Volkswagen PHL sales grow 133% in 1st half
VOLKSWAGEN Philippines reported its sales during the first six months of the year rose 133% over the comparable period in 2016, or 566 units against the 243 units sold last year.
The company attributed the growth to “robust sales” across its model lineup, and bared its volume driver was the Volkswagen Jetta, which was also its best-seller in 2016. It added the Jetta is “expected to create a bigger sales impact” during the second half of 2017 with the release of the model’s newest versions — the Business Edition+ and Business Edition, which are priced at P1.3 million and P1.25 million, respectively.
Volkswagen Philippines said the new Golf GTS — the five-door wagon version of the Golf — is also forecast to boost the company’s deliveries.
The Golf GTS comes in two variants — the Business Edition, which costs P1.35 million, and the Business Edition+, priced at P1.4 million.
Suzuki 1st half deliveries in PHL increase 35%
SUZUKI Philippines, Inc. (SPH) said its sales for the first half of the year increased 35% compared to the same period in 2016. The company credited “successive openings of new dealerships in the country’s key cities and the launch of products designed to cater to different emerging markets” as key factors for the growth.
SPH said deliveries of the Suzuki Ciaz subcompact leaped 400% during the period. Also contributing are sales of the Suzuki Ertiga seven-seat MPV and Jimny 4×4 mini SUV, which rose 70% and 36%, respectively.
Hyundai foundation, eco group link in awards
HYUNDAI Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI), announced it is now a partner of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) in an advocacy for education in environmental stewardship on a regional scale.
HARI said its foundation will present the Hyundai Icon for Biodiversity award to 10 “biodiversity heroes” on Aug. 7. Award recipients will serve as “ambassadors of biodiversity conservation in the region,” and will participate in a series of public engagements aimed to inspire people to support and promote ACB’s advocacy.
“Proactive concern for Man and Planet is in the DNA of Hyundai, so our support for ACB’s noble cause is certainly in sync with HARI’s thrust to connect better with the hearts of our customers,” said HFI president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.
Motul cars brace for final Blancpain races
FRENCH brand Motul, the official lubricants partner of SRO Motorsports Group in the Blancpain GT Series Asia this year, said it is prepared to take on the last three races this season — scheduled on Aug. 19-20 at Fuji Speedway, Japan; Sept. 23-24 in Shanghai, China; and Oct. 21-22 in Zhejiang, China.
The company said its partnership with SRO Motorsports allows it to further develop its products. It also cited that it has used motor racing as a “proving ground” since the 1950s, and that its 300V Motorsport engine oils, lubricants and maintenance products are “trusted by drivers, teams and manufacturers competing around the world in a diverse range of categories.”
Besides the Blancpain GT Series, Motul said it is also involved in MotoGP, World SBK, Super GT and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
For its part, SRO Motorsports, since 1995, has specialized in promoting and organizing race series, and is credited for the revival of GT racing.
