Suzuki Raider Breed Wars: The Quarter Mile Battle • Third Leg

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. The second leg, held at the Clark Speedway, Pampanga, on July 4, was targeted at motorcycle fans from the northern Luzon area. 

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.

Suzuki Jimny: High-Performance Off-Roader

The Suzuki Jimny is often described as an off-road icon, and is recognized as Suzuki’s first global success, allowing the Japanese vehicle manufacturer to carve out a niche among 4x4 enthusiasts.

First introduced in 1970 as the LJ10, the Suzuki Jimny celebrates 40 successful years as a bestselling compact 4x4 vehicle.  The current model 2005 Jimny has been completely redesigned to offer strong off-road performance with sophisticated styling.   

A four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC 1300cc engine delivers maximum output of 81hp @ 5500rpm and maximum torque of 110Nm @ 4500rpm.  Noted for its quick response and high fuel-efficiency, the Jimny’s M13A engine is teamed with Drive Action 4x4 to deliver reliable performance for extreme driving challenges.  Its Drive Action 4x4 allows shifting between 2WD and 4WD mode while driving, for quick response to road surface and weather conditions.  

Probably the most outstanding characteristic that has made the Suzuki Jimny a world-renowned off-road vehicle is its legendary durability.  Suzuki’s patented ladder type frame provides a solid foundation for the chassis, while its rigid three-section design ensures a stable, quiet ride.  A three-link suspension with coil springs and rigid axle provides a high level of riding comfort.  Front disc brakes paired with rear leading and trailing drum brakes deliver adequate stopping power.

Despite its hardy exterior, the Suzuki Jimny is stocked with comfort amenities such as power steering, air-conditioning, console box with cupholder, and luggage compartment undertray.  Seating is for four adults, with full flat reclining seats and separate folding rear seats.  

The Suzuki Jimny is available in two trim levels, the base JX model and the deluxe JLX model.  The Jimny JLX has standard fog lamps, alloy wheels, roof rail, power windows, central door locks, electric side mirrors, and digital trip meter.

The Jimny JX M/T retails for P 698,000 while the Jimny JLX is priced at P750,000 for the manual transmission and P805,000 for the automatic transmission. All three variants are available from 19 Suzuki automotive dealers nationwide.

Suzuki Grand Vitara evolves into an urban cross-country vehicle

Since its debut in 1988, the Suzuki Vitara has remained true to its development concept as an “urban cross-country vehicle.”  The first-generation Vitara made its mark with excellent off-road capabilities and automotive engineering,  thereby strengthening Suzuki’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance, fuel-efficient, and well-built workhorses.

From that original hardy off-roader, the current third-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara has evolved into a more refined performer that excels in a wide variety of situations.  In keeping with its urban cross-country concept, Suzuki engineers focused on improving the Grand Vitara’s efficient performance, practical urbanity, and ease of use.

For the Philippine market, the Suzuki Grand Vitara configuration is a 2.4L 4x2 AT model CBU from Japan, in response to the local demand for an SUV adapted to city driving while delivering both improved fuel efficiency and power.  This sports utility vehicle features a front-engine rear-wheel drive configuration mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission drive train.  It is powered by a fuel-efficient, 2.4L 16-valve gasoline engine that delivers maximum power of 164hp @ 6000rpm and maximum torque of 225Nm @ 4000rpm.  

Carrying on Suzuki’s traditional strong stance and engineering, the Suzuki Grand Vitara’s unibody construction delivers improved body rigidity, handling and safety.  In addition, it incorporates Suzuki’s built-in ladder frame design for enhanced durability. Four-wheel independent suspension with McPherson struts and multi-link rear suspension ensure riding comfort.  

A dignified exterior  with an edgy visual strength and presence, a new front grille and bumper design, as well as new, five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels make the Suzuki Grand Vitara a commanding yet refined presence on the road. 

The Suzuki Grand Vitara features a host of standard features not usually found in the compact SUV class.   Sure to delight audiophiles is a sophisticated audio system with MP3 playback, front auxiliary jack and 4 speakers and steering wheel mounted controls.  A fully-automatic climate control system provides utmost comfort even during the hottest summer days.  Power windows, power door locks, power side mirrors and keyless entry are standard.  The new meter cluster incorporates an information center that gives you the time, temperature, fuel consumption and fuel range.  

In the Philippines, the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4L 4x2 AT is offered in three colors — Bluish Black 3, Silky Silver Metallic, and Pearl White.  It is attractively priced at P1,275,000, and is available from a network of 19 Suzuki automobile dealers nationwide.

P-Noy @ PIMS


President Benigno C. Aquino with Suzuki President Satoshi Uchida at the Suzuki display during the opening ceremonies of the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show held at the World Trade Center last 19 August 2010. On display was the Suzuki Kizashi Sports Concept car, as well as current models available in the Philippine market, namely the Celerio, Swift, APV Type II, Grand Vitara 4x2 and the newly-launched SX4 Aero & SX4 Crossover.

Suzuki displays Kizashi Sports concept car

Suzuki,PIMS 2010Suzuki Philippines president Satoshi Uchida led the unveiling of the Kizashi Sports concept car at the recently-concluded 3rd Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City last August 19 to 22, 2010.


Unveiled at the New York Auto Show 2008, the Kizashi Sports concept car is the final version of the Kizashi concept car series, with the production model due for release this 2010 in other countries.

Suzuki,PIMS 2010
In Japanese, kizashi means “a sign of great things to come” — signifying the unparalleled combination of driver satisfaction, looks and quality of Suzuki’s new flagship model as it breaks into the executive car segment with a completely new type of sedan.

Set up as a lounge with a relaxed atmosphere, the Suzuki display was manned by friendly sales executives from the different Suzuki dealerships.  Featured were the bestselling Suzuki Celerio, Swift and APV Type II, as well as the Grand Vitara 4 x 2, and the newly-launched SX4 Aero and SX4 Crossover.  Motor show guests were also given the opportunity to test drive the SX4 Crossover, APV Type II, Celerio and Swift at the outdoor test drive area.

Suzuki,PIMS 2010During the opening day, guests were welcomed to the exhibit with a teaser video about the Kizashi concept car.  This was formally unveiled during the second day in  ceremonies witnessed by motoring media, dealer principals, and true-blue Suzuki fans.  Cocktail food and sparkling wine were served.

Suzuki,PIMS 2010Suzuki guests were treated to free-flowing Boyds Coffee freshly made onsite using the Expresso Cart that was set up within the booth. Boyds Coffee Co. (Phils.) can trace its humble beginnings to the San Francisco Coffee & Roastery, which ventured into a business partnership with Boyds USA, a pioneer in the American food service industry with a century of coffee roasting and brewing experience. Today, it has established a significant presence in the Philippine coffee industry, continuing its tradition of providing Fresh Roasted Coffee and Total Coffee Solutions designed specifically for each client’s needs.

Suzuki,PIMS 2010Completing the ambiance of the Suzuki display were the comfortable and ergonomic seating and lounge furniture provided by ERGO Contracts Philippines, Inc., (ECPI) the licensed manufacturer of Ergo Products. Established in 1985, ECPI is the pioneer in manufacturing ergonomic chairs in the country, whose product line also includes office furniture, movable storage systems, doors, raised flooring, fabrics, carpets and display systems, making it a one-stop shop.

Suzuki,PIMS 2010Relive everyday the Suzuki Motorshow experience.  Visit any of their 18 dealerships nationwide to see their complete line-up of Suzuki vehicles, schedule a test drive or even inquire about their attractive financing schemes for new car purchases.   

New AVT Navigator GPS devices launched

AVT, the premiere provider of trendsetting, high-quality mobile audio-video  systems, recently launched three new models of its AVT Navigator GPS devices at the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show, held from August 19 to 22, 2010 at the World Trade Center, Manila.

AVT has the distinction of being the first to introduce a portable navigation system in the Philippines, and is the only GPS device with extensive local support for updated maps of Metro Manila as well as key cities and major travel destinations.  Its subsidiary company, iNAV, has a team devoted exclusively to updating and verifying maps loaded on the AVT Navigator devices.

Giving Filipino motorists more options in their choice of GPS device, the entry level AVT Navigator PN-301 has a 3.5-inch color touch screen, and is powered by a Sirf Atlas IV 500MHZ processor with Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 operating system.  It has a built-in speaker and features USB 2.0 ActiveSync support.

The mid-range AVT Navigator PN-401 has a 4.3-inch color touch screen display, and runs on a Sirf Atlas V533MHZ processor with Windows CE 6.0.  It also has a built-in speaker and support for USB 2.0 connectivity.

The new AVT Navigator PN-501 features the latest navigation technology, with the Sirf Atlas IV 500MHZ central processor and Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 operating system.  In addition to its highly sensitive GPS receiver, it has a 5-inch color touch screen, built-in speaker, bluetooth connectivity and an FM modulator.

The AVT Navigator product line-up is available at leading automotive dealers nationwide at very affordable prices.  Visitors to the AVT booth at the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show were treated to a special introductory discount, coupled with an interest-free installment plan on credit card purchases.

AVT navigation devices have received the thumbs-up from leading local car manufacturers, and is factory-installed as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for high-end models such as the Ford Everest, Nissan Patrol and Nissan Xtrail, Mitsubishi Galant,  Isuzu Alterra, Hyundai Starex Limousine, and other vehicles.

Aside from the latest navigation hardware, the  AVT Navigator product line-up is supported by a dedicated local iNAV team to ensure accurate and updated local maps.  Comprehensive iNAV map coverage now includes 95,000 points of interest and close to 100% of road networks for Metro Manila, as well as updated maps for over 200 key cities and municipalities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.  Updates are released regularly, and may be done at participating car dealers.  AVT Navigator owners are assured of free update support for at least two years.

AVT navigation systems project team leader William Chong, who is intimately involved in the development process notes, "Our company was the first to make a strategic commitment to a Philippine-based GPS navigation system.  First, we are making a continued investment in product R&D  to ensure that our AVT Navigator devices have the latest available technology comparable to global standards.  Second, through the iNAV, we have made a major long-term investment in our proprietary software and navigation technology to ensure the most accurate and updated maps.  With our dedicated mapping team, we have people on the ground all over the country, continuously updating our map information.  We believe it is this commitment to local support that sets us apart from other brands.  Filipino IT workers are valued all over the globe for their technical skills and creative solutions — we are harnessing this talent to create the leading GPS navigation system customized for Philippine road conditions.”

AVT (which stands for Audio-Video Technology) specializes in premium audio-visual entertainment systems for mobile applications.  It offers a wide range of in-car mobile electronics, including display monitors, DVD players, digital and analog terrestrial receivers, sound processor/high-power amplifiers, specialist speakers, and AV controllers and accessories to suit all types of in-vehicle installations.  For the mobile entertainment market, it also carries all-in-one LCD DVD players in various screen sizes to meet every budget and application.  Aside from consumer products which retail in car dealer accessories shops, AVT is also an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for many of the country’s leading car brands.  AVT is powered by iNAV, a subsidiary company dedicated to provided mapping support exclusively for AVT navigation devices.  For more information, visit www.avt.ph.

Suzuki Kizashi concept car in CAMPI motorshow

As part of its participation in the upcoming CAMPI motorshow, Suzuki Philippines will be showcasing the Kizashi Sports concept car.  Themed “Drive the Green Road,” CAMPI’s 3rd Philippine International Motorshow is scheduled at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. from August 19 to 22, 2010, 

Unveiled at the New York Auto Show 2008, the Kizashi Sports concept car is the final version of the Kizashi concept car series, with the production model due for release this 2010 in other countries.

In Japanese, kizashi means “a sign of great things to come” — signifying the unparalleled combination of driver satisfaction, looks and quality of Suzuki’s new flagship model as it breaks into the executive car segment with a completely new type of sedan.

Suzuki Philippines,Suzuki Kizashi,PIMS 2010
The development concept behind the Suzuki Kizashi was to create an emotionally appealing sedan for active people, emphasizing five key points:  (1) exterior sportiness combined with interior elegance; (2) European-tuned handling; (3) smoothness and quietness; (4) superior engine performance and fuel efficiency; and (5) stability through Suzuki’s i-AWD system for 4WD model.

Developed for the global market, Suzuki engineers tested and tuned the Kizashi to handle diverse driving conditions such as the cold weather trials in Minnesota, hot weather trials in Death Valley.  The brakes were tuned in the Swiss Alps; handling was perfected on challenging country roads in the United Kingdom, and on the autobahns and the Nurburgring in Germany.  The i-AWD system was tested in New Zealand.

In its exterior design, the Suzuki Kizashi achieves a seamless meld European styling and Japanese craftsmanship.  Its bold, aggressive stance is complemented by 18-inch aluminum wheels for a contemporary look that bespeaks sophistication and performance.

Suzuki Philippines,Suzuki Kizashi,PIMS 2010
Suzuki’s expertise in compact-car space efficiency is reflected in the optimized roominess of the cabin interior, enriched with high-quality upholstery, elegant instrument panel, and automatic airconditioning system.

The Suzuki Kizashi available abroad is powered by a 2.4-li DOHC engine that delivers maximum power of 185hp/6500rpm and torque of 170lb.ft/4000rpm, mated to either a CVT (completely variable transmission) or a 6-speed manual transmission.  However, only the automatic transmission variant will be available for local distribution.  Moreover, reinforced McPherson-strut front suspensions and multilink rear suspensions deliver nimble handling with excellent stability.

Outstanding safety technologies have also been built into the Suzuki Kizashi.  These include daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes, electronic braking force distribution, and tire pressure monitoring.  Suzuki’s proprietary TECT (Total Effective Control Technology) concept was applied in the reinforced body design.

Suzuki Philippines,Suzuki Kizashi,PIMS 2010
Filipino motoring enthusiasts are sure to have a treat when they visit the Suzuki display at the 3rd Philippine International Motorshow at the World Trade Center from August 19-22, 2010. Also featured on display are their bestsellers namely the Suzuki Celerio, Swift, APV Type 2 and their newly-launched SX4 Aero and SX4 Crossover models.

Book on Philippine Institutions Examines Key Reforms

The commitment of President Benigno S. Aquino III to fight corruption and promote good governance is essentially a question of rebuilding institutions. Tackling the definition of institutions as well as the state of the Philippine economy and politics, the book Philippine Institutions: Growth and Prosperity for All,  was launched last August 4, 2010, at the Sining Kamalig Art Gallery, Gateway Mall, Quezon City.   

This volume underscores the decisive role of institutions at this moment and for the long run to achieve prosperity for all. It wants to create a sense of urgency to tackle the reforms of political and economic institutions, considering the cooptation or subversion of institutional forms and arrangements during the past administration. The book also recognizes the interaction of institutions and policies, and attempts to propose policies that not only address the current development obstacles but also have a long-lasting impact on institutions.

There is a diverse gathering of contributors for this volume, well-known in their respective fields which range from economics to law and governance, among others. The contributors are Michael M. Alba on institutional change, Joseph Anthony Y. Lim on the macro-economy, Raul Pangalangan on judicial reforms, Gilberto Llanto and Eduardo Gonzalez on policy reforms,  Nepomuceno A. Malaluan and Solomon F. Lumba on the exercise of executive power, Maita Gomez on fiscal policy, Filomeno S. Sta. Ana III on the exchange rate policy, Yusuf Abu-Bakr Ledesma on the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, Jessica Reyes-Cantos on rice security, Rene R. Raya on education reforms, Eddie Dorotan on good governance, Rene E. Ofreneo on migration and development, and Jenina Joy Chavez on regional cooperation.

Economic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderenga has said that the book should be required reading in undergraduate and graduate courses in economics.  The book is published by Action for Economic Reforms (AER), with Filomeno Sta. Ana III as editor.  It is  available at leading bookstores. 

AER has several publications lined up, one of which is a book on legal barriers to investments in the Philippines, due for release soon.

New AVT Navigator models launched

Special reduced price promo at the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show


TSL Marketing,AVT,AVT PN501
AVT, the premiere provider of trendsetting, high-quality mobile audio-video  systems, is releasing three new models for its range of AVT Navigator GPS devices with significant hardware and software upgrades, at the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show scheduled from August 19 to 22, 2010, at the World Trade Center along Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

Introduced in early 2009, the Philippines’ first portable GPS navigation system has gained strong market acceptance and is the only GPS device with extensive local support for updated maps of Metro Manila and many of the country’s key cities and major travel destinations.  iNAV, a subsidiary company, is devoted exclusively to updating and verifying the maps loaded on AVT navigation devices.

The new AVT Navigator PN-501 features the latest navigation technology, with the Sirf Atlas IV 500MHZ central processor and Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 operating system.  In addition to its highly sensitive GPS receiver, it has a 5-inch color touch screen, built-in speaker, bluetooth connectivity and an FM modulator.

The new AVT Navigator PN-401 has a Sirf Atlas V 533MHZ processor and Windows CE 6.0 operating system.  It has a 4.3-inch color touch screen display, built-in speaker, and support for high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity.

Finally, the entry –level AVT Navigator PN-301 is powered by a Sirf Atlas IV 500MHZ processor and Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 operating system.  Its display is a 3.5-inch color touch screen, and it also has a speaker and USB 2.0 ActiveSync support.

The AVT Navigator product line-up is available at leading automotive dealers nationwide at very affordable prices.  As a special introductory offer, visitors to the AVT booth at the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show will be able to purchase the AVT Navigator at special discounted prices.   Making it even easier on the pocket, buyers can charge the purchase to their credit card for up to 12-months with 0%-interest.  

AVT navigation devices have received the thumbs-up from leading local car manufacturers, and is factory-installed as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for high-end models such as the Ford Everest, Nissan Patrol and Nissan Xtrail, Mitsubishi Galant,  Isuzu Alterra, Hyundai Starex Limousine, and other vehicles.  

Aside from the latest navigation hardware, the  AVT Navigator product line-up is supported by a dedicated local iNAV team to ensure accurate and updated local maps.  Comprehensive iNAV map coverage now includes 86,000 points of interest and close to 100% of road networks for Metro Manila, as well as updated maps for over 200 key cities and municipalities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.  Updates are released regularly, and may be done at participating car dealers.  AVT Navigator owners are assured of free update support for at least two years.

AVT navigation systems project team leader William Chong, who is intimately involved in the development process notes, "Our company was the first to make a strategic commitment to a Philippine-based GPS navigation system.  First, we are making a continued investment in product R&D  to ensure that our AVT Navigator devices have the latest available technology comparable to global standards.  Second, through the iNAV, we have made a major long-term investment in our proprietary software and navigation technology to ensure the most accurate and updated maps.  With our dedicated mapping team, we have people on the ground all over the country, continuously updating our map information.  We believe it is this commitment to local support that sets us apart from other brands.  Filipino IT workers are valued all over the globe for their technical skills and creative solutions — we are harnessing this talent to create the leading GPS navigation system customized for Philippine road conditions.”
TSL Marketing,AVT
AVT (which stands for Audio-Video Technology) specializes in premium audio-visual entertainment systems for mobile applications.  It offers a wide range of in-car mobile electronics, including display monitors, DVD players, digital and analog terrestrial receivers, sound processor/high-power amplifiers, specialist speakers, and AV controllers and accessories to suit all types of in-vehicle installations.  For the mobile entertainment market, it also carries all-in-one LCD DVD players in various screen sizes to meet every budget and application.  Aside from consumer products which retail in car dealer accessories shops, AVT is also an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for many of the country’s leading car brands.   iNAV is a subsidiary company dedicated to providing mapping support exclusively for AVT navigation devices.  For more information, visit www.avt.ph.