On the homestretch of motoring ins and outs
November–finally, it’s down to the last two months of the year 2024.
Just last week, despite the gloomy weather, the industry culminated with a successful turnout of the 9th Philippine International Motor Show with a huge attendance of 81,000 visitors. Simultaneously, the 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit likewise capped with its own monumental “firsts”, altogether marking a very promising and vibrant industry in the fold.
We’re on the homestretch of this so-called “rat race”; and again a tad closer to the cusp of another brand-new year.
Before we run around like headless chickens come the Yuletide Season, wrapping ourselves up with celebrations left and right, the industry still has loads up its sleeve with a series of car launches, dealership openings, test drive activities, so on and so forth.
New international-standard Isuzu dealerships to open
For one, next week, Isuzu Philippines Corporation will be opening a series of dealerships in the Visayas region. Technically speaking, the undisputed “King of Diesel Engines” will be opening newly-renovated dealerships which are now globally approved. Meaning, these new dealerships have already earned ISO 9001:2015 certification, an international standard of quality management. Moreover, they have also obtained IATF 16949:2016 certification, the international standard in the automotive field. This simply shows Isuzu’s commitment to continually strive in enhancing its operational quality and services using such measures.
These newly-renovated dealerships will open in Iloilo, Mandaue and Cebu City (both in Cebu), and Bohol.
Exciting drive up Baguio onboard the new Honda Civic Hybrid
Next, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. is set to embark on more than 250 kilometers of travel up North to Baguio City onboard its new hybrid version of the Honda Civic. The few selected members of the local motoring media will get to enjoy the impressive power, comfort and fuel-efficiency coming from the iconic vehicle’s 2.0-liter engine paired with two electric motors, producing stellar 200 hp and more than 20 kilometers per liter fuel-rating. With this, they get to share their own personal experiences with their own viewers and readers.
“New era” of sustainable energy to officially enter local market
Amid the Chinese invasion in the local electric vehicle market, the West, this time, strikes back with its own formidable take on the new energy realm. Global entrepreneur, Elon Musk, may have been raising his eyebrows for the longest time. Soon, however, this Tesla head honcho will bat his eyelashes with Filipinos as the EV brand will be launching its pioneering products and technology. These then are set to revolutionize the local landscape and are eyed to become another game-changer. This is slated at a posh mall inside the confines of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Much-anticipated Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw to roll out
By month-end, Toyota Motor Philippines will finally be able to officially roll out the much-anticipated Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw. In a ceremonial roll-off at its manufacturing plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the country’s leading carmaker will also start the volume production of the said vehicle.
Other activities in the pipeline
Other than these, motoring show, Auto Focus, will have its own culminating test drive feats for the industry within the month. Auto Review, meanwhile, will also hold a few more minor activities coinciding with its 30th anniversary before this year ends.
Before closing this quarter, expect the industry to maximize all the time and effort as we push volume sales of vehicles to reach and perhaps even pass the targeted half-a-million mark. To do so would be a monumental feat. By then, it would probably be the best way before we all get to bask, be enthralled and enjoy being serenaded by the melodies of Jose Marie Chan and all the soothing ‘Holiday feels’ that come with it.
