THAT automakers’ proving grounds are located in remote spots makes sense; this allows such places to sit on vast tracts of land, not to mention keeping them away from prying lenses. These are venues, after all, on which new models and technologies are tested before any of them get to showrooms.

THE innovative Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology of the new Suzuki Dzire was put through its paces on June 4 at the Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas, during a track day organized by Suzuki Philippines. The activity was meant to showcase the new exterior and interior features of the Japanese car maker’s B-segment sedan, along with the highlighted AGS transmission.

AS car companies anticipate deliveries to pick up pace in the second half of the year -- domestic vehicle sales have dropped 9.3% in 2018’s first four months as consumers appeared to have made their purchases earlier in an effort to beat the higher taxes imposed on automobiles beginning in January -- a leading bank could play a role in the segment’s recovery as it started to offer more accessible financing packages for vehicle (and house) purchases.

We need to sit down and talk about an ugly truth in the automotive business: Many Filipinos who “buy” cars have no business doing so. And that’s because these “buyers” really can’t afford one. They just get enticed by insanely low down payments and the moronic desire to impress or keep up with the neighbors.

In the latest episode of the BusinessWorld Discussions podcast, Antonio E. Inton, Jr. founder of Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection said that his...

IN perhaps what could be considered a long-overdue move, Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. has finally made its presence felt in the midsize SUV category with the regional introduction of its new frame-based Terra.

TO BE perfectly honest, not a few mouths were left agape when Volkswagen Philippines announced a five-model onslaught last May 18. The China-sourced and badged models -- the Santana, Santana GTS, long-wheelbase Tiguan, Lavida and Lamando -- are widely expected to reestablish the German brand’s presence here while boosting sales.

THE upgraded Mazda MX-5 sports roadster, with new safety features and performance enhancements, is now available in all 20 showrooms of Mazda Philippines.

THE high-performance version of Audi’s midsize coupe is now in the Philippines.

PORSCHE said it would have invested more than $7 billion in its electromobility projects by 2022, which will come on top of “sizeable investments in its sports car business.” Spending will focus on derivatives of its Mission E model, hybridization and electrification of its current model range, as well as on developing smart mobility and charging infrastructure.

BLUECHEM products have been used exclusively in various auto dealerships in the Philippines since 2009. Now, the German brand’s range of cleaners and flushers for engines and transmissions can be purchased directly by consumers through select stores and online channels.

I ask the question because the market research firm Millward Brown has just released its annual brand equity report called the “BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands.” In it, the biggest companies in the world are ranked according to their so-called brand value. So first, a definition: What exactly is brand value?