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FEATURES Toyota Safety Sense now available in the 2020 Alphard club news 3 Reasons Why Comprehensive Over a Hundred Motor Car Insurance Golfers Join is a Must-Have AAP’s 1st Golf Tournament THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION PHILIPPINES Less The National Auto Club www.aap.org.ph VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 1 On RoadsMARCH2020 Traveled Taking the Make way Kia Seltos for the to an epic 2020 drive Mazda2 Chery FIRST LOOK shows off the all-new BMW 1 Series • BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine Tiggo 8 Mercedes-Benz GLC200 • Volvo XC60 • Porsche Taycan • 2020 Honda Civic RS

Experience rst-class peace of mind when you travel. The Alphard is now equipped with Toyota Safety Sense so your passengers are ensured a smart and safe journey. Enjoy one-of-a-kind media consumption with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now built-in. Because your every journey should be experienced in rst class. NEW NEW TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE APPLE CARPLAY™ SEQUENTIAL TURN SIGNALS OTTOMAN CAPTAIN SEATS • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control & ANDROID AUTO™ • Pre-Collision System • Automatic High Beam • Lane Tracing Assist Quality, Durability, Reliability *Financing is subject to TFS approval. TFS is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ([email protected]) TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES: (02) 7-757-8500 Fulfilling Ownership Great Value Technologies That Matter

From the AAP Boardroom Mandy Eduque Trustee Chairperson, Motor Sport Committee PWehtarot’lsheinadSstoTrheisfoYreMarotor Sport AAP’s Motor Sport Group has been hard at work these “2020 is sure to past two months, putting together its 2020 calendar surpass 2019 with of events and we would like to take this opportunity to unveil what is in store for all you petrolheads out there. While 2019 was a banner year in terms of the number of motor sport events held, 2020 is sure to surpass it with 71 events already calendared, with more yet to come. So 71 motor sport let’s roll them out. • The most popular motor sport series in the country, events already calendared, with in terms of the number of competitors, is drag racing. The national drag racing series is made up of a Northern Series, held in Clark International Speedway (CIS) and a Southern Series in the Batangas more yet to come” Racing Circuit (BRC). Each is made up of 4 weekends, or a total of 8 weekends for the season. By the time you read this, the drag racing season will be in full swing and will end in May. • The Philippine GT Championship is a circuit racing series for touring cars. Commencing in May and comprising 6 weekends from May to October, the series is held in both the CIS and BRC tracks. The GT Champions features the fastest touring cars in the hands of the country’s top drivers. Still to be calendared are the 3 weekends of the popular Vios Cup, which enjoys the largest grid of any racing event on the calendar. • If touring car endurance racing is more your cup of tea, 4 endurance races are calendared this year: the Kagitingan Cup on March 28 in BRC, the Kalayaan Cup on June 20 and the Bonifacio Cup on November 20 in CIS. For open-wheel aficionados, the Formula V1 enduro will run on April 18 in CIS. • There is renewed interest worldwide in gymkhana (or slalom, as it is more commonly known hereabouts) as the entry level for touring car racing. The National Slalom Series is the longest running motor sport series in the country and attracts quite an extensive and loyal following. Its 12 weekends, held in Novaliches, Antipolo, Pampanga and Cabanatuan have already started and will end in November. Another variant of the gymkhana/slalom format is autocross, in which 2 cars run the course at the same time. An Autocross Series will be run this year, with 10 events extending to November. • For enthusiasts of racing on loose surfaces, the entry level Autocross Series is in its third season, with 5 weekends running from April to November. The Autocross Series is held in the Pradera complex in Lubao, Pampanga. For rally fans, 2020 will mark the first year since the turn of the century that multi special stage rallies will be held in the country. This first rally season will flag off with 3 rallies in March, August and December. We are optimistic that this season will be a first step to the revival of Philippine rallying which has been sorely missed by many. • The 2020 National Karting Series - dubbed the ROK GP Cup Philippines - will hold 6 rounds from May to August in the Carmona and Palawan kart tracks. The karting events are where most race drivers are first exposed to motor sport and learn their craft. Aside from the above mentioned national motor sport events, international events where foreign drivers compete against our local drivers are also included in AAP’s 2020 calendar, including the following: • An international drifting event, one leg of the D1 Grand Prix drifting championship series will be held in front of the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Local drifting fans will be able to see the best drifters in the world line up against our own. • Two international karting championship series will hold several races in the country in 2020. The long-standing premier karting series in Asia - the Asian Karting Open Championship - will hold 2 races in the CIS kart track in September and November while its other 4 races will take place in Indonesia, Beijing and Macao. The other international karting series - the IAME X30 Series - will hold 2 of its races in the CIS and Carmona tracks in March, April and September. So there you are with AAP’s 2020 motor sport calendar. For more details on dates and venues of these events, you can go to the AAP website at AAP.org.ph or AAP Facebook page. See you at the race track! AQ MAGAZINE 1

insidewhat’s Column 12 1 From the AAP Boardroom Mandy Eduque club news 4 Road Savvy Give Hope while Touring Tanay, Rizal with AAP Cares Aida Sevilla Mendoza The National Auto Club www.aap.org.ph TEAM 24COVER STORY Editorial Baler on roads less traveled AAP president club news Gus Lagman 6 Fundacion Mapfre and AAP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Continue Stay Bright Sustainability Aida Sevilla-Mendoza Project in 15 More Schools EXECUTIVE EDITOR 8 Over a Hundred Golfers Join Armin A. Amio AAP’s 1st Golf Tournament WRITER Angelo Perez GRAPHIC DESIGN Danny Hernando AAP BOARD OF TRUSTEES Augusto C. Lagman 28 29All-new Porsche Meet the newest 14 3 Reasons Why Comprehensive President Taycan set to make BMW 1 Series Motor Car Insurance David L. Arcenas Jose P. de Jesus is a Must-Have Vice-President Trustee PH debut in iterations 16 AAP’s 24/7 Emergency Roadside Chairperson, Membership & Chairperson, Advocacies early 2020 Service Wins the Trust Admin Committee & Gov’t Liaison Committee of Members Guillermina T. Gabor Augustus V. Ferreria features Treasurer Trustee Chairperson, Travel & 23 Toyota Safety Sense now Chairperson, Finance Committee Tourism Committee available in the 2020 Alphard Juan B. Angeles Ricardo Guevara Trustee Emeritus Trustee Augusto M. Cosio Chairperson, Marketing Trustee Committee Chairperson, Governance & Audit Aida Sevilla Mendoza Committee Trustee Armando L. Eduque Chairperson, Publications & Trustee Public Relations Committee Chairperson, Motor Sport Committee ADVERTISING 34 Mercedes-Benz 45 Volvo’s range of 26 Make way for the GLC and summer plug-in hybrids 2020 Mazda2 BEZAM MARKETING CONSULTANCY go together is here Bess Zamora 27 Chery shows off the all-new Tiggo 8 Email: [email protected] is published every quarter by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), a non-profit, non-tax, non-governmental organization dedicated to serving and promoting the interests of the motoring public. Email: [email protected] • Website: www.aap.org.ph



Road Savvy Aida Sevilla Mendoza EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Our Token Car Manufacturing Industry The announcement of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. that “More than 90 it will stop its manufacturing operations this March has revived questions about the viability of the country’s car manufacturing industry. Compared to other Southeast Asian nations like Thailand, Indonesia and even Vietnam, the Philippines’ motor vehicle percent of the production is very small. The ASEAN Automotive Federation recently reported that in 2019, the Philippines produced motor vehicles 95,094 units, a 19.2% improvement vs the 79,763 units in 2018. In comparison, in 2019 Thailand produced 2,167,693 sold last year vehicles, Indonesia output 1,268,848, and Malaysia manufactured 571,632 units. Even Vietnam outproduced the were imported Philippines with 176,203 vehicles. Since our car manufacturing industry produced only 95,094 units last year, how come models” a grand total of 412,106 vehicles were sold in the Philippines in 2019? The obvious answer is that more than 90% of the motor vehicles sold last year were imported models called CBUs (completely built units). It appears that the Philippines only has a token car manufacturing industry as shown by the fact that of the top 10 sales performing brands in 2019 – Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Hyundai, Suzuki, Ford, Honda, Isuzu, MG and Kia – only Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Honda assemble passenger vehicles. Ironically, all the top 10 except Hyundai and MG are members of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) although about 98% of their product lineups are imported CBUs. And each one makes only one or two models. Toyota Motor PH Corp. (TMP) produces the Vios subcompact sedan and Innova multipurpose vehicle, Mitsubishi Motors PH Corp. (MMPC) the Mirage mini subcompact car and L300 LCV, Nissan PH, Inc. (NPI) the Almera subcompact sedan, and Honda Cars PH, Inc. (HCPI) the City subcompact sedan and BR-V subcompact crossover. Isuzu Philippines, Inc. used to produce the D-Max pickup truck here, but transferred it to Thailand. Isuzu continues to manufacture heavy duty trucks like its popular N Series, and light commercial vehicles, such as LCVs for the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. With HCPI’s plan to halt production this month, and NPI rumored to be considering the same move once the production cycle of the Almera ends, the Philippines may soon be left with only two car manufacturers: TMP and MMPC The two companies are committed to locally produce a total of 200,000 units each of the Toyota Vios and the Mitsubishi Mirage by 2023 as participants of the government’s multibillion Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program. The CARS program, which began its full-year implementation in 2019, is credited with the 19.2% jump in domestic car production Unfortunately, the entry requirements of the CARS program were too high for other industry players to join. The CARS program aims to make the country a production hub for specific models that will be exported to other ASEAN countries. But the problem is that we produce left-hand-drive vehicles while in the markets CARS is targeting --Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia -- the cars are right-hand-drive. What’s more, for many years now, Thailand and Indonesia have been exporting vehicles to us, not vice-versa. Thailand and Indonesia are taking advantage of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement which liberalized trade in the region through the elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers among the ASEAN members. Global car brands chose to invest in Thailand and Indonesia rather than the Philippines as their major auto export manufacturing hubs, which enables them to export units to the Philippines at zero duty under the ASEAN FTA. A DTI official has been quoted as saying that vehicle imports rose to a total of one million units from 2014 to 2018. Consequently, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the number of auto assembly workers shrunk from 86,428 in 2015 to 57,982 in 2018, representing 32% lost jobs within a period of three years. No wonder a labor group, the Philippine Metalworkers Alliance, filed a petition for safeguard measures to protect local auto assembly jobs that have been threatened by the influx of imports over the years. After Honda announced its assembly plant shutdown, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said the government should consider imposing safeguard duties on vehicles imported from Thailand and Indonesia to protect local assemblers. In this context, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has officially begun an investigation into the unionized metalworkers’ petition for safeguard measures. Meanwhile, the entry of almost half a dozen low-priced car brands from China last year is further complicating the business environment. Back in June 2012, when Ford Motor Co. announced that it would stop manufacturing in the Philippines at year’s end, a top Ford Asia-Oceania regional executive said the decision had to be made because of the small market, lack of economies of scale, and inadequate parts supply base in the Philippines. He should have added that it is cheaper and more profitable for global automotive brands to import vehicles from other ASEAN countries than to assemble them in the Philippines, thanks to the ASEAN FTA. 4 AQ MAGAZINE



CLUB NEWS Over 600 Grades 4 to 6 students and their teachers participated in The community officials and tricycle drivers were given reflectorized AAP and MAPFRE’s Stay Bright road safety workshop on vests to wear on the job or when driving their trikes. December 10, 2019. Fundacion Mapfre and AAP Continue Stay Bright Sustainability Project in 15 More Schools AAP’s last Stay Bright MAPFRE President Tirso Following the success of the Stay Bright road safety project in Lipa workshop for 2019 was Abad (2nd from left) turned City, Batangas with over 3,000 elementary school students and attended by (L to R) MAPFRE over reading materials on 500 community officials and tricycle drivers as beneficiaries, Officer Kimmy Alegarbes, road safety practices to Fundacion Mapfre partnered with AAP to continue the project in 15 AAP Advocacies Manager Mandaluyong Elementary more schools in 2020. Cynthia Reyes, Barangay School Principal 1 Elvira Poblacion Chairman Elmer Canilao (center). On December 10, 2019, AAP Advocacies capped off the year by Castillo, Mandaluyong El- launching the Stay Bright Sustainability project for the first time in Metro ementary School Principal 1 Manila. It was launched at the Mandaluyong Elementary School with Elvira Canilao, AAP President representatives from Fundacion Mapfre and with over 600 students Gus Lagman, Department participating. of Education Administrative Officer V Sherwin Magsum- In his welcome speech, Mapfre president and CEO Tirso Abad said: bol, MAPFRE President and “It is important that we learn about road safety, especially as kids, because CEO Tirso Abad, and MAPFRE our lives are on the line. Practices as simple as looking left and right before Technical Officer Hector crossing the road go a long way in making us safe road users.” Castillo. The Jollibee mascot provided moral support to Apart from AAP’s giveaways, Mapfre turned the students. over additional reading materials on road safety practices to Mandaluyong Elementary School 6 AQ MAGAZINE Principal 1 Elvira Canilao for distribution to school administrators and participating Grades 4 to 6 students. After the half-day road safety workshop, AAP and Mapfre proceeded with a lecture to barangay officials and tricycle drivers on usually forgotten and even often neglected traffic rules such as speed limits at school zones and traffic signs. The students received free #3500Lives T-shirts, reflectorized zipper pulls with whistles for their schoolbags, and road safety flyers while the local officials and tricycle drivers received reflectorized stickers for their tricycles from 3M Philippines, reflectorized vests, and road safety handbooks for their reference. For more information and updates on the Stay Bright Sustainability Project, visit www.aap.org.ph or AAP’s official Facebook page at www. facebook.com/AAPhilippines.



CLUB NEWS AAP president A participant Gus Lagman prepares performs the to nail the ceremonial Chinabank tee-off. Championship Hole. Over a Hundred Golfers Join AAP’s 1st Golf Tournament On December 17, 2019, some 120 AAP Some of the prominent members, discount partners, and golf players during the enthusiasts gathered at the Wack Wack tournament were Golf and Country Club’s West Course to find out (left to right) former who would be the National Auto Club’s first-ever Senator JV Ejercito, golf tournament champion. AAP board members Gus Cosio, Joe Ferreria, The golf tournament was historic for AAP as and Ricky Guevara. it marked the club’s shift towards fresh initiatives to boost the lifestyle and leisure benefits of being After the competition, a handful of lucky participants got to an AAP member. take home prizes from AAP’s raffle draw, thanks to the tournament’s sponsors. The biggest raffle prizes were all from Samsung: a brand- Professional and non-professional players new washing machine, a Galaxy Tab A, and the grandest prize: a alike tackled Wack Wack’s West Course which 65-inch Ultra HD TV. consists of 18 championship holes sprawled across 6,540 yards. After the half-day golfing AAP president Gus Lagman, who joined the tournament along session, the top winners per category were: with fellow board members Joe Ferreria, Ricky Guevara and Gus Overall Champion Les Reyes Cosio, was optimistically forecasting Class A Champion Al Peralta when he said during his welcome Class B Champion Christian Chua remarks: “You can expect that in Class C Champion Ryan Chong 2020, there are better things to Ladies’ Champion Cora Aguinaldo come.” Most Accurate Drive Awardee Cora Aguinaldo Longest Drive Awardee Hubert Lim The golf tournament was made Nearest to the Pin Awardee Ted Alberto possible in partnership with Petron, Longest Putt Awardee John Jurado MAPFRE Insular, Shell Philippines, China Bank, Volvo Cars Philippines, Les Reyes is Isuzu Philippines, Foton Motor AAP’s first-ever Philippines, and Cotillion Properties golf champion. Inc.; in cooperation with Ibero Reyes bested Assistencia, Alveo Land Corporation, and Aguila Auto Glass; and with over 100 players the support of Resorts World Manila, Jack Nicklaus, AEG Powetools at the National Philippines, BG Philippines, Pioneer Adhesives Inc. and the hole-in- Auto Club’s golf one sponsor, Ducati. tournament on Find out what AAP has in store for 2020. For updates on December 17, AAP’s latest promos, events, and announcements, visit www. 2019. aap.org.ph or AAP Lifestyle’s official page at www.facebook.com/ AAPhilippinesLifestyle. 8 AQ MAGAZINE



CLUB NEWS NOTICEMOEFETAIANPGGAENNDEREALELCMTEIOMNBSERSHIP The National Auto Club www.aap.org.ph The 89th AAP Annual General Membership Meeting and Elections will be held on April 30, 2020, Thursday, at the WackWack Golf and Country Club. 2020 Calendar Registration starts at 2:00 PM. Updated as of 2/3/2020 Nominations to the AAP Board MARCH In preparation for this year’s general membership meeting and annual elections, the AAP Nominations Committee is accepting nominations for the March 1: MSDP Gymkhana DAVAO 1 2020- 2021 Board of Trustees. Regular AAP members in good standing (with March 7: Module 1 GENSAN no unpaid obligations) may submit nominations to the Nominations Committee. The deadline for the submission of nominations is on April 16, 2020. March 8: MSDP Gymkhana GENSAN 1 March 14: MSDP Special Module (Gymkhana) CDO Nominees should meet the following criteria: March 15: MSDP Gymkhana CDO 1 • Must be a regular AAP member for 1112. March 21: MSDP Module 1-6 ZAMBOANGA at least one year. • Must be present at the AAP General March 22: MSDP Gymkhana ZAMBOANGA 1 March 28: MSDP Special Module (Gymkhana) MANILA • Must be able and willing to devote Membership Meeting on April 30, time and energy to attend meetings 2020. March 29: MSDP Gymkhana MANILA 1 and activities of the AAP as a • Must pass the evaluation of the member of the Board of Trustees. Nominations Committee. The APRIL evaluation will focus on the • Must send a brief resume to the willingness of the nominee to April 25: Module 2/3 (8AM-11AM), 4/5/6 (2-5PM) ILOILO Nominations Committee, c/o AAP volunteer his/her time and energy to April 26: MSDP Gymkhana ILOILO 2 Executive Office, 10/F, AAP Tower, the association. 683 Aurora Blvd., Quezon City MAY 2020 MOTOR SPORT CALENDAR May 2: Module 2/3 (8AM-11AM), 4/5/6 (2-5PM) CDO Schedule and dates may be subject to change by organizer until final notice. Updated as of January 21, 2020 May 3: MSDP Gymkhana CDO 2 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE May 9: Module 2/3 (8AM-11AM), 4/5/6 (2-5PM) DAVAO May 10: MSDP Gymkhana DAVAO 2 1-2 7-8 Nat’l Drag Southern 4-5 2-3 ROK GP Cup 7 Nat’l Slalom Series Philippines Leg 6 May 16: Module 2/3 (8AM-11AM), 4/5/6 (2-5PM) GENSAN Nat’l Drag Southern Leg 2 BRC IAME X30 Philippines Round 1-2 NE Mall May 17: MSDP Gymkhana GENSAN 2 Series Leg 1 Leg 2 CRT Palawan Cabanatuan BRC 7-8 IAME X30 Philippines May 23: MSDP Gymkhana Special Module (Gymkhana) ILOILO Leg 1 CRT 5 3 Nat’l Slalom Leg 5 May 24: MSDP Gymkhana ILOILO 3 9 Robinsons Antipolo 8 Philippine Autocross Rally Cross 1&2 May 30: Module 2/3 (8AM-11AM), 4/5/6 (2-5PM) CEBU Philippine Autocross Series Leg 3 May 31: MSDP Gymkhana CEBU 2 Series Leg 2 JUNE 12 15-16 15 PRS Rally 18-19 9-10 13-14 Philippine 1st AKOC June 13: MSDP Module 1 MANILA Autocross Series Indonesia Formula V1 Nat’l Drag 3rd AKOC June 14: MSDP Gymkhana MANILA 2 Leg 1 Endurance CIS Southern Series Macao Leg 4 June 27: MSDP Module 1 DAVAO 2nd AKOC BRC 14 June 28: MSDP Gymkhana DAVAO 3 Beijing Rally Cross 5&6 JULY 18-19 22-23 21-21 19 17 Rally Cross 3&4 20-21 July 4: MSDP Special Module (Gymkhana) CEBU Nat’l Drag Northern Nat’l Drag Northern 23-24 July 5: MSDP Gymkhana CEBU 3 Nat’l Drag Series Leg 2 Series Leg 3 Nat’l Slalom Leg 4 Kalayaan Cup Northern Series CIS CIS Robinsons Starmills Nat’l Drag Northern Endurance CIS July 11: MSDP Special Module (Gymkhana) GENSAN Leg 1 Pampanga Series Leg 4 CIS July 12: MSDP Gymkhana GENSAN 3 CIS 22-23 22 21 Philippine D1 Grand Prix Nat’l Slalom Leg 2 24 Philippine Autocross Autocross Series July 18: MSDP Special Module (Gymkhana) CDO Philippine Leg NFA Cabanatuan Series Leg 5 Leg 6 July 19: MSDP Gymkhana CDO 3 Quirino Grandstand 28-29 AUGUST 23 25-26 30-31 27-28 Kagitingan Cup August 1: MSDP Special Module (Gymkhana) ZAMBOANGA Nat’l Slalom Endurance BRC Nat’l Drag Southern Philippine GT Philippine GT August 2: MSDP Gymkhana ZAMBOANGA 2 Leg 1 Series Leg 3 BRC Championship Championship Robinsons 29 Round 1 Round 2 August 8: MSDP Special Module (Gymkhana) MANILA Novaliches 26 BRC BRC August 9: MSDP Gymkhana MANILA 3 Nat’l Slalom Leg 3 August 15: MSDP Module 7-8-9 CEBU Robinsons Antipolo Philippine Autocross August 16: MSDP Gymkhana CEBU 4 Series Leg 4 SEPTEMBER JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER September 19: MSDP Module 7-8-9 CDO 4-5 9 PRS Rally 5-6 4th AKOC/X30 6 7-8 6 September 20: MSDP Gymkhana CDO 4 Leg 3 September 26: MSDP Module 7-8-9 DAVAO ROK GP Cup Philippines Rally Cross 9&10 5th AKOC PRS Rally September 27: MSDP Gymkhana DAVAO 4 Philippines Round 3-4 CRT 6 Nat’l Slalom 8 Philippine OCTOBER Leg 9 5 Nat’l Slalom Leg 7 Tarlac Circuit Hill Autocross October 3: MSDP Module 7-8-9 GENSAN Robinsons Antipolo Series Leg 10 October 4: MSDP Gymkhana GENSAN 4 October 10: MSDP Module 7-8-9 ILOILO 12 15-16 19-20 18 15 12-13 October 11: MSDP Gymkhana ILOILO 4 October 24: MSDP Module 1 MANILA Rally Cross 7&8 ROK GP Cup IAME X30 Nat’l Slalom Rally Cross 6th AKOC October 24: MSDP Gymkhana MANILA 4 Philippines Philippines Leg 11 11&12 Macao Round 5-6 Leg 3 Robinsons October 25: MSDP NATIONAL CRT CIS Kart Track Antipolo GYMKHANA CHAMPIONSHIP *Schedule and dates may be subject to change 22-23 20 22 by the organizer until final notice. Philippine GT Philippine Nat’l Slalom Championship Round 4 Leg 12 CIS Autocross NE Mall Series Leg 9 Cabanatuan 23 Nat’l Slalom Leg 8 Robinsons Starmills 28-29 Pampanga Bonifacio Cup 25-26 30 26-27 24-25 Endurance Philippine GT CIS Philippine GT Philippine Championship Philippine GT Championship Autocross Series Round 5 BRC Championship Round 3 CIS Leg 8 Round 6 Nat’l Slalom Leg 10 CIS 27 Robinsons Starmills Pampanga 10 AQ MAGAZINE



CLUB NEWS Give Hope while Touring Tanay, Rizal with AAP Cares The Dumagat- Participants of the natural, architectural, Swimming under Ramontado youth first-ever Tanay and gastronomical the Daranak Falls tour of AAP Cares is the last stop of are among the the Tanay tour. major beneficiaries on November attractions. After swimming, participants are of the latest AAP 22, 2019 went First on the list is debriefed before Cares outreach in spelunking deep Tanay’s famed Regina officially ending the Tanay, Rizal. AAP in Calinawan Rosarii Institute for day tour. Cave, which is Contemplation in Asia Cares proceeds full of preserved (RICA) where a towering with the city’s interactive guides. fund the donation of stalagmites and You will also get to taste Tanay’s school supplies and stalagtites. 71-foot sculpture of delicacies during a hearty lunch at Budbod teaching materials ni Nanay Kaling, an afternoon meal at to the tribe’s School Virgin Mary is erected. Daranak Falls, and by sampling various of Living Traditions. Participants can get lost contemplating roadside shops that sell an array of trinkets along the ten-minute trail surrounded by and snacks which Tanay is known for. It’s not too late to kick off 2020 on a colorful flora and lush greenery on the way positive note. Join AAP Cares’ tour of to the top where the view is peaceful and The tour will cap off with a swim Tanay, Rizal on March 20, 2020 for breath-taking. in the cool waters of Daranak Falls. The an actual and in-depth experience of the As a participant, you will also pristine condition of this Tanay treasure city’s local community life, entrepreneurs’ experience a beginner-friendly spelunking is well-maintained by the local tourism ventures, and natural wonders. escapade inside the Calinawan Cave. Tanay’s office’s initiatives and the community’s cavernous wonder is rich in history and the discipline. Fusing charity and tourism, AAP Cares interesting trivia are made more memorable will give a portion of the fee to the Dumagat- To join the AAP Cares Tanay Charitable Remontado School of Living Traditions (SLT) Tour, visit the official Facebok page of which protects and sustains indigenous AAP Cares at www.fb.com/AAPCaresCSR. heritage of Rizal province. You will not only Like and follow the page to know more help the community preserve its culture about the latest announcements, ongoing but also gain a deeper appreciation of the registrations, and lineup of charitable selfless initiatives the SLT’s founders pour explorations. into the tight-knit locale. “This school is a localized initiative that aims to preserve and enrich the Dumagat culture through the youth,” said Dumagat- Remontado SLT’s Local Project Coordinator Eleanor Atencio. Aside from the prescribed elementary lessons, she also gives lectures every Saturday to the members of the Dumagat-Remontado tribe about the Dumagat indigenous language, livelihood, and unique tribal norms. “The school’s sustainability is an everyday worry for us. We are so blessed to have people who reach out to help our community. Every donation helps preserve our identity and culture,” Atencio added. Because of donations of school supplies, teaching materials, and other academic requirements to the Dumagat- Remontado SLT, over 75 students and beneficiaries can continue learning and thus preserve their indigenous culture. Aside from the interactive tour of the Dumagat-Remontado SLT, AAP Cares will bring participants to the best of Tanay’s 12 AQ MAGAZINE



CLUB NEWS 3 Reasons Why Comprehensive Motor Car Insurance is a Must-Have Buying a new car requires getting Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) insurance to have it registered with the Land Transportation Office. You may think that your car and you as the car owner are already protected by the CTPL, but if there’s a lesson that the beginning of 2020 has taught us, it’s that life can sometimes be merciless in throwing its curveballs. Even the most cautious drivers are not safe when faced with an erratic road-user, or worse, with the wrath of Mother Nature. Whether you’re a newly licensed driver or a seasoned motorist, here are the three reasons why Comprehensive Motor Car insurance is a must-have for every car owner: 1 Financial Security burial or damage to property. Comprehensive CTPL has limited financial coverage in compensating Motor Car insurance therefore answers the need third parties involved in an accident when you as a for higher amounts of coverage. It covers damage driver either damage somebody's property or cause to your vehicle as well as increases the amounts somebody's injuries or death. It will pay for property covered for third party damage. damages to the aggrieved party but not to your vehicle. The mandated minimum amount is Php 100,000. This is 2 Protection for Your a paltry amount if you consider the cost of hospitalilzation, Loved Ones Having Comprehensive Motor Car insurance protects both drivers and passengers from unexpected medical expenses. Seeking urgent medical care in times of road emergencies will no longer be a cause of financial worry for the passengers’ family, and most especially for the driver. 3 Peace of Mind Even when your car is not in use, it is still susceptible to damage from both natural and man-made disasters. Luckily, Comprehensive Motor Car insurance covers damages from acts of nature, theft or carnapping, and civil commotion. The most graphic example of this peril is the flooding caused by Ondoy. There were thousands of cars sunk not only in flood waters, but also in mud. It took more than 6 months for all affected vehicles to be towed to jam-packed car repair shops. Those who had comprehensive insurance with Acts of God cover (the additional cover was subsequently named Acts of Nature) had the entire vehicle replaced if it was unrepairable, or the cost of bringing it back to its original state was paid by the insurance company. AAP offers the most competitive rates on Comprehensive Motor Car insurance, securing your financial, physical, and mental well-being. Get a quote today and start your worry-free journeys with AAP’s comprehensive car insurance packages. For more information, contact AAP Insurance at 8.705.3333. 14 AQ MAGAZINE

AAP – AQ Launch Road Safety The National Auto Club and Auto Tech Awards www.aap.org.ph The Automobile Association Philippines along with its quarterly magazine AQ has launched the For more information, AAP-AQ Road Safety and Auto Tech Safety Awards to increase consumer awareness on the safest contact motor vehicles in the market, and at the same time encourage manufacturers to prioritize safety features in their cars. AQ Executive Editor Ms. Armin Amio “There is a need to elevate vehicle safety front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat standards, raise consumer awareness, and anchor, and rear doors child locks, among others. at 0917-692-8900 or encourage a market for safer vehicles in the AQ Consultant country,” AQ Executive Editor Armin Amio said Participants can list other additional safety Ms. Bess Zamora during the AAP-AQ Appreciation Brunch where features not mentioned in the form and can send the National Auto Club’s latest road safety supplementary information about their vehicle at 0918-918-3102 or initiative was announced. entries. An extra point will be given if the entry has AAP Corporate been rated by the New Car Assessment Program Communications “With the mobility of people progressively for Southeast Asian countries, the ASEAN NCAP. Manager changing, the demand for safer vehicles should Camille Fallorina match the increased risks on the road,” Amio added. Participants can classify their vehicles as mini at 8705-3333. compact, subcompact, compact, mid-size, large, There is no entry or registration fee. Entries two-seater, minivan, small sport utility vehicle (SUV), to the AAP-AQ Road Safety and Auto Tech Safety and standard SUV. Scoring will be on a scale basis, Awards will undergo evaluation by an expert panel with entries being rated from 1 to 3 with 3 being the of judges whose names will be announced later. highest. The winning entry per classification is the vehicle with the highest total number of points. Entries will be evaluated and will accumulate points on safety and driver assist features such Submission of entries began on February 1, as electronic stability control, number of airbags, 2020 and will end on March 16, 2020. All entries anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce will be evaluated in March. The winners will be distribution, hill start assist, hill descent control, announced before the opening of AAP’s Annual autonomous emergency braking, forward collision General Membership Meeting on April 30, 2020 warning, blind spot detection, lane departure at the WackWack Golf and Country Club. Winning warning, tire pressure monitoring system, driver entries will be featured in AAP’s supplement in and passenger seatbelt reminder, reverse camera, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and in AQ Magazine.

CLUB NEWS AAP has roadworthy tow trucks and motorcycles ready to respond to any roadside emergency. AAP also regularly updates the training of its ERS crews to ensure the safety of motorists and maintain quality of service. AAP Chief Operating Officer Mark Desales (center, front row), AAP ERS Operations Manager Bebot Reyes (4th from left, front row), and AAP Central Operations Manager Raymond Mendoza (3rd from left, front row) are shown with the Central ERS team. AAP’s 24/7 Emergency Roadside Service Wins the Trust of Members “What AAP did was pure service and help for troubled motorists. That is On April 22, 2019, AAP why I didn’t hesitate joining AAP 12 years ago.” member Dendu Araneta This was a message sent by an AAP member following an incident was pleased with AAP’s on November 15, 2019 when his father needed emergency roadside service (ERS) prompt emergency along SLEX in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. roadside service (ERS). He later posted a review “They didn’t leave my father who was weary and in much need of help that saying, “Quick response, time,” he explained, naming and commending specific AAP ERS crew who assisted competent technicians - l his father on that day. “These people are your true assets!” cannot say more!” To ensure that members get the most from their AAP membership, AAP offers AAP’s Quick 24/7 emergency roadside service to both the cardholder and registered vehicle. Even Response Team is if the AAP member who owns the vehicle is not present when the emergency occurs, composed of rider- the AAP-registered vehicle is still mechanics who are entitled to AAP’s ERS.. equipped to perform non-towing roadside Additionally, an AAP member services such as tire driving or riding a non-registered change, dead battery car is still entitled to AAP’s ERS service, and fuel throughout Metro Manila, on NLEX, provision. SCTEX, SOMCO, NAIAEx, SLEX, ACTEX, STAR Toll, and anywhere within 25-kilometer road distance from AAP offices in San Fernando, Pampanga; Lipa City, Batangas; Cebu City; and Davao City. This is called member on-site benefit. Many members have expressed their appreciation of AAP’s quality ERS via Facebook reviews like AAP member Ildefonso Santos who wrote, “I would like to thank your employees for giving me a very comforting service with all honesty and dedication to their job. May your company produce more people like them!” New AAP member Butch Tan also posted a glowing review stating, “I signed up on the spot after AAP rendered roadside assistance after my pickup broke down on SLEX. The vehicle was safely delivered by AAP to my repair shop. Very professional, including impound staff in Taguig.” Recently, AAP member Ernie Peñas praised AAP’s ERS by commenting, “I love their towing service. Very punctual, clean trucks, professional and courteous crew.” 16 AQ MAGAZINE



CLUB NEWS Prep Your Car for Holy Week with AAP Autocare’s One-Day Special Promos Catch exclusive freebies and special discounts at the AAP Autocare’s Safe Ride, Safe Drive Motorist Assistance event on April 3, 2020 where customers can prep their cars for the Holy Week’s long drive at an affordable price. During the whole-day activity, AAP Autocare is giving away special items and services with every purchase of its product bundles featuring Castrol Engine Oil and BG Decarbonization. Customers can also enjoy exclusive giveaways from Motolite and additional free services from home-service auto maintenance provider MyCasa. Aiming to broaden its range of services, AAP Autocare will also be premiering its newly-launched services including auto painting, detailing, rust proofing, and BG Engine Decarbonization at the whole-day event. Customers can avail of complete auto mechanical works, air-conditioning services and body works including changing of oil and lubricants, brake pads maintenance or replacement, and under chassis or computerized wheel alignment. “We aim to provide affordable yet high-quality maintenance services that AAP members and all motorists can benefit from,” said AAP Autocare Officer-in- Charge Julius Santos. “We hope this event promotes safety to motorists by keeping their vehicles functional and road-ready.” On regular days, AAP members are entitled to an exclusive 10% discount which also comes with a free bundle discount from MyCasa’s trusty home maintenance service available 24/7. The Safe Ride, Safe Drive Motorist Assistance is supported by Mag1, BG Products, Motolite, MyCasa, and Castrol. Special bundle offers can be availed of only from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM of April 3, 2020. For inquiries, contact AAP Autocare at (02) 8-705-1402 or (02) 3-414-2288. You may also visit www.aap.org.ph for more information on the National Auto Club’s latest announcements, ongoing promos, and upcoming events. 18 AQ MAGAZINE



CLUB NEWS AAP and Petron Team Up to Offer Members Benefits of Petron-AAP Value Card AAPpartnered with Petron Corporation to offer AAP members the discounts and other benefits of the Petron-AAP Value Card. AAP chief operating officer Mark Desales (3rd from left), deputy chief operating officer Malcolm Pausanos (2nd from left), and business development manager Kristine Leonardo (leftmost) show a giant replica of the card with Petron marketing division head Lionel Perkin Chai (2nd from right), and retail sales regional manager Michael Flores. Petron-AAP Value Card holders will be given exclusive point discounts of P1.20/ liter for gasoline and 0.70/liter for diesel. More Choices for AAP Members Sky Cable Joins with Seaoil Partnership AAP Partnership Program On October 28, SEAOIL Philippines officially joined As the latest addition to the AAP Partnership Program, the National Auto Club's growing list of partner Sky Cable signed an agreement on September 12, 2019 establishments. with AAP at the AAP Tower. Present were (left to right): AAP Business Development Manager Kristine Leonardo, AAP AAP Members can soon enjoy exclusive rewards Chief Operating Officer Mark Desales, SKY Consumer Sales through SEAOIL VIP Club cards. Head Edwin Pahate, and SKY Key Accounts Head Jacqueline Gumabon. The agreement was inked at the AAP Tower by (L-R) AAP Business Development Manager Kristine AAP members and employees can now enjoy watching Leonardo, Chief Operating Officer Mark Desales, movies at a lower price, thanks to pay-television and Internet SEAOIL Philippines’ Vice President for Corporate & provider Sky Cable’s exclusive PHP500 discount on installation Consumer Marketing Jose Jaime dela Fuente, and fees for its cable and broadband offerings. Business Development Supervisor Jen Lemuel Co. Interested AAP members can avail of the slashed SkyCable Recharge at and Sky Fiber installation rates by: Forever Young Spa in Cebu 1. Calling Sky Telesales Hotline – (02)3418-0000 2. Visiting any Sky Zone branches: Good news for AAP members in Cebu, get 10% off on products and services at the Forever Young Spa! • Sky Zone SM City North EDSA at the 3rd floor of the On February 14, Cyberzone Building 2020, AAP Cebu Officer- • Sky Zone SM Pasig at the ground floor of the in-Charge Ramel Pahid main mall (right) with Forever Young • Sky Zone SM South Mall at the 3rd floor of the Cebu Managing Director Cyberzone Building Alfred Uy officially • Sky Front Office at the 6th floor of the Eugenio signed the partnership Lopez Corporate Center agreement. • Sky Front Office, San Juan at 409 Pedro Guevara Street,San Juan Visit Forever Young • Sky Front Office, Caloocan at 317-A General Spa at Robinsons Galleria Malvar, EDSA, Caloocan in Cebu or call (63) 3. Contacting Sky representatives: 0917-323-1968 for any • Nina Chavez: 0998-9682807 | NDChavez@ inquiries or to book a skycable.com service. • Jacqueline Gumabon: 0998-9693839 | JEGuma- [email protected] 20 AQ MAGAZINE

CLUB NEWS Driving Lessons at Dreams Driving Academy in Lipa, Batangas On December 11, 2019, Dreams Driving Academy, Inc. Marketing Officer Hubert Par, Finance and Administrative Manager Imelda Maligalig with AAP Lipa Branch Manager Tess Asi Cruzat and staff Rae Ann Alimario made the partnership official giving AAP members 10% discount on driving lessons at all Dreams Driving Academy branches. Those who are interested can drop by their main office at 2nd Floor MVL Centre Paninsingin Tambo, Lipa. Dreams Driving Academy also has branches in San Pablo, San Juan in Batangas and Candelaria and Tayabas in Quezon. For more inquiries,AAP members can call their landline at (043) 781- 2419 or their mobile at 0956-0674-758 or 0977-7944-963. AHB Auto Service Center in San Fernando Is a New AAP Discount Partner AHBAuto Service Center Proprietor Allan Bonifacio (rightmost) with AAP Pampanga Assistant Manager Kristine Pagcu (middle) and AAP Sales Associate Jingkie Junio (leftmost) formalized the partnership on November 12, 2019. AHB Auto Service Center is offering 10% discount on painting and 10% on tinsmith jobs to AAP members. The shop is located at Lazatin Blvd., Dolores, San Fernando City, Pampanga. Mobile no. +63.0933.037.3745. Relax, Enjoy a Staycation at AAP Members Are Offered Discounts King's Royal and Leisure Park, Bacolor at Weststar Auto Sales & Service Center AAPPampanga Sales Associate Jingkie Junio, Pampanga in Guagua Assistant Manager Kristine Pagcu with King's Royal and Leisure Park Chief Operating Officer Roneil L. Balle and Operations Manager Mary Ann Biliwang. AAP members are offered the following: • 20% discount on accommodations • 10% discount on entrance to the cabana • 10% discount on swimming pool use • 10% discount on event’s place or function hall rental • 5% discount on food and beverages King's Royal and Leisure Park, Olongapo Gapan Road, Macabakle, Bacolor, Pampanga, tel. no. (045) 961-7000. From L-R AAP Pampanga Sales Associate Jingkie Junio, AAP Pampanga Assistant Manager with Weststar President Gilbert M. Fernandez, Vice President Erwin Magat and VP for Sales Archival F. Pacson officially signed the agreement of partnership last November 12. AAP members can enjoy: • 5 % discount on bodyworks and painting • 10 % discount on mechanical/general repair • 10 % discount on periodic maintenance service • 10 % discount on wheel balancing/alignment • 5 % discount on parts and accessories • 5 % discount on auto detailing Inquire about these services through (045) 626 5370 or check out Weststar Auto Sales & Service Center at Jose Abad Santos Avenue, San Matias, Guagua, Pampanga. AQ MAGAZINE 21

CLUB NEWS Faster, Easier PIDP Process via AAP’s New Partners Nationwide Gone are the days where you would have to travel all the way to an AAP office just to process your roadside service provider on Luzon’s expressways, AAP Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP). is also the only local organization authorized to issue In February 2020, AAP started authorizing manpower the Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP). By and travel agencies nationwide to issue the international affiliating with third-party organizations, AAP makes document to new applicants as well as for renewal. processing PIDP easier and more accessible, especially for those who live in the provinces where there are no AAP Aside from being the only authorized emergency offices nearby. Effective February 2020, here are the travel agencies authorized by AAP to issue PIDPs: QUEZON CITY: PASIG: SOS BATANGAS: PAMPANGA: PAMPANGA: Red Rock Travel Address: 1201 One Lipa City House of NBT Travel Agency Gocation Travel and Tours Address: Unit 1 Wisdom Corporate Centre Travel & Tours Int'l Address: #2030 Surla Address: Stall I, Herma Building, Tandang Sora Julia Vargas Ave corner Address: 2/F Robinsons St., Sta. Maria, 1 Arcade, McArthur Avenue, corner University MeralcoAve. Ortigas Mall, Mataas na Lupa, Subd., Balibago, An- Highway, San Francisco, Valley St. Old Balara, QC. Center Pasig Lipa City, Batangas geles City, Pampanga Mabalacat, Pampanga Email: redrockf1@yahoo. Landline Number: Tel. No.: 0927-3472824 / Mobile Number: Contact Numbers: com 8-637-0700 043-7404751 0956-278-4120 (045) 331-8063 / 0926-632-5191 BATANGAS: LHOYS CEBU: PASAY: DAVAO: DLS Travel Travel & Tours Hello PH Travel LGCT Travel & Tours and Tours Main Office:Ground Flr., Agency Address: Unit #2 GF Address: Sandawa Road, TLI Bldg.,Kap.S.Luz Address: Unit 202 CRM Hotel Rosemarie, Matina, Davao City St., Brgy. 4, Lipa City, N. Escario corner Molave 525 EDSA, Landline Numbers: Batangas Street, Kamputhaw, Pasay City 082 298-0021 Branches: Cebu City Mobile Numbers: / 082 296-9583 Level 2, Main Mall Viber & WhatsApp: 0917-319-1406 / Mobile Numbers: Robinsons Place - Lipa +63 945 299 1005 / 0933-867-3046 0917-705-4281 / Fiesta World Mall, +63 956 901 1003 Landline Number: 0925-648-7663 Marawoy Lipa City, Other Mobile Numbers: (02) 785-11-14 / Email Address: Batangas +63 999 157 7419 / (02) 775-39-26 dlstravelandtours Landline Numbers: +63 922 421 7576 Email: [email protected] @yahoo.com 043-7520609 / Landline Number: 043 774-2382 +63 32 233 4060 Mobile Number: 0928 – Email: [email protected] 3221987/ 0956-7265166 To avail of PIDP through these automatically comes together with every United Nations on issues such as safety, establishments, the standard documentary new PIDP issued. mobility, the environment and consumer requirements apply: original and photocopy law. AAP, as the only Philippine affiliate of of valid Philippine driving license, two 2”x2” PIDP applicants should beware of the FIA, is the only organization authorized color ID pictures with white background, the “International Driving License” being to issue the Philippine International Driving and P3,920 processing fee. advertised on FaceBook and YouTube Permit. by a so-called “International Drivers The PIDP is the translation of a Association”. This “license” is being offered Travel agencies interested in domestic driver license that allows the online to any person of any nationality in any becoming an AAP-accredited PIDP issuer, holder to drive a private motor vehicle in country for a fee of USD 49.00 but is not or for any other inquiries, may contact any country or jurisdiction that recognizes recognized by the Federation Internationale the AAP Membership Department at (02) the document. Since reciprocal de l’Automobile (FIA), the Paris-based non- 8.705.3333 loc. 260 or email info@aap. emergency roadside assistance from profit association that brings together more org.ph. You may also visit AAP’s official FIA-affiliated automobile associations than 244 national motoring and sporting Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ abroad can only be availed through AAP organizations from 140 countries and AAPhilippines for updates and the latest membership, Regular AAP Membership represents the interests of motorists at the announcements. 22 AQ MAGAZINE

features / Toyota Alphard FEATURES Toyota Safety Sense now available in the 2020 Alphard Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has officially made available in the country the updated Toyota distance. Full speed range following function enables Alphard with select Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) the vehicle to decelerate to 0km/h when the vehicle in features. front comes to a full stop. While DRCC is active, LTA will keep the vehicle centered when there are clear and TSS is a suite of modern, active safety features visible lane markings on the road. This function applies designed to assist the drivers and provide greater force on the steering to assist the driver in avoiding peace of mind. lane departure. DRCC is a variation of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which is included in the Hiace Pre-collision system (PCS) alerts drivers on the Super Grandia Elite. possibility of collision, and, depending on the need, assists in prevention of accidents as well. Sensors Pricing of the 2020 Alphard is at P3,910,000 for and cameras detect the possibility of a collision and Steel Blonde Metallic and Raven Black, and P3,925,000 reacts with consideration of the driver’s actions. for the Luxury White Pearl. When a possibility of collision is detected, the driver is alerted through beeps and visual warnings. When the possibility of a collision is higher and the driver steps on the brakes, the brake assist system will provide additional pressure as needed. When an even greater possibility of collisions is detected and the driver did not step on the breaks, automatic brakes will be activated to prevent collision. The Automatic High Beam (AHB) feature makes it easier to drive at night by intuitively adjusting the headlight’s beam setting. When high beam setting is in use, the system automatically switches to low beam upon detection of vehicles at a certain distance in front or incoming vehicles on the opposite lane, and revert back to high beam setting once the path is clear. Cruising is also easier with the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) plus Steering Assist. When activated, the vehicle drives at constant preset speed and will adjust within the set cruise speed when there’s a vehicle in front to maintain appropriate AQ MAGAZINE 23

CSTOOVRERY A convoy of Kia Seltos crossovers snake through the tight winding roads of Sierra Madre mountains leading to the country’s surfing capital, Baler. Text & PHOTO / Angelo Perez Baler on roads less traveled Taking the Kia Seltos to an epic drive w henever one hears of Baler, surfing immediately much shorter route to get there but one must contend comes to mind. Through the years, this small town with the congested provincial roads of Bulacan and has become very popular among adventure seekers Nueva Ecija which will add at least three hours to wanting to enjoy its giant waves, natural beauty, the travel time. For the longer but much faster route, cultural heritage, and historical sites. one must take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) then continue northward along the Subic-Clark- Baler, the capital of Aurora province, is on the Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) before taking the back east coast of Central Luzon, bound by the Sierra roads of Tarlac and Nueva Ecija leading towards the Madre mountain range facing the Pacific Ocean. Sierra Madre mountains, either via the Pantabangan route, or the much scenic Bongabon way. The coastal town is approximately 270 kilometers from the Rizal Park in Manila. There is a 24 AQ MAGAZINE

Baler on roads less traveled Two Kia Seltos stand proud along Sabang Beach in Baler, Aurora. Kia Philippines recently invited several The Kia Seltos famous Sabang Beach right in its backyard. motoring journalists for a drive with the new provides drivers “The year 2019 has been significant for us, Seltos crossover SUV. with the dual advantage of marking milestones such as the 124 percent The Kia Seltos is a compact crossover ample power for sales growth, three new model launches with fitted with a 2-liter dual CVVT engine mated aggressive driving, the Soluto, the Stinger, and the Seltos, that have to an Intelligent Variable Transmission. The coupled with allowed us to expand our reach to more Filipinos,” Seltos expects to provide drivers with the dual excellent fuel Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada said. advantage of having ample power for aggressive economy during driving, coupled with excellent fuel economy relaxed driving The following day saw the convoy returning to during relaxed driving. Manila via a more exciting route, the Bongabon- Baler Road. This road cuts through the what Strategic breaks were plotted along the way seems to be a perpetual zigzag road that snakes for rest stops, driver changes, and meal time. through the Sierra Madre mountains. The countless number of turns that followed the The trip started from the Estancia Mall in undulating contour of the mountain demonstrated Pasig, then towards the NLEX AND SCTEX, the Seltos’ agility while providing comfort for its exiting at Tarlac City, traveling eastward towards passengers. And after over than 250 turns and La Paz then turn Zaragoza via Aliaga. From more than 70 kilometers of weaving through the the Aliaga bypass road, we made a left at the tight turns, the Kia Seltos managed to get out of Maharlika highway in Talavera before making a the meandering road unscathed. right towards Rizal which is marked by a big “To Baler” signage. Once we entered Rizal, the long The convoy made its way back to the straights turned into winding roads leading up the Maharlika Highway in Bongabon headed to Manila lake of Pantabangan. The roads leading to the via the SCTEX and NLEX. man-made lake was smooth and undulating—the perfect venue to test the Seltos’ nimbleness and maneuverability. Following the sumptuous lunch and mandatory picture taking at the picturesque Highlands Bali Villas in Pantabangan, the group proceeded with the drive with the convoy crossing the Pantabangan Dam then zipping through the twisties of the Sierra Madres passing through Maria Aurora until we reached Baler. The group checked-in at one of the most luxurious resorts in Baler, Costa Pacifica, with the Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada poses with the Kia Seltos crossovers during a stop-over at the Pantabangan river. AQ MAGAZINE 25

features / 2020 Mazda 2 FEATURES Make way for the 2020 Mazda2 Mazda Philippines recently unveiled the newest iteration of its popular passenger car, the 2020 Mazda2. “The Mazda2 has always been a popular model in the Philippine market,” shares Steven Tan, president and CEO of Mazda Philippines. Over the past few months, we have had a constant demand for the model. Now that we are introducing the new Mazda2 for 2020, we can once again address the needs of our young, adventurous customers who see the value of a stylish, practical and fun-to-drive everyday car from Mazda.” The New 2020 Mazda2 features a thermal management and improve anti- host of improvements designed to provide knock properties of the proven engine. a more mature rendition of its already bold and dynamic design. Similar to the recently There will be two variants for the launched 2020 Mazda models - the Mazda new 2020 Mazda2 Elite – the sedan and CX-5, the all-new Mazda3 and the Mazda hatchback. Both are priced at P995,000 CX-30, the new Mazda2 shows off a new for the standard colors – Snowflake White front grill mesh design. Pearl, Jet Black, Titanium Flash and Eternal Blue. An additional P22,400 will be added The lower position of the front and rear for the Soul Red Crystal selections. bumpers are highlighted by new horizontal bezels that draw attention to the lower center of gravity and calm stance of the car. A new intricate 16-inch wheel design further enhances the Mazda2’s elegant bearing. Inside, the vehicle features a new brown and black fabric motif for the front and rear seats. Also new is the inclusion of smartphone mirroring connectivity. Now, passengers can control their mobile phones’ popular navigation and music applications through the Mazda Connect infotainments system. New urethane top mounts in the rear shock absorbers, retuned rear damper valves and improved steering response all make for a smoother yet agile drive. The 2020 Mazda2 continues with its highly fuel-efficient 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline engine. However, a host of internal mechanical improvements allow for better 26 AQ MAGAZINE

features / Chery Tiggo 8 Chery shows off the all-new Tiggo 8 Through the expertise of United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), Chery Auto Philippines proudly unveiled its flagship vehicles, namely the Tiggo family, which are essentially crossover vehicles. Along with the Tiggo 2, Tiggo buttons, a digital dashboard, and a dual-zone auto 5x and Tiggo 7, the Tiggo 8 is climate control consisting of a sensor panel and two essentially crafted for adventure- knobs. seekers, young executives or family-oriented individuals, as it will Ranging from the controls to the door panels, the meet the needs and expectations fascia and the center tunnel, the Chery Tiggo 8 looks of private buyers in terms of style, and feels perfect for an urban jungle drive. On the quality, and dynamics. outside, it sports 18-inch two-tone coated mag wheels, radiator grille, and front bumper. If you want to see more Having performance and of the city, the panoramic sunroof is present to let you technology as its top priority, the take the good view. Chery Tiggo 8 is built and powered by a 1.5- liter turbo charged Measuring 4700 mm in length, 1858 mm in width intercooler engine producing 145 hp and 210 Nm of torque and 1746 mm height, the Tiggo 8 is the biggest member partnered with a six- speed dual clutch transmission. of the Tiggo family. The interiors are enough to carry seven people comfortably but if cargo hauling is your Driving is never boring as it features a pseudo-10.25 HD intelligent touchscreen entertainment system, a day’s responsibility, the Tiggo multifunction squared-off steering wheel with control 8 could adjust with its foldable rear seats that transforms to a wide luggage space. For additional safety, Chery smothered the Tiggo 8 interiors with dual, front, and side curtain airbags. It is also equipped with Isofix interface, electronic anti-theft system and a plethora of driver-assist features such as anti-lock brake system, electronic brake force distribution, hill assist control, and a 360-degree panoramic view camera. Accompanied with extensive aftersales assistance, owning this beast has turned to a piece of cake not just because of its great value for money. AQ MAGAZINE 27

features / Porsche Taycan FEATURES All-new Porsche Taycan set to make PH debut in early 2020 Porsche has stepped past the stop-gap technology of hybrid power and moves into high-performance, full electromobility with the all-new Taycan—the world’s first fully electric sports car set for volume production. Despite its sedan configuration, the Taycan is a genuine sports car more closely related to the legendary Porsche 911 than to the Panamera luxury model. The Taycan pairs typical Porsche performance and connectivity with everyday usability, and its advanced production methods and features set new standards in sustainability and digitalization. Three versions of the Taycan are currently available. The flagship Taycan Turbo S version can generate km, with no CO2 emissions. Driving range is estimated up to 761 PS and has a combined power consumption at 407 kilometers. of 26.9 kWh/100 km. It has no CO2 emissions on overboost power (when used with Launch Control). The Taycan 4S’s performance battery plus can The sports car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in produce up to 571 PS and a combined electrical power 2.8 seconds and its driving range is rated at up to 412 consumption of 25.6 kWh/100 km with no emissions. It kilometers. supports a driving range of 463 kilometers. Whichever battery system is chosen, the Taycan 4S accelerates The Taycan Turbo can deliver up to 680 PS and from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. has a combined power consumption of 26.0 kWh/100 km, with no CO2 emissions. It can sprint from zero to All the Taycan variants have all-wheel drive systems 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and has a range of up to 450 because they are fitted with two electric motors (one for kilometers. The top speed of the Taycan Turbo S and each axle). A two-speed transmission, installed on the Taycan Turbo is 260 km/h. rear axle, is a Porsche innovation. Joining the two versions is the Taycan • Porsche’s first fully electric 4S—the model range’s entry-level model a step beyond hybrids, variant. Available in the Taycan electrified cars 4S are two battery sizes. The • Four-door Taycan is a standard performance battery genuine sports car like the can put out as much as 530 Porsche 911 PS and a combined power consumption of 24.6 kWh/100 28 AQ MAGAZINE

Meet the newest features / BMW BMW 1 Series iterations Two new variants of the all-new BMW 1 Series—118i Sport and M135i xDrive—were recently unveiled by SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. to BMW 1 Series the Philippine market. M135i xDrive The third-generation model offers significantly more from the BMW i3, now making its debut in a combustion- space than its predecessor with little change to its exterior engine vehicle and allows wheel slip to be controlled much footprint. Passengers in the rear are the main beneficiaries, more sensitively and swiftly than before. while a larger load compartment adds even more versatility. Available as a five- door only, the all-new BMW 1 Series is The all-new BMW 1 Series lets drivers use a variety of five millimeters shorter than its predecessor at 4,319mm. operating methods, depending on the situation and personal preferences. In addition to the usual buttons on the center The 118i comes solely in Sport Line, with black accents, console and steering wheel, other frontline control elements window graphic in BMW Individual high- gloss Shadow Line include the iDrive controller and the standard 8.8- inch and sport seats. On the inside, the 118i features a cloth and Control Display with touchscreen functionality. Sensatec combination upholstery with “Illuminated Berlin” trim finishers. The BMW M135i xDrive is equipped with a Only available on the M135i xDrive, the Intelligent mesh-design BMW kidney grille, BMW M rear spoiler, and the Personal Assistant is a genuine BMW expert and is familiar M aerodynamics package, as well as Dakota leather interior with virtually all the car’s functions. After waking the system with perforations for Misano Blue version and cloth “Trigon” with the prompt “Hey BMW”, drivers can operate their car with Black Alcantara in the Alpine White version. Both colors and access its functions and information simply by speaking. of the BMW The all-new BMW 1 Series provides assistance with Whether front-wheel-drive or equipped with BMW xDrive parking in the form of the standard Park Distance Control intelligent all-wheel drive, the new 1 Series has taken its (PDC), rear view camera, and Parking Assistant. agility above its predecessor. An important factor here is the ARB (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) technology taken The all-new BMW 1 Series 118i Sport is priced at P2,690,000 while the range-topping BMW M135i xDrive is priced at P4,590,000. BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine: Courage under fire X1sDrive18d xLine adds another chapter to the BMW Sports Activity Vehicle’s ongoing success story. of two USB-C ports located near the rear ventilation for charging Since it was launched in late 2015, the current- convenience. The remarkable versatility of the BMW X1 is not confined generation BMW X1 has shown it has what it takes to be a winner. to all things digital; its interior can also be adapted to individual The new model update makes the BMW X1 an even more desirable requirements. For examples, the rear seats can be folded own in proposition. three sections (40:20:40) and, as an option, slide forward by up The new BMW X1 exudes a more dominant, imposing aura at to 13 cm. Automatic tailgate operation and Comfort Access raise the front end, in particular. A larger BMW grille – the kidneys now convenience levels another notch. merging in the center – links up with the new LED headlights including All engines now meet the EU6d-temp exhaust emissions sharper light iconography and a bumper with larger air intakes. The standards. The BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine is equipped with an eight- rear end of the X1 also houses new stylistic features. speed Steptronic transmission that is teamed up with an engine that Another highlight can be found on the driver’s-side exterior generates 150hp and 350 Nm of torque. The power generated by mirror, which projects a two-tone LED “X1” image when the car is the efficient yet sporty four-cylinder engine is translated via cutting- unlocked. edge front-wheel-drive into dynamic performance on the road. The One of the highlights of the BMW X1 interior is the Control suspension technology of the BMW X1 provides Display, a centrally mounted 6.5-inch screen that can fleet-footed agility familiar to be operated using the BMW iDrive Controller. customers, delivering precise, The Control Display allows the driver controllable handling and to explore the BMW X1’s richly imbues the car with varied infotainment offering sublime overall dynamics. and access the digital The BMW X1 services from BMW sDrive18d xLine is priced ConnectedDrive. at P3,090,000 and is Additionally, rear available in Alpine White passengers get the and Black. extra convenience BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine AQ MAGAZINE 29

MONTEOWRSING Ford Philippines names winners 19th Henry Ford Awards Winners of 19th Henry Ford Awards Ford Philippines recently announced the winners Regular Categories of the 19th Henry Ford Awards (HFA). Special Categories Best Automotive Column This year, the HFA welcomed two Best Ford Automotive Feature 10 Guidelines: Proper Parking Etiquette for Riders innovations in the advent of the digital revolution. Raptors in the Desert: Pushing the Aristeo Ilagan of Top Gear Philippines First, it introduced an all-digital submission for all Ford Ranger Raptor to the Limit Best Automotive Green Feature entries, harnessing the speed and precision in using Carl Christian Van Hoven Are Filipinos Ready for The Electric Vehicle Lifestyle? a fully-digital platform to submit, accommodate, of C! Magazine Isaac Atienza of Go Flat Out and even evaluate entries without the need for paper Best Ford Automotive Best Automotive Industry Feature submissions. Video Feature Philippines: The Next Battleground Adventures Await: What Makes for China’s Gargantuan Auto Industry? The HFA also launched the new Best Automotive the Ford Everest a Perfect Vince Pornelos of AutoIndustriya Website category which recognizes the power of Road Trip Vehicle Best Automotive Online Feature digital platforms in informing, educating, and Vince Pornelos of AutoIndustriya First Drive: The Toyota Hiace Grandia Tourer influencing the Filipino motorist. On the side are the Best Ford Automotive Takes on Manila’s Tight Streets winners in the 16 categories: Photograph Andrei Laurel ofTop Gear Philippines Up Best Automotive Online Lifestyle Feature Kelvin Christian Go Pay Check: Can I Really Afford a Car? of AutoIndustriya Things to Consider Before Making an Auto Purchase Eric Tipan of AutoIndustriya Best Broadsheet Best Automotive Photograph Motoring Section Wolf Pack Philippine Daily Inquirer Jenna Genio of AutoIndustriya Best Automotive Print Feature Best Automotive Website Ride and AI Top Gear Philippines Ruben Alcantara Jr. of Gadgets Magazine Best Automotive Print Lifestyle Feature Special Categories - Group Finding Your New, Pre-Loved Ride Kristoffer Lim of Speed Magazine Regular Best Automotive Road Safety Feature Categories 6 Defensive Driving Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road Kristoffer Lim of AutoCar Philippines Best Automotive Technology Feature Waze Map Editors are Unsung Heroes of PH’s Fight Against Traffic Andrei Laurel of Top Gear Philippines Best Automotive Video Feature Driving Schools in Japan Mark Francis Jesalva of Top Gear Philippines 30 AQ MAGAZINE

Isuzu PH delivers MOTORING NEWS first batch of fire trucks for BFP program Mr. Koichi Ito, General Manager of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan during his special message BFP Directors and IPC Executives during the ribbon cutting Isuzu Philippines Corporation President and in return we promise to never trucks and equipment. (IPC) turned over the initial 74 Duterte let them down. As our client, we will The first batch of delivery units of firetrucks to the Bureau of during his provide the bureau not just quality Fire Protection (BFP). speech product but full customer service.” includes, 54 units of Isuzu FVR34 at Camp trucks with body and equipment In a formal ceremony held on Aguinaldo The initial 74 Isuzu fire trucks are built by Hanseo, which is a 16-ton February 11 at the grounds of Camp part of BFP modernization program truck that has a capacity to carry Emilio Aguinaldo, BFP Chief Jose procured and to be distributed to 1,000 gallons perfect for medium Embang Jr. and its officers led the different regions nationwide. This to heavy operations, powered by the presentation of the brand-new fire program—which aims to hire more 6HK1TCL engine that can produce trucks to President Rodrigo Duterte, firefighters—provide intensive up to 240 PS maximum power and as part of the government’s Fire trainings and acquire modern fire 706 N-m maximum torque. Prevention Modernization Program. Present during the event were IPC President Hajime Koso and Isuzu Motors Limited Japan (IML) General Manager Koichi Ito to personally deliver the units. “IPC and the Isuzu brand, in general, has always been on a mission to contribute to the society by providing the most durable, reliable trucks—may it be for building bridges, airports, and this time in protecting the community against fire,” Koso said. Ito, who flew in from Japan to witness the proceedings, remarked: “It is very humbling that the BFP has put in their confidence in our brand AQ MAGAZINE 31

MOTORING NEWS Toyota, media donate for Taal relief efforts To help families affected by the recent Taal TMP President-designate volcano eruption, local automotive leader Mr. Atsuhiro Okamoto Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and its media announces TMP’s P2M donation partners have pledged P2 million as aid for evacuees made on behalf of the Philippine in regional relief centers in Batangas and Laguna Motoring Media province. annual Media Thanksgiving event. The usually festive The announcement was made during TMP media appreciation party was scaled down this year President-designate Atsuhiro Okamoto’s welcome to a simpler dinner gathering. Savings from the event remarks at the Sta. Rosa Laguna-based company’s formed part of the donation. The financial contribution will be allocated for necessary supplies to support the evacuees displaced by the Taal Volcano eruption in various centers in the Province of Batangas, and to the City of Santa Rosa which is assigned as the Regional Evacuation Center of CALABARZON. Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has Toyota PH kicks off Football partnered with football academy for Tomorrow program and league operator 7x7 to launch Toyota Football for Tomorrow (TFFT) in the Philippines. TFFT is Toyota’s youth program, created to help young and aspiring football players have access to proper training and development. Launched under Toyota’s Start Your Impossible (SYI) global initiative, TFFT will focus on the underprivileged yet promising football talents, aged 15 and below, through free football clinics that will run in key locations across the country. “Toyota espouses mobility for all, and we believe that sports has a profound power to improve the lives of young Filipinos,” said Elijah Marcial, Vice President for Marketing Services at TMP. Qualifying participants of the regional clinics to be held in Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas and Mindanao will be selected to form regional teams. These teams will then compete in a national tournament to be organized by TMP and 7x7, with the goal of assembling a national TMP Football Team that will get the chance to represent the country in international Toyota Toyota Motor Philippines officers led by President-designate Atsuhiro tournaments. Okamoto (3rd from right) meet with Anton Del Rosario of 7x7 (3rd from left), TMP’s official partner in organizing the Football for Tomorrow program across the country. 32 AQ MAGAZINE

MOTORING NEWS Better products. Better services. Better journeys. Hyundai Asia Resources, Hyundai still on of top Inc. (HARI) President & CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo assures Hyundai will remain to exceed customer expectations with PH auto firms in 2019 newer models, innovations in After-Sales, more convenient ownership, and relevant CSR engagements this 2020 and beyond. Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of the leading Korean automotive brand in the Philippines, ended the year strong with 2.9% growth in December 2019 or 3,163 units sold versus the same month last year. Hyundai Total Units Sold For the full year, Hyundai sales reached 33,763 units, enabling it to maintain its position in the market as one of the leading brands in the Philippine market. (Year-to-Date) -6.10% This is equivalent to a 6.1% drop from 2018 mainly due to the company’s non- participation in some market segments, such as that of the Pick-ups. 3 7, 8 5 0 35,956 33,763 “We rose to the challenges in 2019 and have sustained our position as one of 32,850 the preferred brands in the market. We are very excited to start the new decade 2 7, 8 5 0 22,850 with the introduction of innovative models that will disrupt certain segments 17, 8 5 0 12,850 and offer customers more and better choices. We shall also carry on with our 7, 8 5 0 aggressive PC and CV network expansion to serve high-growth corridors across 2,850 the country,” HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said. January-December ‘18 January-December ‘19 The power of The HD50S Hyundai Modern three. Hyundai Jeepney Class 3 recently made Modern Jeepney its public debut at the Hyundai H100 Class 1, Negoshow Oro Mobility Expo HD50S Class 2, held at Hyundai Trucks and and HD50S Class Buses Calamba. (L-R) Chairman 3 complete HARI’s and CEO of the Areza Group proud contribution of Companies Caesar Areza, to the nationwide Provincial Legal Counsel of the PUV Modernization Province of Laguna Atty. Rodel Program, making Paderayon, Department of Hyundai the first Transportation (DOTr) Assistant PUVMP player Secretary for Road Transport to complete its and Infrastructure Atty. Mark Modern Jeepney Steven Pastor, HARI President and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, lineup. HARI Chairman Edward S. Go, and Areza Group of Companies HARI debuts the President Gabriel Areza. Hyundai modern jeepney Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official AQ MAGAZINE 33 Philippine distributor of Hyundai commercial HARI President and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo vehicles’ (CV), showcased its full lineup of Hyundai urged the audience to stand together as a community Modern Jeepneys—the H-100 Class 1, the HD50S Class 2, to assist the communities that were devastated by the and the debuting HD50S Class 3 at the recent Negoshow eruption of Taal Volcano. Negoshow Oro ended Day Oro, HARI CV’s opening salvo for 2020. 1 with a raffle draw, the proceeds of which were to be donated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Batangas’ The power trio makes HARI the first player of the province displaced communities. national PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) to complete its lineup of modern jeepney offerings. To date, HARI has HARI envisions Hyundai trucks and buses to be at penned over 2,000 unit orders of its modern jeepney line with the forefront of moving and connecting people and various transport groups across the country. At Negoshow resources across islands and regions, driving businesses Oro, 16 more transport cooperatives signed MOUs with HTB forward regardless of size and scale. Calamba for 1,708 units of the Modern Jeepney Class 2 and 570 units of the Modern Jeepney Class 3 or a total of 2,278 Negoshow Oro came right at the heels of Hyundai’s units. back-to-back Passenger Car dealership launches in Angeles City, Pampanga and Baguio City, making for a strong start for Hyundai at both the CV and PC fronts.

MOTORING NEWS Mercedes-Benz GLC and summer go together You can now enjoy your summer adventures in luxury with a new Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Auto Nation Group, luxury continue with high-grade materials, precise finishing the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the and flowing contours. The new-generation multifunction Philippines, introduces the GLC 200 Limited for as low as steering wheel with touch controls improves the driving and P3,990,000. maneuvering experience. The GLC steps up in bringing the infotainment system with MBUX, standard Apple CarPlay™ The exterior of the GLC reflects a muscular profile and Android Auto. The GLC comes with generous leg room and modern off-road look with an urban design. The in the rear passenger seats, which can be split-folded to clear, smooth lines, and distinct contours give the GLC its accommodate more cargo space if needed. sporty yet elegant aesthetics. It is equipped with LED High Performance headlights and 18-inch light-alloy wheels in Just like any other Mercedes-Benz vehicle, the GLC is the 5-spoke design. epitome of safety and technology with its many features like Adaptive Brake Lights, ATTENTION Assist System, Reversing Inside the GLC, the sportiness, spaciousness, and Camera and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC. Suzuki sets all-new XL7, S-Presso launch with exciting promos Suzuki Philippines is set to introduce the XL7, and the S-Presso for the modern Filipino family and those who appreciate quality driving experience. Be ready to have that commanding presence as you step out of the XL7 with its bold face and front fenders with garnish that creates a bold and robust styling for the handsome SUV. The model is powered by a 1.5-liter K15B engine and has enough room for seven passengers with just the right leg room— even in the third row—leaving everyone at ease during long drives. Luggage space is not a problem as you can feel free to take both big and small luggage with a capacity of 153 liters. Reserve until March 18, 2020 and get a discount of P30,000 from the P1,068,000.00 price tag. The S-Presso champions the perfect fusion of a bold and practical design that takes after Suzuki’s classic SUV trademark look, making the S-Presso a sight to behold that makes heads turn with its athletic profile and tall powerful stance. Inside, the 1.0-liter S-Presso is just as impressive as its exterior profile with its high seat position, providing comfort and convenience in every drive with ample luggage space. Get the S-Presso for P518,000.00 and with an early reservation promo until March 18, 2020, customers may avail the P15,000 discount with a downpayment of only P5,000. 34 AQ MAGAZINE

MOTORING NEWS Mitsubishi delivers Xpander Mitsubishi Motors Philippines and L300 Units to DOH joins Taal relief efforts Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) recently delivered Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPV) to the Department of Health (DOH) (MMPC) together with the Jiggy Manicad through the Procurement Service (PS) — an attached agency of the Learning Foundation recently went to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). provinces of Batangas and Cavite to extend help to the families affected by the eruption of the Taal volcano. In a ceremony held at the DOH’s grounds, MMPC handed over four units of L300 to Health Secretary Francisco Duque. The team brought food, drinking water and hygiene kits to over 1,600 families and 4,600 individuals in 10 Aside from DOH, MMPC is set to deliver more units to various agencies different evacuation areas “Our relief operations were with vehicle requirements from PS-DBM in the coming months. able to reach interior areas where evacuation centers are located. These include Barangay Tres ICV and Adventist Elementary School both in Balayan, Batangas. Also, we noticed how relieved evacuees were when we had nebulizers with us for distribution. We hope to help more in the future,” said Manicad. Mitsubishi Philippines to roll out next-generation showrooms Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with five dealers— Union Motor Corporation, Fast Autoworld Philippines Corporation, Motorplaza Inc., SFM Sales Corporation and Mindanao Integrated Commercial Enterprises Inc. under the witness of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)—to roll out the DENDO DRIVE STATION in the Philippines. The DENDO DRIVE STATION features solar power system and vehicle to home (V2H) equipment. This system allows to charge Electric Vehicles (Evs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) at the showrooms as well as to supply electricity from EVs/PHEVs back to the showrooms. Since MMC opened the first one in Tokyo in 2016, it has opened 79 DENDO DRIVE STATION showrooms throughout Japan. From left to right (seated): Eusebio Dy, President, SFM Sales Corporation; Benizon Tan, President, Motorplaza Inc. Julia Menchavez, President, Fast Autoworld Philippines Corporation, Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, President, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, Yoichiro Yatabe, Corporate Senior Vice President, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Nereo Regollo Jr., Executive Vice President, Mindanao Integrated Commercial Enterprises and Gilbert Dee Jr., President, Union Motor Corp. From left (standing): Alvin Dalida, First Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation; Shohei Kubo, Assistant Division General Manager, ASEAN Division B, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Cecil Capacete, First Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. AQ MAGAZINE 35

MOTORING NEWS MMPC, DENR to start second phase From center left: of plantation project in Laguna MMPC President Mitsubishi and CEO, Mutsuhiro Motors Philippines shall provide P1.3 million to initially cover the Oshikiri; DENR implementation of the various activities such Secretary, Roy Corporation (MMPC) and the as site preparation, seedling production and Cimatu; MMPC Senior protection of the established plantations. Vice President for Department of Environment and Corporate Division, Present during the signing ceremony Yasuki Maruyama Natural Resources (DENR) sealed the second were DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu, MMPC and other key President and CEO, Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, officers of DENR and phase of its ongoing plantation project as both PENRO-Laguna, Ronilo Salac, MMPC Senior MMPC during the Vice President for Corporate Division, Yasuki MOA Signing at the Maruyama, and other key officials from DENR DENR Central Office. and MMPC. parties recently signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in a simple ceremony held at the DENR central office in Quezon City. The agreement covers 30 hectares of forestland in Barangay Kapatalan, Municipality of Siniloan, Laguna. MMPC Philip Morris chooses Mitsubishi vehicles for fleet Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation From left: Zer Lorenzo D. Torres – Branch Finance and Admin Manager, DMC Q. (PMFTC) recently acquired 96 brand new units Avenue, Roda A. Aludia – MMPC, Fleet Manager, Ernest Mangune – PMFTC Fleet of fleet vehicles from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Manager, Jimmy Cabawatan – Citi Makati Sr. Sales Manager and Rodrigo “Ting” Corporation (MMPC). The recent purchase Almendral – Citi Makati AVP & General Sales Manager comprised of 48 units of L300, 46 units of Montero Sport and 2 units of Pajero. The acquisition of these units is part of PMFTC fleet expansion. These units were delivered by MMPC’s dealers Citimotors Inc., Makati and Diamond Motor Corp.- Quezon Avenue. According to PMFTC, the units will be utilized for various business operations all over the country. When asked what made them choose Mitsubishi as their preferred brand, PMFTC representatives shared that Mitsubishi vehicles are reliable, have innovative features and are easy to maintain with its affordable cost of ownership. They also shared that these vehicles have an excellent record of accomplishment over the past years. 36 AQ MAGAZINE

MOTORING NEWS Best Sales Performance for Gratour in NCR and Best Sales Performance for Gratour in Visayas and Luzon - FOTON Marilao Mindanao - FOTON Cebu North Mandaue FOTON closes 2019 with 4% sales growth FOTON Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI), a divi- sion of the United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. FOTON Marilao took home the NCR-Luzon Dealer (UAAGI), closed the year 2019 with a growth of 4 of The Year title, while FOTON Cebu North Mandaue percent compared to 2018, outpacing the automotive was awarded the Visayas-Mindanao Dealer of the Year industry’s 3.5 percent year-on-year growth and main- for 2019. The company also awarded FOTON Bacoor taining its position in the Top 10 Sales Performers list. with the Rookie of the Year badge In his welcome remarks during its Dealers’ “My sincerest thanks to all our dealer principals Appreciation Night held at the City of Dreams Manila, and bank partners for the support you have extended to FMPI president Rommel L. Sytin briefly reviewed the FOTON Philippines. We have reached this far because performance last year of the industry and FOTON, plus of you and we will continue to grow our business year the company’s achievements and initiatives so far. on year,” said Rommel Sytin, president of FOTON Philippines. Best Sales Best Sales Performance for Performance Light Duty Trucks for for Passenger Visayas and Mindanao Vehicles in - FOTON Cebu North NCR and Luzon - FOTON San Mandaue Pablo, Laguna Best Sales Best Sales Performance for Performance for Passenger Vehicles Light Duty Trucks in NCR and Luzon in Visayas and - FOTON San Mindanao Pablo, Laguna - FOTON AQ MAGAZINE 37 Zamboanga

MOTORING NEWS Isuzu Philippines donates vehicle to PH Red Cross On January 21, 2020, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) L to R: Ms. May Galolo - Sect. Head Human Resources Section, Ms. Anna Dalida – Asst. Head, Dealer donated one unit of Isuzu Sales B Dept., Mr. Hiroto Nakaguro – Asst. Div. Head for Sales, Mr. Joseph Bautista – Div. Head for D-MAX 4x4 LS MT to the Philippine Sales, Ms. Imelda Bernas – Asst. Div. Head for Administration, Mr. Dave Yandoc – Asst. Vice Pres. For Red Cross (PRC), Laguna Chapter, at Administration, Mr. Yasuhiko Oyama – Vice Pres. for Sales, Ms. Shojiro Sakoda – Exec. Vice Pres. and the IPC Plant in Biñan Laguna, for the Philippine Red Cross Executives Taal Volcano eruption relief efforts mobilization. Additional supplies were also provided such as bottled water, toiletries, clothes and other essentials. During the interview, IPC Executive Vice President Shojiro Sakoda said, “Isuzu D-MAX 4x4, being a utilitarian pick-up, is surely essential in bringing relief goods and aiding victims of Taal Volcano eruption.” “Isuzu D-MAX is a combination of power and performance and is equipped with Blue Power technology that can withstand any roads, from the toughest terrain to the slickest street all in style and comfort”, he added. Local residents are encouraged to support humanitarian organizations and to do initiatives in helping the victims of the recent eruption. Isuzu Philippines turns over 3rd batch of modernized PUVs to PasangMasda During a formal ceremony held on January 22, Isuzu Philippines Isuzu PUVs turned Corporation (IPC) turned over 30 brand-new modernized public over to Pasang Masda utility vehicles (PUVs) to the Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang-Masda), among the country’s biggest IPC exhibited the newest transport groups. addition to Isuzu PUV The event was attended by top executives of IPC, Land Transportation lineup, the Isuzu TRAVIZ Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra, Lightweight truck with Meycauayan Mayor Ruth Villarica, Department of Transportation Undersecretary Mark de Leon, representatives of Inteco Quezon Avenue Utility Van (Class 1 PUV) and body build partner Almazora, members of air conditioning supplier with (from left) Mr. Conrad Coolaire, and officers of Pasang Masda. Almazora, IPC President IPC President Mr. Hajime Koso, in his remarks, said, Hajime Koso, Sales Division “As the number one local one-stop shop for trucks in the Head Joseph Bautista Philippines, Isuzu is proud to offer its end-to-end services from delivering the vehicle units to giving our clients outstanding after-sales services.” The 30 units will ply the busy route between the growing cities of Malolos and Meycauayan in Bulacan Province. 38 AQ MAGAZINE

MOTORING NEWS Chevron donates to Red Cross for Taal victims Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex brand of fuels Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI) continues to help out Filipinos during calamities as they donated 250k and lubricants, reached out to worth of cash to Philippine Red Cross. L-R: CPI Corporate Affairs Assistant Manager Joel Gaviola, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to help CPI Corporate Affairs Manager Atty. Raissa Bautista, Philippine Red Cross Secretary-General provide relief to those affected by the Taal Elizabeth Zavalla, and Philippine Red Cross Assistant Secretary General Ramon B. Murillo. Volcano unrest. CPI Corporate Affairs Manager Atty. Raissa Bautista handed a check amounting to P250,000 to PRC Secretary-General Elizabeth Zavalla at the PRC Headquarters in Mandaluyong City on January 24. “Chevron has always been committed in relief and rehabilitation efforts amid disasters and calamities, and the ongoing Taal eruption is no exception especially since our host communities in Batangas are affected,” said Atty. Bautista. Residents of cities and towns in Batangas, where Chevron operates, were forced to flee after Taal Volcano began expelling hazardous ash and smoke. Lalamove drivers can now experience the power of Caltex’s new partnership fuels Caltex with Techron fuels with the SavePlus-Lalamove Lalamove drivers to Cards that entitles them to huge fuel savings enjoy the journey Lalamove Star Drivers try their luck in Caltex’s Liter Chevron Philippines Inc., marketer outright discounts, namely: P3 off per liter Lottery booth during Lalamove’s third year anniversary of the Caltex brand of fuels for Silver or Platinum with Techron, P1.50 celebration. and lubricants, teamed-up with off per liter for Diesel with Techron, and on-demand delivery app, Lalamove P10 off per liter for lubricant products. Philippines, to enable more than 50,000 of Lalamove partner drivers in Greater “Besides providing world-class fuels, Manila and Cebu in enjoying huge we appreciate how Caltex stays true to its savings through the Caltex SavePlus- promise of understanding its customers Lalamove card when they fuel up at their by giving what our partner drivers want favorite Caltex stations. and need — making their journey so seamless and hassle-free and also more All Caltex SavePlus-Lalamove enjoyable,” shared Lalamove Managing cardholders are entitled to exclusive, Director Dannah Majarocon. AQ MAGAZINE 39

MOTORING NEWS HARI Foundation partners with Sisters of Mary Schools Sustaining its commitment to contribute to empowering underprivileged Filipino youth HFI’s symbolic check donation to further the training of Sisters of Mary through education, H.A.R.I. Foundation, Inc. School students was handed over to SMS representatives. (L-R) From HFI, (HFI), the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm Atty. Maricar Bautista and HFI President Maria Fe Perez-Agudo; from SMS of Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), turned over Girlstown Biga Campus, Principal Sr. Gertrudes Dayag and Local Superior Sr. a generous cash donation to its newest partner, the Mela Sim. Sisters of Mary School (SMS). of providing free educational and vocational welfare Said HFI President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, to underprivileged youth, medical care to the sick and “Through this donation, we reaffirm HFI’s advocacy the dying, and shelter service to the homeless and for education as the most effective and long-term way helpless. Venerable Aloysius founded the Sisters of of empowering our youth. But this is not just a one-off Mary in the Philippines in 1985. CSR campaign, H.A.R.I. Foundation partnered with the Sisters of Mary School Girlstown and Boystown because of the excellent voc-tech training that they receive in high school.” Hyundai Dream Centre Philippines (HDCP) is a world-class training and education hub built to provide underprivileged but talented young people the highest caliber of training and education in automotive technology. HDCP graduates now count to 80 that are currently employed as technicians and service professionals at Hyundai dealerships in the country. The Sisters of Mary Congregation was founded in 1964 in Busan, South Korea by Venerable Aloysius Schwartz, an American diocesan priest, with the aim NLEX-SCTEX roadway lights, signs undergoing upgrade NLEX Corporation is upgrading the roadway lights and signs at NLEX-SCTEX as part of its enhancement program to ensure better service for motorists. “With over 1,000 brighter lights and more than 600 new signs for installation, we are aiming to clearly, directly, and safely guide motorists to their destinations,” said NLEX Corporation president and general manager J. Luigi L. Bautista. The signs were also upgraded to go beyond the standards by increasing the font and sign sizes as well as increasing reflectivity to remain highly visible during nighttime. Target completion is by May 2020. The company is also set to complete the replacement of 1,078 interchange and median LED lighting from NLEX Balintawak to Tabang. Old lights need to be replaced as their brightness reduce over time. The tollway company also heightened the illumination or brightness level of the new lights to 20 lux to help drivers become more aware of their surroundings. 40 AQ MAGAZINE

MOTORING NEWS (L-R) NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista, Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan, DPWH Sec. Mark A. Villar, and Malabon Mayor Antolin Oreta. NLEX Harbor Link Malabon Exit now open Motorists, commuters, and truckers bound for the cities of Malabon, Caloocan and Malabon Exit,” said NLEX Corporation president and Navotas are set to enjoy some relief with the general manager J. Luigi L. Bautista. opening of the NLEX Harbor Link Malabon Exit. The Malabon Exit is part of the 2.6-kilometer “We are cognizant of the government’s desire elevated NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section between to find quick solutions to the traffic problem in the new Caloocan Interchange in C3 Road, Caloocan Metro Manila. That is why aside from expediting City to Radial Road 10, Navotas City, connecting the the completion of the entire project, we have also previously opened 5.65-kilometer NLEX Harbor Link rationalized our construction sequence and resource Segment 10 that traverses Karuhatan, Valenzuela planning to accommodate the early opening of this City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and 5th Avenue/C3 Road, Caloocan City. Partnership for Efficient Traffic Management Officials of NLEX Corporation and City of San Fernando, Pampanga recently signed an agreement to address traffic concerns and keep up with the developments at the San Fernando Interchange, which is one of the busiest NLEX interchanges. Both parties will establish measures for efficient traffic management to further improve the safety and security of the public. The agreement includes the management of traffic flow, enforcement of traffic rules, and security control within the San Fernando Interchange. It also involves regular consultation on projects and programs that may affect the area. The agreement was signed by NLEX Corp. President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista (3rd from left) with San Fernando City Mayor Edwin D. Santiago (3rd from right), and witnessed by NLEX Corp. COO Raul L. Ignacio (2nd from left), City Administrator Atty. Atlee Viray (2nd from right), NLEX Corporation Senior Vice President for Communication Romulo S. Quimbo Jr. (left), and Public Order and Safety Officer-in-Charge Louie Clemente (right). AQ MAGAZINE 41

MOTORING NEWS Mercedes-Benz, Geely Holding set joint venture for Smart brand Mercedes-Benz AG and joint venture was set in Hangzhou • Mercedes-Benz and Geely Zhejiang Geely Holding Bay, Ningbo with operational sales Holding formally establish Group announced they functions based in China and smart brand as a global have formally established the global Germany. joint venture. joint venture “Smart Automobile Co., Ltd.” for the Smart brand. The new generation of Smart • The total registered capital vehicles will be designed by the of the joint ventureis 5.4 The joint venture has a total worldwide Mercedes-Benz Design billion RMB. This is for registered capital of 5.4 billion network and developed by the Geely the development of the RMB. This is to transform Smart into global engineering network. Future next-generation premium a leading player in premium and production will be located in China. electric Smart vehicles. intelligent electrified vehicles. Both parties will equally contribute 2.7 Tong Xiangbei has been • First range of pure electric billion RMB. Mercedes-Benz AG’s appointed the new global CEO of the products are set to be share will be mainly covered by the Smart joint venture and will oversee launched starting 2022. contribution of the Smart brand. all operations relating to the brand The global headquarters of the new including sales, marketing, R&D, production, and after-sales. Michelin renews commitment to road safety Michelin Philippines reiterated its commitment to road safety alongside its counterparts in collaborated with WHO to create YOURS, an NGO focusing Cambodia, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand on young people that encourages them to address road safety issues in both developed and developing countries. and Vietnam at the Global Ministerial Conference on Road YOURS has set an ambitious road safety target to halve Safety held in Stockholm from February 19-20. road deaths and injuries globally in five years, with young The conference was organized by people leading the charge and providing YOURS has set an energy to the revolution. Youths For Road Safety (YOURS) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Young ambitious road safety In the Philippines, Michelin does its delegates shared their successes and target to halve road part for road safety by raising awareness lessons learned from actions undertaken on the importance of correct tire in the framework of the 2011-2020 Global deaths and injuries pressure, proper maintenance and fuel Plan for the Decade of Action for Road globally in five years, efficiency through its “Michelin Safe On Safety. It was an opportunity to link safe The Road (MSOR) campaign. Michelin mobility with other sustainably-related with young people Philippines has partnered with S&R challenges. leading the charge and membership shopping club to render service to motorists by giving free tire Findings showed that the 15-29 age providing energy to the check-ups and information on how to group is the demographic most impacted by road accidents. Thus in 2010, Michelin revolution. maximize tire usage. 42 AQ MAGAZINE

MOTORING NEWS Maxus T60 pickups unveiled Maxus Philippines unveiled on March depth of 800mm. The 4x4 Elite comes with the following additional 5 the T60 4x2 Pro and 4x4 Elite features: LED headlamps and DRLs, Electronic Stabilisation Program, pickups, the latest additions to power driver seat adjustments, push start ignition, a larger 10-inch the growing line-up of Maxus Philippines’ monitor for its infotainment system and automatic air conditioning. commercial vehicles. The Maxus T60 4x2 Pro MT, 4x2 Pro AT, and 4x4 Elite AT are Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. offered at special introductory prices of P948,000, P1,028,000, President Felipe Estrella said “the T60 pickup and P1,278,000, respectively. Available colors are Agate Red, Lava is produced by SAIC Motor which ranked Gray, and Blanc White for the T60 4x2 Pro, and Olive Green and among the top 10 automakers globally Aurora Silver for the T60 4x4 Elite. Obsidian Black is available for selling more than 7 million units in 2018. both variants. This is a testament to the global scale and acceptance of SAIC.” The T60 is classified as a midsize pickup, and is the longest and widest in its class allowing varied requirements of cargo and passenger transport. The T60 is powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Drive Mode Select that is mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission generating maximum power of 150Ps at 3,400rpm and maximum torque of 360Nm at 1,600-2,800rpm. Standard features include an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink, rear camera and rear sensors, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, rear air conditioning vents plus a wading Gary Valenciano Let Volkswagen with Felipe and Gary V ‘move you’ Estrella, President - Volkswagen Philippines celebrated the launch of its newest Volkswagen campaign, “We Move You,” with a performance featuring Philippines “Mr. Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano in a two-day showcase of the German carmaker’s current lineup of vehicles on February 22 and 23, 2020 at the Activity Center of Trinoma in Quezon City. Gary Valenciano, more popularly known by his legions of fans and followers as “Gary V” and “Mr. Pure Energy,” had recently been signed in as Volkswagen Philippines’ newest brand ambassador. The partnership between Volkswagen Philippines and Gary V has been seen to represent the perfect blend of one extraordinary performer and an equally iconic automotive brand. Gary V has built a legendary reputation as a total performer in his 34-year career in the music, film, and television industries. The Volkswagen brand, on the other hand, has created and maintained a global heritage and tradition of manufacturing German- engineered automobiles designed for people and their families for 83 years. In his opening remarks, Volkswagen Philippines’ President Felipe Estrella said: “Much like how Gary V makes us feel when he performs, we believe that Volkswagen vehicles have the power to excite and energize. In a Volkswagen, you will want to move, drive, and go places. With Volkswagen, We Move You.” AQ MAGAZINE 43

MOTORING NEWS (From left): Ireneo Alvaro, Clark Investors and Goodyear Autocare Locators Chair and Vice President, Evangeline Wins 2020 Reader’s Tejada, Clark Development Corporation Vice President, Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Digest Quality Cabigting, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lasatin Service Awards Jr., Ma. Teresa Laus, Innovation Motors Corp. Treasurer, Atsushi Najima, Nissan in the Philippines President & Managing Director, Lisset Laus Velasco, Innovation Motors Corp. Chairperson, Diorella Laus, Innovation Motors Corp. Executive Director, Noel Manankil, Clark Development Corp. President & CEO Nissan opens Clark dealership Nissan Philippines recently inaugurated its first dealership for 2020 in Clark, Pampanga in partnership with Innovation Motors. Located at the Clark Freeport Zone, the dealership expands the Japanese automaker’s reach in Central Luzon, with a 10-car showroom and a 980-sq. m workshop area. The 3,150 sq. m. Nissan Clark dealership also has the longest façade for a Nissan dealership in the Philippines to date, measuring 93 meters in length. “Nissan Clark is the latest milestone in our partnership with the Laus Group of Companies through Innovation Motors. This dealership is an important step in Nissan’s commitment to customer satisfaction through our expansion to key areas in the country,” said Atsushi Najima, President and Managing Director of Nissan in the Philippines. Nissan launches Goodyear Philippines’ retail nationwide and service center, Goodyear Car Care Autocare chain of stores, is the Silver winner in the Car Servicing Support promo category at the Reader’s Digest 2020 Quality Service Awards. Nissan in the Philippines brings Jong Sumpaico, Branded ease and convenience closer to its customers with the introduction Retail Development Manager, said, of the Car Care Support promo. Until March 31, 2020, customers can receive “Goodyear’s success at the Reader’s free checkups for air conditioning, brakes and suspension in participating Nissan Digest 2020 Quality Service Awards is dealerships nationwide*. undoubtedly a result of our collective Customers who purchased a Nissan Navara, Nissan Terra, Nissan Almera, efforts in partnership with more than Nissan Urvan, Nissan Sylphy, and Nissan Juke beginning in 2014, can also enjoy a their unit. 100 Goodyear Autocare retail network. 10% discount on spare parts and labor “Buying a Nissan vehicle means a including cabin filters, evaporators, brake “At Goodyear Autocare, we always pads, and shock absorbers. In addition, partnership for life, and this promo is part customers who bring in any of the above of our commitment to serving our clients strive to deliver the best quality service mentioned vehicles and avail of any repair through our key pillars: Products, Service, services, are entitled to a free car wash of Customer Experience, and People,” says for our customers by offering one-stop Nissan in the Philippines President and Managing Director, Atsushi Najima. “This quick automotive services. We are timing is also beneficial to support those whose vehicles have been affected by the honored and proud to be one of the Taal Volcano eruption. We want people to know that Nissan’s support continues long first recipients of this award. We’d like after they purchase their car.” to thank our Goodyear Autocare retail network nationwide for their hard work and dedication to the Goodyear brand, not just for the tires we sell but also for the quality services that we offer,” Sumpaico said. 44 AQ MAGAZINE

MOTORING NEWS Volvo’s range of plug-in hybrids is here Ride into the year 2020 with Volvo’s range of sleek, smart, and sensible range of plug-in hybrids – the stately Volvo S90 sedan, the nimble XC60 compact SUV, and the dynamic XC90 mid-size SUV. All three promise a ride that is as electrifying as the coming year’s promise of new adventures. The recently launched trio of mobility options all offer Philippine motorists an option to switch to a pure driving experience. These plug-in hybrids allow Volvo drivers and their passengers to enjoy a clean ride and drive. Volvo’s no-compromise combination of plug-in battery electric power and an efficient petrol engine provides low to zero tailpipe emissions, excellent flexibility and a powerful driving experience to make everyday driving as comfortable and as environment-friendly as possible. Volvo’s Plug-in Hybrid range runs with the power its T8 Twin Engine churns out. Each Volvo plug-in hybrid that is available in the country all have over 400 hp and 640 Nm of torque that can deliver an exhilirating drive. It combines both electric and petrol power to seamlesssly provide the most efficient driving experience. This potent combination delivers all the benefits of a high performance, low emission petrol engine with an electric motor that delivers power on demand with ultralow CO2 emissions and more than 40 km of pure electric range. Volvo’s promise of an electric future starts in 2019, where all newly produced Volvo cars are available with plug-in hybrid technology. This will continue until Volvo reaches its ambitious goal to be climate neutral across their full value chain in 2040, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Be part of the change needed to live a fuller, more electrifying life. Make the switch and drive a Volvo plug-in hybrid and experience the difference. AQ MAGAZINE 45

MOTORING NEWS Autohub offers mobile app The Autohub Group launches a pioneering, innovative, and cutting-edge smartphone app. Designed to enhance customer experience and engagement, the Autohub Mobile App allows customers to seamlessly book an after sales service appointment with just a few taps on their mobile devices and monitor the real-time service status of their vehicle. Customers can use the app anytime and anywhere, and their requests can be accommodated at any Autohub dealership nationwide. The Autohub Mobile App comes in user-friendly Android and iOS applications, equipped with a social media-inspired aesthetic and user experience. Taking cues from Instagram, the app offers the following features: • Online booking for vehicle servicing • Service history of their vehicle • Access to the Autohub customer care Chathub • Latest discounts, promotions and events To register, only a valid email address or Facebook account is needed. Autohub opens Ssangyong-Changan dealership The Autohub Group of Companies, in (L-R) Autohub VP for partnership with SsangYong Berjaya Communications Owee Cruz; Motors Philippines and Berjaya Auto Autohub Group SVP / Zoomhub, Asia, Inc., is bringing the Korean SUV specialist Inc. GM Danny L. Chua; along with one of China’s largest automobile Autohub Group President Willy manufacturers to the heart of Metro Manila. Q. Tee Ten; SsangYong Berjaya Motors Ph. and Berjaya Auto Willy Q. Tee Ten, Autohub Group Asia, Inc. President Japheth President, opens his first SsangYong - Changan Castillo; SBMP CFO Tan Eng Dealership (Auto Asia Otis, Manila) at 1120 Hwa and SsangYong-Changan Quirino Ave Ext, Paco, Manila. The Autohub Otis, Manila AVP Richard Group has been awarded the exclusive Anthony S. Xavier dealership franchise in Metro Manila and is eyeing to expand in Luzon and Mindanao by 2020. “We are proud to partner with the Autohub Group in bringing Auto Asia to Manila. Their strong dealership presence in this area gives us confidence in the long term success of the two brands that we carry,” says Japheth Castillo, President of SBMP/BAAI. As the Philippines evolves into becoming the type of market that craves new and exciting automotive products, the Autohub Group is keeping it fresh by bringing in the only Korean brand that has an all-diesel lineup. The Tivoli--which is a subcompact SUV--and the Musso Grand, SsangYong’s entry to the pickup segment, both start at P1,180,000. Changan starts at P585,000, for a seven-seater MPV with a very affordable financing program that’s under P12,000 a month only for a five-year payment term. 46 AQ MAGAZINE

MOTORING NEWS Ferrari unveils grand tour exhibition in Modena An annual appointment, that of Enzo Ferrari’s birthday on February 18, becomes yet again the occasion for a the hearts of high profile celebrity clients but are also linked to new exhibition at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena. the world’s most fascinating cities. “Ferrari Grand Tour, a journey through beauty and passion” celebrates the international vocation and boundless fame of a The journey takes visitors through five multimedia arches marque that has dominated the world scene with unparalleled representing five different cities: Paris, London, New York, styling of its cars from the very early days. Shanghai and Abu Dhabi. Thanks to a mix of images and audio, the arches create an immersive visitor experience evoking The main protagonists of this particular journey are some Ferrari’s connection with each of the cities and their geographical of Ferrari’s most elegant Grand Tourers; cars that not only won region. Each arch lies at the center of waves of energy which contextualize each of the individual cars. Honda introduces the trim wrapping the seats and various interior trims provide a 2020 Honda Civic RS Turbo premium feel to the overall interior. Other features such as the advanced full-color TFT instrument panel with customizable Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s information display and the 7-inch Touch Screen Advanced automobile business unit in the Philippines, Display Audio System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto introduces the 2020 Civic RS Turbo. capability provides the driver and the passengers an intuitive As one of the notable nameplates in Honda’s in car entertainment and driving experience. local lineup, the Civic continues to embody Honda’s iconic sporty heritage through its RS Turbo variant. The 2020 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT will be available at With its sporty driving dynamics contributed by its all 38 Honda Cars Dealerships nationwide with a suggested 1.5-liter DOHC I-VTEC engine producing a maximum retail price of P1,608,000 and will be available in four colors: power output of 173 ps at 5,500 rpm, and a maximum torque of 22.4 kg-m at 1,700-5,500 rpm, the Civic RS • Ignite Red Metallic (exclusive to RS Turbo CVT) delivers powerful and responsive performance output with • Platinum White Pearl (additional P20,000) uncompromised fuel efficiency. • Cosmic Blue Metallic • Modern Steel Metallic Together with its sporty driving dynamics, the Civic RS embodies Honda’s sporty heritage with its exterior design AQ MAGAZINE 47 attributed by its low and wide stance, sharply defined character lines, RS design spoiler and 18-inch Belrina Black RS Alloy Wheels. For the 2020 Year Model, the highlight of the Civic RS Turbo is the introduction of the new Ignite Red Metallic. Currently exclusive for the RS Turbo variant, this new color replaces the previous Rallye Red color, providing a darker hue for an aggressive yet sophisticated look. Continuing inside, the New Civic RS also boasts a classy and spacious interior cabin. Inside, a full leather interior

FOR AAP USE ONLY GOLDEN RULES • BELT UP – all passengers are my responsibility. • RESPECT THE TRAFFIC CODE – rules are there to protect us all. FOR SAFE DRIVING • OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT – my car is made of metal, pedestrians and children are not. • CHECK MY TIRES – both for wear and for correct inflation, including the spare. • DRIVE SOBER – when I am drunk or on drugs, I am a danger on the road • PROTECT MY CHILDREN – keep them safe in car seats. • PAY ATTENTION – calling and texting make me dangerous • STOP WHEN I’M TIRED – getting there late is better than not at all. • WEAR A HELMET – motorbikes and bicycles don’t protect my head. • BE COURTEOUS AND CONSIDERATE – respect other drivers. (Source: FIA)