PH auto sector gathers momentum going to the midyear

Rock and roll with Prudz Castillo, Minnie Valencia-Bustamante, Kay Hart and the Mustang V8

Changing of the guard at IPC

If you start it, it will run.

Borrowing an oft-used movie line, and modifying it for our use, this is how the Philippine automotive industry is performing so far this year: more cars put to market, more cars being bought.

The proof of the pudding is in the sales charts. The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) have both reported record-breaking first quarter 2015 sales.

“To achieve our target for 2015, we need to strengthen our fundamentals through various marketing activities,” said Gutierrez. A record-breaking 2015 would certainly be icing on Campi’s cake as it celebrates its 20th year on May 14.

There’s plenty to go around for everyone to have their cake, and eat it, too. Even members of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (Avid) see abundance ahead.

Here’s what the industry has been busy about just this April and early May:

Mazda Sta. Rosa dealership showcases global ID

MOBILIO: another blockbuster in the making for Honda

The April 10 opening of the new Mazda Sta. Rosa dealership in Laguna heralds the first Mazda showroom in the Philippines to feature the new Mazda Global Corporate Identity (CI) standard.

The 1,100-square-meter facility houses the full complement of new vehicle sales, service and after-sales amenities found in all Mazda showrooms throughout the  country.

The new look of the global CI Mazda showrooms is highlighted by the dealership’s premium elegant dark finish and warm wooden accents and lighting, to complement the new-generation Kodo-Soul of Motion design and premium craftsmanship of Mazda automobiles.

Rock-and-roll start of a new Mustang

On April 23, Ford launched the all-new, sixth-generation Mustang in the Philippines at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig with a rock concert.

Seeing stars at the Mitsubishi Mirage Metro Challenge

After 50 years of this pony car’s heritage, the new Mustang now comes with two high-performing engine variants—a fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and a powerful 5-liter V8.

Ford promises that the Mustang delivers “new performance and dynamics benchmarks with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort.”

Prices range from P2.499 million for the 2.3-liter EcoBoost model to P2.999 million for the 5-liter V8 model.

The Ford Mustang will continue to be built in the United States at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant.

Hyundai i20 Cross Sport, all-new Tucson previewed

On April 28, the new, green-rated Hyundai logistics center in Calamba became the venue for the preview of the i20 Cross Sport (with two engine types), and Hyundai’s all-new compact SUV Tucson, which now comes with a more athletic presence.

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (Hari) plans to introduce them within the year.

Mobilio shaping up to be a blockbuster

The 1,100-sqm Mazda facility displays Kodo-designed cars in style.

Since the launch of the seven-seater multipurpose utility vehicle Mobilio on April 28 at the Metrotent in Ortigas Center, Pasig, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. received 700 reservations from its 33 dealers. That’s an average of nearly 47 orders a day for 15 days (including today, May 13) for Honda’s entry in the mainstream (read: more affordable) market.

With a going price within the P800,000 to P900,000 range, Mobilio is based on the “Progressive Private Jetliner” concept which offers modern and young styling, advanced technology, spacious cabin, flexible seats and comfortable sedan-like ride.

Mitsubishi Mirage Metro Challenge for a cause

Combining the compact efficiency of the Mirage, the mass market appeal of show business personalities, and the fun element of urban adventure, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. kicked off a three-weekend Mitsubishi Mirage Metro Challenge on May 9 at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Six teams, each composed of a celebrity and two college students selected from an online application, compete for the P100,000 top prize to be given to the charity of choice of the celebrity.

Every Saturday up to May 30, these six celebrities—actress Ellen Adarna, rock legend Rico Blanco, actor and singer Markki Stroem, volleyball champ Gretchen Ho, Internet sensation Ramon Bautista and singer Saab Magalona—and their student teammates will drive their way around the metro, overcome challenges, and gather points and online votes. Check out www.newmirage.ph.

Isuzu Philippines has a new president

On April 27, Isuzu Philippines Corp. officially introduced its new president, Hajime Koso, who took over the reins from Nobuo Izumina. Koso, 57, has been working for Isuzu Motors Limited for 35 years handling mostly sales and overseas operations. The turnover ceremony was held at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City.

Izumina’s notable accomplishments in IPC include a record 14,134 units sold in 2014, maintaining the leading position for the Isuzu N-Series trucks, the introduction of the D-Max and mu-X, and the 100,000 unit sales of its best-selling Crosswind.