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By Tessa R. Salazar Philippine Daily Inquirer

PUT IN ENOUGH RESOURCES and creativity into the mix, and see the local 

aftermarket industry produce world-class customized cars.

And you don't even have to match the scale of such internationally renowned trade shows such as the Tokyo Auto Salon or the Sema. The cars are the stars. They will shine no matter the backdrop.

Thus, singled out from 186 showcased cars sprawled out on 7,180 square meter of floor space, and viewed by no less than 35,000 visitors, five major awards and several special awards were given out to the cars that stood out during the Nov. 26 to 29 staging of the Manila Auto Salon held at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

The five major awards had been categorized as: level to workmanship in exterior; interior; engine and suspension; undercarriage; and the craftsmanship in the restoration and modification.

By Tessa R. Salazar Philippine Daily Inquirer THE LAST strip of confetti from the Manila International Auto Show, attended by over 77,000 visitors, has barely been swept off the spacious hall of the World Trade Center, and yet the fireworks begin again for another car show, the Trans Sport Show 2008 at SM Megamall. But that’s another story fit for restoration enthusiasts. These two exhibits, spaced so close to one another, just show that Filipinos’ thirst for new cars isn’t quenched by “rice-ing” fuel and food prices. So what exactly were the MIAS machines that made us forget, albeit for a while, the growl in the stomach, for the roar of the engines? MIAS, which has for its theme “Imagination in Motion” this year and featured 15 new public debuts, on- and off-road test drives—occupied more than 18,000 square meters of exhibition space at the WTCMM. World-renowned precision driver Russ Swift injected more adrenalin with jaw-dropping stunts in the all-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The two-seater Mazda MX-5 PRHT is now available for sale. Dubbed as the world’s best-selling sports car, it single-handedly revived the roadster genre. Its recipe for success was simple: lightweight and driver-focused. It introduced a novel Power Retractable Hard Top or PRHT feature on the third-generation MX-5. Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STI (RP launch) Now officially a mainstream brand with the introduction of four variants of its iconic Impreza, Subaru is commonly known for its rally-bred variants: the R Sport with its 150 horsepower and symmetrical all-wheel drive for first-time Subaru buyers; the 2.5 WRX with 230 hp and the Impreza WRX STI. The legendary “STI” suffix stands for Subaru Technica International, Subaru’s in-house performance team. With Dual Active Valve Control (Dual AVCS), the STI reaches a peak 305 hp. Putting all that power onto the pavement is an exclusive all-wheel drive system that features a driver controllable system dubbed Driver Control Center Differential (DCCD). BMW M3 Coupé (public debut) No car has reached cult status as quickly as the BMW M3. And like its status in automotive history, the newest one is indeed mighty quick, obliterating the 100 kph mark in just 4.8 seconds. Based on the award-winning 3 Series Coupé, the M3 is built from the ground up in order to become an even more superior driving machine. It starts from the right engine: a 4.0-liter V8 cocking up 420 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The striking power dome on the aluminum hood, extra-large air intakes and powerfully flared wheel arches signify the M3’s athletic character. In order to take the extra power, the chassis was extensively reworked by BMW M including more powerful brakes and a driver selectable Electronic Damper Control system. Mitsubishi Lancer (public debut), Lancer Evolution X (RP launch) The all-new Lancer is powered by an all-new, all-aluminum 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or CVT. Performance junkies will appreciate the 158-hp engine, standard 18-inch alloys and Evo-inspired body kit. Audiophiles will revel in the 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system, while everyone else will love the roomy and well-built interior. For the full-blooded rally experience though, there’s no substitute for the Lancer Evolution. Now on its tenth iteration, the latest Evo features a turbocharged version of the Lancer’s engine which is good for 280 hp (the Japanese mandatory figure) and 422 Nm of torque. While a 5-speed manual is still offered, the one to have is the new twin-clutch 6-speed automatic gearbox. Other new technology debuts in the Evolution X include Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC), Active Stability Control and Active Yaw Control. Honda Accord (public debut) Completely redesigned from the ground up, the new Accord 3.5-liter VTEC engine features increased dimensions for a more luxurious interior. The range-topping variant features an innovative cylinder management system called Variable Cylinder Management or VCM to run either in 3, 4 or 6 cylinder mode achieving fuel economy levels comparable to that of a compact car. With all cylinders firing though, the Accord is somewhat of a muscle car, pushing out close to 270 hp. Chrysler 300C Startech (public debut) The Startech 300C features a signature chrome grille with Matrix design, 18-inch wheels and HID headlamps, Startech illuminated door sills, aluminum pedals and rear spoiler. Premium leather seats, power moonroof and a 276-watt digital Boston Acoustics sound system are standard. Mazda6 (public debut) Mazda 6 showed off four-door sports car look with its voluptuous “cycle fenders” up front and sleek roofline. It had minimal overhangs, sleek front and rear fascia and generous wheelbase with a bigger engine: an MZR four-cylinder engine’s displacement is up to 2.5-liters bumping the maximum power to a healthy 168 hp. It has an adaptive five-speed automatic with sequential shift override and cruise control. Ford Focus TDCi Race Car Ford Philippines unveiled the racing version of its Ford Focus hatchback. This time, it packs the locomotive-like torque of the TDCi turbodiesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Tuason Racing School also showed off its Formula Ford open-wheel race car, powered by a flexible-fuel capable Ford gasoline engine. Ford Escape, Everest, Ranger (New Off-Road Challenge) Ford’s popular trio of utility vehicles was put to mud test with the Ford Off-road challenge at the front lawn with tougher obstacles and steeper ascents. The course demonstrated that underneath the passenger-car comfort of the Escape, Everest and Ranger are tough, immensely capable engines and chassis that can tackle some of the toughest terrain. Chana Benni (RP launch) Chana enters into the Philippine car market. It is one of the most experienced manufacturers, building cars as early as 1957. Initially, the Philippine lineup of Chana consists of eight new models. The flagship Chana is the Benni, which completed a 26,000-km trek in 86 days from Chongqing, China to South Africa. The Benni has a 1.3-liter 16-valve engine but makes up for it with a (stratospheric) 22.72 km/L mileage and Euro-III emission standards. The 84-hp engine is hooked up to a five-speed manual that makes the Benni capable of speeds in excess of 140 kph. It features an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. A driver’s side airbag and antilock brakes complete the standard package. It’s backed up by a 3-year/100,000-km warranty. Chery A1, V2, Karry, Tiggo AT Chery launched four vehicles: the A1 subcompact comes with a 1.3-liter engine and manual transmission; the V2 MPV, which is also powered by a 1.3-liter engine; the larger Karry MPV which comes with a 1.6-liter engine and manual transmission. The SUV Tiggo has automatic transmission priced to compete with Japanese subcompact cars. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited The iconic vehicle comes in a new edition, the first-ever four-door Wranger Unlimited. The only four-door convertible on the market features an extended-wheelbase layout for greater passenger room and riding comfort. The trademark Jeep off-road capability is intact, with best-in-class ground clearance, approach and departure angles; enhanced Dana axles, available next-generation Command-Trac and Rock-Trac transfer cases, new electric axle lockers and electronic-disconnecting front sway bar. Kama Trucks The Kama Trucks, distributed in the Philippines by Transport Equipment Automotive Component Inc, has light and medium- size commercial truck lines. The company produces auto parts, intermediate and small-sized multifunction diesel engines, marine and land-used generators, machine tools, construction and mining machinery and general purpose machinery. The manufacturer is Shangdong Kama Automobile Ltd with a total plant size of 36 hectares and an annual production capacity of 60,000 trucks. Suzuki APV Type-II (public debut) Suzuki, now known for its Swift and Grand Vitara, introduced its upgraded 2008 Suzuki APV. The 8-seater APV is powered by a 1.6-liter engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Sinag Solar Car (special display) The Sinag solar car is the Philippines’ entry to the World Solar Challenge in Australia. The Philippines’ first solar car competed in the grueling 3,000-km race against 40 other entries from around the world. With all these mouth-watering, palm-moistening offers glimpsed at the MIAS, motorists seem to take the government’s call to eat half the rice they’re used to in stride. As long as a spanking new car stands proudly in our garages, we can sleep soundly at night.

By Aida Sevilla-Mendoza Philippine Daily Inquirer IN THE PHILIPPINE car industry, there are two groups: the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and the non-Campi. The non-Campi are considered mavericks or upstarts that, for one reason or another, dropped out of Campi or have not joined the Campi establishment. Early this month, the non-Campi showcased their products at the 4th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) at the World Trade Center. The new wrinkle in the 4th MIAS was the participation of two Chinese car manufacturers—Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. and Chana. The newest kids on the block occupied large pavilions and unveiled cute minicars that are priced to grab market share from the Suzuki Alto, Chevrolet Spark and Kia Picanto. Many people have heard of Chery, which entered the Philippine market last year and now has 28 dealerships all over the country. Geely, another Chinese brand, set up a distribution hub in the Subic Freeport in 2007. But Chana? Precisely why Chana chose MIAS 2008 for the Philippine debut of several new models led by the 1.3-liter, SOHC, 16-valve Benni De Luxe MT. Priced at P438,000, the Benni delivers 84 hp, has power steering, power windows, airbag, ABS, fog lamps, engine immobilizer and, surprise!—it is Euro III compliant. The other cars Chana displayed were the Star II (P450,000) and CM8 (P495,000), both of which are 1.3-liter, 7-seater, Euro III-compliant multipurpose vans with manual transmission. Chery began manufacturing motor vehicles 40 years later than Chana, yet it has forged ahead to become China’s biggest independent car company. Established in March 1997 with government money in Anhui, one of China’s poorest provinces, Chery produced its millionth car last August and turns out 400,000 cars and engines a year. The state-owned Chery exported more than 100,000 cars last year and targets selling one million cars annually by 2010 as it aspires to compete globally. The latest feather in Chery’s cap is the deal it signed last July with American automaker Chrysler to produce subcompacts that Chrysler will start selling under the Dodge brand in Latin America and other developing countries late this year and in the United States and Europe by 2009. Last month, the Chery QQ was the only Chinese marque to make the list of China’s five top-selling passenger car models. The QQ ranked fifth after the Volkswagen Santana, Honda Accord, VW Jetta and Buick Excelle. At MIAS 2008, the Chery exhibit included an apple green QQ 1.1-liter MT (P349,000), the 2.0-liter Tiggo sport utility vehicle AT (P799,000) and the 1.3-liter V2 minivan MT (P489,000). The centerpiece was the A1, which was unveiled by top brass from Asia Pacific Chery International and Iseway Motors, the exclusive Philippine distributor of Chery cars. Assembled at Chery’s high-tech factory in the Yangtze River port city of Wuhu, the A1 was designed with assistance from Italian auto design studio Bertone, is powered by a 1.3-liter engine developed with help from the Austrian engineering consultancy firm AVI that specializes in internal combustion engines, and outfitted with parts from Honeywell International and Visteon. Since 2003, Chery has been bringing foreign technology and expertise to Wuhu as it aims to compete in the United States and Europe with bigger, more sophisticated engines. Its plant in Wuhu is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery imported from Europe such as German precision-milling machines, Italian robots and a paint shop project from Germany. The A1 is the subcompact that Chrysler plans to export around the world under its Dodge brand. Chrysler will modify the A1 and models based on it to meet each market’s safety and environmental rules. A Wall Street Journal reporter who drove the A1 over 3,700 kilometers across Xinjiang last August wrote that the car performed admirably for a small car in city traffic, on highways, up and down hills, off-road and in the desert. Since it has a 1.3-liter engine, the A1 accelerated sluggishly, more so when there were four adults on board. But it was surprisingly smooth and quiet even at high speeds (160 kph) and the aircon kept its cool even in the desert. However, the WSJ reporter said that the fit-and-finish of the interior was somewhat below par. Given the wariness toward Chinese products following the US recalls of some products from China due to defects or toxic contents, it may take years for Chinese cars to attract buyers in the First World. They will have to convince consumers that an inexpensive new Chinese-made car is a better value than a used Japanese or American car. But as an industry analyst in the United States pointed out, the learning curve for the Chinese automakers will be much, much faster than that of the Korean and the Japanese automakers. * * * TODAY’S BUMPER STICKER: If only you drove as perfect as me.

ONE of the cars showcased at this year's Trans Sport Show is a 1947 MG TC restored by Ben Silvestre. Video taken by INQUIRER.net online videographer Janie Christine Octia at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall.

CHECK out this video INQUIRER.net reporter Relly Carpio took of world-renowned precision driver Russ Swift wowing the crowd with his driving skills at the show grounds of the Manila International Auto Show 2008 . For his performances, Swift used the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI and the MI Rally Model, which is an exact replica of the winning Subaru car in the World Rally Championships.

By Relly Carpio INQUIRER.net MAZDA has revealed the all-new Mazda MX-5 Retractable Hard Top (RHT) that combines the comfort and convenience of a hard top with the exhilaration of a convertible. The new MX-5 is inspired by the Japanese phrase Jinba Ittai that literally means "oneness between horse and rider." Check out the video I took. Sarah Meier, model and MTV VJ, was on hand for the revealing. Eric Malimban, the marketing manager of Mazda Philippines, expressed his excitement about the third-generation Miata, saying, "the Mazda MX-5 RHT is the epitome of Mazda's stylish, innovative brand essence and the realization of the Zoom-Zoom spirit Mazda is known for." The power RHT takes 12 seconds to open or close. The roof has three parts which fit seamlessly together and electronically folds into a storage space behind the seats. This mechanism is the world's first RHT system that doesn't take up any of the 150L trunk space. The new Mazda MX-5 has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, combined with a "low yaw-inertia moment," that translates to "nimble handling that makes the driver feel as one with the car." The new MX-5 has an MZR 2.0L engine which can reach 190 Nm of torque and maxes out at 166 hp, specially tuned so that when revved it produces an exhilarating engine note. It has rack-and-pinion with engine-rpm-sensing variable assist. The introductory price of P1.999 million.

By Relly Carpio INQUIRER.net CHANA Automobile Co. Ltd., China's largest minivan producer, made its Philippine debut on Thursday at the Manila International Auto Show. Stephen Sy, president of Focus Ventures Inc., Chana's exclusive Philippine distributor, was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Chana is offering a wide product range with three distinct categories: the super mini, the minivans and the minitrucks/multi-carry vehicles. All models are equipped with 1.3 liter 16 valve engines. Each comes with a three-year warranty, "which shows our commitment and trust in the product," Sy said. Their carrier product is the Benni, a super mini, at P438,000, available in manual or automatic, with power steering, driver's airbag, ABS, power windows and front and rear fog lamps. The Benni was styled in Italy, and is a survivor of the Chana Trax Experience, where Chana took their vehicles on an 80-day drive for 26,000 kms from China to South Africa. Chana also offered three 8-seater compact MPVs -- the Starlight, Star II and the CM8 -- and three compact mini-truck models.

By Relly Carpio INQUIRER.net FORD introduced its Ford Focus TDCi, the first diesel-fed vehicle to "hit the track" in the Philippines. It was developed together with Tuason Racing School (TRS). JP Tuason, owner of TRS, said he was "delightfully surprised to have done very little modification on the Focus, showcasing its real 'street to track' capability." TRS matched the engine with an enhanced suspension, fiberglass body parts, K&N filters, racing brake pads, six-point rollcage, racing seats, racing seatbelts and a fire extinguisher. But the engine was kept stock, a powerful engine at 136 HP with its 2nd-generation common rail injection technology. Here's a video I took of Ford Group Philippines president Richard Baker unveiling the Ford Focus TDCi on Day 1 of the Manila International Auto Show. "The Ford Focus has always enjoyed a strong motor sports heritage and has achieved outstanding results in worldwide auto sports competition. Building on this successful racing tradition and the growing interest in motor racing, we will demonstrate the Ford Focus TDCi's superior technical capability and dynamic nature in the country," Baker said. "This latest innovation from Ford affirms the Focus TDCi's advanced 'street to track' technology, with its winning combination of acceleration, handling and braking capability. The speed and passion embodied in racing fulfills our thrust to making cars that replace the drudgery of the everyday commute, with the intense thrill of driving," he added. Ford is quick to add that the new Focus TDCi is not a fuel-guzzler. According to them, it has "best-in-class fuel economy benefits, as proven with the recent fuel economy and endurance run conducted by TRS in various parts of the country." This endurance run was done under the watchful eyes of representatives from the Automobile Association Philippines and the Department of Transportation and Communications. The run covered "different terrain, road and weather conditions. The provincial runs ended at the North Luzon Expressway while the entire drive campaign culminated in Metro Manila." The Ford Focus TDCi went head to head against another subcompact sedan for almost three weeks. No repairs were done on the cars, which were carrying two passengers and two pieces of luggage. The numbers from the test put the Ford Focus TDCi at "29.61 kilometers per liter or KPL, for the best all highway run, 16.69 KPL for the best all city run, average of 20.17 KPL per 10,000 KM mark: Total kilometers over total liters of 19.50 KPL."

By Andre Palma Inquirer MAJOR motor shows are often difficult to initially grasp in their entirety. Merely a single pass of the major manufacturer's displays can send even the most jaded of motoring hacks reeling from all the sights, sounds and sheet metal. You just get numb from the sensory overload. Trying to understand what's going on and what the general flavor of the show is comes only when the shell shock passes. Even then, moments of true insight are rare. Tokyo's place in the international motor show arena is to divine the future. It is through the fantasy world of concept cars that the world's major players try to capture our imagination. For manufacturers, showing up at Tokyo without a jaw-dropping interpretation of the future is like going to a wedding reception in your flip-flops. This year there were quite a few who apparently forgot the dress code. Maybe it was a calculated risk on the part of the manufacturers. In all honesty, trying to steal the limelight from two of the most exciting new releases would be near impossible. Show headliner Headlining the show for all intents was the unveiling of Nissan's GTR. As bold as the concept, technology and execution of this soon-to-be available super car is its rebellious break from the sustainable eco friendly line that most of the mainstream players are towing. It would be hard to find anyone who went to the show this year who did not take home a snapshot of the latest interpretation of the all-conquering Skylines of years past. Off-duty showgirls, clad in trench coats over their scant motor show finery snapped away on their equally tiny and cute mobile phones. Even executives from the European sporting brands jostled with masses to get a closer peek. You get the picture. The excitement about the GTR is deserved. This car revives the Japanese super car genre and is the gauntlet on the table to the other players who traditionally participate in the segment. Significant too is the gossip going around the Nissan GTR. Finally available in left-hand drive for the first time in history, it looks like the Philippines will be getting a few units. Don't hold your breath though, as this information came from the same people who promised us the Teana in 2003. Controversially designed A new release that is sure to hit our shores will be the controversially designed 2008 Subaru Impreza and the generally more impressive STI version. Derogatory remarks about the styling of these WRC-derived everyday tarmac monsters are getting tiresome already. There is really nothing we can do about what this car looks like. And if we can get that out of the way, maybe we can focus on the changes that are going to affect more important things regarding Impreza -- mainly the way it will drive. Pray that function overshadows form in this case. The shift over to the hatchback format is a necessity born of the WRC. Subaru needs a platform that will go toe to toe with the kinds of car that Loeb and the gang are driving. Shorter wheelbases combined with lighter cars will logically be snappier around the corners. Engines remain the same with the beautifully linear power of the EJ25 turbo family of power plants under the brand's signature hood scoops. Seriously folks, these cars are coming and there's an invite in my mailbox to allay any fears that the Philippine market is going to lose out on these models. The mid-level Imprezas are going to break cover soon, likely within the month. The much-awaited, hot and bothered STI version will hit the fast lanes of Philippine roads sometime next year. Cars that are able to steal the limelight from the futuristic prototypes and concepts are rare indeed and in this case, the Nissan GTR and the Subaru Impreza WRX Sti define the 40th Tokyo Motor show. This year has given us two models to that are really worth the wait. Speed is on the Philippine motoring horizon. What a wonderful world indeed!

By Tessa R. Salazar Inquirer THE NUMBER of companies that participated in the recently concluded 40th Tokyo Motor Show was 241, two more than the 2005 edition's 239. But if you were to go by the Who's Who of the automotive industry, numbers can't hide the gaping hole left by those who were conspicuously absent this time. Some of the Detroit Motown's top executives were not seen and their absence didn't go unnoticed. Asahi Shimbun wasted no time reporting these truants. A Fortune report at CNNMoney even went so far as writing "RIP" for the Tokyo Motor Show after citing auto launches by US top automakers being done elsewhere. Have these fortune tellers hit the nail on the head, or have they just been too quick to the draw? Journalists who attended the motor show witnessed numerous concept vehicles and environment-friendly hybrid machines, making this writer think that the motor show was undergoing a sea change in its overall vision. Major shift in direction And if, indeed, the 53-year-old motor show was undergoing a "second childhood," a major shift in direction toward being more environmentally conscientious, then it has to contend with two factors: 1) These hybrids and concepts are still a long way off from actual commercial production, especially in minor markets like the Philippines, and this may be a major turnoff for prospective buyers window shopping in Tokyo; and 2) Even the major markets such as the United States and emerging powerhouse China seem not to be biting the "green" carrot dangled before them. Of course, the motor show still had its highlight moments, such as the much-anticipated launch of the Nissan GT-R (which did not disappoint, except for the announcement that there was still no tentative release date yet in the Philippines), the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (tentative RP launch date sometime in April 2008), and the new Subaru WRX STI (tentative RP launch date March 2008). Honda offered its own surprises for the Tokyo delegates (the latter announcing that its sportier Accord 2.4- and 3.5-liter versions would be available here by the second quarter of 2008). But if you hear the talk between the revs, something seems to be really amiss. Weak car market "The Japanese car market is altogether in weak health. Following a decline of two percent to 4.64 million cars already last year, the market shrank further in the first eight months of this year by 6.3 percent to 2.98 million cars," said Matthias Wissmann, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, during a press briefing attended by Inquirer Motoring at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. In another press briefing, Bernard Bohr, chair of the Bosch Automotive Group, said that automobile production in Japan would remain almost stagnant until 2015, at 11.5 million units. But worldwide, he said that Japanese automakers would increase their production over the same period: from 23 to 29 million vehicles. Fortune's interview with analyst Michel Dunne indicated that Japanese consumers bought 5.7 million vehicles in 2005, but were expected to purchase only 5.2 million units this year. "By comparison, the China market is exploding -- from 5.3 million units two years ago to 8 million units in 2007 -- making it the second largest auto market in the world after the United States." By 2010, Dunne expects Japan to still be "under 6 million units while demand in China is expected to reach 11.5 million." Japan still main route Bohr said during the press conference that for Bosch one of the main routes for automotive growth would still lie in Japan. He said that even if Japanese automakers were going international in their supplier structures, it would still be in Japan where major decisions will be made. Bosch engineers confirm they still collaborate closely with customers in Japan. Their know-how in Japan also serves to support Bosch development teams worldwide. Bosch Group is one of the biggest German employers in Japan with a workforce of more than 7,800. It operates 20 manufacturing plants, five engineering centers and two test courses. "Support like this goes to places as far away as Brazil, where, for a Japanese automaker, we are developing a flex fuel system that improves cold-start capability when the engine is running on ethanol," Bohr said. Favorable signs Bohr also sees favorable signs for diesel-fed automobiles in Japan, with Nissan and Honda announcing they would launch a diesel passenger car for the domestic Japanese market. "This is an opportunity for us, not least in view of fuel prices in Japan, which have risen by a good 10 percent since the beginning of the year," Bohr quipped.