New cars and events of 2106/
2 016 was one of the busiest in Philippine automotive history, in terms of unit sales and car launches. We take a look at the most interesting and significant events from this year.
Toyota started the year with a bang, as it launched one of its biggest vehicles the allnew Fortuner. The perennial bestseller received new engines, body, and interior to keep it near the top of the pickupbased SUV category.
Hot on the wheels of the Fortuner was the all-new Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Betterequipped than its competition, and with a new engine and ninespeed automatic, the new Montero Sport is an enticing vehicle in its own right.
Honda launched an updated version of its CR-Z hybrid sports car. A new navigation system and new colors make Honda’s unique take on the compact sports car interesting.
Following the Fortuner up in equipment and price level is Toyota’s best-selling Innova. Innova launched with an all 2.8liter lineup, making sure there’s enough power for an eight passengers load.
For spare-no family motoring, the Honda Pilot provides a huge, intelligently-designed interior. A powerful V6 engine and commanding driving position make it a pleasure to drive. •
Foton marked its biggest expansion with the opening of its 10-hectare assembly facility in Clark, Pampanga. The company aims to grow its domestic market base as well as potentially export to other markets. The P1.2 billion plant opened with 500 employees and an annual capacity of 12,000 units. •
Kia launched a more affordable version of its hit Grand Carnival MPV. With 11-seat capacity, the new Grand Carnival keeps most of the hit features of the model, including power sliding doors. •
Honda enhanced its Mobilio MPVwith a new NAVI variant featuring CVT transmission •
BMW launched the allnew 7 Series sedan. Featuring a lighter and stronger chassis, the 7 Series aims to be the new standard in luxury sedans. •
Honda launched the allnew Civic with stunning styling and interior. Driving characteristics have been enhanced, and the big news is the availability of a turbocharged engine. •
The Golf GTI is the German compact car that makes your pulse race faster. VW launched the Golf Comfortline and Highline variants for a more practical take on the model. •
Honda launched the Brio Amaze 1.3 S AT Special Edition to enhance its A-segment lineup. •
Ayala Corp. has big plans for the automotive market, and one of its key investments is a new motorcycle assembly plant for premium brand KTM. •
Isuzu keeps on trucking, as businesses look for dependable transportation. Isuzu displayed its trucks and buses •
Ford released new versions of its bestsellers in the EcoSport Black Edition and the Everest Titanium 2.2L 4×2 AT with Premium Package at the Manila Show. •
Ssangyong returns to the Philippine market under a new distributor. Its initial lineup includes the Tivoli, Rodius, and Korando. The brand was relaunched at the Manila International Auto Show. •
Hyundai displayed its full lineup of commercial vehicles at the Manila International Auto Show. These include a large people carrier, light and heavy duty trucks. Hyundai distributor HARI intends to carve out a sizeable slice of the commercial vehicle segment for the brand. •
Chevrolet enters the Asegment with the new Sail sedan. The new Sail was previewed at the Manila Interna- International Auto tional Auto Show with a crowdpleasing song and dance number. •
Honda widens the market for the class-leading Odyssey MPV with an 8-seater version. The 8-seater is more affordable with maintaining most of the features of the top-of-the-line variant. •
Nissan enhanced its bestselling Navara pickup with a new Sport Edition. The new variant features a new grille, front skirt and dark chrome rimmed fog lamps, sport bar with LED lamp, and under rail bed liner. Alloy wheels in 18 inches enhance the looks. Interior gets numerous upgrades including leather steering wheel and trim. •
For those who like the Mini driving dynamics but need more space, Mini launched its new Clubman variant. •
Porsche releases a refresh of the Boxster. Now called the 718 Boxster, the mid-engined roadster gets a new four-cylinder boxer engine enhanced with turbocharging, for even greater power and torque than the outgoing model. •
Wheel Gallery, the distributor of Black Rhino wheels, opened its new showroom in