Subaru is well-known for manufacturing a large percentage of their vehicles at their Gunma plant in Japan, but with the rapidly increasing popularity of the brand in Asia, it was time for some big moves to keep up with demand in the region. Subaru Philippines recently invited Tuason Racing and Chicdriven’s Jeanette Ipapo-Tuason to the inauguration of their new Thailand plant, and here’s what happened as she got to know the brand better.

Making a Mark

The Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) Limited (TCSAT) is an automotive plant occupying 100,000 square meters of industrial space in Bangkok. Worth an initial investment of around P8.2 billion pesos, the facility is the first outside of Japan to fully produce Subaru cars in Asia.

This is the growth opportunity that Glenn Tan has taken.

Before becoming Tan Chong International Limited’s Deputy Chairman and Managing Director, Tan was the CEO of TCIL’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Motor Image, which distributed the Subaru brand in the Philippines and numerous other Asian countries. He spearheaded the rapid expansion which included the opening of over 130 branches and dealerships in the region.

Now he takes a step further from distribution to manufacturing in this partnership between TCIL and Subaru Corporation of Japan.

“This is truly a milestone for us, to be able to build Subaru cars ourselves in Thailand. From distribution, dealerships and aftersales, we are now also manufacturing Subaru cars.” said Tan, whom you might have seen as a guest judge on Asia’s Next Top Model and the brains behind the popular Subaru Palm Challenge.

Better Brand Presence

According to Tan, this strategic long- term move will allow them to manage their supply chain better and widen their product line up. With Thailand being an automotive hub where many major Japanese car manufacturers have set up shop, he added that it would be easier to localize and be less dependent on supply from Japan.

At the moment, the plant is producing the Forester nameplate exclusively and is expected to deliver about 6000 units in its first year with a full potential of around 100,000 units.

Global Quality Ensured

TSCAT has more than 400 workers and engages a team of Japanese staff to ensure that production standards and processes meet the same stringent levels as in Japan. High-performance robotics are used at several stages of the assembly process to provide superior quality and zero defects. At the painting line, the pre-treatment, electrical deposits, primer, and top coat application is automated as well. The key welding points of the car body and the sealer application for glass components are also automated to achieve total consistency.

The plant also has a test track, specially built to assess the condition of every car before they leave the factory. These robust quality control procedures ensure that every car produced at TCSAT is safe, comfortable and reliable.

The milestone event was celebrated by a coming together of representatives from all over the ten markets Motor Image caters to; all in support Tan’s big move for the brand and the region.

In 1997, Toyota launched the Prius in Japan and the United States–the first-ever hybrid-electric vehicle that was available to the driving public. Combining a gas engine with an electric motor powered by a self-charging battery, the Prius instantly became a symbol for environmentally-conscious drivers.

It took until June 2009 for Toyota Motor Philippines to bring the Prius over to our shores but the environmentally-friendly model has been a familiar if rare sight on our roads since then. And as it approaches the one decade mark in pioneering hybrid electrification in the country, TMP believes it’s time for the Prius to lead the current charge toward electrification.

“As the younger generation becomes more environment-conscious, we feel like it is the perfect time to educate them about eco-friendly technologies readily available to us,” said TMP Vice President Ms. Elijah Marcial. So on May 29, TMP will hold the first of it’s new efforts–a Toyota HEV Conference with Toyota experts, government officials, the press, the academe, and several NGO’s as they discuss the theme of “Toward Sustainable Mobility.”

And if you’re already interested, the Prius and hatchback Prius C are always waiting in dealerships nationwide!

After clinching third in the final race of the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge in Batangas Racing Circuit on May 19, Growl-Thule Racing Team’s Jussi Hoikka shared the importance of a good setup. Because even if the homegrown formula series provides competitors the with identical V1 cars, a well dialed-in car will give that winning edge.

“This was a really fun weekend even if it was a little bit difficult to get some pace into the car on Friday [in practice] and we had rain as well, it was tough conditions but today I was finally feeling good with the car.” explained Hoikka, who is racing for his second year under Growl-Thule’s sponsorhip.

“The mechanics worked until midnight to fix a gearbox issue that I had, and worked on the setup and the steering as well. I had some problems with the chassis and they did a great job.”

In the first race of the weekend, Hoikka placed fifth in his Pro Class and attributed that to mechanical issues that were hampering him from going at 100%.

“Yesterday, when I’d let go of the wheel it was jumping left and right. The mechanics found the problem in the steering rack and replaced some parts. Then I also had a problem with gears not going in, so I was mis-shifting and losing position. Overnight, they managed to fix the gears and it was working beautifully today.

I was able to hold a good pace and not make mistakes. This morning I got fourth and finally third in race three. There’s a clear improvement–really big thanks to the team for that!”

The Formula V1 car, a partnership of Tuason Racing and West Race Cars Japan, is designed to be low-cost and sustainable. A big part of that is due to the localization of parts and supplies–so racers like Jussi can easily bounce back from mechanical issues that would be a bigger problem if vital items need to be sourced from abroad. With the gearbox and steering issues behind him, he can concentrate on his next goal: improving on Growl-Thule Racing’s results in Clark.

“We’re going to try to do some practice days in Clark and really just fine-tune the setup, I’m missing maybe a second or so the way I see it. Just few tenths per corner but we’re on the right track!”

We wish Jussi best of luck at round 2 at CIS on July 20-21!

Growl Corporation is one of the largest developers and distributors of first-class OEM in-dash Audio, Video and Navigation (AVN) systems. Our product, the Growl Audio Head Unit is customized for different car models.

Thule Sport & Cargo Systems, on the other hand, is exclusively distributed by Tow & Stow Industries, Inc. They are an importer, distributor, and manufacturer of vehicle towing products such as hitch receivers (TOTALHITCH™ brand), trailers (TOTALTRAILERS™ brand) and accessories.

Phoenix Pulse together with Tuason Racing presents the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge 2019. Supported by Giti Tires Philippines, West Race Cars Japan, OMP, AEG Powertools, Phoenix Accelerate, Oakley, Rota with Media Partners Philippine Daily Inquirer, Autocar, Wheels PH, Jamesdeakin.ph, C! Mag, AutoIndustriya, ESPN5

Tradeshow International Inc. is staging the 28th edition of the longest-running car show in the country this week at the SMX Convention Center from May 23-26. From its origins as a general show in 1992, the TransSportShow has evolved into one of the definitive events that showcases Filipino car enthusiast culture.

Presented by Phoenix Pulse, the four-day event highlights the passion and craftsmanship that local shops and owners bring to the Philippine car scene. With over 100 project cars in competition for the coveted Best of Show awards, you’ll be sure to find some inspiration for your personal car or next project here! Of course, the aftermarket industry is also present at TSS with their trade and retail exhibits (and promotional events!) to help you make said car dreams a reality.

The TransSportShow is open daily from 10AM-9PM. Please contact the organizers at 6502195/5717551 or transsportshow@gmail.com for more info.

Phoenix Pulse together with Tuason Racing presents the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge 2019. Supported by Giti Tires Philippines, West Race Cars Japan, OMP, AEG Powertools, Phoenix Accelerate, Oakley, Rota with Media Partners Philippine Daily Inquirer, Autocar, Wheels PH, Jamesdeakin.ph, C! Mag, AutoIndustriya, ESPN5

Round 1 at Batangas Racing Circuit served as the debut performance for a large part of the V1 grid as the off-season saw a lot of new drivers and teams join the second season of the country’s first homegrown formula series. And these drivers showed that Philippine motorsports is definitely not lacking in talent.

Race 1 in the AM Class saw 16-year old Alex Brown prove that he’s more than ready to move up from karting as he claimed pole position and maintained the lead until the checkered flag. Talking about his first non-karting race, he shared that “I’ve never even driven a manual car before the V1! But I’ve had eight days of testing to prepare for today­–though Batangas is a very interesting track with the camber on the corners and how uneven it is compared to Clark.” The returning Shane Henderson finished second and Red Diwa completed the podium lineup.

In the Pro series, Cleanfuel’s Japanese driver, Ryo Yamada, secured first place despite a strong challenge by the young duo of Stefan Ramirez and Estefano Rivera, who placed second and third respectively. Yamada has been competing in Japan’s Vita series for three years and found the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge to be a comparable experience stating that the “machines are very good and the drivers are very competitive.” Like Brown, this weekend marked his first time at BRC as well. “It’s very narrow and bumpy, I like it because it’s challenging.”

Race 2 had Brown and Yamada repeat their first-place performances while the 2^nd and 3^rd place finishers had to be content with swapping positions on the podium.

The final race started off with the reverse-grid system and what looked to become a wet track. But during a race start delay–due to a technical issue with the track–the weather held aside from a slight drizzle. On the fourth lap heading into fifth, the race was red-flagged after Dominic Roque got involved in an accident that took him out of the race. Thankfully Roque was uninjured in what was the biggest racing incident of the day.

After the shortened seven-lap but no less action-packed race, Estefano Ramirez clinched first place in the Pro Class followed by Raymond Ronquillo of Frontrow Racing and Jussi Hoikka of Growl-Thule Racing Team achieving their best finishes–Ryo Yamada slipped to fourth while Stefan Ramirez suffered from an error and dropped to last place.

The new finishers had a lot to say about a breathless weekend, Hoikka stated afterwards that “Wow, this weekend has been intense but this race was the most intense wheel-to-wheel I’ve ever had I think…and the closest racing and greatest fun I’ve had!”

Ronquillo, who showcased good defense in race 3, lightened the mood and shared that he almost didn’t join this weekend. “I got into an accident last Friday and I was about to back out, but I was embarrassed to back out on my sponsors…buti swinerte tayo, and naka-pwesto ng second.”

In the AM Class, Alex Brown completed his hat-trick while Red Diwa came in second and Bryan Co rounded out the top three–Co was simply thankful to avoid the many on-track events, “I’m lucky to get third because I wasn’t involved in any incidents!” he joked.

Phoenix’s Young Driver Raffy Rabe also obtained his best result in race 3–finishing fourth–a reward for his good performance despite a short time to prepare for his V1 debut.

But if one quote would sum up the weekend, it would be from Estefano Rivera who experienced every position on the podium during round 1: “That was crazy race man…a fantastic race weekend for Tuason Racing. Looking forward to Clark!”

And despite the dominance some drivers have established during the first round, Tuason Racing CEO and founder, JP Tuason, thinks it’s still a wide-open series, “someone who is fast at BRC may not be the same at CIS, so it’s still early doors and it’s going to be a very interesting season!”

See you all at Clark International Speedway for Round 2 on July 20-21!

Last May 8, the Manila Polo Club was the place to be for many of the fastest drivers in the country as Tuason Racing officially launched the 2019 Giti-Formula V1 Challenge. A trio of V1 cars were parked overlooking the Polo Club’s lush green field as host Issa Litton greeted the crowd of drivers, team owners, sponsors, celebrity guests, and media.

Now in its second year, the homegrown single-seater race program has developed one of the biggest racing grids in the country as well as established itself as the highest form of racing available in the Philippines. Formula V1 has also solved the problem of motorsports sustainability by localizing the car–a collaboration between Tuason Racing and West Racing Cars Japan–for cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance.

Coinciding with Tuason Racing’s celebration of 20 years in the business, the 2019 season is the continuing realization of JP Tuason’s dream. The CEO and founder shared that “when I was racing professionally a couple years back, I was lucky enough to be part of a racing generation that experienced the pinnacle of Philippine motorsports. I started with karting, graduated to circuit cars and was given a chance to race formula Toyotas locally and level up to compete in Formula 3 internationally. I have seen talents such as Michelle Bumgarner and Marlon Stockinger who not only dreamed of being in F1 but did so with a fighting chance of getting in.”

“Sadly due to uncontrollable events, motorsports took a step back. But lets stop looking at the past and move forward to the future–and it is bright.”

“With the growth of grassroots motorsports spearheaded by Toyota’s Vios Cup One Make Race program, racing is coming back with a vengeance. We at Tuason Racing in our long years in the motorsports business have always believed that Filipinos are made for racing, given the right opportunities and training, we can be a major player in any grid around the world. So when the this opportunity crossed our paths three years ago, we believed that this is the next important step in rebuilding Philippine motorsports and making Filipino Global Racing Champions.”

Formula V1’s key sponsors then took to the stage as Mr. Mannix Ocampo, Giti’s Director for Sales and Marketing, wished the assembled racers well for the incoming season. “It has been our great pleasure to be part of the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge. Giti’s presence in the global motorsports stage has been an important part of our growth as a performance tire for higher racing disciplines. We wish you luck this season and may you have a safe and exciting race!”

Finally, Phoenix Pulse completed the 2019 grid by unveiling the winner of their Young Drivers Program. Ms. Ma. Celina Matias, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines AVP for Brand & Marketing, announced that Raffy Rabe, a 20-year old F.O.R.S. champion, will be taking the drivers seat for the Phoenix Racing Team.

The next time these drivers all assemble again would be on May 18 at Batangas Racing Circuit for Round 1, and Clark International Speedway for Rounds 2 and 3. See you there!

Phoenix Pulse together with Tuason Racing presents the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge
Sponsored by: West Race Cars Japan, OMP, AEG Powertools, Phoenix Accelerate, Rota
Media Partners: Philippine Daily Inquirer, Autocar, Wheels PH, James Deakin, C! Mag, AutoIndustriya, ESPN5

Phoenix Pulse, Formula V1 series presenter, has found their next-generation talent to drive for the Phoenix Racing Team this 2019 season!

Phoenix firmly believes in the importance of supporting Filipino racers, which is why they decided to take a deeper role in racer development with their latest initiative: The Young Drivers Program. After putting out a call for candidates from 15-29 years old with at least one year of competitive racing experience, the Young Drivers Program attracted almost 300 applicants during the two week search, consisting of young racers from various motorsport disciplines.

These hopefuls were eventually narrowed down to nine contestants who took part in a rigorous one-day testing at Clark International Speedway on May 2.

• Tara Laconico, 15, Rotax Max Asia and ROK Karting
• Raymond Cudala, 20, Philippine National Karting Series
• Carlos Marzo, 20, F.O.R.S. grid and time-attack
• Mika-J Baniqued, 19, Phoenix Pulse National Slalom Series
• Gel Napat, 23, Vios Cup Sporting Class
• Patrichk Dela Rosa, 19, Philippine GT
• Julia Delos Angeles, 18, Karting and Vios Cup Promotional Class
• Paolo Aguas, 21, Touge Battle
• Raffy Rabe, 20, F.O.R.S. and Touge Battle

After undergoing rigorous exercises that covered their driving skill, personality assesment, and even interview proficiency, their results were deliberated on by a screening panel consisting of JP Tuason, Tuason Racing CEO and founder, Ms. Ma. Celina Matias, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines AVP for Brand & Marketing, and Lloyd Manaloto, TV5’s Vice President for ESPN 5 and e-Sports. The results were formally announced last May 8 at the Formula V1 season launch.

During the unveiling of the finalists, Ms. Matias shared Phoenix’s inspiration for the program, “We aim to highlight the fact that Phoenix fuels are high‐performing products fit not just for regular driving, but also for professional racing. This campaign came as a great opportunity to prove that. The Young Drivers Program is also in line with our thrust to empower millennials and support next‐generation drivers.”

The top three consists of Tara Laconico

and Patrichk Dela Rosa. Both finalists are promising talents and we’ll see more of them when they drive for the Phoenix endurance team in November!

And the champion, Phoenix Racing Team’s new Formula V1 driver, is Raffy Rabe!

Ms. Matias shared that “After a battery of tests and interviews, Raffy emerged as the best among the crop of young drivers as he possesses a good balance of excellent racing skills and the ideal attitude.” Rabe has also won class championships in both the FlatOut Race Series and Touge Battle and is eager to prove himself in Formula V1.

We wish him luck in his first race and see you all on May 18 at BRC!

Phoenix Pulse together with Tuason Racing presents the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge
Sponsored by: West Race Cars Japan, OMP, AEG Powertools, Phoenix Accelerate, Rota
Media Partners: Philippine Daily Inquirer, Autocar, Wheels PH, James Deakin, C! Mag, AutoIndustriya, ESPN5

We’re only weeks away from the green flag at on May 18 so let’s review how things will unfold during the race weekend! Batangas Racing Circuit is a track that has seen plenty of action last season, and it’s where we’ll be starting 2019.

THE CARS
Formula V1 is the first homegrown formula car program in the country and the flagship series in the rebuilding of Philippine motorsports. It’s a “spec” formula meaning every team runs exactly the same vehicle–that makes V1 racing cost-effective, easy to maintain, and, competitive and exciting because driver skill becomes the most important aspect.

The semi-monocoque Formula V1 cars weigh 550kg dry and are powered at the rear wheels by 1.5-liter Toyota 1NZ engines. Capable of reaching a 220kph top speed and 0-100 in 4.5 seconds, they are also equipped with Tein suspensions, Wilwood brakes, Rota wheels, and Giti Sport rubber. The price for this vehicle produced in a partnership between Tuason Racing and West Racing Car Japan is just P2,250,000.

THE SCHEDULE
Day 1 of a Sprint Race consists of two 20 minute practice sessions–unofficial and official–before scrutineering and qualifying time trials.

Day 2 consists of three 12 lap races. Race 1 grid position depends on QTT results, Race 2 grid position will be based on the results of Race 1–but with a reverse grid for the top four cars.

POINTS SYSTEM

• 1st – 20
• 2nd – 15
• 3rd – 12
• 4th – 10
• 5th – 8
• 6th – 6
• 7th – 4
• 8th – 3
• 9th – 2
• 10th – 1

The final or championship race of the season will have double the points which can lead to a very tense finish at the final race!

THE DRIVERS AND TEAMS
The grid consists of the Pro Class–for drivers with a National B license or higher–and AM Class–for National C or B license holders with a minimum of 2 years experience in grassroots racing. Round 1 will feature a mix of returning veterans from 2018, and a lot of fresh racing talent too.

Pro Class

• 6 Stefan Ramirez Fourth Floor Racing
• 7 Jussi Hoikka Growl Thule Racing
• 10 Paolo Mantolino
• 12 Gaby Dela Merced Standard Insurance M1 Racing Team
• 17 Ryo Ramada Cleanfuel Racing Team
• 20 Estefano Rivera Toyota Otis Obengers
• 69 Raymond Ronquillo Frontrow Racing Team

AM Class

• 17 Masanori Aya West Racing Japan
• 24 Dominic Roque Cleanfuel Racing Team
• 31 Bryan Co Giti Racing Team
• 31 Jerry Choi One Formula
• 46 Shane Henderson A Line Autosport
• 77 Cesco Dino Edgesport Racing Team
• 81 Red Diwa OTR Racing Team
• 88 Alex Brown Toyota Otis Obengers
• Raffy Rabe Phoenix Racing Team

Are you handy with a camera and an editing program? Have you ever made a slick car meet video? Do you love the visuals and sounds of race cars tearing around a track? Tuason Racing is searching for a talented videographer to cover the 2019 season ender at Suzuka Circuit in Japan and it might be you who gets to go on all-expense paid trip to one of the most legendary tracks in motorsport!

Get your portfolio ready, read through the mechanics below, and apply at the link: http://bit.ly/2L7cNBv

Good luck shooters!

FULL MECHANICS
Open to all videographers aged 18 years and above, living in NCR, with their own shoot equipment, motoring-related video demo reel, and valid Philippine passport until 2020.

To join, interested participants must:

1. Like the Tuason Racing Facebook and Instagram pages.
2. Fill out the form at http://bit.ly/2L7cNBv and email their portfolio. Tuason Racing will review the entries and reach out to the selected videographers.
3. Three to five contestants will be selected for each of the three legs of the Formula V1 season and must produce a 90-second video of their own concept and execution. The race dates are May 19, July 21, and October 20.
4. One winner per race will be selected and Tuason Racing will pick an overall winner from the three finalists. The criteria is 60% – Creativity, 30% – Storytelling, 10% – Technical Execution.
5. The winner gets an all-expense paid trip to shoot the Formula V1 race in Suzuka, Japan on December 7-8, 2019.