Story & photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
WITH a motif of featuring restored cars that represented the six decades of motoring culture in the country, organizers for this sixth chapter of the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) vowed to “go back to the future”.
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo opened the curtains of its second episode back in 2008, with a theme “Drive the Future Towards Safer and Cleaner Motoring,” then came an almost near concept of “Drive the Green Road” two years after. This eventually morphed to “Driving the Fun” in 2012, before traveling back in time in the succeeding fanfare that followed. Now, with the idea “Steer the Future”, the industry-led five-day event brought new car models into the market and thus, better mobility for Filipinos.
“The automobile industry accounts for 12 percent of the industrial-sector output and 4 percent of total GDP during the previous administration,” Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (Campi) President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez stated.
“In fact, the vehicles generated about a quarter-of-a-trillion pesos in sales, “ he added, with regard to the industry’s three years past. The 6th PIMS, Gutierrez said, “is proof that the country’s automotive industry remains robust. We are excited to stage it this year, as we lead Filipinos to a future of better mobility and transpiration, thus contribute to the country’s progress.”
Here are some out of the 17 who set “fireworks” at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Bravo Honda
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) braved the stage with its all-new affordable, seven-seater compact SUV, Bold Run-about Vehicle (BR-V).
This affordable utilitarian serves as the answer to the rising customer demands and needs for an inexpensive SUV.
“We have two variants for this. We’re having the entry-level price at P1 million, while the top variant with navigation system and everything is at P1.1 million,” HCPI President Toshio Kuwahara shared.
Meanwhile, also earning applause from the crowd is the McLaren MP4-30 Formula One (F1) car that was run by Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen last year. Other vehicles on display were the all-new Honda Civic and City.
Economy-wise
For today’s thrift-thinking Filipinos, the Suzuki booth suited their needs.
Setting center stage was its B-segment car Ciaz, an award-winning sedan with best-in-class fuel-efficiency and other advanced features, coupled with a sporty, elegant exterior design and redefined spacious interiors. While another winner in its stable was the Suzuki Celerio.
In the recent Department of Energy (DOE)-led fuel-economy run, the Ciaz GL MT variant logged in 27.94 km/L, while the Celerio CVT registered 29.14 km/L, both besting other vehicles in their categories.
Also present were the all-time bestsellers Suzuki Ertiga, Suzuki Jimny and Suzuki Swift, not to mention its AFF Suzuki Cup especially dressed-up model; and the Suzuki Super Carry, which will be officially launched in October.
When asked about its flourishing car sales, Suzuki Philippines for Automobile General Manager Shuzo Hoshikura said, “Our company has sold 10,000 units back in 2015, a record-breaking 52-percent increase from the previous year. For 2016, we are now already enjoying a 37-percent increase in the first half.” Proof of the local market’s fervor for their vehicles are the approximately 3,100 inquiries during the motor show alone, with the Ertiga (about 650) and, surprisingly, the Jimny, with 700, getting more nods.
The People’s ‘C’
The Germans’ “People’s Car”, meanwhile, had a field day at the show with their four-door coupe Volkswagen CC. The CC is powered by a 2.0-liter, twin-cam, direct-injection, inline-4 turbodiesel-producing 175 horsepower and 380 N-m of torque.
Also making its Philippine debut is the Caddy, Volkswagen’s own take on the minivan segment.
Du Sport Automobile
Finally, the French way as Peugeot Philippines featured its rich motorsports heritage and launched a new racing project.
Two custom-built Peugeot 208 GTis were on display: the first was inspired by the T16 Pikes Peak, which made its victorious debut at the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb; the other was the one geared in participating in one of the country’s biggest racing events of the year, the 2016 Targa Manila.
“We’re here to show the rich motorsports heritage of Peugeot. In fact, the 208 GTi has shattered records, and is regarded as one of the best rally cars to date,” Peugeot Philippines’s Dong Magsajo said.
Initiation by fire
Recently, Campi neophyte Foton Philippines took things in stride, despite its unfamiliarity as a new entrant. The Foton Toplander 4×4, the first sport-utility vehicle, for one, took its own spotlight at the hailed fanfare. The Chinese automaker also flaunted its heavy- and light-duty trucks.
Ritzy green warhorses
Premium executive brands, such as Lexus and BMW, meanwhile, had their own take for green mobility.
The hybrid Lexus LC 500h is a svelte, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an electric motor that both work together to produce 354 horsepower. This power-train is connected to a four-speed automatic gearbox. The carmaker said the LC may be sold in the country early next year.
Meanwhile, Asian Carmakers Corp. previewed the plug-in BMW i8 at the show. Underneath the hood, the i8 has a midmounted, turbocharged, 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 12-valve, direct-injection inline-3 mated to an electric motor.
Together, the motors produce 357 horsepower, which helps propel the i8 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, while being capable of achieving up to 48 km/L in both highway and city driving.
Lexus also strutted the head-turner LFA, while BMW vaunted its flagship 3 Series models, among others.
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes