BMW Celebrates 11th Year of Leadership in the Philippines

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the Philippines, continues to celebrate unmatched leadership, with its 11th year of dominance in the luxury vehicle market. BMW closed 2013 with a total of 653 units sold, accounting for a 34% market share. This closely mirrors the performance of BMW Global, who closed 2013 with a record of 1,655,128 vehicles sold, an all-time high for the brand, posting a 7.5% increase from the previous year’s performance.

“We at ACC are honored to celebrate another year of being number one in the Philippine luxury automotive market. It is with great pride that we can say that, over the years, we have gained the utmost trust and unwavering support of the Philippine luxury market, as seen by BMW’s continued market dominance for eleventh straight year.” said Maricar Parco, ACC President.

Solidifying unbeatable leadership in 2013

At the end of 2012, BMW achieved its greatest milestone yet in the Philippine market by celebrating its Decade of Leadership – a feat of having ten solid years of being number one in the premium luxury segment.

In 2013, BMW further solidified its brand value by once again taking the market leadership with its core values – to provide its clientele with unparalleled Joy and sheer driving pleasure through its products and services. A testament to this strength was evident in the month of July, when BMW posted its highest sales record for the year, with a total of 93 units sold. This accounted for 49% market share of the premium segment.

For the very first time, the BMW 5 Series rose to the top of the chain, surpassing its siblings as the most successful model for 2013. The 5 Series closed the year with a total of 213 units sold, accounting for 32.57% of overall BMW sales in the country. It was a remarkable year for the 5 Series as it surpassed BMW’s bread and butter model, the 3 Series. The 5 Series’ performance has shown an increase year over year, posting a 52% growth as compared to 2011 with 140 units sold and a 10% growth from 2012 with 194 units sold. This is a testament to the Philippines’ ever changing and continuously evolving market, which speaks volumes about the desirability and superiority of the 5 Series.

Through BMW’s commitment in providing sheer driving pleasure, new products and innovations were launched as we saw a refreshed and updated version of the very first compact Sports Activity Vehicle in the luxury market, the BMW X1. After a few months, we saw the launch of the all-new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo – a vehicle that offers the best of the 3-Series that many have come to adore over a span of almost four decades, but with the space, versatility, and practicality that a modern day BMW client would look for.

A commitment to Joy in the Philippine market

BMW continues to expand its network of dealerships as a testament to their commitment and belief in the Philippine market.

BMW broke ground for its biggest dealership project to date. BMW Bonifacio Global City, which is envisioned to be completed by the end of 2015, will house the largest BMW showroom in the ground floor of a 23-storey building located at the heart of one the country’s most elite business districts. Once completed, BMW Bonifacio Global City will also house the ACC corporate headquarters.

In this same year, BMW inaugurated its eighth dealership in the country – AutoAllee BMW in Eton Centris, North EDSA. A three-story structure housed in a 1,900 square meter lot area, AutoAllee boasts of the most complete and premium line-up of services in the BMW network of dealerships. New features of the dealership include a new car delivery area, the only air-conditioned service assessment area in the country, a two-car service elevator, a six-car service garage, an Isetta bar on its second floor, and a full BMW Premium Selection showroom in its third floor.

Taking to heart the promise of Joy, BMW held its annual BMW XPO. For the XPO, BMW partnered with the Philippine Red Cross, in a charitable effort to raise funds for the victims of the most destructive typhoon to ever make landfall on Philippine soil. In lieu of crisis management, BMW lent out a fleet of X vehicles to assist in transporting goods in support of the Philippine Red Cross’ relief efforts.

Broadening the reach of sheer driving pleasure

2013 also saw the launch of BMW FlexiLease, the pioneering leasing program in the Philippines that offers flexibility for individuals who want to experience precision driving machines from Bavaria without having to worry about service and maintenance costs.

In its pioneering year, 98 units were sold through the FlexiLease program, accounting for 15% of BMW sales for 2013, spearheaded by the 3 series, 5 series and the 1 series respectively.

“We are pleased that the program, which is in its pioneer year, has exceeded expectations, contributing significantly to the brands overall performance. With FlexiLease, BMW continues to find ways to address our customers’ needs by giving them more creative options to owning a BMW.” adds Parco.

Continuing excellence in the Philippine luxury segment in 2014

This 2014, BMW will continue to bring Joy with the launch of a number of new innovations in model lineup and technology to the Philippine luxury market. Lined up for this exciting year is the all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe and the all-new BMW X5.

The BMW 4 Series Coupe is the latest model in the brand’s mid-size coupe line. It is known to be one of the most beautiful vehicles to ever roll out of its plants in Germany, a tall order from a company that already produces some of the most beautiful vehicles we see on our roads.

The all-new BMW X5 will soon follow. It is the third generation of BMW’s first Sports Activity Vehicle – one that has raised the bar in power, efficiency, safety, and comfort. The BMW X5 was the first of its kind in the global premium segment, and it literally created the whole sub-segment of Sport Activity Vehicles. To this day, no other premium car manufacturer can lay claim to the success and dynamism it has brought to the segment, spawning other popular and successful models such as the BMW X3, BMW X6, and the BMW X1.

To continue to spread Joy in 2014, BMW will travel around the archipelago with the BMW Roadshow to promote the brand in areas with far reach from the dealerships. BMW will also continue to thrill with its high-octane and adrenaline-filled BMW Driving Experience events.

“We at ACC are grateful for the support that the Philippine luxury market has shown us over the years.” said Parco “We hope that with everything we have in store for 2014, we are able to continue on with our commitment to the automotive industry and most especially to our most valued existing and future costumers.”

AUDI AG: global sales increase again in February

In February, AUDI AG delivered around 117,500 cars to customers around the world, 6.8 percent more than one year ago. Since the beginning of the year, the company’s unit sales have thus increased by 9.3 percent year-on-year to around 242,400 deliveries. Audi sales figures once again climbed in all regions around the world last month. Around one third of the volume growth was achieved in Europe. With significant increases in Germany, the UK and Italy, there was a 5.3 percent increase for the region. In China, Audi completed the sales month – shortened considerably by the New Year holiday – with a 6.9 percent increase over the February 2013 level.

“Audi continued the positive start of the year in February despite noticeable non-recurring effects in important overseas markets,” says Luca de Meo, Member of the Board of Management for Sales at AUDI AG. “In Europe, several markets are gaining stability at what remains a low level. In this region we are already scoring with the new A3 Sedan*, which will also be launched in China and the United States, its two most important sales markets, in the upcoming weeks.”

The entire new A3 family* achieves continued high rates of growth, up 43.0 percent in February to 19,568 units worldwide. In the full-size category, demand rose in particular for the A7 Sportback* (+8.8%) and for the Q7*; sales of the SUV climbed by 31.8 percent to 4,589 cars.

Turkey is among the markets where Audi is particularly successful in attracting additional customers with new models like the A3 Sedan: in February, the company delivered 1,105 cars there, 29.2 percent more than one year ago. Since the beginning of the year, the cumulative sales increase is 34.2 percent. In many Southern European countries, Audi has also recently sold more cars than one year ago, such as in Spain where deliveries increased by 1.6 percent to 4,149 cars, and above all in Italy with an increase of 16.0 percent to 4,202 units. Germany (+10.1% to 21,806 cars) and the United Kingdom (+8.3% to 4,820 cars) showed significant growth as well and confirmed the positive month for Audi in Europe (+5.3%). Over the first two months, around 111,600 deliveries account for growth of 6.5 percent in the region.

In the Americas, Brazil maintained January’s enormous pace of growth in February too: with 1,115 deliveries, Audi do Brasil brought in over three times the sales of February 2013 (+260.8%). In the United States, Audi dealers are currently preparing for the market launch of the A3 Sedan. The model developed specifically with a view to the wishes of American and Chinese customers will be launched on the U.S. market in April. Meanwhile, despite the effects of extreme winter weather conditions, sales by Audi of America in February reached the level of the prior-year month with 10,881 deliveries.

Among the markets in Asia, South Korea is becoming increasingly important for Audi: for February, the sales statistics were up 61.8 percent to 2,187 units, an increase of 42.3 percent since January. In February, Audi achieved an increase in the high double digits in Japan as well (+19.3% to 2,731 cars). In contrast, the New Year holiday dominated last month in China. On the remaining sales days, 32,358 customers received their Audi, up 6.9 percent. From January through February, Audi sales in China went up by 13.2 percent to 76,884 cars.

Historic first V8 Supercars victory for Volvo Polestar Racing

Scott McLaughlin entered the history books today as he scored the first V8 Supercars victory for Volvo Polestar Racing in the Australian Grand Prix weekend with Formula 1 in Melbourne.

“This is just unbelievable, something you never forget! The car was fantastic, an awesome day for everyone at GRM and Polestar,” said McLaughlin.

The Volvo Polestar Racing driver crossed the finishing line first after 12 laps to score Volvo’s first racing victory in Australia since 1999, one second ahead of Red Bull Racing driver Craig Lowndes.

“A fantastic effort by Scott and everyone in the team. This has been an amazing journey so far and it is for sure looking bright for the remainder of the season,” said Christian Dahl, owner of Polestar.

The 20-year-old Kiwi started from fourth on the grid and gained one position in the start of the race. He made his way past Shane Van Gisbergen and Fabian Coulthard two laps later and went into a lead he was never to lose.

“We made a few changes overnight and the guys gave me a great car. I could control the race all the way and I am just so stoked,” said McLaughlin.

Teammate Robert Dahlgren started the weekend strongly by qualifying just one position outside the top ten for the first race in eleventh position, five tenths from pole position. The Swede dropped positions in the four races to finish 18th as best with one retirement in the final race due to a damaged rim.

”I’ve had a tough weekend in terms of results. But I’ve had a very good weekend behind the scenes in terms of getting to know the car and moving it forward. I just can’t wait to get to the next race to materialize this,” said Dahlgren.

The Melbourne Formula 1 weekend resulted in the overall points victory for the race, four top five positions, two podium finishes, one fastest lap and a victory for McLaughlin in only the second ever race weekend for the new Volvo S60 Polestar V8SC, sending a message of strength for the coming races of the 2014 season.

“We got to keep pushing, but I definitely think we have got a championship challenger on our hands. I am very much ready for the next race,” said McLaughlin.

The championship continues in two weeks with Tyrepower Tasmania 400.

Race 1 Results – Top 5
1 Shane Van Gisbergen Holden Commodore 10 laps
2 Jamie Whincup Holden Commodore +6.1803
3 Scott McLaughlin Volvo S60 +7.1881
4 Michael Caruso Nissan Altima +7.4849
5 Fabian Coulthard Holden Commodore +8.0388

18 Robert Dahlgren Volvo S60 +23.4963

Race 2 Results – Top 5
1 Shane Van Gisbergen Holden Commodore 12 laps
2 Craig Lowndes Holden Commodore +0.5519
3 Fabian Coulthard Holden Commodore +1.8593
4 Michael Caruso Nissan Altima +2.6717
5 Scott McLaughlin Volvo S60 +3.6196

19 Robert Dahlgren Volvo S60 +23.0936

Race 3 Results – Top 5
1 Shane Van Gisbergen Holden Commodore 12 laps
2 Fabian Coulthard Holden Commodore +0.500
3 Craig Lowndes Holden Commodore +0.972
4 Scott McLaughlin Volvo S60 +5.310
5 Garth Tander Holden Commodore +5.985

19 Robert Dahlgren Volvo S60 +19.442

Race 4 Results – Top 5
1 Scott McLaughlin Volvo S60 12 laps
2 Craig Lowndes Holden Commodore +1.0865
3 Michael Caruso Nissan Altima +6.6923
4 Garth Tander Holden Commodore +6.5954
5 Fabian Coulthard Holden Commodore +7.3600

Honda offers free rear entertainment system for the Odyssey and Pilot

Honda Odyssey and Pilot

Planning out of town getaways to beat the heat and enjoy the company of your loved ones becomes easier as Honda’s two premium family vehicles promise to deliver nothing but unparalleled travelling experience. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) gears you up before hitting the long roads offering Rear Entertainment System and accessory package for its luxury minivan, Odyssey and premium SUV, Pilot until March 31, 2014.

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Excited to take your kids on the road but dread being asked “are we there yet” bazillion times? Fret no more; the Rear Entertainment System, which includes a 10-inch roof-mounted DVD entertainment monitor, complete with wireless headphones and remote control, will keep the little ones entertained and occupied. How about bringing their game consoles on board? Yes, this rear entertainment system has audio-visual (AV) inputs which enable you to plug gaming consoles and other multimedia devices.

But more than anything else, it is the Odyssey and Pilot’s ability to provide car-like driving feel and ride comfort that makes these the perfect family vehicles especially for long excursions. Running on a 3.5 liter engine equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, the Odyssey and Pilot are sure to deliver excellent driving performance while maintaining satisfactory fuel economy. Furthermore, these vehicles also boast of having flexible seating configurations to fit anything your family needs and can actually seat eight people comfortably with enough luggage stowage.

The Honda Odyssey developed with the concept of “Ultimate Family Vehicle”, combines elegant styling, class-leading performance, advance family safety, and ultimate utility in a minivan. Head to any Honda dealership and get as much as P250,000 cash discount that comes along with the Rear Entertainment System and splash guards.

On the other hand, the Honda Pilot was developed with the concept of “Intelligent Family Adventure”. To provide each member of the family with equal and enjoyable experience, Honda is giving away premium running boards for easier vehicle ingress and egress with any Pilot purchase until March 31, 2014. What’s more, you can get as much as P100,000 discount. Now, that’s a triple treat for you when you purchase a Honda Pilot.

What are you waiting for? Visit any of the 31 authorized Honda dealerships nationwide and catch the amazing deals for the Odyssey and Pilot. Hop in any of these vehicles and experience the vehicle you would want to take your family with. This promo is covered by DTI-IV-A Permit No. 02-058 and 03-071, series of 2014.

Strong V8 Supercars Debut for Volvo S60 Polestar

Volvo Polestar Racing had as strong V8 Supercars debut weekend at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, Australia. Scott McLaughlin thrilled the crowds in all three races and proved that the pace is there for the very top with a podium finish.

”What an amazing weekend for Volvo Polestar Racing and GRM. Everyone has worked so hard for this and I am delighted with the podium finish,” said McLaughlin.

The 20-year-old started the weekend by qualifying a strong second on the grid for the second race. After a solid seventh in the first race, McLaughlin crossed the line in second position in the second race after an epic last-lap battle with reigning champion Jamie Whincup. Watch a video of the thrilling fight here.

McLaughlin started an impressive charge from tenth on the grid to the top in the third and final 76 lap race. The Kiwi had fought his way to third position as he was forced to retire due to a faulty battery with just eleven laps left.

”It was disappointing to retire from a podium position. But we showed strong form overall this weekend and I can’t wait for the next round,” said McLaughlin.

Robert Dahlgren had a baptism of fire in his first ever V8 Supercars weekend. The Swede finished 21st in the first race, 23rd in the second and retired due to a fractured oil tank in the third race. Dahlgren was nonetheless enthusiastic as the dust settled from the race weekend.

”As a racing driver, the results from this weekend is a disappointment. I won’t be pleased until I am in the top. With this being a completely new championship, new tracks and a new car for me, it will take time. But I have made a lot of progress from this weekend that we can build on and I am so much longing for the next race,” said Dahlgren.

Two top ten finishes, a podium and the speed to match the established top teams is the result for Volvo Polestar Racing after the V8 Supercars premiere in Adelaide.

”This is a race weekend everyone involved at Volvo, Polestar and GRM can be proud of. We had some issues, but that was to be expected of a debut weekend. There is still a lot of work left to be done, but we are looking forward to the coming races with confidence,” said Christian Dahl, owner of Polestar.

V8 Supercars continues in two weeks with the non-championship round at Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Race 1 Results – Top 10

1 Jamie Whincup Holden Commodore 39 laps
2 Craig Lowndes Holden Commodore +2.777
3 Shane Van Gisbergen Holden Commodore +7.842
4 Mark Winterbottom Ford Falcon +13.906
5 Fabian Coulthard Holden Commodore +19.237
6 Rick Kelly Nissan Altima +24.020
7 Scott McLaughlin Volvo S60 +24.462
8 Jason Bright Holden Commodore +24.749
9 James Courtney Holden Commodore +31.172
10 Scott Pye Ford Falcon +32.804

21 Robert Dahlgren Volvo S60 +1 lap

Race 2 Results – Top 10

1 Craig Lowndes Holden Commodore 39 laps
2 Scott McLaughlin Volvo S60 +4.7327
3 Jamie Whincup Holden Commodore +5.5509
4 Mark Winterbottom Ford Falcon +14.7951
5 Fabian Coulthard Holden Commodore +15.0202
6 Chaz Mostert Ford Falcon +15.3238
7 Garth Tander Holden Commodore +15.6715
8 Michael Caruso Nissan Altima +24.5559
9 Todd Kelly Nissan Altia +25.2735
10 Will Davison Mercedes E63 AMG +25.5190

23 Robert Dahlgren Volvo S60 +48.7873

Race 3 Results – Top 10

1 James Courtney Holden Commodore 76 laps
2 Craig Lowndes Holden Commodore +0.6658
3 Shane Van Gisbergen Holden Commodore +4.8574
4 Fabian Coulthard Holden Commodore +5.6576
5 Rick Kelly Nissan Altima +5.9071
6 Tim Slade Holden Commodore +6.7950
7 David Reynolds Ford Falcon +7.5678
8 David Wall Ford Falcon +8.5836
9 James Moffat Nissan Altima +10.7529
10 Dale Wood Holden Commodore +32.7045