The 5 best new car launches of 2019

In my book, these were the five best new car launches this year, arranged chronologically:

1) Suzuki Jimny All-Grip Pro, March 8, 6pm, Bonifacio High Street Ampitheater, BGC, Taguig.

After attracting the biggest crowds at the four-day Philippine International Motor Show in October 2018, despite being the smallest vehicle on display, the all-new, fourth generation Suzuki Jimny All-Grip Pro was exhibited again, this time for people to touch, feel, and climb into, at the outdoorsy Ampitheater in Bonifacio Global City. The open-air venue, surrounded by greenery, was the perfect setting for a tough, genuine all-terrain automobile that can take you almost anywhere your heart desires. Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH) titillated Jimny fans further by announcing its price range but not the exact date when it would be released for sale. And just to serve as a reminder of its future availability, SPH distributed detailed and faithful die-cast scale models of the new Jimny to guests. The line to reserve a unit immediately formed on the right.

2) 2020 Toyota Corolla Altis HEV and ICE models, Sept. 9, 6pm, Grand Hyatt ballroom, BGC.

Perennial market leader Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) achieved two objectives by hosting a lavish event at the Grand Hyatt’s posh ballroom last September: 1) To launch the 2020 full model change of the Corolla Altis compact sedan in two powertrain versions, and 2) To usher in Toyota’s new hybrid era in the Philippines. The simultaneous reveal of the Corolla self-charging hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and Corolla internal combustion engine (ICE) for the 2020 model year allowed TMP president Satoru Suzuki to claim that the new Corolla is the first in TMP’s product line to feature three of Toyota’s latest technologies in one model: New Global Architecture, Toyota Safety Sense, and Hybrid Technology. The event was also an opportunity for TMP to announce that the Corolla Altis HEV is more accessible at P1.58 million compared to Toyota’s P2 million plus Prius HEV since the Corolla Altis is made in Thailand with correspondingly lower customs duties. Via the hybrid era-ushering event, TMP successfully projected Toyota’s philosophy of Ever Better Cars, Ever Better Performance, and Ever Better Lives with People, Cars and Nature co-existing in harmony.

3) 2020 Honda Accord, Sept. 24, 11am, Blackbird, Ayala Triangle, Makati City.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) chose not to mount a big extravaganza with professional emcees for the launch of the all-new 2020 Accord. Instead, HCPI conducted a comparatively quieter press preview at the classy Blackbird restaurant in Makati where instead of buffet fare which is the usual setting for a new car launch, HCPI served the guests a sit-down, gourmet luncheon at one of the best fine dining places in the country. The distinctive ambience hinted at what was to come: the unveiling outdoors on the patio of the 10th iteration of the brand’s second longest running nameplate in its global lineup. The message, gracefully delivered, was that the elegant, bolder exterior design, larger, advanced tech-savvy interior, and Honda Sensing safety system of the 2020 Accord elevate it to a premium class over and above the midsize executive sedan for the next generation.

4) Geely Coolray, Sept. 25, 6pm, Grand Hyatt ballroom, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Geely wanted its return to Manila as Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) to be noticed big time. The Chinese brand, which vanished from the local scene about a decade ago, succeeded with an impressive launching ceremony at the Grand Hyatt ballroom last September graced by the likes of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the top honchos of Sojitz and the Geely Holding Group, and House of Investments Chairperson Helen Yuchengco-Dee. The event also served as the launching pad of the Geely Coolray compact SUV, SGAP’s initial offering, with the tagline “Bring the fun back in driving.”

Two variants of the Coolray occupied center stage while TV host and former volleyball star Gretchen Ho and sports anchor Aaron Atayde articulately touted the car’s attributes. Aside from marking the return of Geely to the Philippine automotive industry with the launch of the Coolray, the grand event gave SGAP the chance to reveal its ties to and support by the multinational Sojitz Corp. and the Zheijang Geely Holding Group, which holds controlling stakes in the Volvo Car Group, Proton, London Cab, has assets totaling over $43.5 billion, and employs more than 120,000 people worldwide.

5) 2020 MG 5, Oct. 3, 10 am, Glorietta 2 Activity Center, Makati City.

Morris Garages, a traditional British brand better known as MG, celebrated its first anniversary under The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center by unveiling the 2020 MG 5, TCCI’s fourth offering. In October 2018, TCCCI announced that it had been appointed as the exclusive importer and distributor of MG in the Philippines, followed by the launch of the MG ZS crossover, the RX 5 SUV, and the MG 6 fastback. All these cars were displayed at the launch of the MG 5. The MG marque traces its history back to 1924 in Longbridge, England, where it was known for its two-seater sports cars. The company underwent several changes in ownership until 2005, when it was acquired by SAIC Corp., one of China’s Big Four state-owned automakers. Since September 2016, MG cars have been manufactured in China although design continues to be developed at a design studio in London. At the Glorietta Activity Center, the cordoned-off area and the stage were adorned with British cultural icons such as a Liverpool Football Club banner. To evoke the aura of MG’s rich British racing heritage and the brand’s UK roots, a British racing green 1974 MG B GT sports car occupied the venue front and center. After the launching program, the popular OPM band Ben&Ben went onstage to play their chart-topping hits, attracting crowds at Glorietta 2. The Ben&Ben concert gave MG’s event a lively conclusion.