This is it, the last three months to make 2021 count for something remarkable in the automobile industry. Albeit 2021, so far, has been largely weighed down by a persistent pandemic that has resulted in economic slowdowns across all business and lifestyle sectors, the mobility sector has shown resilience and uncanny adaptability.
Despite the continued presence of a virus that has been somewhat slowed, but not stopped, by a barrage of medical breakthroughs, automobile companies are keeping things moving. If 2022 promises to be a much better year than its immediate predecessor, then these last three months may probably be the final yet most challenging barrier to the resumption of that golden age in mobility. Here’s what our key automotive players are doing to hurdle that final wall.
All-new Nissan Almera
New MG ZS Trophy
October has just started, but automobile brands are already pulling out the stops for what could be a big upcoming week for the industry. Oct. 5, for instance, will see the launch of the Trophy variant of the MG ZS. The very next day, Oct. 6, would be the all-new Chevrolet Trailblazer’s turn to be unveiled, before an all-new Nissan Almera with a 1-liter turbo engine takes centerstage on Oct. 8. We’ve heard through the grapevine that the new Trailblazer would be smaller and priced more accessibly (by almost half a million pesos) than the current model.
S-Class unveiled
Even before October started, however, the activities were already a bit frenzied. On Sept. 28, Auto Nation Group, Inc (ANG), the official importer and distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the country, unveiled the new S-Class in a virtual launch held at the official Facebook and YouTube pages of Mercedes-Benz Philippines.
The seventh-generation S-Class is shaping contemporary and individual mobility with innovations that focus on being more thoughtful to its passengers, more in tune with its driver, and more protective of those within and even outside of its elegant body.
“The new S-Class has undergone the most extensive refinement process in the history of Mercedes-Benz,” stresses Frankie Ang, ANG Chief Operating Officer. “The brand did to the new S-Class what it does best—putting the customers in the center. It can now be experienced with all the senses—seeing, feeling, hearing, and smelling—while offering impressive innovations in the areas of driver assistance, protection, and interaction.”
The new S-Class is available for viewing in all Mercedes-Benz dealerships: Edsa-Greenhills; Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, and; Cebu. Visit the online showroom at www.mercedes-benz.ph.
All-New mu-X SUV, 9th IOS showroom launched
Fresh from the highly visible launch of the all-new 7-seater mu-X SUV last Sept. 22, Isuzu Philippines Corp (IPC) followed that up quickly by reopening Isuzu Manila on Sept. 30.
Operating under the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC), Isuzu Manila becomes the 9th Isuzu dealership to adopt the brand’s latest design philosophy, the Isuzu Outlet Standard (IOS). Its total floor area of 9,606-sqm houses a showroom display area that has room for a customer lounge, one commercial vehicle (CV), and three light commercial vehicles (LCV), and a service workshop spread out in three floors for five CVs and 16 LCVs, as well as a parts warehouse.
“We want to reinforce the image of Isuzu not just by standing out from the rest but also through providing an enhanced experience for our customers. The new look shows Isuzu’s robust character and DNA as the world leader in diesel engine manufacturing. We hope to attract more customers to experience Isuzu’s reliability, safety and comfort,”
Johnny Fetalvero, SVP Business Operations Head of YGC Cars Division
LRP’s 200th Defender
On Friday, Oct. 1, Coventry Motors Corp (CMC), the sole authorized distributor of Land Rover vehicles, parts, and accessories in the Philippines, announced the release of its 200th Defender, a year after the Asia premiere of the iconic SUV’s much-awaited return.
With the country leading in the regional sales for the Defender, Chris Ward, president of Land Rover Philippines, credits its success to the market’s fondness for the Land Rover brand and for everything that related to adventure.
“Launching the vehicle head-on with the Covid-19 situation, we were unsure of how the Defender line would initially take-off. Not surprisingly, it was very well received in the Philippine market. The amount of support of its enthusiasts for the brand was tremendous. Customers rushed to reserve their units instantly after the reveal. The Philippines’ following for the vehicle keeps on growing as we see more drivers find the love for everything adventure — and that is what the Defender brand stands for.”
Robby Consunji, president of the Land Rover Club of the Philippines, expresses, “It is often said that Land Rover talks about its ‘spirit of adventure’. This is the single most important quality of its vehicles. We all know that the New Defender contains state-of-the-art technology to conquer the most difficult terrain. It is a statement of personal taste, a luxurious sense of style and a die-hard passion for all-terrain adventure. To the new owner of the Land Rover Defender, your New Defender will take you to all the good remote unexplored destinations and will open up new opportunities for you.”
Subaru’s Kansha Festival
Subaru isn’t staying silent, too. Motor Image Pilipinas Inc, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, shows its appreciation for existing and new Subaru owners for their continued loyalty and steadfast support to the Japanese marque by celebrating this year’s Kansha Festival from October 1 to 30. The Japanese word “kansha” simply means gratitude or “thank you”, and Subaru imbues this with a range of exciting promotions on parts and services at all its service centers and authorized dealerships nationwide.
Subaru owners can take advantage of exclusive aftersales deals offered only this time of the year, particularly for the oil change and the service value packages. Subaru also launches a safer and more convenient way for its customers to have their cars serviced. Customers may now avail themselves of the contactless service at all service centers and authorized dealerships nationwide.
GAC GN8 Master’s Edition released
Also on Oct. 1, GAC Motor Philippines announced the release of the 2021 GN8 Master’s Edition.
The GN8 debuted in 2018. The Master’s Edition highlights a new body kit to make the refreshed model more muscular- and elegant-looking.
Thus, the 2021 GN8 Master’s Edition has a bolder exterior look, highlighted by its massive vertical grille design in silver finish. Along with the new grille, the front fascia is also accented with a new set of fog lights and a silver skid plate beneath. The side profile is embellished with a side skirt in black and silver finish. Its rear also features a large bumper with a new exhaust pipe finish, a pair of LED brake lights, and a silver skid plate.
The 2021 GN8 Master’s Edition is still powered by a Euro 5-compliant 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to an Aisin 6-speed gearbox that is capable of producing 199 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque.
