BMW M Motorsport teams excel at Ní¼rburgring 24h Qualifiers
BMW M Motorsport teams ROWE Racing and RMG achieved significant success at the Ní¼rburgring 24h Qualifiers, a crucial preparatory event for the legendary 24 Hours of Ní¼rburgring (GER). During the intensive weekend, all three BMW M4 GT3 cars demonstrated strong performance, completing numerous laps and gathering essential data for the upcoming endurance classic.
The 24h Qualifiers format featured two 4-hour races. BMW M Motorsport teams prioritized fine-tuning their car setups during Saturday’s race. Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER), and Charles Weerts (BEL) achieved the best result for the BMW teams, securing 10th place in the #72 BMW M4 GT3. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) piloted the #99 ROWE Racing car to a 12th-place finish. Despite an unavoidable collision that forced the #98 BMW M4 GT3 to retire early on Saturday, the team rebounded on Sunday.
Sunday’s race saw an exhilarating podium finish for Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Maxime Martin (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER), who secured second place in the #98 ROWE Racing car. The #99 sister car and the #72 BMW M4 GT3 of BMW M Team RMG earned strong finishes of fourth and sixth place respectively. The weekend was especially significant for Weerts and Marciello, as both drivers completed their inaugural Nordschleife races in the BMW M4 GT3, logging crucial experience. Marciello also celebrated his first-ever podium as a BMW M works driver.
Beyond the GT3 competition, the 24h Qualifiers (also rounds three and four of the Ní¼rburgring Endurance Series NLS) featured multiple racing categories. BMW M Motorsport teams showcased their dominance across the board, securing an impressive nine class victories over the two races.
Daihatsu implements restructuring
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. has announced a significant restructuring of its overseas operations, designed to revitalize the company and solidify its position as a leader in the mini vehicle market.
To prevent issues similar to previous procedural irregularities, Daihatsu will implement a new framework aligned with its resources and capabilities, emphasizing its core strengths. Daihatsu will shift its focus to actual vehicle development, while Toyota Motor Corporation will now take on the responsibility for overseas business development and certification. Product planning duties will move from the joint
Emerging-market Compact Car Company to Toyota’s Compact Car Company, positioning Toyota as the lead contractor for Daihatsu. Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TDEM) and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. (TMAP) will be integrated into Toyota’s Asia Region operations and renamed “Toyota Motor Asia (TMA),” with the goal of increasing self-reliance and collaboration within the Asian market.
This restructuring underscores Daihatsu’s commitment to making “ever-better cars” and strengthening its position within the mobility sector by focusing on its core competency: the development of mini vehicles. Toyota’s increased involvement in overseas operations will support Daihatsu’s revitalization efforts.
Extreme E files sustainability report
Extreme E has released its third Sustainability Report, compiled with support from EY. The report confirms the racing series has retained its carbon-neutral status and achieved an 8.2 percent reduction in its overall carbon footprint compared to Season 2.
This was accomplished despite increased travel distances and double-header races. Extreme E’s success is attributed to its use of ODYSSEY 21 electric vehicles, solar and green hydrogen energy, along with sustainable practices such as localized sourcing and waste management at race sites.
The report also highlights progress in gender equality. The performance gap between female and male drivers has closed by an average of 51 percent since Season 1. Extreme E continues to promote gender equality with its one male, one female driver format per team, and a nearly 50 percent female workforce representation. This commitment is mirrored by audience demographics, with the male / female viewership mix split–improving to 66 percent / 34 percent from last season’s 71 percent / 29 percent.
23rd Henry Ford Awards finalists announced
Ford Philippines today announces the finalists of the 23rd Henry Ford Awards (HFA). Close to 200 entries submitted across thirteen (13) categories underwent an extensive two-phase judging process with a set of evaluators for each phase.
A panel composed of respected members of the academe specializing in journalism and communication studies, coupled with experienced professionals in the fields of marketing and public relations, design, photography, video production, and digital publishing helmed this year’s judging process.
Malaya Business Insight has been nominated in two categories chosen from over 400 entries to the contest. These stories are for the Automotive Vehicle Review of the Year– “The Ford Everest: Conquering the everyday like a modern-day Kami Rita Sherpa” vying against “Review: 2023 BMW 318i Sport” by Anton Luis Andres of Top Gear Philippines, and “To Z is to believe” by Eric Tipan of Manila Bulletin.
Malaya Business Insight is also battling in the Ford Automotive Feature (Print/Online) category with its entry “Ford Everest 4×2 Sport: The sports-ute equivalent of a favorite uncle.” Both articles are written by Motoring Editor Raymond Tribdino. The Awarding Ceremony will be on May 7, 2024 at the XYLO at The Palace, in BGC, Taguig City.
Suzuki promos until end of April
SUZUKI Philippines has extended its “Summer to Remember” promotion throughout April 2024. This promotion offers cash discounts and low downpayment options on the Ertiga Hybrid and S-Presso models.
Customers purchasing a new Ertiga Hybrid (GL AT or MT variants) with a cash transaction can receive a discount of up to P60,000. Alternatively, low downpayment options are available for the Ertiga Hybrid MT: P78,000 downpayment, P22,176 monthly installments. For the Ertiga Hybrid AT: P88,000 downpayment, P22,886 monthly installments. And for the GLX AT Hybrid: P40,000 cash discount or P98,000 downpayment with P23,901 monthly installments.
Customers opting for a cash purchase of the S-Presso (GL MT or GL AGS) can receive a P32,000 discount. A low downpayment option of P59,000, with monthly installments ranging from P12,579 to P13,391 (depending on transmission choice) is also available.
