adventure and Relaxation

The combination of the Isuzu D-Max’s rugged capability, the luxurious camping setup provided by Overlanding Kings, and chef-prepared meals creates a unique blend of adventure and comfort. During the day, you can explore the caves, waterfalls,

and hanging coffins that Sagada is famous for. Trek through the scenic rice terraces, or take a guided tour of the famous Sumaguing Cave. After a long day of exploration, return to your stylish camp for a hot shower, a gourmet meal, and some quiet time around the fire.

The Isuzu D-Max: Your Partner for Adventure

The Isuzu D-Max is more than just a vehicle; it’s your partner in this adventure. Its advanced safety features, powerful engine, and off-road capability

ensure you get to Sagada safely and comfortably. Plus, its spacious interior and large truck bed make it easy to bring all your luxury camping gear and supplies. Whether you’re climbing mountains or cruising through scenic roads, the D-Max performs brilliantly.

Overlanding Kings: A Trusted utfitter

Joel Pedro’s Overlanding Kings has built a reputation as one of the premier adventure outfitters in the Philippines, specializing in high-quality camping gear

and unique outdoor experiences. From custom glamping setups to providing top-tier equipment, Overlanding Kings ensures that your camping experience in Sagada is nothing short of extraordinary. With a focus on comfort, style, and seamless service, they turn any camping trip into a luxurious outdoor retreat.

A Journey of a Lifetime

Driving the Isuzu D-Max to Sagada, witnessing the breathtaking sunrise at Kiltepan Peak, and camping in style with the help of Overlanding Kings is

an experience that seamlessly blends the thrill of outdoor adventure with the comforts of luxury. With modern camping gear, professional chefs, and the reliable D-Max at your side, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sagada without sacrificing comfort or style. It’s a trip that offers the best of both worlds—adventure for the heart and luxury for the soul.

So pack your bags, let Overlanding Kings handle the details, and head out on a Sagada adventure like no other.

GAC M8

A NEW STANDARD IN LUXURY, PERFORMANCE, AND SAFETY FOR MPVS

Words by Anjo Perez

The GAC M8, the flagship MPV from Chinese automaker GAC Motor, has made a significant entry into the luxury vehicle segment. It offers a mix of comfort, technology, and safety features designed to appeal to those seeking more than just transportation. After test driving the GAC M8 GX Master, it’s clear that this vehicle brings together practical design and advanced technology, delivering a notable experience for both drivers and passengers.

A Comfortable and WellDesigned Interior

The interior of the GAC M8 is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Highquality materials, including leather seats and soft-touch surfaces, give the cabin a refined feel. Both the driver and front passenger benefit from seats that offer multiple adjustments, including heating and ventilation, making long drives more comfortable.

The second-row captain’s chairs, which feature reclining functions and generous legroom, are a highlight. These seats include tray tables and personal entertainment screens, providing a business-class feel for passengers. Ambient lighting throughout the cabin contributes to a pleasant atmosphere, creating a relaxed environment for all occupants.

In terms of technology, the M8 includes a modern infotainment system that supports voice commands and a multi-zone climate control system, ensuring that every passenger can enjoy a tailored experience. The overall design emphasizes comfort without unnecessary extravagance, making it practical for daily use or longer journeys.

Exterior: A Clean, Modern Look

The GAC M8’s exterior design is sleek and modern, with clean lines and a streamlined profile that helps it stand out in the MPV market. The front grille, paired

with LED headlights, gives the vehicle a strong presence on the road, while chrome accents and alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication.

The design features, including the panoramic sunroof and carefully crafted body panels, are well-integrated, giving the M8 a balanced look. It’s a vehicle that maintains a subtle elegance, appropriate for both urban environments and longer road trips.

Performance: A Balance of Po er and Efficiency

The GAC M8 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. This engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, provides smooth acceleration and enough power for both city driving and highway cruising.

One of the key features of this transmission is its adaptive learning technology, which adjusts to the driver’s style over time. Whether you prefer a more energetic drive or a calm, steady pace, the M8 adapts, offering a balanced performance tailored to your preferences.

Despite its power, the GAC M8 also focuses on fuel efficiency, making it suitable

for daily commuting as well as longer trips. The engine and transmission work together to ensure that performance doesn’t come at the cost of economy.

Advanced Safety Features ith ADAS

The GAC M8 comes with a range of safety features designed to make driving safer and more manageable. The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) includes features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, making long drives more convenient.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) help prevent unintentional lane changes, while Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) works to reduce the risk of collisions by automatically applying the brakes when necessary. Blind Spot Detection (BSD) adds another layer of safety by alerting the driver to vehicles in

their blind spots, making lane changes safer.

The 360-Degree Camera System offers a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making parking and navigating tight spaces easier. Additionally, Driver Attention Monitoring tracks the driver’s focus and suggests breaks if it detects signs of fatigue or distraction, promoting safer driving habits.

A Practical Choice in the uxury MP Segment

The GAC M8 offers a strong combination of comfort, technology, and safety, making it a practical choice for families, executives, or anyone looking for a reliable, well-equipped MPV. It doesn’t rely on flashy design elements or excessive features but instead focuses on delivering a well-rounded experience that caters to everyday needs.

Available in two versions—the top-tier GAC M8 GX Master at P3.948 million and the more affordable GL Master MPV at P2.998 million—the M8 provides options for different budgets without compromising on quality.

The GAC M8 positions itself as a solid contender in the luxury MPV market, offering a balanced mix of performance, comfort, and safety features that meet the needs of modern drivers.

oyota Motor Philippines has officially introduced the 2025 Land Cruiser Prado, a vehicle that promises to continue the legacy of its iconic predecessors with a blend of ruggedness, luxury, and cuttingedge technology. Known globally as the Land Cruiser 250, this latest iteration retains its Prado name for the local market, catering to the country’s growing demand for high-end SUVs capable of conquering both city streets and off-road trails.

TA SINGLE FULLY LOADED VARIANT FOR THE PHILIPPINE MARKET

Unlike other markets that may offer multiple variants, the Philippine market will receive only one fully loaded version of the 2025 Land Cruiser Prado. This

Words by John Rey San Diego

TOYOTA UNVEILS THE 2025 LAND CRUISER PRADO IN THE PHILIPPINES

exclusive model is available in three premium colors: Platinum White Pearl Mica, Attitude Black Mica, and AvantGarde Bronze Metallic. Designed to exude sophistication and strength, this top-tier Prado mirrors the Kakadu variant sold in Australia.

Externally, the new Prado distinguishes itself with striking 20-inch alloy wheels, a sleek moonroof, and body-colored cladding that elevates its visual appeal. The vehicle’s modern front-end features a vertical grille that incorporates Toyota’s contemporary logo, flanked by rectangular LED headlights. This updated front design replaces the vintage grille with round headlights from the previous model, giving the Prado a fresh, contemporary look while maintaining its tough persona.

INTERIOR: A LUXURIOUS DRIVING EXPERIENCE

Step inside the 2025 Prado, and it’s clear that Toyota has spared no effort in crafting an interior that blends luxury with functionality. The cabin is outfitted with two large 12.3-inch displays: one for the digital gauge cluster and the other for the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. This system is user-friendly and features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and cloudbased navigation, ensuring drivers stay connected on the road.

For entertainment, the vehicle comes equipped with a 10-speaker sound system, providing a rich auditory experience for all passengers. Seat comfort is a priority, with power-adjustable front seats and seat ventilation available in all three rows,

ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys. The black leather upholstery throughout the cabin further adds to the Prado’s premium feel, while a rearseat entertainment system offers added convenience for passengers, making this vehicle perfect for family road trips.

The moonroof enhances the sense of openness, bringing in natural light and offering an expansive view of the skies, complementing the vehicle’s spacious and well-appointed interior.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE: CUTTING-EDGE PROTECTION

Safety is a key focus for the 2025 Land Cruiser Prado, as Toyota has integrated its full Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This comprehensive safety package includes a range of features designed to prevent accidents and protect passengers, whether driving on highways or navigating through crowded urban streets.

Among the notable safety features is the Pre-Collision System, which helps detect and mitigate potential front-end collisions. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control ensures smooth highway driving by maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. Lane Tracing Assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, while Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert offer enhanced visibility and awareness of surrounding traffic. For parking and maneuvering in tight spaces, the Prado also includes a 360-degree

POWER AND PERFORMANCE: BUILT FOR ALL TERRAINS

Under the hood, the 2025 Land Cruiser Prado is powered by a robust 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, which delivers 281 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear shifts and a responsive driving experience.

The Prado’s four-wheel-drive (4WD) system is engineered to handle a wide variety of terrains, making it an ideal companion for off-road enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD) that improves traction and stability, especially in challenging driving conditions. Additionally, the vehicle features Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which automatically adjusts the suspension settings based on the road surface, providing a smooth and controlled ride whether on highways or rough trails.

Built on the TNGA-F platform, the same robust platform used for the full-size Land Cruiser 300, the new Prado benefits from enhanced structural rigidity and improved off-road performance. This makes it a capable and dependable SUV, ready to tackle the toughest terrains while delivering a refined on-road experience.

INCREASED PRICING REFLECTS

PREMIUM OFFERINGS

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is priced at P4.8 million, marking a significant price increase of over P1 million compared to its previous generation. However, the steep price tag is justified by the wealth of premium features, advanced technology, and performance upgrades that come with this new model.

Toyota’s decision to offer a single, fully loaded variant underscores its positioning of the Prado as a luxury off-roader, appealing to a discerning clientele who value both style and substance. The comprehensive suite of features, from the luxurious interior to the powerful drivetrain and cutting-edge safety systems, ensures that the 2025 Prado remains a top contender in the competitive SUV market.

A WORTHY SUCCESSOR

The launch of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in the Philippines marks the arrival of a modern yet rugged SUV designed for those who demand luxury, capability, and advanced technology in equal measure. With its powerful engine, enhanced safety features, and premium interior, the new Prado is well-equipped to continue the Land Cruiser legacy while catering to the needs of today’s sophisticated SUV buyers. Though it comes with a higher price, the value it offers in terms of performance, comfort, and advanced features makes it a worthy investment for those seeking the best of both worlds—luxury and adventure.

camera, providing a clear view of the vehicle’s surroundings.

Words by John Rey San Diego

IAN VENERACION FINDS THE PERFECT MATCH WITH BAIC B60 BEAUMONT

BAIC Philippines has found its perfect match in actor and multitalented personality Ian Veneracion as their newest brand ambassador. United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the official distributor of BAIC in the country, couldn’t have chosen a better fit. Veneracion’s magnetic presence, combined with his wide range of skills and interests, makes him the ideal figure to represent the brand’s diverse and dynamic vehicle lineup. His charisma appeals not only to a broad audience but also to those who appreciate versatility and performance in their everyday drives.

Ian Veneracion: The Ultimate Renaissance Man With a career that spans over four decades, Ian Veneracion is much more than a celebrated actor. A true Renaissance man, he boasts a wide array of talents: from singing and playing multiple instruments like the guitar and piano to being a visual artist with his work featured in numerous exhibitions. But his passions don’t stop at the arts. Veneracion is also an accomplished athlete and outdoorsman. Whether it’s playing various sports, flying planes, paragliding, scuba diving, or cruising on his motorcycle, Veneracion’s life reflects a deep appreciation for adventure and exploration.

His lifestyle, blending both refinement and ruggedness, perfectly mirrors the characteristics BAIC aims to deliver through its vehicles. It’s this alignment of values that makes him an ideal ambassador for the brand.

A Thoughtful Endorsement Decision

When asked why he decided to partner with BAIC, Veneracion emphasized that he doesn’t endorse products unless he believes in them. “I did my homework,” he shared, noting that he conducted

extensive research on BAIC and their strategic partnerships with global automotive giants such as Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai. His decision was further cemented by test-driving the vehicles himself, ensuring he experienced firsthand what the brand had to offer.

Impressed by the quality and predictability of BAIC’s driving dynamics, Veneracion found that the brand’s blend of luxury, performance, and affordability made it a worthy choice. Originally considering the 5-seater BAIC B40 Ragnar off-road SUV, Veneracion ultimately opted for the larger, 7-seater BAIC B60 Beaumont, citing its suitability for his active lifestyle and family needs.

area where he can relax between takes. But beyond work, the B60 Beaumont shines during his family outings, easily accommodating his family of five and all their gear for outdoor adventures.

What stood out to Veneracion was the vehicle’s impressive balance between luxury and functionality. “I like the size. I like the aesthetics. The amenities—there are just so many features,” he said. “It ticks so many boxes, and I’m glad that these kinds of vehicles are now more affordable to a greater part of our population.”

A

Closer Look at the BAIC B60 Beaumont

also features a true ladder-frame 4x4 setup, ensuring robust off-road capabilities, with nine driving modes to handle various terrains.

Inside, the vehicle is just as impressive, offering a premium experience for both driver and passengers. The cabin is fitted with luxurious amenities such as a four-screen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with smartphone mirroring and wireless charging capabilities. Other advanced features include a digital rearview mirror with an integrated recording camera, a 540-degree panoramic camera system, a 220V power outlet, and a 12+1 Infinity speaker system with active noise canceling. The panoramic sunroof further enhances the driving experience, flooding the cabin with natural light.

For a price of P2,998,000, the BAIC B60 Beaumont offers a lot of value. It comes with a comprehensive 5-year or 150,000 km warranty, offering peace of mind to buyers.

The Future Looks Bright for BAIC and Ian Veneracion

Ian Veneracion’s partnership with BAIC marks an exciting chapter for the brand in the Philippines. His endorsement brings credibility and attention to a brand that is steadily gaining traction, especially among Filipino drivers looking for a vehicle that offers a mix of style, versatility, and advanced technology at a reasonable price point.

Meets Comfort

The BAIC B60 Beaumont: Versatility

For Veneracion, the BAIC B60 Beaumont has become a reliable companion, both on and off the road. On busy shooting days, it serves as his comfortable mode of transport to various locations. It even doubles as a mobile rest

The BAIC B60 Beaumont, now available in the Philippine market, is the first in its segment to feature a 2.0L diesel hybrid powertrain paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers a respectable 163 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, making it a powerful yet efficient option for drivers seeking both performance and ecoconsciousness. The B60 Beaumont

As BAIC continues to expand its presence in the country, with the B60 Beaumont leading the charge, Veneracion’s influence is expected to help the brand reach new heights. For those in search of an SUV that’s as multifaceted as their lifestyle, the BAIC B60 Beaumont— with its powerful engine, advanced features, and competitive pricing— is undoubtedly worth considering.

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TOYOTA UNVEILS THE 2025 LAND CRUISER PRADO IN THE PHILIPPINES

GAC M8

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