Toyota adds to Lite Ace line; WM Motors newest EV player; Sankei 555 tips; Honda’s rainy day promo; BMW autonomous driving track

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Toyota adds passenger, cargo carriers all-new Lite Ace lineup

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) strengthens its support to Filipino micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the addition of two more variants of its newest light commercial vehicle, the All-New Lite Ace.

After unveiling the Panel Van and Pickup variants during last month’s launch, the Lite Ace line up dubbed by the automotive leader as Kasosyo sa Asenso is expanding with the introduction of the Lite Ace FX Utility Van and the Lite Ace Cargo Aluminum Van. Both variants are available for preorder in all Toyota dealerships nationwide starting August 1.

The FX Utility Van-variant has up to 12-person seating capacity (including driver), perfect as people transport, while the Cargo Aluminum Van variant best fits agricultural businesses or transportation of dry goods and other materials.

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“We are very encouraged by the warm reception and positive product feedback that we received from customers when we released the first two variants of the All-New Lite Ace,” said Sherwin Chualim, TMP’s First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations. “One of the key strengths of the All-New Lite Ace line is its versatility and flexibility, and with the availability of the FX Utility Van and Cargo Aluminum variants, we will be able to address the needs of more entrepreneurs and business operators for efficient and economical transport.”

Owning the Lite Ace FX Utility Van and Cargo Aluminum Van will give customers peace of mind in their everyday hustle with its quality safety features like SRS Airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). On top of this, both variants come with a 1.5L gasoline and are powered by 5-speed manual transmission, common among all the Lite Ace variants.

Customers can also avail special MSME financing packages for these two variants through Toyota Financial Services Philippines (TFSPH). FX Utility Van will retail at Php 727,000.00 while the Cargo Aluminum Van will be priced at Php 699,000.00. Official release is expected in September 2022.

Visit toyota.com.ph/asenso to know more about the latest addition to your Kasosyo sa Asenso! Download the myTOYOTA app for Andriod or iOS, or follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter and be part of our Viber community at Toyota PH to get the latest updates.

WM Motors Philippines brings in new EV line

WM Motor Philippines (WMPH), the official distributor of WM full electric vehicles in the county, officially begins the construction of the WM Motor Lifestyle Hub and Service Center via a groundbreaking ceremony on July 4, 2022, at the TDG In.Hub Building, AFP-RSBS Industrial Park in Western Bicutan, Taguig City.

The WM Motor Lifestyle Hub and Service Center is the country’s first-of-its-kind service and lifestyle facility. With approximately 3,000sqm, the hub will boast of a full-service workshop to cater all after-sales requirements of electric vehicles, as well as a lifestyle zone complete with a lounge and coffee bar for guests coming in to have their vehicle serviced. On top of this, the facility will also serve as WM Motors’ integrated training center in order to enhance the proficiency of technicians especially due to the growing popularity of electric vehicles in the country.

WMPH President Rashid Delgado expressed his delight to the stakeholders and event attendees as he mentioned that the upcoming Lifestyle Hub and Service Center is the manifestation of WM Motor Philippines’ advocacy to champion sustainable innovation through the science and technology of electric vehicles.

“We are proud and excited to be one of the pioneers in the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines! With the continuous rise of fuel prices in the country, electric vehicles will prove to be the friendlier choice for consumers, while contributing more to the environment having zero emissions. And now with its ever so growing popularity, we intend to deliver worry-free ownership to future owners with the birth of the WM Motor Lifestyle Hub and Service Center,” said Delgado.

The showroom and service center facility will serve as the hub of WM Motor Philippines for dealership, service parts, and maintenance. WM Motor Philippines is the sole distributor of WM Motor brand electric vehicles. The company has the full-play distributorship rights to WM EVs which include but are not limited to car distributorship, dealership, charging stations, services, and parts.

WM Motor Philippines also publicly announced the release of the Weltmeister W5— the first fully battery-operated electric vehicle from the Weltmeister brand. The W5 has been gracing the country’s streets through a series of test drives from the WM Motor Philippines’ official website. Interested car enthusiasts can visit the site to queue up for a test drive.

Sankei 555 shares helpful tips to keep the steering and suspension systems in best condition

As a helpful and useful machine for transportation, your vehicle is subject to the usual wear and tear. You may not be fully aware, but there are some driving habits that could cause unnecessary strain to specific parts of the vehicle, especially the steering and suspension systems.

For school bus operators and those owning vehicles that provide transport service to students, these days are particularly important as face-to-face classes finally resume in the coming school year, after two years of online classes. As everyone prepares for the school opening in the coming weeks, BSB Junrose, the local distributor of Sankei 555 Steering & Suspension Parts, shares these helpful tips in taking care and maintaining vehicles’ steering and suspension systems.

Drive carefully and slowly when there are road bumps and holes. Despite government efforts to keep the roads in the best condition, there are still many areas where there are holes and bumps along highways and street roads. School buses, vans, SUVs, or cars can surely handle those inevitable road issues, but take note that frequently hitting those hazards can eventually cause possible wheel misalignments and potential damage to suspension parts. Thus, it is a must to always drive more carefully and slowly when passing through such roads.

Keep your hands more on the steering wheel when driving.
Many drivers, especially of vehicles with manual transmission are not fully conscious that they may already be resting their hand more on the gear lever. The gear stick connects directly to the vehicle’s control rod. Your arm’s weight could push the car’s selector forks against gears unnecessarily, leading to wear. Make it a habit to keep both hands on the steering wheel as often as possible when driving.

Always use the vehicle’s parking brake. The hand brake or emergency brake must always be used whenever the vehicle is being parked–not just when parking on hills or slopes. It facilitates an added safety and secured hold when parking. Moreover, this practice helps protect the vehicle’s transmission and other parts.

Know the simple signs of possible damage to steering or suspension.
Be aware of the common warning signs when there are possible steering and suspension issues. Is the steering wheel shaking or vibrating when you are driving? Are there noises produced when turning your vehicle’s steering wheel? Is the vehicle pulling to a side when you are driving it? Do you notice squeaking, clunking, or banging sounds under the hood? Is there excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel?

“Some driving habits and delays in regular vehicle maintenance procedures could bring about or worsen problems that could affect handling, steering, and suspension,” said Benjamin Bangayan Jr, President of BSB Junrose, a local distributor of the best and most trusted autoparts brands.

“You can protect your vehicle’s steering and suspension by observing ideal driving habits. When there are inevitable issues caused by the usual wear and tear, among the most recommended steering and suspension parts in the market today come from the leader, Japan’s Sankei Industry Co. Ltd. We distribute ‘Made in Japan’ Sankei 555 Steering and Suspension Parts. Steering and suspension parts are safety items. When it comes to safety and lives of passengers, second best should not be good enough,” he added.

Available from the Sankei 555 brand are Rack & Pinion Steering Type, Front Suspension & Steering Linkage Type, and joints steering parts–including tie rod end, rack end, arm shaft, idler arm, side rod, control arm, pitman arm, ball joint, stabilizer link, and cross rod that are all directly imported from the Japanese manufacturer. These carry Japanese engineering, manufacturing processes, and precision care.

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“For decades now, Sankei 555 has successfully endured the toughest roads in the Philippines. It has proven its reliability and is still providing itself today. That’s why the brand is the leading in the country, in terms of steering and suspension. You may not be aware but Sankei 555 could already be installed in your car, keeping you and your passengers safe all the time. Thus, it should be your top choice for parts replacements,” Bangayan concluded.

Visit any of BSB Junrose’s authorized resellers now to inquire about and purchase steering and suspension parts from Sankei 555.

Drive worry-free this rainy season
with Honda’s Raining Deals Promo

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) continues to offer its customers special after-sales deals that would help them keep their vehicles in good shape and ensure their safety. From August 8 until October 8, 2022, Honda owners with out-of-warranty vehicles may take advantage of Honda’s exciting service offerings through its Raining Deals promo. Meanwhile, customers whose vehicles are within the warranty period have perks and benefits under the Sure Save Treats Loyalty Program.

HCPI’s Raining Deals comes with the following exciting offers:

  • As much as 70% off on select parts at select dealers with FREE Wipe-down Disinfection Chemical with a minimum purchase of Php 3,000.
  • FREE 50-point safety check-up, therefore ensuring the pristine condition of your Honda vehicle.
  • FREE wipe-down disinfection chemical can also be availed for every purchase of one (1) Tire or Battery.
  • FREE Front Windshield Water Repellent Coating Service for every purchase of two (2) Tires, or one (1) Tire and Battery.
  • FREE wipe-down disinfection chemical and Front Windshield Water Repellent Coating Service may be availed for every purchase of four (4) Tires or with a minimum purchase of Php 5,000.
  • Buy 1 Take 1 on BR-V tires – 195/60R16 89H Bridgestone tires

Customers may inquire at any of the participating dealers below:

No. Zone Dealer Name
1 Zone 2 HCBL Honda Cars Bulacan
2 HCNE Honda Cars Nueva Ecija, Inc.
3 HCTA Honda Cars Tarlac, Inc.
4 HCPG Honda Cars Pampanga
5 Zone 3 HCGH Honda Cars Greenhills
6 HCQC Honda Cars Quezon City
7 HCMA Honda Cars Manila
8 HCFV Honda Cars Fairview
9 HCMR Honda Cars Marcos Highway
10 Zone 4 HCAL Honda Cars Alabang
11 HCMI Honda Cars Makati, Inc.
12 HCPS Honda Cars Pasig
13 HCSW Honda Cars Shaw
14 HCMB Honda Cars Manila Bay
15 Zone 5 HCBT Honda Cars Batangas, Inc.
16 HCCP Honda Cars Camsur (Pili)
17 Zone 6 HCCI Honda Cars Cebu, Inc.
18 HCCG Honda Cars Cagayan de Oro
19 HCIL Honda Cars Iloilo
20 HCMD Honda Cars Mandaue
21 HCNO Honda Cars Negros Occidental
22 HCGS Honda Cars General Santos

 

Even when your car is already out-of-warranty, maintaining your vehicle with Honda’s authorized dealers still makes perfect sense without having to break your pocket. In fact, only two (2) PMS visits a year are recommended to keep your Honda in pristine condition. You can be guided about your PM schedule,  what parts are due for replacement, and the estimated cost for each visit by checking Honda’s virtual showroom – After-Sales at www.hondaphil.com. Throughout the vehicle ownership, PMS at Honda Cars dealers is best for you because of guaranteed genuine chemicals, parts and accessories, and service quality that is aligned with Honda’s global standards. Further, all Honda Cars dealerships and service centers are sanitized regularly and strictly observe health protocols to ensure your safety.

For interested customers, Honda’s Raining Deals promo will last until October 8, 2022, customers may access the list of parts information via www.hondaphil.com for better reference and navigation. Customers may also visit our website to know more about HCPI’s sales, after-sales promos, and its other latest offers or visit the nearest participating Honda Cars dealer now.

BMW autonomous driving track near completion

The early deployment of two test areas marks an important milestone in the construction of the BMW Group’s first development site in Central Europe. The Group is presenting the first two track sections for testing autonomous vehicles and assistance systems to guests from politics and the media at the new BMW Group Future Mobility Centre in Sokolov. At the new test site, the BMW Group will continue to advance ground-breaking topics, such as electrification, digitalization, and automated driving. The proving ground in the Karlovy Vary region is about a two-and-a-half hours’ drive from the BMW Group’s main development site, the Research and Development Centre (FIZ), in Munich.

With the launch of the two test tracks and an exclusive insight into its testing operations, the BMW Group will showcase the first results of its 300-million-euro investment in Sokolov. The testing facility is expected to be fully operational by mid-2023 and will have more than 100 employees working on site. The New Technology Area, an approx. 90,000 m² homologation-capable area with three separate run-up tracks, provides optimal conditions for testing assistance systems and behavior in cross traffic as well as emergency braking and evasive situations. The tests are prepared and controlled from the adjoining control room with temporary workstations.

“With the early deployment of two track sections to prepare for official vehicle testing in Sokolov, we are now testing new assistance systems from the point of view of driver safety and advancing the further development of test scenarios. From mid-2023, the new test site in the Czech Republic will operate in addition to the BMW Group’s existing testing facilities in Aschheim near Munich, Miramas in France, and Arjeplog in Sweden,” explains Andreas Heb, BMW Group project manager responsible for the testing ground in Sokolov.

In the immediate vicinity of the New Technology Area is the six-kilometer Autonomous Driving Highway, a motorway-style circuit with on- and off-ramp scenarios for testing autonomous vehicles on motorways. The test motorway has been equipped with two functional lanes and an emergency stop lane as well as gantries and a straight stretch measuring over 1,000 meters. “The BMW Group’s first development location in Central Europe creates new opportunities. Sokolov offers ideal conditions and suitable grounds for expanding our test locations. The trusting cooperation with property owner Sokolovská uhelná and all political representatives confirms that our choice of new location is the right one,” says Robert Thurner, BMW Group Head of Real Estate Management Region Europe, Middle East, Proving Ground.

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