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| SERES 5 SF |
The Philippine automotive landscape is in for a significant transformation with the entry of a brand that epitomizes luxury and intelligent driving. This shift is made possible as SERES AUTO and QSJ Motors Phils., Inc. join forces to introduce SERES intelligent luxury electric vehicle (EVs) that combines innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled driving experiences.
Words and Photos by Monch Henares
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| The off-road capabilities of the Geely Azkarra 4WD will thrill you. (Photo taken at Harvest Hills Family Farm in Nasugbu, Batangas) |
The Geely Azkarra 4WD is known for its sleek design, impressive technology features, comfortable interior, and fuel efficiency. Performance-wise, it offers a smooth ride and decent handling. Its all-wheel-drive capability, which sometimes takes the back seat to all its impressive features, is no ordinary off-road system.
Recently, the emerging personalized brand OMODA & JAECOO, along with their two major series of new energy family vehicles, made a stunning appearance at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. High-ranking officials including Jaime FlorCruz, the Ambassador from the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, Consul Mark Hanzel Lao, Commercial Counsellor Emmanuel Ang, and Sun Qian, the Commercial Director from the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai visited the OMODA & JAECOO booth. Their presence not only witnessed the brand’s multi-dimensional breakthroughs in new energy products, technology, and ecosystems but also contributed to the largest-ever assembly of foreign dignitaries at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.
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(L-R) Allan Lopez – Managing Director, ANC + Group of Companies; Timothy Cheng – Vice Chairman, ANC + Group of Companies; Yasuki Nakagawa – Sales Department Head and Assistant to the General Manager for Automobile Division, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated; Dr. Mike Tan – Executive Vice President, ANC + Group of Companies); Yukio Sato – Aftersales and Marine General Manager, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated; Anthony Cheng – President and Chairman, ANC + Group of Companies & Mt. Sinai Motors Corporation; Rodolfo Fugoso Jr. – General Manger, Mt. Sinai Motors Corporation; Rene Q. Lopez – Asst. General Manager, Mt. Sinai Motors Corporation. |
Suzuki Philippines is pleased to announce the successful groundbreaking ceremony of Suzuki Auto Imus, its newest dealership in CALABARZON, held last May 9, 2024. Owned and operated by Mt. Sinai Motors Corporation (MSMC), the Imus showroom and service center will be situated at Km 27 Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Anabu 1-D, Imus City, Cavite.
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| New Suzuki XL7 Hybrid at the iconic structure of Pico De Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas on May 7, 2024. |
Words and Photos by Monch Henares
Suzuki Philippines invited select members of the Philippine motoring media to a scenic test drive of the New Suzuki XL7 Hybrid last May 6 and 7, 2024. We drove the 80-kilometer stretch from Suzuki Auto Kawit in Cavite to Pico De Loro Beach Resort in Nasugbu, Batangas. We also experienced the stop-and-go traffic of Naic and Kawit all the way to the hill-climbing twisties in Ternate. A perfect scenario for a comprehensive enough test drive.
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| Getting their scuba gear set-up briefing from PADI Master Dive Instructor Joe Padua (right-most). The beneficiaries from left to right: Joseph Apostol, Laurence Matibag, John Ralph Maliglig, Jomar Pabelonia, John Rey Sapusao, and Jovani Vener Valdez. Taken on April 24, 2024 at Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort in Mabini, Batangas. |
The PINK Argonauts formally launches its first Golf and Dive Event happening on May 24-26, 2024 to be held at Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club and at Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort respectively. The launch also announced the beneficiaries of this worthwhile project.
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| SB Finance, a Security Bank affiliate, launched a bidding program for several of its repossessed units available at its repo warehouse in Quezon City. The auction, which can be done online, will end on April 12, 2024. |
SB Finance, a Security Bank affiliate, launched last Saturday, April 6, 2024, a bidding program, auctioning off a range of repossessed units at its repo warehouse in Quezon City.
BYD is once again the global New Energy Vehicle sales champion, exceeding its target of 3 million vehicles sold in 2023. This is the second year in a row that BYD has led worldwide electric vehicle sales.
2023 also saw BYD register in the Top 10 of all automotive sales for the year while continuing to lead all other car brands and manufacturers in Chinese domestic vehicle sales.
The 3,024,417 vehicles BYD sold in 2023 is a substantial 61.9% increase from the year before. Of this total, about 1.6 million vehicles are Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), while 1.4 million are Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) made by BYD.
BYD also led Q4 2023 in global Battery Electric Vehicle sales with 526,409 all-electric vehicles sold, surpassing the sales of other BEV manufacturers in that period. This made BYD the uncontested BEV sales champion in the fourth quarter of last year.
Mobility Access Philippines Ventures, Inc. (MAPVI) is the exclusive distributor of BYD cars in the country. As an Ayala Corporation subsidiary under its automotive arm, AC Motors, MAPVI will spearhead the group’s sustainability goals and help achieve its Net-Zero Strategy by introducing and selling BYD Electric Vehicles in the Philippines.
We at MAPVI are delighted and proud to witness BYD, our partners in sustainable mobility, achieve its targets for 2023,” shares Antonio Zara III, president of MAPVI.” With BYD’s strong support and presence in the Philippines, we can only look forward to contributing significantly to the brand in the years to come as it sets even higher goals.”
MAPVI’s mission is clear - we aim to make BYD cars truly accessible to more Filipinos by democratizing our cars and services while creating more avenues and touchpoints for them to understand, appreciate, and enjoy the clear benefits of Electric Vehicles,” adds Zara.
Exponential global expansion
In 2023, BYD’s international sales increased by 334.2%, with 242,765 vehicles sold in over 70 countries on six continents.
BYD Dynasty and Ocean series models achieved record-setting sales of 2,877,353 units in 2023. This is a 55.3% increase from the previous year. The BYD Han luxury sedan and the BYD Tang Real-time Electric All-wheel Drive seven-seat crossover belong to the Dynasty model line.
The BYD Dolphin BEV hatchback and the BYD ATTO3 BEV subcompact crossover are key nameplates in the Ocean series.
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All four models are currently available in the country through BYD Cars Philippines.
Championing Electric Vehicle Technology
Since 1995, BYD's technological prowess has allowed it to become a leader in various industries. Starting as a battery manufacturer, BYD has expanded its expertise over the years to cover automotive and industrial manufacturing, solar power storage, and mass transportation solutions.
As the undisputed electric vehicle manufacturing brand, BYD is committed to providing eco-friendly and efficient mobility solutions for global consumers.
With its solid manufacturing expertise honed through the years and the support from global top-tier partners, BYD's technology and products have been favored by numerous global consumers and given a multitude of product recognitions around the world.
Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation (SGAP), the exclusive distributor of Geely vehicles in the country, views 2023 as a year of blessings, marked by a significant sales milestone and the appointment of a new General Manager for Vehicle Sales.
Sales Milestone Achieved: A Testament to Success
Geely Philippines takes pride in achieving a remarkable sales milestone of 24,645 units sold in just 4 years of operation in the Philippine market, underscoring the brand's commitment to delivering high quality vehicles and exceptional customer experiences. The success serves as a testament to the trust and support of valued customers, dealers, and partners who have been essential to Geely's journey.
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| Ferdinand "Ferdie" Lasan as the New General Manager for Vehicle Sales |
Welcoming Ferdinand "Ferdie" Lasan as the New General Manager for Vehicle Sales
In a significant development for Geely Philippines, the company is poised for even greater prospects with the appointment of Ferdinand “Ferdie” Lasan as the new General Manager of the Vehicle Sales Department. This strategic move further solidifies the leadership team at Geely, showcasing the brand's commitment to continuous improvement.
Bringing over two decades of experience and knowledge in the fields of automotive sales and banking, Ferdie Lasan is an industry veteran. He states, “I am very optimistic about the future of the brand with the able support of additional team members who are the perfect pieces to complement our capabilities in various aspects of Vehicle Sales. This new and revitalized Vehicle Sales team will reach greater heights for the brand in 2024 with the support of our dealerships nationwide.”
Geely's 2023 Milestones Sparks Exciting 2024 Outlook
As Geely Philippines reflects on the achievements and challenges of 2023, the company remains optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2024. The brand is committed to building on the successes of the past year, continuously improving its offerings, and delivering unparalleled value to customers.
Naoyuki Takeda, President and CEO of SGAP, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "As we embark on the journey of the upcoming year, we are mindful of the challenges that may arise. However, with unwavering confidence in the leadership of Ferdie, we believe that our eager and dedicated Vehicle Sales team is now well-equipped to face these challenges and lead us triumphantly towards achieving our goals. Together, we look forward to turning obstacles into opportunities and reaching new heights in the year ahead."
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| BMW X1 |
Owning any car is a big deal, but having a BMW SUV is in a class of its own! Representing the pinnacle of luxury, the BMW X Series captivates with unparalleled performance, cutting-edge technology, and sophisticated design. What if you can own one just by buying some pizza?
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| Lyn Macanas, Autobot brand ambassador |
Autobot Offroad PH recently announced their selection of businesswoman and construction magnate Lyn Macanas as their brand ambassador and image model for Autobot’s mega display of 15 modified pickup trucks and SUVs at this year's Manila Auto Salon & Sport Truck Show. “Madam L” as Macanas is fondly called, owns all these fifteen tough-looking modified vehicles.
