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WHAT could be sweeter than siblings seeing themselves the biggest winners on the grand stage? That’s what Toyota and Lexus did last week when they swept the major categories in the 2014-2015 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFPCA).
Now on its 10th year of unparalleled distinction, the AFPCA ceremonies became a virtual two-car show for Toyota and Lexus even as Ray Butch “Elvis” Gamboa again basked in the glory of his babe, which is now considered as arguably the most prestigious and sought-after plum every carmaker can ever dream of.
A perennial winner already, Toyota’s Vios again emerged as the “Automobile of the Year,” garnering the feat for the third straight year.
And as if this was not enough for the world’s No. 1 carmaker, Lexus, known worldwide as Toyota’s “Big Brother” insofar as auto-luxury-segment classification is concerned, captured the first-ever AFPCA offering of “Luxury Car of the Year” accolade. It was an auspicious double-kill victory that even Gamboa himself could not help but pay tribute to the exceedingly profound feat, particularly since the innovative move proved to be another game-changer in the industry that can only come from Elvis’s perennial fertile mind.
No less than the well-respected Stradcom Corp. took charge in collating the official sales-volume data used for the tabulation of winners, with the express consent of the Land Transportation Office, covering the “completely built” and “new imported” unit-categories for new registration from January-September 2014. “Used imported” and “grey market vehicles” were excluded to ensure transparency in the competition that has no equal in the industry.
In another virtual sterling sweep of the opposition, Toyota ran away with eight of the 11 “Model of the Year” titles: Vios (Subcompact); Corolla Altis (Compact Sedan); Camry (Midsize Sedan); Toyota 86 (Sports Car); Innova (Multi-purpose Vehicle or MPV); Fortuner (Midsize SUV); Hilux (Pick-up) and Hiace (Van).
It was yet another spectacular feat for Toyota, whose habit of winning has seemed to be as ordinary as Manila getting flooded at every downpour.
Ford Philippines bagged two: EcoSport (Compact SUV) and Explorer (Large SUV), while Motor Image Pilipinas copped Open Category honors with their Subaru XV.
The Luxury Segment “Model of the Year” categories were carted away, incredibly unbelievable, by Lexus with five awards: IS350 (Luxury Compact); ES350 (Luxury Mid-Size Sedan); LS460 L (Luxury Large Sedan); RX350 (Luxury Compact SUV) and LX570 (Luxury Large SUV).
Asian Carmakers Corp. landed two: BMW X5 (Luxury Midsize SUV) and BMW X1 (Luxury Open).
Toyota also took “Luxury Van” honors with the Toyota Alphard, while British United Automobiles’ Mini Cooper brought home the Luxury Subcompact award. PGA Cars Inc. won with the Porsche 911 (Luxury Sports Car).
If Gamboa was in Cloud 9 that night, well, give it to him. The awards’ success was phenomenal, thanks, too, in many ways, to the expert direction as usual of Jenny Bleza and the tireless roping-in of Gerry Aquino my scotch-mate.
“Our roster of awardees is again a rightful reflection of what models we normally see on the road day-to-day,” said Gamboa, the STV chairman/CEO. “However, the one important improvement we have introduced this year was the designation of separate and individual ‘Automobile of the Year’ awards for Standard versus Luxury models. In the interest of equanimity and a more level playing field, we had to set these model categories apart, especially with unit sales now being integral to the selection process. This allows the AFPCA to become a more equitable merit program to level out the wide disparity between low-volume top-end cars and high-volume lower-priced models. Unlike before, the high-priced automobiles stood at a disadvantage for the prized ‘Automobile of the Year’ award, given their understandably lower sales off-take. With Standard and Luxury distinctions already in place in the ‘Model of the Year’ categories, it made complete sense to extend this all the way to the top. So that with separate ‘Automobile of the Year’ awards given to Standard and Luxury classifications, respectively, industry players get credit and honor where it is due and appropriate. That makes it fair for all players in the industry.”
Well said, Elvis.
And so, yes, let me yell it one more time: Cheers to Vios and Lexus IS350 for their honey-sweet victories in the Standard and Luxury segments of the Auto Focus Awards. Here’s also a glass to all the other carmakers of utmost distinction and world-class pedigree for their much-applauded victories. You deserve everything, guys.
PEE STOP. The much-awaited 2015 Honda Civic is here, now carrying sportier design, more entertainment and safety features and a fuel tank that hates getting filled-up every now and then. The 2015 Civic, now in six variants, is now equipped with smart entry and push-start system, ergonomics and a 7-inch touchscreen display audio with hands-free telephone (HFT) and audio streaming via Bluetooth. May Ann Q. Alitagtag says prices range from P948,000 (1.8 liter) to P1.2 million (2.0 liter). Aren’t they a steal? I think Vernon B. Sarne, the Top Gear editor in chief, is all set to trade-in his Jazz for the 2.0 variant? If ever, good move, chief.