IT is barely a week before the nation sees the much-awaited return of the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) on April 7 to 10 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Surely, this is another screaming proof of the industry’s return to normalcy?
This iconic motoring event has been with us for years, its much-admired streak abruptly ended only because of the almost three-year pandemic scourge starting in 2020 that pitifully brought the world down to its knees.
I’m sure many of our car companies will be back to strut their wares again as they usher in a grand motoring rebirth.
Two outfits of substance bidding to make an impact on the show are Volvo and Petron.
“Volvo Philippines is revved up and ready to display the scorching hot models in its local fleet,” wrote Paolo Ella. “We will showcase our new range of hybrid vehicles.”
Petron has a different tack this time.
“Industry leader Petron Corp. will further strengthen its support to the event by not just displaying the company’s world-class lubes but also unraveling the latest array of motorcycles under the company’s roof,” said Amy Christine Giray, special projects manager of Gadgets.
To continue with Volvo, here’s Paolo again:
“Start 2022 off with the right foot with Volvo’s selection of smart, sophisticated and electrified models.
“This year, the local stable is thrumming with cars powered by a state-of-the-art four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine connected to a 48-volt hybrid system that gives out up to 313 horsepower and 460 Nm of torque.
“Volvo’s Boost Hybrid Range—as it is locally called—brings smoothness and electric power to every drive. The 48V battery and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) support the combustion engine for reduced fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. There is also no need for charging as every time the brake is used, the battery is fed with recovered braking energy.”
And from Amy Christine:
“Petron will highlight ‘Petron Panalo ang Pilipino’ theme to emphasize its solidarity with our countrymen and our shared aspiration to rise up and recover from the challenges of the past two years.
“As Petron is the auto show’s exclusive fuel and lubricant sponsor, visitors will be welcomed by a Petron booth with a rally-car display in the lobby, where games are on tap. A big highlight is the display of 50 cars from different eras. These cars trust only Petron Blaze 100, the only 100-octane and Euro 6 gasoline in the country. Sharing equal importance are the latest BMW motorcycle bikes.
“As the country’s leading oil company, Petron takes pride in being the biggest oil player and only remaining refiner in the country with the local capability to formulate world-class products to meet the diverse fuel needs of Filipino motorists.
“Having served the fuel needs of the country for almost 90 years, only Petron has a deep understanding of the unique driving conditions on Philippine roads.
“Created by Filipinos for Filipinos, Petron fuels and lubricants are designed to meet the motoring needs of everyone.”
PEE STOP Honda recently held its groundbreaking ceremonies for its Bacoor dealership in Cavite. It will be its 38th dealership and 11th under Honda Cars Makati. Projected opening is December 2022…Happy birthday to Ted Failon, who celebrates a day after President Duterte’s birthday on March 28. Cheers!