The enterprise business arm of PLDT Inc. has partnered with AF Payments Inc. (AFPI) to enable a modernized fare system for the transportation sector.
PLDT Enterprise’s Smart Tracker, a GPS tracking system that monitors vehicle location, will be used in the contact payments firm’s automated fare collection system “to provide a complete fleet management and fare collection solution to public transport operators.”
The Transportation department said it will be rolling out a cashless transit card payment system that can be used for all modes of public transportation nationwide this year.
AFPI has been working with public transport operators of train, jeepney and bus fleets, including the three light rail systems of Manila and the EDSA bus consortiums, on modern fare collection based on contactless cards and QR codes.
“The Smart Tracker solution aims to simplify the management of fleets of public transport vehicles. With the service, Public Transport Operators can choose to provide locator links which commuters can access in order to better manage their commute and travel time,” Jojo Gendrano, first vice president and head of PLDT Enterprise Core Business, said in a statement.
PLDT in a separate statement said its fiber infrastructure reached 429,000 kilometers in December, while its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. increased the number of its base stations to over 59,000 as of December 2020.
The fiber infrastructure supports Smart’s mobile networks, which now cover 96% of the population and is available in 95% of the country’s cities and municipalities.
“Building on the strengths of our technological capabilities and laser focus on customer-centricity, we stepped into 2021 with many new aspirations. Our journey continues further by capitalizing on the various improvements we made in 2020, when we pivoted toward market leadership. This year, we will accelerate our capabilities and achieve more milestones,” Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart Communications president and CEO and PLDT chief revenue officer, said.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Jenina P. Ibañez
A consortium led by a Manila Water Company, Inc. subsidiary recently inked a deal with the San Jose City Water District (SJCWD) to develop its water supply and sanitation facilities.
In a regulatory filing, the listed water firm said its subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures, Inc. (MWPVI) and Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc. signed and executed the joint venture agreement with SJCWD.
Under the deal, the consortium will undertake the “design, construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, operation, financing, expansion and management” of water supply and sanitation facilities and services in San Jose, Nueva Ecija.
Last month, the regulatory office of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said that customers of the two water firms operating in Metro Manila- including Manila Water- would experience lower monthly bills in 2021.
Manila Water, which holds the concession for the East Zone of Metro Manila, reported a 24% fall in net income to P3.20 billion for the three quarters ending September due to lower contribution from its units amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Shares of Manila Water slipped by 0.24% to close at P16.76 apiece. — Angelica Y. Yang
STOCKS ended lower on Friday on negative US data and news of fresh stimulus to boost the world’s largest economy.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slid 34.69 points or 0.47% to end at 7,238.46 on Friday while the broader all shares index declined 8.46 points or 0.19% to close at 4,342.48.
“Local shares closed lower as investors digested the biggest jobless claims surge since March last year, outweighing the unveiling of [US President-elect Joe] Biden’s stimulus plan. Initial jobless claims surged more than expected to 965,000 for the week ended Jan. 9,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis A. Limlingan said on Viber.
PNB Securities Inc. President Manuel Antonio G. Lisbona said the local market ended marginally lower this week while the region’s bourses closed mixed.
“(They) seemed to have largely shrugged off the announcement of a $1.9 trillion stimulus plan by US President elect Joe Biden,” Mr. Lisbona said in a text message.
“It seems to me that investors continue to be wary of the inflationary implications of continued stimulus not just by the US but also other governments as they struggle with mitigating the effects of the pandemic,” he added.
Majority of sectoral indices ended Friday’s session with losses. Financials decreased by 10.94 points or 0.72% to 1,495.45; holding firms shed 48.66 points or 0.65% to 7,371.35; property inched down by 18 points or 0.48% to 3,694.82; and industrials declined by 20.83 points or 0.21% to 9,479.01.
Meanwhile, mining and oil rose by 140.12 points or 1.42% to 9,948.66 and services improved 5.71 points or 0.36% to 1,558.56.
Value turnover stood at P11.03 billion with 147.24 billion issues switching hands, higher than the previous session’s P10.96 billion with 30.09 billion issues.
Advancers led decliners, 120 versus 103, while 42 names closed unchanged.
Net foreign selling reached P423.29 million on Friday, a turnaround from the net inflows worth P242.46 million seen on Thursday.
Mr. Lisbona noted that investors have grown “weary” of the pandemic and were looking for other catalysts to take on risk, as the market has stayed above the psychological support level of 7,000.
“Support is pegged at 7,070 and if the market should break below that, 6,800 will be the next key support level. The index will likely consolidate between 7,000 and 7,432 if there are no new positive developments,” he said. — A.Y. Yang
Apple Inc. is planning upgraded MacBook Pro laptops this year with much faster processors, updated displays and the return of its magnetic charger, according to a person with knowledge of the plans.
The new laptops are planned to come in two screen sizes, a 14-inch model codenamed J314 and a 16-inch version internally dubbed J316. Both will use next-generation versions of Apple’s in-house Mac processors, upgraded with more cores and enhanced graphics, the person said, asking not to be named as the products are not yet announced.
These devices will mark Apple’s first high-end laptops to move away from Intel Corp. components. The company updated its base 13-inch MacBook Pro with its own M1 chip in November, to broadly positive reviews.
Beyond the more powerful chips, Apple is also planning to step up the displays in its new MacBook Pros with brighter, higher-contrast panels, the person said. The new Macs will look similar to the current versions, albeit with minor design changes. Apple is aiming to launch the new MacBook Pros around the middle of the year.
An Apple spokeswoman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
A major change to the new computers will be how they charge. Over the past five years, Apple has relied on USB-C ports for both power and data transfer on its laptops, making them compatible with other manufacturers’ chargers. But the company is now bringing back MagSafe, the magnetic power adapter that means any accidental yanking of the power cable would simply detach it from the laptop rather than pull down the entire computer. It was a favorite feature of the company’s portable PC lineup that was first introduced in 2006 and most recently revived for its latest lineup of iPhones.
The return of MagSafe with the next MacBook Pros will also allow those laptops to charge at a faster rate, the person said. The connector will be similar to the elongated pill-shape design of the older MagSafe port.
Despite moving away from USB-C for charging, Apple will still include multiple USB-C ports on its future Macs.
In developing its next set of Mac laptops, Apple has also tested versions that remove the Touch Bar from its laptop keyboards. The Touch Bar, introduced as part of the last MacBook Pro redesign in 2016, turns the keyboard’s top row from function keys into a touchscreen strip that can display a variety of information and a changing set of controls to adapt to apps and tasks. Some professional users have said they found that control scheme less convenient than physical keys.
Apple is also planning a redesigned MacBook Air, but that is not expected to be released until long after the next MacBook Pros. – Bloomberg
The Department of Justice found probable cause on the complaint filed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the National Bureau of Investigation against former employees involved in a payroll padding scheme.
In a 23-page resolution signed by Assistant State Prosecutor Moises Acayan, Sr. Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon and Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento, the filing of several counts of qualified theft, attempted qualified theft, cyber-related forgery and computer-related fraud has been recommended against Paul Ignacio, Michaelle Jones Velarde and Lymuel Seguilla.
The PSC has been resolutely following the case, determined to bring those accountable to justice.
The episode has been a learning experience for the sports agency, forcing it to look at the handling of its affairs and make the necessary changes.
“It is a regrettable incident but it compelled us to fast-track upgrades and consider a second look at existing processes,” PSC Chairman William Ramirez in a release…
Aside from the NBI which has been helping the PSC from the onset, Mr. Ramirez also said that they sought the help of the Office of the Solicitor General and the Anti-Money Laundering Council in ensuring that the funds are returned to the government.
As recommended in the Justice Department resolution, cases will be filed in the Regional Trial Court of Imus, Cavite.
In July last year, Mr. Ignacio was discovered redirecting funds to his own bank account.
He used to handle payroll preparation for the agency. During the investigation, two more employees were discovered working in connivance with Mr. Ignacio.
The modus reportedly had been done for the last five years and cost the government millions of pesos before it was uncovered.
SEOUL – Samsung Electronics Co Ltd on Thursday unveiled the first Galaxy S smartphone with a stylus for on-screen work called the S Pen, more than a month ahead of its usual annual release schedule for models of its flagship compact phone.
Analysts have said offering a stylus within the Galaxy S21 series might signal the South Korean tech giant will merge the S line with its other premium smartphone range, the Note, already equipped with a note-taking stylus. That could free up resources for Samsung to push its separate range high-end foldable phones as key mass products rather than niche devices.
Samsung is also looking to grab market share after China’s Huawei Technologies was hit with U.S. sanctions that restricted its supply and hurt sales, analysts have said.
An early Galaxy S21 launch is a likely tactic to capitalise on Huawei’s woes, said Counterpoint Research analyst Sujeong Lim. New iterations of the Note typically come in the second half of the year.
Lim said Samsung faces intense competition in the high-end category from Chinese vendors amid growing demand for devices that can be used for remote work amid the coronavirus pandemic, as well as play like videogaming.
In the United States, the Galaxy S21 price range starts at $799.99, the S21 Plus version at $999.99, and the S21 Ultra at $1,199.99.
The series will be widely available starting Jan. 29 through Samsung.com, carriers and retailers online, Samsung said.
With the most advanced processing chip in any Galaxy device, the S21 is 5G compatible and designed for shooting and viewing video and images as well as on-screen work. The top end of the range, the Ultra – the only version compliant with the S Pen stylus, which has to be bought separately – sports a four-lens rear camera that allows different angles and zoom shots.
Samsung plans to offer the stylus with other devices, said TM Roh, head of Samsung’s mobile communications business. The standard S21’s screen size is 6.2 inches, with the S21 Plus at 6.7 inches and S21 Ultra is 6.8 inches, optimal for watching videos and gaming. The latter two are close in size to last year’s Galaxy Note ‘phablets’ – a cross between a phone and a tablet.
The S21 series is powered by Qualcomm Inc’s Snapdragon 888 chips or Samsung’s own Exynos 2100 chips depending on the region, Samsung said. Qualcomm said last month the 5G chips will be manufactured by Samsung’s chipmaking division. — Reuters
Without a doubt, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has left the economy on its deepest slump. However, experts projected that the worst might be over and 2021 will be a year of economic recovery for the Philippines. Listen as the country’s chief monetary authority shares his key realizations and lessons learned nearly a year into the pandemic in BusinessWorld One-on-One, themed “Philippine BusinessOutlook 2021: Towards a More Resilient and Sustainable Economy”, with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin E. Diokno and BusinessWorld Editor-in-Chief Wilfredo G. Reyes. #BWOneOnOne is supported by the Management Association of the Philippines, Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines, and The Philippine STAR.
Inspired by traditions, modern architecture, and the needs of Filipino families, PHINMA Properties has opened the doors for its latest project, Likha Residences last Saturday, December 12, at the heart of Muntinlupa. They have achieved yet another milestone — their return to the luxury market with their newest work. Likha offers 3 to 4-story townhomes that provide more than just a place for a family to live in, where every room is a new place for unforgettable memories.
To ensure that all safety protocols were followed, only a handful of people were present at the ceremony. The program started with the ribbon cutting which was headed by Raphael B. Felix, President and CEO of PHINMA Properties, together with Rogelio Garcia, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Enrique Moran, Assistant Vice President of Operations, and DindoLitonjua, Joint Venture Partner of Likha. The priest blessed the turnover model units where he was accompanied by a representative from different departments: construction management, marketing, project development, and sales teams. Other guests were encouraged to participate virtually through Likha’s Facebook live event.
PHINMA Properties offers Filipino families modern contemporary homes designed to suit the lifestyles of different market segments. In Likha Residences, they considered the dynamic needs of families to create future-proofed townhomes that are Filipino masterpieces worthy of your investment.
Aside from its architectural inspiration, Likha is structured to be a secure home with its double-gated community. They also take pride in one of our core values — our effortless hospitality when it comes to service. Likha promises that their staff is committed to nurturing the wellbeing of every family dwelling in their community.
“We wanted to imbibe the Filipino culture and because of that, we made a conscious decision for all our projects across market segments – to have, to reflect the Filipino culture,” says Raphael Felix, “The Philippine culture has things like bayanihan, like your familial ties, your being hospitable, your being accommodating, and other good values we have – and when we look at those values, we said ‘this is what we stand for’”, he added.
In our interview with Raphael Felix, he also stated that “Looking at the architecture from the outside does not give it justice; come inside, look at our units, and see how the units are created around family gatherings. It was designed with the user in mind being able to all be together as a family having meals together, being in close contact with each other, children being able to see their parents, and vice versa – if you look at that, I think that to me is the most important thing.”
Apart from Likha Residences’ distinctive design, they also offer security to their future residents. “When we talk about security, we don’t just talk about the security of the entire project, meaning guards, [roaming guards], and the close circuit cameras, etc., we also refer to the security of your investment. When you purchase a unit in Likha, you are assured that this investment is secure, prices will appreciate, owing to the fact that it’s a very exclusive project in a very good location,” says Rogelio Garcia. He also added, “The location is a very strong point of the project, being very close to areas – central business district, like the Makati area, even the Alabang area — good location, very near important establishments like schools, restaurants, and business districts – so all these things contribute to that.”
With its timeless Filipino design, the creators of Likha want their future residents to feel warmly welcomed and secure as they enter the property. With that, they promise that future families will be inspired to create new stories and chapters in their lives in every space of their soon-to-be-home, thus, their slogan “Create Stories After Storeys”.
Likha Residences’ turnover model units are now open for viewing. In compliance with the safety measures, visitors who are interested can call 02-85356800 or +639175356800, or email them at inquiries@phinma.com.ph to schedule a safe home tour at Likha Residences located at Km 19 West Service Road, Cupang, Muntinlupa City.
Authentic luxury, when bundled with uncompromised performance and design, makes for a very delightful experience for both car riders and passengers. This is what Lexus LM 350, one of the most in-demand models in the Lexus lineup, can offer.
Priced from P5,408,000, the LM 350 is luxuriously crafted in anticipation of every need of motorists as it delivers on the promise of exceptional comfort, performance, and safety.
The four-seater LM 350 provides passengers a spacious and tall cabin that feels naturally roomy and welcoming for every passenger.
Enclosing this cabin is a thoughtfully-designed partition that includes an elevating glass pane that can be adjusted to be transparent or opaque for utmost privacy.
Literally giving the so-called ‘best seats in the house’, the LM 350 has reclining massage seats that give passengers seven massage options and five levels of pressure. Each passenger seat is also lined with a unique AdaptiPedic foam that absorbs road vibration and also conforms to the passenger’s body. Adding further comfort to these seats are integrated power ottomans, enabling passengers to stretch their arms and legs in the spacious cabin.
Complementing these comfortable seats are twin power moonroofs that give passengers airy and spacious sights. There is also a 25-inch screen that is strategically positioned for easy viewing from any angle, coupled with a 17 to 19 speaker layout from Mark Levinson that ensures premium sound quality.
Showcasing the best of what the Takumi craftsmen of Lexus have to offer, the intricate interior of the LM 350 is designed with care intro every surface that is seen and felt. The Gin Sui Boku ornamentation takes inspiration from Japanese paintings, giving harmony with the cabin and easily identifying the luxurious multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) as a Lexus model.
The LM 350’s passenger-centric design continues with assist grips, side steps, and sliding doors that allow passengers to enter and exit with ease. The lower partitions of either side of the cabin provides plenty of clever cabin storage for handbags and attache cases. Adding to the seamless convenience in the MPV is an onboard refrigerator that is likewise carefully designed to intuitively meets passenger needs whatever the occassion.
The exterior of the LM 350 further evokes the luxury Lexus is identified with. LM 350’s bold front features a spindle grille that exudes a sense of power, while its back is highlighted by L-shaped taillights that emphasize the MPV’s wide stance and low center of gravity. Along the car’s sides, the meticulously designed arrowhead accents in the center pillar complement the side profile. Its wheels are finely detailed with sophisticated three-dimensional spokes, enhancing LM 350’s presence on the road.
These stunning features are nicely bundled with its impressive performance and assuring safety features. At the heart of the LM 350 is a 296hp 3.5-liter V6 engine that carries a maximum speed of 230 kilometers per hour and can accelerate to 100kph in 7 seconds. The engine enables a Direct-Shift continuously variable transmission that realizes both excellent fuel economy and exhilarating driving performance.
LM 350 also enables optimized suspension through swing-valve shock absorbers that quickly suppress both vertical and lateral movement. These minimize vibrations in the vehicle and ensure elegant ride quality.
The MPV also comes with a Stop & Start System, which shuts off the engine when the LM comes to a stop, resulting in conserved fuel for longer rides.
The LM 350 puts a prime on safety through several features. Its Adaptive High-Beam System provides a wider illumination area with smooth and fine light distribution control without affecting the drivers of vehicles ahead.
Helping motorists avoid potential accidents, its Pre-Collision System attached at the front alerts the car on impending collisions.
Further guiding the car on the road, the Lane-Tracing Assist system uses a forward-facing camera to monitor lane markings. It will then automatically apply steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered on its lane.
Other safety features include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Blind-Spot Monitor; Parking Support Brake; and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert features.
The culmination of Lexus’s finest work is embodied by the LM 350. Ensuring comfort, efficiency, and safety while letting luxury stand out, the LM 350 enhances motorists’ journeys in relaxing and rewarding ones.
With Lexus, craftsmanship meets modern technology, and the breathtaking result delivers a passenger experience like no other.
Learn more about LM 350 by visiting the Lexus website at https://fal.cn/3c38F, or visiting its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram (@lexusmanila). To arrange a consultation with your personal sales consultant, visit the Lexus Remote page at https://www.lexus.com.ph/en/lexus-remote.html.
In its storied 53-year history, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) has had a number of lawyers serving as President of the country’s foremost finance organization. But never before has it elected a legal eagle with a stock market background until Francisco ED. Lim was chosen by his peers to lead FINEX in 2021.
Francis was the President and CEO of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) from 2004 to 2010. During his stint at the PSE, he joined FINEX and held key positions in various institutions such as the PSE Foundation, the Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines, the Capital Market Development Council, the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corporation, and the Securities Investors Protection Fund.
Since then, Francis has served as President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), President of the Shareholders Association of the Philippines (SharePhil), Trustee of the FINEX Research and Development Foundation, Trustee of the CIBI Foundation, and Trustee of the Judicial Reform Initiative (JRI). He continues to be active in the Institute of Corporate Directors, the Philippine Judicial Academy, and several committees in the Supreme Court.
All these while working at ACCRALAW as Senior Partner specializing in corporate law and litigation; teaching law at the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law and the San Beda University Graduate School of Law; and sitting on the boards of PSE-listed firms Energy Development Corporation and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. as well as non-listed companies Alphaland Corporation, DHL Summit Solutions Inc., Producers Savings Bank Corporation, and The Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd.
His long array of accolades from international and domestic institutions are complemented by an equally lengthy list of laws that Francis assisted during the enactment process such as the Real Estate Investment Trust Act, the Personal Equity Retirement Account Act, the Philippine Competition Act, the Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act, and the Credit Investment System Act.
Armed with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Francis was admitted to both the Philippine Bar and the New York State Bar. He has authored several books and articles published by local and global publications.
On January 15, 2021, Francis Lim will be formally inducted as FINEX President along with his Board of Directors, namely: Euney Marie Mata Perez, EVP, and Corporate Secretary; Michael Arcatomy Guarin, VP-Internal Affairs; Augusto Bengzon, VP-External Affairs; Consuelo Garcia, VP-Capital Market Development; Senen Matoto, VP-Good Governance; Omar Cruz, VP-Professional Development; Wilson Tan, Treasurer; and Directors Hilaria Concepcion, Edith Dychao, Domingo Go, Ronald Luis Goseco, Arleen May Guevara, Florencia Tarriela, and Stephanie Zulueta. The FINEX theme for this year is “Transcending the New Frontier. Leading Beyond Recovery.”
Like all industries, the car industry had a monumental year in 2020, if only for wholly unexpected reasons. Automakers have had to quickly adapt to a rapidly transforming landscape and a changed consumer, as well as endure incredible pressure and strain from factors far beyond their control.
Yet a new year has dawned, and the challenges of the past year have now borne fruit. These models from popular brands are what the future of mobility looks like so far.
Honda City / Civic
The new and improved Honda City hatchback made a splash in global markets late last year, and Philippine customers can now get their own to drive. The all-new City was designed for confidence, from its sweeping, dynamic corners to the bold, black trim, to its specially designed, sleek RS bumpers.
With its stylish exterior design, outstanding interior space, and advanced technology, Honda aims to assert its 2030 vision of leading the advancement of mobility and enabling people around the world to improve their daily lives.
Honda City Hatchback (red) and Honda Civic — hondaphil.com
Moreover, the launch reaffirms Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.’s commitment to providing mobility to Filipinos especially on its 30th year in the Philippines and continues to expand its presence in the market. Honda also recently unveiled the prototype of the 2021 Civic, which is now all set to enter into its 11th generation. It is only a matter of time before the newest iteration of the iconic Civic enters the country’s shores.
Isuzu mu-X / D-max
The Japanese car maker Isuzu Motors revealed the new and updated model for its mu-X line in Thailand before promising to roll it out in other markets. The D-max pickup truck, similarly, was promised an update.
The all-new Isuzu D-max, lauded all over the world for its top-class performance, safety, and innovation, will be making its debut later this year, both with new looks and new nifty features. It still comes equipped with either a 1.9-liter turbo diesel engine or an upgraded 3.0-liter motor that produces 190hp and 450 Nm of torque, however.
Isuzu mu-X and D-max — www.isuzuphil.com
The new mu-X meanwhile will enter the country’s midsize SUV market. Based on the D-max pickup, the mu-X is a robust option for those looking for a good rough road companion.
Set to also make its entry later in the year, the newly designed mu-X is based on Isuzu’s engineering concept of Robust and Exclusive, with the aim of enhancing the comfort and luxury while maintaining Isuzu’s unique strengths: reliable durability; fuel economy; and safety performance.
Lexus IS
The luxury car brand unveiled the new Lexus IS to the world last year. Fortunately for those who were waiting patiently for its Philippine release, Lexus launched it right as 2020 ended. Boasting superb maneuverability and riding comfort honed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, with evocative styling and state-of-the-art technologies, including the latest Lexus Safety System+, the Lexus IS is built fine-tuned for the driving experience.
Lexus IS — www.lexus.com.ph
“What we had foremost in mind in developing the new IS was to make it a car that excelled in communicating with the driver and, as a car with wide latitude for providing such, would never fail in doing so, regardless of the road conditions or driving status. Toward achieving this, we retained the compact body that had been well received, and, with our team united, we endeavored to bring such to maturity by developing the new IS on a new test course. We aimed to make the new IS a Lexus compact sports sedan that provides high-quality riding comfort while offering a high level of vehicle control,” Naoki Kobayashi, chief engineer, Lexus International, said in a statement.
He added, “We wanted it to be a car that enables people to make new discoveries, such as the discovery that the longer the new IS is driven, the more one can experience the fun of driving. And we wanted it to be a car that enables people to feel the aspirations of those who created it.”
Mitsubishi Outlander / Mirage
Though there likely is a longer wait involved here for SUV fans, the new Mitsubishi Outlander is likely worth it. Developed under the ideal of the Japanese term “I-Fu-Do-Do”, which means authentic and majestic, the all-new Outlander is designed to demonstrate strength and quality from the inside out.
The exterior design is refined, with a powerful and proud front end with new generation Dynamic Shield design concept. The complete transformation from dimensions to exterior styling previews the design direction for the future Mitsubishi Motors models.
Mitsubishi Mirage (top) and Outlander PHEV — www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ph
“The Outlander is an iconic SUV for the company, so when we developed the next-generation model, we took inspirations from our rich SUV heritage to realize a bold and confident styling with a solid stance that excites our customers,” said Seiji Watanabe, division general manager of design (head of design), Mitsubishi Motors Corp.
“The all-new Outlander is the first model epitomizing the new generation of Mitsubishi design and the frontrunner of our design strategy,” he added.
The new Outlander will debut first in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, with international markets following soon after. Fans of the brand’s popular Mirage line also has something to look forward to, as the line got updated last year in Thailand with much fanfare.
Nissan Navara / Terra
Nissan is making waves by committing to a slew of new launches this year. The new Nissan Navara pickup, for one, now comes with a new redesigned front facia, opting for a sleeker yet still athletic outline. Combined with a newly redesigned grille, a new set of wheels,a new set of headlights, and a new variant called the Pro-4X, the new Navara gives off a more angular silhouette for a cool and confident refresh.
And while Nissan Philippines has yet to release specifics on the release of the 2021 Navara, fans of the brand should expect to wait at least until the latter half of 2021. In the meantime, the carmaker launched the redesigned Nissan Terra.
Nissan Navarra and Terra — www.nissan.ph
First debuting in the Middle East as the X-Terra, the revamped SUV aims to exude a much bolder style with an update to its tech. The 2021 Terra distinguishes itself from the Navara which it’s based on with its brand-new front-end, which sports refinement and styling cues from the brand’s other SUV model, the Patrol. The Terra is redesigned to have an aggressive front-end with a larger, more upright V-motion grille bookmarked by LED headlights with quad projectors.
Toyota Yaris
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) was quick to welcome the new year with the new Toyota Yaris.
Sporting an aggressive redesigned front grille, the new Yaris gives off a commanding display on the road, flanked by new LED fog lamps across all variants. On the 1.5 S CVT variant, the head lamps have been upgraded to LED and are now paired with new Daytime Running Lights (DRL).
Toyota Yaris — toyota.com.ph
It also comes with new kicks with its 15-inch two-tone machine-finish alloy wheels across all variants. The updates extend up to the interiors with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now a standard feature across all variants, and synthetic leather seats for the 1.5 S CVT variant.
The redesign also comes in a vibrant new color across all variants to suit any discerning customer. A new and exciting “Cyan Metallic” shade is aimed at appealing to the young and young-at-heart.
“The Yaris appeals to many married professionals in their mid to late 30s looking for a modern fun-to-drive vehicle that offers the great cargo space a hatchback offers,” Elijah Marcial, vice-president of marketing services at TMP, said in a statement.
“The Yaris nameplate has amassed quite a loyal fan base for being synonymous with fun driving and flashy looks, and this year we’ve elevated it with a new premium eye-catching design to suit our customers’ evolving style. All without, of course, compromising on the power, convenience, and safety we’ve all come to expect from every Toyota.” — Bjorn Biel M. Beltran
New leadership sees 2021 breakthrough with more expansion as economy recovers
Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI) concludes 2020 strong by opening more than two stations per month, launching new products, partnerships, promotions, and social investment programs aimed at delivering quality services for Filipinos.
Caltex, CPI’s fuel brand, added 30 new service stations to its retail network, contributing to its growing footprint nationwide. Caltex service stations also remained open amidst the series of lockdowns to ensure continuous supply of clean and quality fuels for the motoring public.
“2020 was a tough year, but we are proud that despite the turbulence in both business and economic activities, Chevron remained consistent with its mission of providing the kind of fuel that Filipinos need – the fuel that powers human progress. We credit this to our people and partners who dedicated their energy to take Chevron to where it stands today,” said CPI General Manager and Country Chairman Billy Liu who formally assumed CPI’s helm just last November.
A more enjoyable customers’ journey
To power motorists to ride strong during these tough times, Caltex unveiled a new generation of Havoline Super 4T and SuperMatic 4T four-stroke motorcycle and scooter engine oils formulated with Caltex’s advanced C.O.R.E.+ Technology and ZOOMTECH. This was followed by the launch of Delo 400 SLK SAE 15W-40, a next-generation diesel engine oil infused with ISOSYN Advanced Technology that addresses the fuel needs of critical commercial road vehicles while minimizing their operating costs.
Caltex service stations nationwide ensures continuous supply of fuel to motorists amid the series of lockdowns.
Caltex offered programs and forged partnerships with notable brands in 2020 to give its loyal customers a more rewarding journey. CPI and last-mile carriers Grab and Lalamove Philippines teamed up to allow their more than 68,000 partner drivers to enjoy big savings when gassing up at Caltex stations using their Caltex SavePlus cards. In addition, PNB and 7-Eleven CLIQQ Rewards cardholders now enjoy rebates and cash-convertible points, respectively, for their fuel purchases made at selected Caltex stations. To jazz up the holidays, Caltex also launched its Fuel for Fuel promo where motorists can collect e-stamps and redeem fuel vouchers.
Caltex collaborated with PayMaya to integrate its scan-to-pay technology in its retail stations, enabling safer contactless transactions and providing more payment options for customers. To ensure a healthy environment for its employees and motorists, Caltex also partnered with Rock Ed Philippines to make antibacterial liquid hand soaps and surface cleaners available in Caltex stations.
Accelerating community progress and recovery
The pandemic and series of calamities did not stop CPI from carrying out its social investment programs. In early 2020, Chevron supported frontline workers by providing cash and fuels amounting to P1 million. Apart from donating a mobile patrol truck and smartphones to enhance the disaster preparedness in San Pascual, Batangas, CPIalso donated funds for communities affected by the Taal Volcano eruption and the recent typhoons, with some channeled through the Philippine Red Cross and Ateneo De Manila University’s Tanging Yaman Foundation.
Chevron, together with its employees and partners, comes out stronger and geared up to meet the country’s fuel and economic demands this new year.
In the latter part of 2020, Chevron held its first-ever virtual Volunteer Week, which promoted environmental protection, health and safety, and sustainable livelihood.
“Our concrete solutions helped us navigate through these uncertain times. And as we embrace another challenging year, we will continue to provide solutions to better serve Filipinos’ fuel needs and support the country’s economic recovery,” added Liu.
With Chevron’s strong 2020 business momentum and positive outlook, Caltex welcomes 2021 geared up to provide world-class products and services.
