The motoring beat has always been busy, but not as busy as this month. March this year is one of the most hectic in years. We went swirling from one event to another, and the month is not over yet.
We started on February 28 to March 1 and 2 with Isuzu Philippines Corporation mounting the Isuzu Truckfest at the SMX Convention Center. The event featured truck heads, a firetruck, buses, a refrigerated van, a military truck, an ambulance, the MU-X and D-Max, and various Traviz applications including a passenger van, mobile food store and modern jeepney.
Then on the morning of March 4, we covered the groundbreaking of the NLEX-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 Section 1A Project which would connect Mindanao Avenue and Quirino Highway in Quezon City. The event was held in Valenzuela City with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian as guests of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation and NLEX Corporation. Fortunately, the ceremony was held in an air-conditioned tent that sheltered those present from the sun’s scorching heat.
After the quick lunch, we proceeded to the Seda Hotel in ASEANA Pasay City to take part in the preview of the new BYD Shark 6 DMO, the latest vehicle model of AC Mobility. After the briefing, we tested the pickup truck on the off-road course at the ASEANA Open Grounds.
March 7 was the big day for the BYD Shark 6 DMO as the newest pickup was unveiled to the public at the ASEANA Open Grounds. The vehicle is a hybrid and can lay claim to being the most fuel-efficient and most technology-savvy pickup in the market. Customers were given that whole weekend to experience the new Shark on the offroad track.
March 11 saw Jetour Auto Philippines opening its flagship dealership along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. Jetour also previewed the new Jetour T2 SUV Panda edition which will debut in the Manila International Auto Show or MIAS next month. JAPI managing director Miguelito Jose and Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Carlo Sotto led the ceremony. The QA dealership has a five-level showroom and service facilities which also serve as the company’s head office.
Ford Philippines had its first event for the year on March 13 at San Lorenzo Village in Makati City. Ford Philippines president and managing director Pedro Simoes, Customer Service Director Joyce Laxamana, and Communications Director EJ Francisco introduced the Ford Mobile Service Vehicle, a new facility that can serve Ford vehicle owners with their periodic maintenance service. Owners can schedule the service via an app. The unit, a 4×4 Ranger is manned by 2- 3 mechanics who can perform PMS, tire rotation, wheel balancing, and some repairs. The unit can do about 70 percent of the service that is provided in the regular dealership. Ford will have 10 units initially available in Metro Manila.
On March 14, the Philippine Rallycross Series awarded the top drivers for the 2024 Season. Now in its 10th year, the RallyCross also recognized its sponsors and media partners during a program held at Oriental Palace Restaurant on Tomas Morato in Quezon City.
On the same day, Fuso Philippines hosted a media appreciation dinner at the nearby Borro Restaurant on Scout Borromeo Street. President and CEO Yosuki Nishi and senior general manager Dan Jalbuna briefed the attendees on the company’s performance in 2024 and their target for the year. Fuso previewed the all-electric E-Canter during a test drive in November last year.
Hyundai Motor Philippines opened its three-day Hyundai Mobility Experience at the Glorietta which showcased their latest models and electric vehicles.
Land Rover Philippines also conducted a test drive of the new Defender at BGC Taguig on the same day.
Honda Cars Philippines had their Next Level Mobility event at Festival Mall in Muntinlupa City after a successful three-day exhibit at the Block at SM North EDSA the previous week. HCPI president Rie Miyake and senior vice president Louie Soriano highlighted the new Honda HR-V E-HEV and other Honda models that are equipped with the Honda Sensing Technology.
In far away Davao City, SMC Asia Car Distributors had the BMW Roadshow until March 16 at the RSA Motors Azuela Cove.
On March 17 and 18, the new BYD Shark 6 DMO was test-driven at real offroad locations in Central Luzon.
Then on March 19, Mercedes Benz will preview a new model via a test drive, and on the next day, March 20, MG will have some of their car models test-driven in Lipa City.
On March 22, the much-awaited opening of the Toyota Gazoo Racing will take place at Clark International Speedway.
We will also have a chance to test drive the new Mini Countryman EV this weekend.
On March 24, Mercedes Benz will have the 17th Season of the Mercedes Trophy Invitational Golf Tournament at the Sta Elena Golf and Country Club in Laguna.
On March 26- 27, another test drive this time by Jetour will be held in Subic, Zambales.
On March 28, a new electric vehicle will be introduced in Bocaue, Bulacan. On the same day, it will be the turn of Mazda Philippines to preview a new car model at the Mazda Center for Excellence in Cabuyao, Laguna.
Changan will also preview the car models that will be exhibited at the forthcoming MIAS set to open on April 10.
We’re sure there will be one or two more events coming up on the last three days of March. But we hope to go car camping during the weekend
