Suzuki Invasion offers free service, exciting activities

In a bid to strengthen its relationship with Suzuki motorcycle owners all over the country, Suzuki Philippines is traveling to key cities to offer free service as well as other exciting activities in a three-day extravaganza billed as the Suzuki Invasion.

According to Benedict “Lakay” Arreola, Suzuki senior marketing manager for motorcycles, “We want to bring the Suzuki Way of Life closer to the Filipino public, by promoting a fun and enjoyable lifestyle, while continuing to promote safety riding consciousness.  We also want to emphasize the message that Suzuki truly cares for its customers by offering free service check-ups.” 

The Suzuki Invasion covers a three-day program, consisting of free service as well as raffles and games,  plus the Suzuki stunt show and motorcycle display.

Suzuki motorcycle owners can avail of free service with free change oil using Suzuki genuine oil, free oil filter replacement, and check-up.  For the fun activities, the program includes: Day 1 – Skydrive Gymkhana Challenge; Day 2 – Thunder Challenge and Show Me the Moves Dance Competition; and Day 3 – Raider Breed 2-Ball Shootout and Free Concert.

The Suzuki Invasion schedule includes Legaspi City (July 8-10), Puerto Princesa City (July 15-17), Iloilo City and Pagadian City (July 29-31), Vigan (August 5-7), and Surigao City (August 12-14).

Celerio embodies Suzuki small car expertise in fuel economy


The Suzuki Celerio recently added another accolade to its growing list of awards by being named C! Magazine Mini-compact Car of the Year 2010, at ceremonies held last 18 July 2010.

Recognized in the global automotive scene for its small-car expertise, Suzuki  is probably the most successful manufacturer of sub-compact cars with outstanding fuel economy, as embodied in the Suzuki Celerio, with its response to the global trend towards super-compact, fuel-efficient, and space-saving cars.  In the local scene, it made its mark for outstanding fuel efficiency by averaging 34.34-km/li during the 2009 Fuel Economy Run of the Department of Energy.

Packaged as a couture compact car for trendy urbanites, the Suzuki Celerio’s wedge-shaped body, aerodynamic lines, sporty and fun boy-racer look all contribute to making this a style icon.  At the same time, its 996cc lightweight aluminum engine with multipoint injection ensures both fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.  It is able to deliver maximum output of 68hp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 90Nm at 4,800rpm, providing sufficient power for zipping through the metro.  

Extensive road testing in Europe during its development phase resulted in coil springs and dampers tuned for optimum handling stability.  The Suzuki Celerio driving experience is characterized by linear response, gentle roll movements, good steering feel, and effective shock/vibration absorption.  Further contributing to its excellent fuel efficiency is a low drag coefficient of 0.3, the result of excellent aerodynamic design.

Despite its compact proportions, the Suzuki Celerio was designed with ultimate passenger safety in mind.  Using Suzuki's proprietary Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), a strong cabin structure absorbs and disperses impact energy for a high-level of occupant safety.  Dual front airbags and energy-absorbing materials provide further protection.   

The Suzuki Celerio is also equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist (BA).  A tailgate-mounted high-mount stop lamp, 3-point ELR seatbelts for both front and rear seats and side-impact door beams complete its safety features.

Enhancing the Suzuki Celerio's value proposition is a host of practical features.  Electronic power steering, power door locks, front power windows, and keyless entry system are some of the convenience features. Audiophiles will appreciate the integrated audio system with MP3 capability, auxiliary input and 6-speakers.  Built-in front foglamps and 14" wheels with full wheel cap add to its sporty and stylish package.

More value-added features include a functional instrument panel that incorporates a dash-mounted tachometer and digital trip meter.  A host of storage spaces such as front cup holders and rear door bottle holders, front/rear door pockets accommodate all the necessary driving gear.  When needed, the rear seats fold down for additional luggage space.

Not common among one-liter cars, the Suzuki Celerio has a 4-speed automatic transmission variant, in addition to the 5-speed manual transmission model.   Trendy color choices include the following options: arctic white pearl metallic, silky silver metallic, desert brown metallic, fortune rose pearl metallic, and paradise blue pearl metallic.  

Aside from long-term savings that Suzuki Celerio owners will enjoy via its fuel efficiency, cost of ownership is surprisingly within reach with the manual transmission model  priced at P528,000 and the automatic transmission variant at P569,000.   The Suzuki Celerio’s award-winning package combined with its affordable price contribute to making this mini-compact car a bestseller in its category.

1st DLS Philippines Open Competition Winners for car audio sound quality competition announced

A field of 15 entries competed in the 1st DLS Philippines Open Competition held last 17 July 2010 at the Tiendesitas Mall in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.  

Focusing purely on Sound Quality (SQ), the 1st DLS Philippines Open Competition required competitors to set up a standard installation package consisting of a JVC KDR-705 head unit paired with DLS amplifier CA-31, speakers RM6.2 and sub-woofer RW10.  Judging was based on how well the installation produced music which sounded like the original, without noise and distortion.

The Classic Category of the 1st DLS Philippines Open Competition was the first of its kind in the country, as participants were limited to a specific package and were not allowed to add other electronic components.  After stringent judging, the following emerged as winners in the Classic Category:  Champion – Toyota Vios owned by Rico Castillo, installed by Mickey’s Autosound; 1st runner-up – Toyota Yaris owned by Jeffrey Cristobal, installed by JC Car Audio; 2nd runner-up – Honda Fit, owned by Alexander Ong, installed by Autoline Motorsports; 3rd runner-up – Honda Jazz, owned by Rolan Sagum, installed by Rolan Car Audio; and 4th runner-up – Honda Civic, owned by Erick del Rosario, installed by Sun-X/Audio Evolution.

In the Open Category, which allowed any entry with a DLS audio set-up, the winners were: Champion – Mitsubishi Lancer EX owned by Arnel Enero; 1st runner-up - Honda Accord owned by Mark Padernal; 2nd runner-up – Honda Civic owned by Tina Perez, installed by Mickey’s; 3rd runner-up – Toyota Echo, owned by Adison Ocampo/Nesty Lim, installed by Ginza Audio Concept; and 4th runner-up – Toyota Altis owned by John Bertuldo, installed by Audiohaus.

Presented by TSL Marketing Corporation, the 1st DLS Philippines Open Competition was supervised by Peter Flodqvist, a certified international head judge for both EMMA (European Mobile Media Association) and IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association) sound quality competitions.  Flodqvist, who flew in from Sweden, was assisted by Mickey Tang, head of EMMA Philippines.  

Among car audio enthusiasts, DLS is a highly-regarded brand, consistently placing in the Top 3 for the most wins in car audio championships not only in Europe but in the rest of the world.  In the last three years, DLS earned 21 first places, 13 second places, and 8 third places in the IASCA and European finals. This achievement is particularly significant, considering that DLS carries only amplifiers and speakers in its product line-up.  

Since it ventured into the car audio business in 1985, DLS has focused on developing and producing in-car speakers for music lovers.  Aside from its winning record in car audio competitions, DLS products have also won Best in Category accolades in Europe and the United States.  

In the Philippines, DLS products are exclusively distributed by TSL Marketing Corporation, which has been in the car audio industry for the past three decades.  For more information, please visit www.tslmc.com.ph,  send an email to inquiry@winterpinegroup.com or check us out in FaceBook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/dls-car-audio-philippines).





Group Photo EMMA International Head Judges Peter Flodqvist & Mickey Tang
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Peter Flodqvist explaining his score to a participant Mickey Tang checking the installation
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Car being judged by the RTA Classic Class Champion Rico Castillo beside his winning 2004 Toyota Vios
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Open Class Champion Arnel Enero beside his 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer EX Best in SPL (Closed Door) Winners Nesty Lim and Adison De Ocampo frm Ginza Audio Concept with their Toyota Echo
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Classic Class Winners Classic Class Champion
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Open Class Winners Open Class Champion
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Suzuki Raider Breed Wars: The Quarter Mile Battle













Suzuki Philippines, one of the leading motorcycle brands in the country, is bringing drag racing to a legal venue by staging the Suzuki Raider Breed Wars: The Quarter Mile Battle.

Aware of the dangers posed by illegal drag racing which is usually held in open roads at night, Suzuki organized the Raider Breed Wars to give drag race enthusiasts a legal and proper venue to showcase their skills.

The first leg kicked off last May 30, on the Old Airport Road Km 10, Sasa, Davao City,  and attracted a crowd of more than 5,000 riders, racers and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over Mindanao.  Dominating the Raider Breed Wars opening were the following winners:  OPEN Category – 1st, Dancen Torcuator; 2nd, Jeff Teopengco;  3rd, Bong Valdez;  R150 Category – 1st, Johnnel Mandapat; 2nd, Herbert Valencia; 3rd,  Stephen Ramiro; and RAIDER J Category – 1st, Rolly Masisay; 2nd, Lemuel Cabatic; 3rd, Arnel Villanueva.

The second leg, held at the Clark Speedway, Pampanga, on July 4, was targeted at motorcycle fans from the northern Luzon area.  After the dust had settled, emerging as winners for this leg were:  OPEN Category –1st, Mark Lalwani; 2nd, Norvin Dizon; 3rd, Jay-R Cabungunay; and R150 Category – 1st, Adrian Gonzales; 2nd, Jojie Ishida;  3rd, Jay-R Cabungunay.

The third leg is scheduled for October 10, at the South Reclamation Project in Cebu City, and is expected to attract riders from the Visayas.  The fourth leg will be on November 7, at the Batangas Racing Circuit in Batangas City, with competitors expected from southern Luzon and Bicol regions.

The top two finalists in each category from all the different legs are expected to vie for championship honors in the Final War to be held on December 5, in Manila.

Considered as the bestselling range in the Suzuki motorcycle line-up, the Suzuki Raider motorcycles have a strong following in the sporty underbone category, particularly among those who expect high-performance features in an affordable package.  The three variants in the Suzuki Raider Breed line-up — Raider R150, Raider J Pro and Raider J — showcase advanced features and innovations in safety, reliability and performance, making them the new leaders of the motorcycle pack in the market today.


CAGI officers visit Suzuki Philippines

Suzuki Philippines hosted the current officers of the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) last June 7, 2010, at their facilities in Bagong Ilog, Pasig City.   During the courtesy call, CAGI officers discussed their plans for this year’s Car of the Year (COTY) awards including the test venue, technical criteria, and  media support activities.  

In photo (L-R) are:  Bam Olivares, CAGI VP-internal affairs; Hisashi Sunaga, Suzuki general manager for automobile sales and marketing; Kris Lim, CAGI corporate secretary; Satoshi Uchida, Suzuki president; Ferman Lao, CAGI president;  and Bess Zamora, CAGI treasurer.

Motolite announces Facebook 370MOTO Hero winner

Motolite, the country’s leading automotive battery brand, has taken advantage of social media to promote awareness of its Express Delivery service.  370MOTO is a Facebook application where users can be a hero by saving friends from car battery trouble.

Launched April 15 to June 27, 2010, players in the Facebook 370MOTO Heroes game vied for hall of fame honors.  Each week two winners were awarded weekly, receiving gift certificates.  With each save, 370MOTO Heroes also increased their chance to win a Lenovo Ideapad, with Ms. Fritzie Carla Gomez emerging as the grand prize winner.

370MOTO (370-6686) is the Express Delivery hotline for Motolite’s 24/7 battery delivery service in Metro Manila.  Since there is no sign that one’s battery is about to conk out, busy professionals are often victimized with a dead battery at the most inconvenient time and/or place.  Motolite eases the experience with its 370MOTO, the country’s first door-to-door automotive battery delivery service.  

When actually availing of the Motolite Express Delivery Service, a service representative will ask you about your specific vehicle model and recommend the appropriate automotive battery, which is then delivered to your location in 30 to 45 minutes.  The service representative also takes care of removing the old battery and installing the new one as you just watch and wait in comfort.  Delivery and installation are absolutely free of charge; you just need to pay the cost of the new battery.  Major credit cards are accepted for convenient payment.

And for even greater value, Motolite not only takes away your old battery for proper disposal, it pays you for the privilege.  Under its Balik-Baterya program, any brand of used automotive battery may be traded in for cash discounts ranging from P100 to P670, depending on the specific battery model.  The customer not only receives the cash benefit but also contributes to helping rid the environment of potentially toxic materials from improperly discarded used batteries.

The Motolite Express Delivery service makes it truly hassle-free for you to replace your batteries.  By simply calling 370-MOTO (370-6686) for Metro Manila and the toll free number 1-800-10-370-6686 for key provincial areas, you can enjoy free battery delivery and installation.  The service is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, and accepts cash or credit card payments.

Motolite is the leading brand of automotive batteries in the Philippines.  Its manufacturer, Philippine Batteries Inc. (PBI) is the largest manufacturer, exporter and distributor of automotive, industrial, solar and motorcycle battery products in the Philoppines.  The company exports more batteries than are sold in the domestic market, and Motolite batteries are found in the United States, Europe, Middle East, Australia and the rest of Asia.

Get better fuel efficiency with the Suzuki Alto

With gas prices taking us on a roller-coaster ride from week to week, getting the most miles from every drop of fuel has become a skill that drivers need to master.  In 2008, the word “hypermiling” was selected as the best new word of the year by the New Oxford American Dictionary, which defined this as “the attempt to maximize gas mileage by making fuel-conserving adjustments to one’s vehicle and one’s driving techniques.”

Although hypermiling techniques are not recommended for street driving, the website www.gasbuddy.com lists the following fuel saving tips.  

Avoid high speeds.  Since aerodynamic drag increases with speed, driving at 60–80kph (or within the speed limit) can help reduce fuel consumption.  

Do not accelerate or brake hard.  Smooth driving that comes from paying attention to the road and anticipating traffic, and avoiding sudden acceleration or hard braking can help conserve fuel.

Keep tires properly inflated.  Make sure to follow the recommended tire pressure.  To know your vehicle’s correct tire pressure, always check the sticker on the driver’s door   One tire under-inflated by 2psi can result in a 1% increase in fuel consumption, depending on the load condition of  the vehicle.

Service vehicle regularly.  Observe the regular preventive maintenance to ensure clean air filters, new spark plugs and proper fluid levels.  Make sure to bring in your Suzuki Alto to an accredited Suzuki dealership/service center for the regular service check every 5,000km of use.

Avoid heavy loads.  Remove excess luggage and other items that you don’t need as the added weight can take a toll on your fuel efficiency.  

Purchase a fuel-efficient vehicle.  Of course, choosing the right car is probably the single most important decision that you can take to ensure good fuel economy.  The Suzuki Alto is a proven gas miser, having recorded an impressive  34-kilometers per liter in the Department of Energy’s Fuel Economy Run in 2008. 

Beyond Fuel Economy

One of the most popular compact cars worldwide, the Suzuki Alto is recognized for its fuel efficiency, stability and affordability.  Its compact dimensions make the Suzuki Alto an extremely nimble and agile vehicle, with its small 4.6m turning radius giving it a definite advantage in tight parking spaces. Safety features are not compromised, with 3-point ELR seatbelts, third brake light, and side impact beams. With thoughtful amenities that include an in-dash CD MP3 audio system, powerful airconditioning, a headlamp leveling device, front cupholders and a cargo cover.  Exterior features include multi-reflector halogen headlamps, multi-reflector taillights, and rear wiper-washer. The Suzuki Alto Deluxe variant also has electronic power steering, front power windows, power door locks, and color-keyed bumpers.

Possibly the most affordable Japanese brand sub-compact in the Philippine car market, the Suzuki Alto Deluxe and Standard come in superior white, dazzling red, and silky silver metallic colors.  The Suzuki Alto Deluxe is priced at P408,000 and the Suzuki Alto Standard is priced at P369,000.


1st DLS Philippines Open Competition tests car audio sound quality

TLS Marketing Corporation in partnership with DLS Audio of Sweden is staging the 1st DLS Philippines Open Competition on 17 July 2010, at the Tiendesitas Mall in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.  DLS Audio, the leading brand in car audio competition and show-off events, will be flying in Peter Flodqvist, an international EMMA (European Mobile Media Association) sound quality head judge.

Aside from showcasing the DLS Audio brand, the event also aims to train car audio enthusiasts, including car owners as well as car audio dealers and installers, on setting up competition-level car audio.

Focusing purely on Sound Quality (SQ), the 1st DLS Philippines Open Competition requires competitors to set up a standard installation package consisting of a JVC KDR-705 head unit paired with DLS amplifier CA-31, speakers RM6.2 and sub-woofer RW10.  

The DLS CA31 is a three-channel amplifier with a nominal output of 2 x 65 watts + 1 x 170 watts, making it the perfect amplifier for a standard installation with a front system in stereo and a subwoofer in the back.  It features built-in high-pass, low-pass and subsonic filters, and has variable phase control on sub-channel.  The DLS Reference RM6.2 is a new 6.5-inch two-way component with an incredible bass.  Incorporating a powerful magnet system, these speakers are designed to play lound while maintaining full control and good sound.  The speakers feature an aluminum cone and dual upper surround, complemented by 25mm silk dome tweeters.  Also part of the Reference series, the DLS RW10 is a new 10-inch subwoofer with a steel basket, polyproylene cone and 2-ohm voice coil.  The DLS Reference series speakers are designed to produce rich and powerful bass sound combined with crystal-clear treble and mid-range round, allowing listeners to enjoy the musical subtleties.

For the 1st DLS Philippines Open Competition, other audio electronic enhancers are not allowed.  Judging will be based on how well the installation overcomes the problems of vehicle acoustics and makes the music sound like the original without noise and distortion.  There will be two competition categories — the classic category with the standard DLS package and the ultimate category with any existing DLS set-up.  The top prize for the competition is a free trip for 2 to an Asian destination.  Consolation prizes are also up for grabs to deserving entries.

Since its establishment in 1979, DLS has focused on developing and producing in-car speakers for music lovers.  Over the years, they have won numerous awards for their speaker systems, and have been very successful in car audio championships not only in Europe but in the rest of the world.  The DLS Scandinavia Series earned the 2009-2010 EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) Award as Best Product for In-Car Speaker System.  

In the Philippines, DLS Audio products are exclusively distributed by TLS Marketing Corporation, and are sold through car audio dealers nationwide.  For more information, visit www.dlscaraudioph.multiply.com or “Like” the DLS Car Audio Philippines page on Facebook.