SBMA hosts the Guinness World Record for the Largest Car Horn Ensemble

An ensemble of 1,077 Ford Everest sports utility vehicles (SUVs) made its way to the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) over the weekend in a convoy to highlight an important milestone.

Ford Everest Club Philippines (FECP), a mid-size SUV club with 15,000 active members and one of the largest and most active car clubs in the country, succeeded in its attempt to smash the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Car Horn Ensemble.”

“Today, Ford Everest Club Philippines not only created an awe-inspiring symphony of horns, but also brought excitement along with the unique experience that came with it. I am thrilled and delighted to have witnessed and become a part of this event,” said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan during the awarding ceremony at the SBIA tarmac.

An estimated crowd of 5,000 club members, their families, organizers, sponsors and spectators took part in the event, visitor arrivals peaked before, during, and after the event.

Tan also shared that the attempt kicked off at the New Clark City Aquatics Center where the 1,077 Ford Everest SUVs simultaneously blew their horns to the tune of "Philippine Jeepney/Let's Go" for a duration of one minute and six seconds, before heading off to Subic Bay Freeport where the certificate was awarded to the FECP by the Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator.

The MINI Club of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA held the former record of the Largest Car Horn Ensemble in August 2013. (MPD-SBMA)

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Isuzu opens P220M showroom, service center in Subic Bay Freeport

As restrictions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic are easing up, Velocity Motor Sales Corp. opened the P220-million Isuzu Subic Full Scale Dealership on Friday at the Subic Gateway District.

The grand opening of the P220-million dealership and service center was led by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino; Isuzu Philippines Corp. President Hajime Koso; Velocity Motor Sales Corp. President Jason Hao; and Velocity Motor Sales Corp. Chairman Jeffrey Hao Lin.

Paulino said that the grand opening of the Isuzu dealership is a sign of investor-confidence in Subic Freeport’s potential, and that this is the best time to invest in Subic Freeport.

He added that he recently signed an agreement with Cerberus for the revival of the Hanjin shipyard during his recent trip to the United States.

He said that with more foreign companies investing in the Subic Bay Freeport, local companies should invest as well and take advantage of the influx of foreign companies here.

He urged officials of the Isuzu Subic Full Scale Dealership to employ workers from adjacent communities, especially Olongapo City, saying that having employees near their establishment would alleviate them from paying housing allowance, paying too much for transportation, and can be called upon in case of an emergency due to the nearness of their vicinity.

Velocity President Hao said that the Isuzu dealership center has a display showroom and service center to conduct all ancillary and related activities of the car brand. He added that there is also a conference room, a kid’s playroom, new vehicle releasing area, parts and accessories kiosk, and other facilities.

The official said that the company signed a lease term of 50 years.

Situated at Block 3, former Marshalling Yard of the Subic Gateway District, the 5,000 square meter building started construction two years ago during the administration of former SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma  but was delayed due to the restrictions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. (MPD-SBMA)

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P220-m Subic Isuzu showroom breaks ground

Automotive trader Velocity Motor Sales Corp. recently broke ground here on Friday for a P220-million full-scale Isuzu dealership that targets the growing automotive market in the Subic Bay Freeport area and the province of Zambales.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma graced the ground-breaking rites led by Velocity Motors president Jason Hao and company director Jeffrey Hao Lin at the Subic Gateway District along with guests Isuzu Philippines Corp. president Hajime Koso and Isuzu Philippines Corp. sales division head Joseph Bautista.

“This is a landmark day for all of us, as this shows us how vibrant the business climate in Subic Freeport is,” Eisma said in her congratulatory message.

“This is a signal of the kind of confidence that investors like you have in the Subic Bay Freeport,” she also told Velocity and Isuzu officials.

Velocity top honcho Jason Hao said the company will put up an Isuzu dealership with display showroom and parts and service center.

The dealership will conduct all ancillary and related activities for the popular automotive brand.

The company signed a lease term of 50 years for a 5,000-square meter lot at the Subic Gateway District to house the showroom and service center. The facilities are expected to be completed within two years at a total construction cost of P100 million.

Isuzu Philippines President Koso said: “Today we are marking here a milestone for the Isuzu Philippines Corporation, as we break the ground for the construction of the new Isuzu dealership. Subic is primed to become the most competitive international service and logistics center in Southeast Asia.”

“With this opportunity, Subic is positioned to become an automotive and transportation solution hub for the growing transportation needs in the province of Zambales,” he added.

Established in 1995, Isuzu Philippines Corp. is into the assembly of commercial vehicles such as the Crosswind AUV and D-MAX pickup truck, along with light- to heavy-duty trucks and buses that provide maximum performance and reliability while on the road.

Isuzu’s Subic dealer is expected to supply much-needed commercial vehicles and trucks for the growing automotive market in the Subic Bay area. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman & Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and Senior Deputy Administrator for Business & Investment Renato Lee III (far right) along with Isuzu officials at the groundbreaking of Isuzu's dealership in Subic Bay. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic firm partners with TESDA to train auto workers

A company engaged in trading of motor vehicles here has sealed an agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the training of workers in the automotive industry.

Subictrak International Inc., a Subic-registered enterprise engaged in importation, remanufacture, rebuilding and re-export of motor vehicles and heavy equipment, will join TESDA for an in-plant Dual Training System to help increase standards in truck rebuilding.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the partnership exemplifies the culture of community involvement that the agency is cultivating among stakeholders in the Subic Freeport.

Under the agreement, TESDA will execute the training program designed by both parties in accordance with the Dual Training System Act of 1994, while Subictrak will provide the facility for the in-plant Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC2 class and Automotive Servicing NC2 class.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by Subictrak president Ferdinand Tangan and TESDA provincial training center administrator Eugene Peñaranda.

TESDA Zambales provincial director Benhur Baniqued lauded Subictrak for partnering with TESDA to help address job mismatch in the community.

Baniqued said TESDA Zambales encourages such partnerships to strengthen the interaction between the industry and the academe. “By doing so, we are able to somehow minimize the so-called job mismatch, if not eliminate it,” he added.

Subictrak’s chief executive, meanwhile, expressed support to the government’s objective of improving the quality of life of the Filipino workforce through the development of technical skills and proper work values.

He said the Subictrak-TESDA partnership will ensure that the employees they will hire in the future would be well-trained for the job.

“We expect that with this partnership we will improve a lot in the company, as we expect TESDA to teach us well. And we will gladly accept the trainees you will bring to us,” Tangan also said.

Subictrak is a 40% Chinese-60% Filipino owned corporation registered in the Subic Bay Freeport since July 2004. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

PARTNERSHIP: TESDA Zambales provincial director Benhur Baniqued (left), TESDA provincial training center administrator Eugene Peñaranda, and Subictrak president Ferdinand Tangan (right) conclude a partnership for training for workers in the automotive industry. (MPD-SBMA)

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Toyota dealership breaks ground in Subic Bay

Toyota Subic Inc. (TSI) will start construction of its P150-million multi-level showroom and service center following the groundbreaking of its 10,000 square-meter facility in this premier freeport.

“If there is anything that we can help you even more, don’t hesitate. There are a lot of other business opportunities, and we hope to do more business with you.” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Wilma T. Eisma told TSI during the ceremony held Monday (Feb. 13) at the Subic Gateway District where the facility will soon rise.

For his part, TSI Chairman Dr. David Go said he is confident that with SBMA as partner, their new endeavor in Subic will be able to sail progressively against any tide.

“Opening a new facility is always paved with many difficulties. Nothing really is ever easy at the start, even with a product with key competitive advantages of quality, affordability, and worry free ownership,” Go said.

“It is still backed up with required huge capital funding, strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and exemplary employees,” he added.

TSI, a joint partnership between GT Capital Auto Dealership Holdings Inc. (GTCAD) and JBT Global Holdings Inc. together with its automotive subsidiary, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp, is expected to be fully operational on or before December of this year.

Jose B. Tan Jr., President of TSI said Toyota is the top selling brand for passenger and commercial vehicles in the country since 2002.

“Toyota holds 40% share of the Philippine market as of December 2016, with a unique and distinguished dealership personality that they enjoy exploring,” he said.

TSI is the seventh dealership facility with the ongoing construction of the sixth dealership facility in the City of Tuguegarao. (NBM/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (center) joins Toyota Motors executives (from left) Jose B. Tan, President, Toyota Subic, Inc.; Kei Mizugushi, Executive Vice-President, Toyota Motor Philippines, Marketing Division; Dr. David Go, Chairman. Toyota Subic, Inc. and Carmelo Maria Bautista, President GT Capital Holdings, Inc and Director of Toyota Subic, Inc, during the groundbreaking ceremony at the Subic Bay Gateway district in Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/NBM/MPD-SBMA)

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Toyota dealership to open in Subic

TY family-led conglomerate GT Capital Holdings Inc. has entered into a joint venture deal to set up Toyota car dealerships within the former US naval base, Subic Bay Freeport.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday, GT Capital said it had obtained the go-signal from the Securities and Exchange Commission to incorporate Toyota Subic Inc. (TSI).

TSI is a joint venture between GT Capital Auto Dealership Holdings Inc. (GTCAD), a newly incorporated and fully-owned subsidiary of GT Capital, and JBT Global Holdings Inc. GTCAD will own 55 percent of the new company while and JBT Global will own 45 percent.

JBT Global is the holding entity of businessman Jose B. Tan, a strategic partner of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. – the automotive subsidiary of GT Capital – in Toyota San Fernando, which operates Toyota dealerships in Plaridel, Bulacan and Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City.

TSI, for its part, will operate future Toyota dealerships of the joint venture within the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). (Doris Dumlao-Abadilla, PDI)

http://business.inquirer.net/212030/gtcap-to-open-toyota-dealership-in-subic

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2016 Subic Bay Auto Show all set for April 16

The Harbor Point Ayala Mall will once again be filled with tricked out rides and hot models as the 2016 Subic Bay Auto Show is all set to begin on April 16.

A feast for both the eyes and ears, the 7th Subic Bay Auto Show will host a myriad of souped-up cars, along with good music and eye-candy courtesy of the car show babes.

Returning for this year's edition of Subic Bay Auto Show is the Kicker AudioSound Off competition and the Tire Change challenge.

On the other hand, those that always have the need to beat their R/C lap times will be able to do just that in the Tamiya Time Attack.

Categories that can be won in this year's Subic Bay Auto Show include: Best Vintage Car, Best European Car, Best Bodykits, Loudest Car, Subic's Finest Car, Best SUV and Best Interior as such.

http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/2016-subic-bay-auto-show-all-set-for-april-16.html

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Vios Cup 2 drivers rev up for Subic final clash

The Vios Cup Season 2 gears up for an explosive finish with 50 racers all primed up for the final leg of the track-hopping circuit on Nov. 28-29 at the Subic Bay International Airport.

Eight celebrity racers will join the 42 individual drivers battling it out for top honors in the Sporting, Promotional and Celebrity class categories of the event put up by Toyota Motor Philippines.

The official qualifying race is set from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. with the Toyota Car Club Track Day from 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and the race proper from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The awards rites will start at 6 p.m.

“This final race in Subic will be the widest and longest out-of-circuit track that the Vios Cup will ever see. Creating a racetrack at the famed Subic Bay International Airport definitely puts an edge to this motorsports event,” said Toyota Motor Philippines president Michinoby Sugata. “I personally look forward to this fourth and final leg because aside from it being an all-new track which will really bring out the best in our racers, we now have a total of 50 racers present making this undeniably more exciting.”

Motorsports fans and spectators will also be treated to waku-doki experience and a day-long show driving prowess from celebrity racing pioneers, including reigning Vios Cup champion DJ Sam YG, Phoemela Baranda, Derek Ramsey, and Jasmine Curtis.

The 2015 Vios Cup is held in partnership with Bridgestone and Rota, supported by Motul, TRD, Brembo, Denso, AVT, OMP and Tuason Racing. (Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/11/18/1523182/vios-cup-2-drivers-rev-subic-final-clash

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2015 Subic Bay Auto Show set for April 11

The 6th Subic Bay Auto Show is all set for April 11 at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall in Subic Bay Freeport.

Customized rides, highly-modified cars and hot models will be present once again at the Manila Parking section of Harbor Point Ayala Mall as the 2015 Subic Auto Show is set to take place on April 11, 2015, 3:00 PM.

Hosted this year by Passion Creatives, the 6th Subic Bay Auto Show will not only host the usual display of wicked rides and gorgeous eye-candy, the event will also be holding the Tire Change Challenge where speed, precision and teamwork will be key factors in the winning the competition.

Other competitions that will take place during the event include Kicker Audio's Sound Off Challenge and Ms. Subic Bay Auto Show where 10 aspiring car show models will face off for the title.

Beyond that, top-notch tattoo artists are also invited for the 2015 Subic Bay Auto Show wherein they'll compete in the event's Stop The Hate 4 Tattoo Competition.

Furthermore, categories that can be won in this year's Subic Bay Auto Show include Best Sport Truck, Best in Engine Display, Best Bodykits, Best Old School Car, Best Car Club, Best Shop, Loudest Car and the coveted award of them all, Best in Show.

Each ticket costs PhP 70 while the Registration Fee for Street and Pro vehicles is rated at PhP 1500. (www.autoindustriya.com)

Read more: http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/2015-subic-bay-auto-show-set-for-april-11.html#ixzz3W3GNBoxf
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Parade of classic cars in Subic Bay

[1] A vintage 1938 MG TA Tourer wows tourists along the Waterfront Road at the Subic Bay Freeport during a parade of classic cars held as part of the Asia Pacific Drive Tourism Conference.

[2] Miss Tourism International Angeli Dione Gomez waves while passing by the historic Spanish Gate landmark in the Subic Bay Freeport during a parade of classic cars held as part of the Asia Pacific Drive Tourism Conference.


 (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic to host ‘Drive Tourism’ conference

Consistent with Subic’s image as a popular drive-in destination for tourists, this free port will be the venue for the Asia-Pacific Drive Tourism Conference, Auto and Travel Show slated on January 29 to February 2 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

The five-day conference will feature discussions and presentations on the latest innovations in the automobile industry, road safety, mobility, motorsports, as well as travel and tourism from both local and international specialists.

Capping the event are the Auto and Travel Show, which will begin on January 31, and the International Kite Festival on February 2.

For this project, the Automobile Association Philippines, the country’s largest auto club with over 50,000 members, and the National Auto Club have teamed up with the Department of Tourism and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Organizers said the event will be graced by Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) president Jean Todt and Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.

Drive tourism, where people take leisure trips in their own vehicles or hired vehicles, is a rapidly growing sector of the tourism market both here and abroad.

The event supports the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 with the objective to save five million lives and prevent 50 million road injuries through the theme, "Saving Lives, Saving Costs, and Saving the Planet."

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the “Drive Tourism” conference will be the first major conference to be held in this free port this year.

Another big event slated this year is the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014, which will be held on May 7-11. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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PH to host 1st ASPAC Drive Tourism Confab

The Philippines will be hosting the first Asia Pacific Drive Tourism Conference and Exhibition on January 30 to February 2, 2014 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

The event’s theme is “Saving Lives, Saving Costs, and Saving the Planet” and is in support of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 that aims to save five million lives and prevent 50 million injuries worldwide.

The Drive Tourism Conference and Exhibition is presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), the National Auto Club.

The DOT and AAP are encouraging people to see more local attractions in its Drive Tourism caravans. Unlike seat-in-coach tours, Drive Tourism allows participants to tailor fit their visits according to their preferences.

Reasons for visiting local destinations vary from cuisine, culture to water sports and others. Drive Tourism caravans allow travelers to focus their visit based on what interests them more and gives them flexibility.

The participants and guests to the Asia Pacific Drive Tourism Conference and Exhibition 2014 may opt to do side trips and pit stops in Bulacan, Pampanga and Olongapo.

Prior to attending the event, they may wish to visit historic Barosaoin Church in Malolos and buy Bulacan sweets for pasalubong or bird watch in Candaba swamp and have lunch at Susie’s Kitchenette in Angeles City.

Music lovers can bar hop along Magsaysay Avenue in Olongapo and check out the different bands playing there on the eve of the conference.

The president of the Paris-based Federation Internationale d’Automobile, Jean Todt, will be the keynote speaker for the conference. Other invited speakers are the transport ministers of Malaysia and New Zealand and the tourism ministers of Indonesia and South Korea, Philippine Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Transport Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and FIA Region 2 president Ross Heron. FIA Region 2 consists of Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Japan, China, Taipei, Korea, Indonesia, Macao, Nepal and Thailand. (Malaya)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/special-features/ph-host-1st-aspac-drive-tourism-confab

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Mitsubishi Motors Philippines inaugurates Carworld Subic

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) one of the country’s top automotive brands recently inaugurated another world-class showroom in Subic Bay Gateway Park. Carworld Subic Inc. is strategically located on a 3,286 square meters lot with a 2,220 square meter two-storey building in Lot C-8 Subic Bay Gateway Park, Phase I Commercial Area, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The inaugural ceremony was well attended by MMPC and Carworld Inc. (CWI) executives, local public officials, valued clients, banks and other affiliates.

Present during the ceremony were MMPC executives headed by its President and CEO Mr. Hikosaburo Shibata, Executive Vice President Mr. Taizo Furuhashi, EVP, CFO and Treasurer Mr. Kazuki Sugino and Laus Group of Companies Chairman and CEO Mr. Levy Laus, Director Tess Laus and CWI President Franco De Jesus.

Local public officials Hon. Roberto Garcia who is the Chairman and Administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Olongapo City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. also attended the inauguration to express their trust and confidence on the brand and on CWI.

“We at Mitsubishi Motors Philippines congratulate Carworld Inc. for bringing in to Subic, Northern Luzon’s highly urbanized region a closer reach to quality Mitsubishi vehicles, genuine parts, and total customer service satisfaction thru the opening of this dealership”, Mr. Hikosaburo Shibata, MMPC President and CEO said.

“With its great tourism industry and excellent economic profile, and being situated on one of the premier and fastest growing markets in the region I am confident that CWI will continue to attain its remarkable sales and service performance”, Mr. Shibata added. (www.mmpc.ph)

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SpeedFest comes to Subic; top of the line race cars to roar on runway

At least 70 top of the line, maximum performance, exotic cars will roar here for two days in the first ever SpeedFest to be held at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) on February 25-26.

The high-adrenaline action is organized by AutoIndustriya.com, the country's leading automotive industry website and forum.

The SBIA will be temporarily closed during the event, and no aircraft will be admitted to the airport except for emergency situations.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia said that the organizer had completed all necessary requirements for this event, including permits from the Air Transportation Office (ATO).

“We have already coordinated with the ATO and other flying schools here, regarding the temporary closure of the airport to avoid accidents,” assured Garcia.

Event organizer Brent Co said that the race will be held on the SBIA runway to accommodate four-wheeled high-performance machines for the no-speed-limit Mile Run Event on Saturday.

On Sunday, meanwhile, all-out drag machines will tackle the Quarter Mile Drag Strip in the same venue.

“With the long and flat ‘race track’ this event is going to be the best opportunity for the drivers to test their skills and their machines’ driving performance,” Co said.

As a sidelight to the race, a Gymkhana event will also take place on both days for those who get their kicks with screeching tires as they take on the tight, challenging course designed by David Feliciano.

The event is open to public, but with entrance fees. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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