Motoring Today Column

Jan 23, 2023

We'd like to welcome Tetsuya Fujita the new president of Isuzu Philippines Corporation, who is taking over from Noboru Murakami.

Under Noboru Murakami, Isuzu Philippines continued its long reign as the number one truck brand in the country.

Murakami also kicked off Isuzu's Road to Progress towards a more sustainable and greener path.

During his introduction as the new IPC president, Tetsuya Fujita said: "As the leading truck brand in the industry, we will continue innovating new products that will assist in the progress of the country while displaying more responsibility to the society and the environment through our Road to Progress vision."

Good Tidings

The new year is bringing good tidings that should make 2023 an exciting year for the automotive industry and car enthusiasts.

First of all, let us congratulate our good friend Felix Ang, CATS Group of Companies founder.

Felix and his CATS have certainly gone a long way from being a car accessories, tires and service center in 1989 to what it is today, the leading distributor of premium automobiles.

CATS is a one-stop-shop luxury passenger vehicle center for such premium brands as Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Land Rover. It also has dealerships for Mazda and Harley Davidson Motorcycles.

And this year CATS is going one step further to greater things.

CATS has entered into an agreement with Inchcape PLC, just one of the world's leading independent multi-brand automotive distributors.

The agreement will see Inchcape acquiring a controlling stake in CATS.

In explaining the decision to enter into a joint venture with Inchcape, Felix says: "After over 30 successful years of operating independently, we believe the time is now right for CATS to take the next step in our growth journey and in Inchcape we have found the right partner to drive us forward.

"The Philippines is a fast-growing market with an increasing demand for the luxury vehicles we provide, and we look forward to leveraging Inchcape's leadership in digital and data to further build our distinctive market position through the provision of best in class customer service."

Inchcape believes it has found the perfect partner to expand its existing global footprint and presence in Asia and other underpenetrated markets.

Ruslan Kinebas, Inchcape's APAC CEO, explains: "We are very pleased to be entering the new and strategically important market of the Philippines through the acquisition of a controlling stake in CATS' Philippine operations. As the leading luxury vehicle distributor in the market, CATS has excellent OEM relationships, and we look forward to working with them and the Ang family to drive the business forward."

Again, kudos to Felix and CATS.

Civic Type R Arrives

Also bringing good tidings to auto enthusiasts is Honda Cars Philippines which has just rolled out the 6th Generation Honda Civic Type R.

The new Civic Type R does not only look sporty and powerful. It is powerful with a 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC VTEC, Turbo Charged In-line 4 Cylinder engine that delivers 320 PS and 420 Nm of torque.

Those who love performance automobiles should be happy to note that the Civic Type R made available locally comes with a 6-speed manual transmission with a Rev Match Control System.

Said Masahiko Nakamura, HCPI president, during the launch: "Tonight, we

welcome 2023 with the launch of most powerful Civic Type R. It embodies Honda's DNA, demonstrating the brand's strong determination for crafting machines that attain the ultimate in speed and the joy of driving."

That joy comes as the retail price of P3.88 million.

GAC's Twin Launch

GAC Motor Philippines is also starting the year with good tidings, launching the EMPOW and the all new GS8.

The EMPOW is a sporty compact sedan which GAC Motor believes will excite the local market.

Says Jun Cajayon, brand head of GAC MOTOR Philippines: "The EMPOW is most ideal for customers who want a sports sedan that looks as great as it drives. It provides the performance advantage without compromise at a price point that is well within reach. The EMPOW is, without a doubt, a vehicle that makes a strong statement on the road."

Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine churning out 165 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque and mated to a 7-speed Wet-type Dual Clutch transmission, the EMPOW can go from naught to 100 kph in 6.95 seconds.

We also like to congratulate Jun Cajayon on his appointment as GAC brand head.

Happy Motoring!!!

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