Hyundai PH Loves Their Acronyms So Here are Two More to Remember

It seems working from home has spurred the love for acronyms over at Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Hyundai passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the country has already come up with ARMOR, and how they’ve thrown in BOSS and HOME as well.

Hyundai B.O.S.S.

The first is Hyundai B.O.S.S. or the Bonus On Scheduled Service promo. It covers commercial vehicle owners who are rewarded with free stuff, welcoming back those who might have missed a PMS during the quarantine period. The promo which will run until June 30, 2020 includes:

• 15 percent discount on selected PMS parts (oil filter, oil gasket, air filter, fuel filter, aircon filter, and air drier filter cartridge)
• 5 percent discount on PMS labor

Commercial vehicle owners can also conveniently choose onsite or offsite options for the Hyundai Trucks and Buses Service Team that will be designated to perform the PMS on their vehicles.

For passenger car customers, they can avail of the Hyundai ProMiSe of Right Care (or Hyundai PMS Right Care) promo. This promo runs longer (until August 15, 2020) and gives the following:

• Free car wash with vacuum
• Free 23-point check-up
• Free GDS diagnostics scanning
• 15 percent on PMS parts
• 15 percent on PMS labor

Hyundai H.O.M.E.

If the Hyundai B.O.S.S. wasn’t enough acronym for you, there’s also Hyundai H.O.M.E. or Hyundai Online Market Experience.

H.O.M.E. is a web-based platform that integrates the car-buying experience. It is a one-stop shop where price quotes, loan approvals, and even Hyundai vehicle delivery can all be done through the HARI website. And while features are limited as of the moment, HARI says they will gradually upgrade H.O.M.E. to incorporate more features akin to an e-commerce website. They will also be linking it to their customer relations (CRM) platform as well.

H.O.M.E. is one of the major programs under Hyundai’s Guidelines for Protection and Safety or GPS (yup, that’s another acronym right there)—Hyundai’s comprehensive set of health and safety
guidelines covering the entire value chain of HARI from importation, assembly, office operations, vehicle delivery to dealerships, showroom, sales and after-sales operations, customer relations, test drives, and unit release.

The Following Nissan Dealers are Open to Serve You

Following guidelines set by the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ), Nissan dealers across the Philippines have resumed sales and service operations.

Ensuring the health and safety of employees and customers, Nissan dealerships will practice stringent health and safety protocols including regular disinfection as well as the observation of social distancing within the premises.

The following dealerships have been opened to serve Nissan customers:

Nissan dealerships opening from May 16 onwards:

• Nissan Sucat
• Nissan Batangas
• Nissan Southwoods
• Nissan Westgate Alabang
• Nissan Dasmarinas
• Nissan Sta. Rosa
• Nissan Clark
• Nissan Lipa
• Nissan Bohol
• Nissan Bataan
• Nissan San Pablo

Nissan dealerships opening from May 18 onwards:

• Nissan Global City
• Nissan Pangasinan
• Nissan Iloilo
• Nissan Commonwealth
• Nissan Baliuag
• Nissan Zamboanga City
• Nissan Mantrade
• Nissan Cabanatuan
• Nissan Davao
• Nissan North EDSA
• Nissan Marilao
• Nissan Matina
• Nissan Pasig
• Nissan Pampanga
• Nissan Tagum
• Nissan Otis Manila
• Nissan Taytay
• Nissan Baguio (service only)
• Nissan Quezon Avenue
• Nissan Sumulong Highway
• Nissan Shaw
• Nissan Bacolod

The Maxus V80 Answers the "New Normal" Logistics Needs

The past two months, wherein the entire Luzon mainland and many parts of Visayas and Mindanao were placed under various levels of government-enforced community quarantine, have been eye-openers not just for families, but for many small and medium enterprise (SME) owners. Many have had to re-think key aspects of their operations in order to adapt to new health and safety requirements.

Among these crucial aspects have been a choice of a cargo van that can safely and efficiently transport goods, services, and personnel. Moreover, it has to be highly flexible, especially with the increased dependence on “last mile” logistics requirements.

For that generous cargo space that affords SMEs that peace of mind in securing not only a sustainable enterprise, but more importantly, the safety and health of their drivers and cargo handlers, Maxus Philippines offers its Maxus V80 Flex van.

Starting at just P 1.190 million, the Maxus V80 Flex offers 6.9 cubic meters of space, and a flexible interior that allows for proper social distancing among drivers and cargo handles. At the same time, its 1.1-ton maximum loading capacity allows for sufficient cargo to be loaded in one go. The rear dual swing-out doors also make loading and unloading of cargo much easier.

The V80 Flex is powered by a 2.5-liter CRDI diesel engine with VGT (136 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque). For added safety, it has front dual airbags, ABS, and EBD.

Aside from an affordable price tag, the Maxus V80 Flex is also affordable when it comes to its service and upkeep. The periodic maintenance service (PMS) interval schedule covers the first 5,000 kms or 6 months, and every succeeding 10,000 kms or every 12 months, whichever comes first. This is more convenient and more cost-efficient compared to the industry-standard 5,000-km PMS interval. There is also 24/7 emergency roadside assistance (ERA) available.

Maxus is operated under AC Motors, the automotive distribution and retail group of Ayala Corporation subsidiary AC Industrials.

Chevrolet PH Re-Starts Dealer Operations

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the Philippines, has announced the resumption of business operations of Chevrolet dealerships in various regions, as select areas transition to the government-mandated Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) or General Community Quarantine (GCQ), while some cautiously implement a more localized quarantine.

Chevrolet Cagayan de Oro, Chevrolet GenSan, Chevrolet CamSur, and Chevrolet Ilocos Norte reopened last May 4 and 5, while the rest of the dealerships in Luzon, including Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao scheduled the resumption of their sales and aftersales operations today.

Here is the list of Chevrolet dealerships that reopened last May 16, 2020:

Metro Manila

• Chevrolet Alabang
• Chevrolet Commonwealth
• Chevrolet Greenhills-EDSA
• Chevrolet Pasig

Luzon

• Chevrolet Batangas
• Chevrolet Carmona
• Chevrolet Dagupan
• Chevrolet Pampanga

Below is the list of Chevrolet dealerships that resumed business operations on May 18, 2020:

Metro Manila

• Chevrolet Makati (Service Center only)
• Chevrolet North EDSA
• Chevrolet Shaw

Luzon

• Chevrolet Cainta
• Chevrolet Imus Cavite
• Chevrolet Sta. Rosa

Visayas

• Chevrolet Bacolod
• Chevrolet Iloilo

Mindanao

• Chevrolet Davao

Chevrolet Makati’s Sales operations will resume on May 25, 2020, while Chevrolet Otis-Manila, Chevrolet Quezon Avenue, and Chevrolet Cebu-Mandaue will remain temporarily closed until further notice.

TCCCI encourages Chevy customers to schedule their dealership visit ahead of time, as the number of individuals inside the showroom and service area will be strictly managed. Customers may call the dealerships directly or call the 24/7 Chevy Hotline at 5328-2438 to book their appointments.

For Android users, customers may download My Chevrolet Connect App where they can easily book their vehicle service or test drive appointments.

TCCCI together with its Chevrolet dealer partners nationwide, are implementing stringent safety protocols in all showrooms and service centers to ensure the safety of its employees and customers amidst the national concern on the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the Chevrolet community. While our business continues to operate, the wellness of our employees and our customers during these extraordinary times remain our top priority,” said Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, President and Chief Executive Officer of TCCCI.

The Chevrolet dealerships in the country are heightening their regular hygiene and sanitation protocols, and carrying out stricter regulations in sanitizing all Chevrolet vehicles entering and leaving the dealerships.

The following measures are progressively put in place in Chevrolet showrooms and service centers:

• Mandatory temperatures checks of employees and customers entering the dealership premises
• Mandatory wearing of protective equipment, including face mask, for all employees
• Alcohol dispensers or hand sanitizers are readily available in key areas of the dealership, including showroom and service reception areas
• Foot pad disinfectants are made available at the main entrance of the showroom and service workshop area
• Common areas inside the dealership, including customer and service lounges, transaction areas, meeting rooms, and restrooms are sanitized every two (2) hours and before and after business hours
• General cleaning and sanitation of dealerships at least once a week
• Chevrolet vehicles on display and test drive units are sanitized regularly
• Chevrolet vehicles and genuine parts delivered to the dealership are sanitized
• Brand new Chevrolet vehicles scheduled for delivery or vehicles set for service unit release are sanitized

Chevrolet is also implementing additional guidelines for the sanitation of all Chevrolet vehicles that are delivered to the dealership, brought in for service, or are scheduled for customer delivery. To ensure everyone’s safety, the vehicles are sanitized using recognized system products in the automotive industry.

Mercedes-Benz PH Launches P 8.990M Flagship GLS SUV (w/ Full Specs)

Mercedes-Benz Philippines is now making available the flagship three-row GLS luxury SUV with a suggested retail price of 8.990 million. Exuding presence and power, the German automaker calls it, “the S-Class of SUVs.”

Exuding presence and power, the 2020 GLS features impressive dimensions measuring 5.207 meters in length and 1.956 meters in width. With a longer wheelbase than its predecessor (up to 3.135 meters), it has more harmonious proportions than ever before. The GLS now follows the Sensual Purity design and dispenses with individual edges in favor of sculpted surfaces.

The GLS achieves a co-efficient of drag as low as 0.32—an impressively low figure in the large luxury SUV segment. The excellent aerodynamics help it cut fuel consumption, but more importantly limit wind noise.

The Philippine-spec GLS features the AMG Line design package and with that brings a unique front apron, wing flares at the front and back, 21-inch AMG twin-spoke light alloy wheels, and a sports brake system with perforated brake discs.

Inside, the 2020 GLS combines the comfort of a traditional Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan with rugged detailing of an SUV. The central element inside is the impressively-sized screen unit embedded on the dashboard. Typical of off-roaders, the GLS features two prominent grab handles on the center console, juxtaposed by the free-floating appearance of the dashboard. A new multi-function sports steering wheel further accentuates the appearance of the interior.

Thanks to the extended wheelbase, the GLS pays close attention to maximize occupant space. All seats are electrically adjustable as standard even down to the Easy-Entry function—where the second-row seats move a long way forwards and fold forwards allowing entry to the generous third row. In the second row, leg room can be increased by 87 mm when the seats are in their rearmost position, which also makes it easier to get into the vehicle. At the third row, people up to 1.94 meters tall can be seated comfortably.

The GLS’s high aspirations are also found under the hood. For the Philippine market, the GLS comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 diesel engine making 286 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. This impressive engine is mated to Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive and a 9-speed G-Tronic automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The GLS comes with the enhanced Airmatic air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System Plus. This setup uses highly complex sensor systems and algorithms to adapt the damping characteristics to the road condition and driving situation in real time. All components have been enhanced compared with the previous generation, and the wheel suspension mountings have been optimized to maximize ride comfort. In addition to this, the air suspension keeps the car at the same level, regardless of the load on board.

Mazda, Toyota, Honda Vows to Spend on R&D Even as Profits Plunge

Hard hit by production stoppages and weakening sales, some carmakers have turned to conserving cash as means to ride out the coronavirus pandemic; but not for Mazda, as well as Toyota and Honda. These automakers intend to continue spending and developing next-generation technologies.

A report out of Automotive News (subscription required) says these three automakers are keeping their focus squarely at the long-term. Mazda which booked a net loss of USD 20.3 billion, and a 20 percent decline in global sales (January to March 2020) says they will continue to set up their development game. Quoting Akira Koga, Mazda senior managing executive officer:

“We will not relent in our investment in development and facility for our future growth. We will continue and step it up.”

These sentiments are echoed by Toyota President Akio Toyota. Despite suffering an 86 percent net income tumble, he suggested that it’s shortsighted of companies to cut back on advanced research or programs to save money in the short term. He said:

“I sense that there seems to be much talk about a V-shaped turnaround. By deciding to stop various things, an individual company can turn its results around. It bothers me that such action often seems to be praised. That’s not right. This is how I feel.”

Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo feels the same way.

“In order to survive, we will continue to invest in the next-generation technologies at all cost. We have no intention of scaling it down.”

For fiscal year 2020-2021, Toyota will actually increase its R&D outlay from 3.7 to 4.6 percent of revenue. Meanwhile, despite selling just 1.42 million vehicles compared to Toyota’s 10.46 million, Mazda will spend 3.9 percent of its revenue on R&D. And while Honda hasn’t released a figure, last year, it funneled 5.5 percent of its revenue into future technologies.

This kind of thinking contrasts with other carmakers such as Ford and General Motors which have previously announced cutbacks to its long-term technological investments. It remains to be seen what road other Japanese carmakers such as Nissan and Mitsubishi will take.

Despite Coronavirus, Geely PH is Confident of Achieving 2020 Targets

Despite the challenges of doing business in the “new normal,” SGAP remains confident that they will be able to achieve their 2020 targets.

Notwithstanding losing almost three months’ worth of retail sales due to a work stoppage at Geely’s plant in China as well as the implementation of ECQ in the Philippines, SGAP remains confident in achieving an average of 150-unit sales per month.

From September 2019 to April 2020, Geely sold 524 units of its Coolray B-segment crossover (295 from February to March alone), enabling them to capture third place in the combined CAMPI and AVID tally. With the start of sales of its Azkarra, they are confident that this number will increase even more. Geely has joined the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) last February.

“Geely in the Philippines has had a very good start since its launch in September,” says Mikihisa Takayama, SGAP President. “We exceeded our sales targets for both January and February, despite being limited to just one showroom. We almost had no inventory of Coolray by the end of February.”

Takayama admits though that March and April were supposed to have been a period of brand strengthening with two dealerships—one in Metro Manila, and another in Cagayan de Oro slated to have opened. The COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent government mandated quarantine measures have affected these plans, though they are confident of being able to “catch up” in the next few months, and that their year-end target is still achievable.

Moving on, SGAP will start to focus on the online space beginning with the virtual launch of its Azkarra compact SUV on Saturday, May 30. Geely calls it the “first full production digital automobile launch in the Philippines,” and will be streamed via Geely Philippines’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website.