Celebrating its 12th year, the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), the country’s premier automotive award-giving body, is formally launching their 2015 Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-P) and Truck of the Year-Philippines (TOTY-P) testing season on September 22, 2015 at the Manila Polo Club.
Set to attend the launch are top executives from the different automotive manufacturers and distributors in the country. Also invited are friends and partners of the Car Awards Group, Inc., as well as special guest speakers from the government sector.
“The Philippine automotive industry has been enjoying robust sales for the past year, with some manufacturers breaking all-time records for number of vehicles sold. More than ever, potential buyers are looking for reputable sources to guide them in making informed choices when purchasing vehicles,” said Robby Consunji, President of the Car Awards Group, Inc. “Independently recognizing the best vehicles in each class without the sway of advertising revenue is CAGI’s contribution to raising public awareness. Our diverse membership from different media platforms has always guaranteed impartial results,” he added.
Established in 2004, the Car Awards Group, Inc. is an organization of motoring journalists from the country’s premier print, broadcast and online publications. Since its incorporation, the group has strived to find the best vehicles in the country through comprehensive testing involving quantitative and qualitative analysis of the vehicle’s performance, design, safety, value and other relevant factors.
The 2015 testing season is open to all “all-new” or “significantly updated” vehicles launched to the local market from October 2014 to October 2015. For purposes of definition, “significantly updated” refers to vehicles that have had significant mechanical or electronic changes to the powertrain, drivetrain, suspension or activity systems that affect the way they drive or operate. Testing dates are scheduled to take place in October at the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark Field, Pampanga, followed by a golf tournament and an awarding ceremony to be held on November 13, 2015 to coincide with the Fontana Clark Auto Motorama 2015 to be held from November 13 to 15, 2015.
The Mini Cooper S was adjudged last year’s Car of the Year – Philippines, while the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 MT received the Truck of the Year – Philippines title.
The 2015 Car of the Year – Philippines is made possible by event partners Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks & Casino, and R. G. Manabat & Co. / KPMG, and sponsors the Manila International Auto Show, Worldbex Services International, Manila North Tollways Corporation, North Luzon Expressway, SpeedLab, Columbia Sportswear, Eleksis Marketing Corporation, and LG Electronics. Media partners include BusinessMirror, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Bulletin, and The Philippines Star.