Honda PH Salutes Service Heroes

With the entire country on quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic, mobility in the country is practically at a standstill. Lockdowns and quarantines have reduced mobility by up to 88 percent as people were mandated to stay at home.

Other than some essential services remaining open such as food delivery and medical needs, the e-commerce industry is booming since its services help people buy what they need online and have it delivered right to their homes, thereby making delivery couriers important front liners as well.

Locally, riders from motorcycle taxi-hailing apps have shifted their services from providing transportation for people to delivering food and other essential goods allowing riders to continue making a living even in the face of the pandemic.

But more than just providing a means of livelihood, these riders are providing an important lifeline to many people forced to stay home through the delivery of food and medicines, not to mention aiding in the government’s efforts in keeping human interaction as minimal as possible.

Of course, these riders maintain safety precautions imposed by quarantine guidelines, like wearing face masks and gloves, and being equipped with alcohol and other hygiene essentials, which were also a requirement by their own courier companies.

The number one motorcycle brand in the Philippines, Honda joins the country as it works to meet the challenges posed by the global health crisis through the work of delivery riders in ensuring the transportation of essential goods and services.

“I am proud to see that our motorcycles have become indispensable and are being used with a great purpose. A purpose of keeping people safe at home and encouraging social distancing, during this crisis.  We also commend the effort of our Hero Riders as they offer courage and aid during this crisis.” said Susumu Mitsuishi, President of Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI).

According to HPI, this adheres to its  One Dream campaign, which is helping fulfill people’s dreams while experiencing the joy of mobility and in today’s reality, provide a safer way for people staying home to still access badly needed necessities.

Ducati is Finally Getting the Lego Treatment with This P 3,300 Panigale V4 R Technic Set

Ducati is finally getting its first-ever Lego treatment with the Lego Technic Ducati Panigale V4 R. The 646-piece set will be made available starting June 1, 2020 not just in Lego stores (both retail and online), but at Ducati dealerships and even through the Ducati online shop.

The Lego Technic Ducati Panigale V4 R measures roughly 32-cm in length, 16-cm in height, and 8-cm in width. It also happens to incorporate working suspension system and even a working two-speed gearbox.

Beyond the mechanicals, Lego has faithfully recreated the 221-horsepower Panigale V4 R aesthetically. The set has a kickstand, the front and rear disc brakes, dashboard, and yes, even the Ducati Performance by Akrapovič exhaust system all done in the Lego Technic system.

Pricing in Europe for the Lego Technic Ducati Panigale V4 R is pegged at 59.99 Euros or roughly P 3,315.

Suzuki PH is the Undisputed "Underbone King."

Known as a manufacturer of motorcycles, automobiles, and outboard motors, Suzuki Motors is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, but little do you know that Suzuki Philippines is also celebrating its own milestone this year.

Suzuki started out making loom machines in 1902, 22 years earlier than another loom machine turned automaker—Toyota. Founded as Suzuki Loom Works in 1902 in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan by innovator and inventor Michio Suzuki, it moved to making motorcycles in 1954. In 1955, they made Japan’s first automobile—the Suzulight.

But as the fourth largest Japanese automotive brand celebrates its 100th anniversary, Suzuki Philippines is also celebrating its 35th year in the country. It holds the distinction of being the only integrated company that carries motorcycles, automobile, and outboard motor Suzuki products in Asia.

With 68 dealership groups and a network of 3,079 shops, Suzuki Motorcycle has successfully dominated the underbone market with the Smash and Raider. Selling 196,116 units last year, the Smash is touted as the number one selling underbone in the Leisure category. Meanwhile, the Raider R150 is acknowledged as the “Underbone King” for being the highest selling model in the Underbone Sport category with 144,141 units sold. Both models have sold more than double their competitors over the years.

Meanwhile, solidifying its presence in the automotive segment with a 21.17 percent increase in 2019, Suzuki Automobile has steadily captured market share. Jumping three places to now becoming fifth in the Philippine market, the boost in sales was the realization of the company’s aggressive efforts throughout 2019, leading to top models Ertiga, Vitara, and Celerio becoming some of the market’s most enjoyed vehicles of the year.

The newest addition to Suzuki Philippines is the Outboard Motor or Marine business. With 6 dealerships, it has achieved 205 percent sales growth in 2019. Through aggressive sales and after sales efforts, they’ve managed to turn heads in the business.

Piaggio to Start Assembly in the Philippines

Autoitalia Philippines Enterprises, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Piaggio in the Philippines has taken the next step, and has entered into a technical licensing agreement with Piaggio to manufacture and assemble its vehicles not just for the Philippine market, but for export to other ASEAN countries as well.

The deal was formalized between Autoitalia Philippines Enterprises, Inc. (APE) and Piaggio with the ceremonial signing of the technical licensing agreement of CKD (Complete-Knock-Down) Kit Assembly.

Autoitalia will import CKD kits from Piaggio Vehicle Private Limited (PVPL), Inc. in India, and will assemble them at their assembly plant in Cabuyao, Laguna. The finished three-wheeled vehicles will then be sold not just locally, but to ASEAN countries such as Laos and Cambodia.

With that, plans are in place to enroll the Piaggio APE three-wheeler as part of the Board of Investments (BOI)’s Motor Vehicle Development Program (MVDP) or Executive Order 156.

Autoitalia and Piaggio is targeting to localize at least 40 percent of the CKD components, or at least source it from other ASEAN countries. With that in place, it will allow the joint-venture to export its three-wheeled vehicles from the Philippines to other ASEAN countries without duties as part of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement or AFTA.

Moreover, the signing of the technical licensing agreement gives Autoitalia the privilege to do both domestic and export sales. It also opens the door for Piaggio to infuse capital into the joint-venture which may give them partial ownership in the future.

But as a part of the Autohub Group of Companies, Autoitalia says its operations will remain geared to satisfy Philippine requirements first.

Currently, Autoitalia has dealers located in Tagaytay, Cavite, Pampanga, Dumaguete, Cebu, Bohol, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga. They will also open in more locations nationwide.

Honda PH to Assemble P 66k BeAT Scooter Locally (w/ Specs)

Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), introduces The new 2020 BeAT, the automatic scooter model that will be made in the Philippines.

The number one motorcycle brand in the country announced that the new BeAT will be manufactured in the country starting in March. The move signifies HPI’s commitment to give products that are relevant to the needs and lifestyle of its consumers.

“We are excited to announce that HPI will manufacture The new BeAT to immediately address to the fast-paced demand of the Filipino customers. Young Riders are becoming more demanding in terms of their riding needs – from style to technology, which is why we want to prioritize this model as one of the high-selling AT model that suits the Philippine road traffic condition,” said Susumu Mitsuishi, HPI President.

The new BeAT is designed with a slim, sharp look and overall compact design. It comes in three striped variants, namely, the Premium (ISS/CBS), the Street (STD), and the Fashion Sport (STD).

The Premium (ISS/CBS) variant is equipped with a fuel-efficient engine that delivers up to 63 km/L thanks to its Idling Stop System (ISS). For a safer ride, it comes with a Combi-Brake System (CBS), ACG Starter System, secured Key Shutter as well as Enhanced Smart Power (eSP), tubeless tires, Park Lock Brake, and Side Stand switch.

The new BeAT also features a convenient 11-liter utility box, and Informative Semi-Digital Meter Panel with Eco-Indicator. In addition, its bigger headlight design is equipped with Automatic Headlight-On (AHO) with multi-reflector for wider illumination, and an over-all modern and stylish look.

It comes available in nine (9) specially design Filipino-inspired graphics with fashionable cool colors to suit the likeness of the Filipinos making city driving more exciting and colorful, In Premium (ISS/CBS) are Matte Fiery Red, Matte Axis Gray Metallic; in Street (STD) are Euro Gray Metallic, Matte Axis Gray Metallic, Ross White; and in Fashion Sport (STD) are Sahara Blue Metallic, Black, Fighting Red, Vibrant Orange.

The BeAT’s price starts at P 66,900 for the Fashion Sport (STD), and the Street (STD), while P 70,400 for the Premium (ISS/CBS).

Asked for an outlook on annual production volume of The New BeAT, Mitsuishi said they are looking at producing 130,000 units.

Interested customers can visit Honda Dealers nationwide.

Honda's P 109K AirBlade 150 is Designed for Manila's Stop-and-Go Traffic (w/ Video)

Honda Philippines, Inc., the number one motorcycle manufacturer in the country, raises the bar in the scooter segment once again with the launch of the all-new AirBlade 150—a cutting-edge sporty automatic transmission bike that promises to make urban riding fun, comfortable, and stylish.

“In Honda Philippines, we believe that the joy and freedom of mobility is best experienced with friends. That is why we conceptualized the all-new AirBlade 150 with shared riding in mind,” said Susumu Mitsuishi, president of Honda Philippines, Inc. “The comfort of the passenger is another top consideration in the minds of today’s millennial customers, and the AirBlade 150 is the bike that we believe will fulfill that need.”

Designed as “The Cutting Edge,” the AirBlade 150 features a lightweight 150-cc liquid-cooled SOHC engine primed for stop-and-go situations with it lag-free power. Moreover, it can achieve up to 47 km/L.

Beyond its 4.4-liter fuel tank, the AirBlade 150 offers a 22.7-liter utility box that can accommodate full-faced helmets and enough room for the rider’s personal belongings. It’s also equipped with features such as Smart Key, a power socket for recharging devices and smartphones, and a front-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS).

The 2020 Honda AirBlade 150 comes in three colors: Matte Galaxy Black Metallic, Candy Caribbean Blue Sea, and Candy Ross Red. Honda motorcycle dealers are accepting reservations with customer deliveries to start by March 2020. The AirBlade 150 comes with a price of P 109,000.

Honda Produces Its 400-Millionth Motorcycle

Since the introduction of the Dream D-Type in 1949, Honda’s 70th anniversary of motorcycle mass-production marks the company’s 400 million-unit milestone for global motorcycle production.

Honda was founded in 1948, and began mass-production of motorcycles at its first overseas production facility in Belgium in 1963. Since then, Honda has expanded its production globally in accordance with its fundamental principle of producing locally where there is demand.

Honda currently produces a wide range of motorcycles, from 50-cc commuters to 1,800-cc models, at 35 facilities in 21 countries.

Honda has developed and provided products that meet the needs of customers in many countries and regions. As a result, Honda achieved its 100 million-unit milestone in 1997, and its 300 million-unit milestone in 2014. In 2018, Honda exceeded an annual production of 20 million units for the first time in its history, and enjoys strong support from customers in the Asia region and worldwide.

“For 70 years, Honda has provided to customers worldwide motorcycles that make life easier and enjoyable. As a result, we have achieved our 400 million-unit milestone. I am grateful to all of our customers, and everyone involved in development, manufacturing, sales and service of our products. We will continue to do our best to provide attractive products that meet the needs and dreams of our customers worldwide,” said Takahiro Hachigo, Chief Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

This P 50k Lenovo Laptop is Made for Ducati Super Fans

Attention Ducati fans: there’s a special laptop made just for you. Done in collaboration with Lenovo, the Lenovo Ducati 5 brings together the world of fast motorbikes with fast mobile computing.

Shown at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) for the first time, the Lenovo Ducati 5 is a limited-edition model tailored for the biggest Ducati fans. The 12,000-run laptop features a pop of red with the words, “Ducati Corse,” printed on the lid. The design details are all inspired by several Ducati models. The color scheme takes after the Panigale; the naked frame structure from the Monster; and the vents from the sport exhaust of Ducati bikes. The special carrying sleeve that comes with the laptop also mimics the special stitching found on the Ducati’s bike seats!

More than just looks, the Lenovo Ducati 5 has the power to match. This 14-inch Windows 10 laptop features the 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor, an integrated Intel graphics card, and upward-facing speakers with Dolby Audio. It has 8 GB of DDR4 standard RAM and a 1-TB SSD hard drive. Battery life is pegged at 12 hours. And despite its performance, it’s just 1.58 kilograms in weight and is 16.9 mm thin.

Booting up the laptop brings up a unique BIOS chime that sounds like the buzz of MotoGP riders racing around the circuit. The Ducati logo sits front and center of the bootup screen. It offers a Full HD (1920x1080) screen with razor-thin bezels, in-plane switching of up to 300 nits bright, WiFi 6 connectivity, an HD webcam with integrated shutter, a fingerprint reader, and USB-C ports.

The Lenovo Ducati 5 will start shipping globally starting this April with prices starting around P 50,000.

Global NCAP Pushes to Make Anti-lock Brakes Standard on Motorcycles

The Global NCAP is telling vehicle manufacturers to employ more standard driver assist technologies which could help in reducing the risk of road crashes. This was done at their latest “#StopTheCrash” initiative which is done in support of the United Nations Global Goals and Decade of Action for Road Safety.

Home to the one of the largest, if not the largest, population of motorcycles (vis-à-vis GDP) worldwide, the Global NCAP is focused on curbing motorcycle-related crashes. With that in mind, the organization is hoping that more motorcycle makers would adopt Anti-lock Braking Systems or ABS as standard equipment.

Meanwhile, for four-wheeled vehicles, the Global NCAP is hoping that carmakers put Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) as standard. Blind Spot Detection, in particular, has proven itself to protect drivers, riders, and other vulnerable road users.

“We put special focus on technologies that help protect motorcycle riders, systems like Blind Spot warnings for drivers and ABS for riders. These are especially important safety systems throughout the ASEAN region, where motorcycle and moped riders are disproportionately represented in road traffic crashes,” said David Ward, President of Global NCAP and Chairman of the Stop The Crash Partnership.

Previously, The Stop The Crash initiative pushed the Malaysian government to fit Electronic Stability Control as standard on all vehicles sold there since June 2018.

Aston Martin's First Motorbike is a P 6-Million Rolling Piece of Art

Ever wondered what an Aston Martin motorbike would look like? Wonder no more because here’s the AMB 001, a collaboration bike between Aston Martin and Brough Superior that’s literally an automotive art you can ride.

Strictly limited to just 100 examples, the track-only AMB 001 represents the union of iconic Aston Martin design and state-of-the-art Brough Superior engineering to create a piece of automotive art for the motorbike connoisseur.

 With the AMB 001, Aston Martin and Brough Superior are presenting a unique, modern, lightweight and powerful sports bike concept, boasting exclusive technical features, including a chassis configuration with a double wishbone front fork and structural carbon fiber body.

Taking their inspiration from the new series of mid-engined Aston Martin cars, the Aston Martin Design team worked on clear principles of form and function, where design and engineering had to work together, resulting in a motorcycle that is a high-performance work of art.

Presented in the traditional Aston Martin Racing colors of Stirling Green and Lime Essence with Matte Black wheels, forks and brake assemblies, the AMB 001 features a sublime combination of paint and bare carbon fiber that accentuates the lines of this collectors’ item. As befits the Aston Martin and Brough Superior brands, all of the components have been specially designed using the best processes and materials, including carbon fiber, titanium, and billet aluminum.

The bike boasts a strong, sculptural body form, beautifully accented by a carbon fiber fin, the design of which is derived from the side strake on Aston Martin cars, that runs along the full length of the Stirling Green tank, passing under the saddle and out onto the rear, creating a flowing form along the top of the bike.  As the fin passes under the saddle it can be seen through breaks in the Oxford Tan leather pads of the hand-stitched saddle, which combines old techniques and modern technology in one swooping area that is a perfect fit for the human form.

AMB 001 has been designed to display a level of elegance that isn’t normally found on racing bikes. Beauty and power is the order of the day for this track-only racer. Aerodynamic wings attached to the cowl on the front of the bike take their direction from the S-Curve on the front of an Aston Martin, providing aerodynamic downforce.

The AMB 001 boasts a turbocharged output of 180 horsepower at just 180 kilograms dry weight. This turbo configuration brings an incredible engine response with huge torque in a wide range of engine rpm. This is also the first time that a Brough Superior model is presented with a V-twin turbocharged engine.

In keeping with its track-inspired pedigree, the AMB 001 is presented with ultra-lightweight Aston Martin wings, which sit under the lacquer of the bodywork on the nose and the tank.  These are the same nine-micron stainless steel wings that adorn the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

The AMB 001 is being built and hand-assembled in the Brough Superior factory in Toulouse, France. Just 100 examples will be made and the price is an eyewatering 108,000 Euros (~ P 6.040 million).

Castrol Activ Provides 24/7 Motorcycle Engine Protection

Castrol Philippines launches a specially formulated motorcycle engine oil that provides maximum protection regardless of use: Castrol Activ.

“The number of motorcycle users in the Philippines has grown over the years, and we at Castrol, are fully committed to providing our consumers with more specialized products to suit their changing needs,” said Maria Tañada, Castrol Philippines Country Manager.

Thanks to improved Actibond molecules, Castrol Activ provides 24/7 protection across all three stages of the ride: startup, the ride itself, and engine switch off.

During startup, where most engine wear occurs, Castrol Activ lessens the risk of wear and tear of vital engine components by 75 percent. During the ride, the Actibond molecules fight against the buildup of deposits, promoting maximum engine cleanliness and reducing piston wear for a smoother running engine. Finally, as the engine is switched off, the Actibond molecules cling on to engine parts to protect from corrosion due to humidity.

Castrol Activ is tailored fit for the resilient Filipino rider, giving them the superior all-day engine protection they need, on and off the road.

“Inspired by the hardworking Filipino, Walang Bibitaw is our strongly held philosophy that drives us towards empowering riders with the means to protect what matters most. Whether they’re riding alone or with their loved ones, Castrol Activ is a reliable partner that ensures their motorcycle engine is always protected and ready for the road ahead,” said Tañada. “Today, riders can gain 24-hour maximum engine protection thanks to Castrol Activ’s improved Actibond formulation.”

According to the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc., there were 1,580,926 units of motorcycles sold in 2018, a 21 percent increase from the 1.3 million units sold the previous year. The spike in numbers, combined with challenging road and environmental conditions that riders and their bikes face every day, calls for products that offer greater engine protection prompting Castrol Philippines to introduce Castrol Activ motorcycle engine lubricants into the country.

Triumph Motorcycles Enters Philippine Market

The Autohub Group of Companies announced that Triumph Motorcycles is joining their line-up of motorcycle brands, further strengthening their foothold in the premium two-wheeler segment. Appointed as the official distributor, Sammy Montecastro will take the helm as the General Manager of the brand.

In production for over more than a century already, Triumph has evolved into a holistic motorcycle brand, capturing the hearts of adventure seekers, speed junkies, and discerning aficionados. Exuding a classic and masculine flair, the British motorcycle brand also has a diverse range of lifestyle products, from biking accessories to apparel.

For the local launch, enthusiasts can look forward to adventure motorcycles (Tiger 800 and Tiger 1200), roadsters (Street Triple, Speed Triple, and Rocket 3), and modern classics (Bonneville T100, Bonneville T120, Thruxton, Street Twin, Street Scrambler, Speed Twin, Scrambler 1200, Bonneville Bobber, and Bonneville Speedmaster).

The Autohub Group targets to launch Triumph by late December 2019 or early January 2020 with its first dealership situated in Greenhills, San Juan. A second showroom will then be built by October next year in Bonifacio Global City.

Following international standards, the Greenhills showroom will present Triumph motorcycles in a premium manner. “We are committed to build a ‘Triumph World Black’ facility for our flagship showroom in Greenhills,” says Willy Tee Ten. “Not only will this help us meet market demand in Manila, but it will also be a great hub for the longtime fans of the brand.”

“We are thrilled to finally share our exclusive distributorship of Triumph in the Philippines. Indeed, we consider this a triumph for the Autohub Group—we began our negotiations with the brand in 2015 and patiently persevered until this year to hopefully win the rights,” shares Willy Tee Ten.

Peter Huckin, Head of Export Sales at Triumph Motorcycles, is just as equally excited, citing high aspirations for the Philippine market. “We are delighted to partner with Autohub as our new distributor. Appointing a strong and professional distributor emphasizes our serious commitment to an increasingly important and growing Philippine market. We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”

Honda Philippines Increases Appeal to Fashionables, Filipinas with All-New Genio, ADV150 Motorcycles

Wanting to increase its appeal to fashionables and Filipinas, Honda Philippines, Inc., launched two new motorcycles: the all-new Genio and the all-new ADV150.

The all-new Genio is specifically targeted to female riders with its design and special features. It comes equipped with an LED headlight, digital meter panel with Eco indicator, and a secure key shutter with seat opener. It also has a 14-liter u-box capacity, tubeless tires, and an inner rack.

This automatic transmission scooter is supported by Honda’s new eSAF (Smart Architecture Frame) and 110-cc engine making it agile and more comfortable to ride. The 9 horsepower, 9.3 Nm engine enables the Genio to reach up to 94 km/h while still returning an impressive 59.1 km/L (range is pegged at 248 kilometers).

The all-new Genio also comes with a combi-brake system with a front disc and rear mechanical drum.

Perfectly matching The all-new Genio’s role as a woman-centric motorcycle, HPI announces that Yassi Pressman has been chosen as Honda’s newest female brand ambassador.

For motorcycle riders who love urban adventures, HPI is also introducing the all-new Honda ADV150.

The tough and adventurous styling adopts a suspension, tire, and riding position ideal for all road surfaces both rough and smooth. Without a doubt though, the ADV150’s most unique feature is its adjustable windshield. Furthermore, it comes with an all-LED lighting system, fully digital meter cluster, power charger console box, 28-liter large utility box, and a smart key system.

The ADV150 also has 14-inch front tire size and 13-inch rear tire size as well as twin sub-tank rear suspension for a more comfortable ride. And since safety is foremost in all of Honda’s products, the ADV150 has an emergency stop signal (ESS) along with a one-channel ABS system.

The Honda ADV150 gets its power from 150 cc engine making 15 horsepower and 13.8 Nm of torque.

These two new models will soon be available at all Honda 3S Shops on December for the al-new Genio and January for the ADV150. The price for the Genio is at P 72,900, while the ADV150 has a retail price of P 149,000.