Here are the winners of the 2021-2022 Auto Focus People’s Choice and Media’s Choice Awards

Sunshine Television Production and Marketing Services Inc. (STV) recently concluded the 2021-2022 Auto Focus People’s Choice and Media’s Choice Awards by handing over numerous awards to deserving local automotive distributors for the models offered in the Philippine market.

Held last December 16, the virtual ceremonies were led by Auto Focus TV hosts Ray Louis and Kristine Patricia Gamboa on behalf STV Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ray “Butch” Gamboa.

“Indeed, it has continued to be a challenging year for the industry... and for the country. But unlike 2020, we have at least begun to see gradual, positive signs of recovery. We are knocking at the door of 2022, and it is my hope that such momentum carries us farther ahead,” Gamboa said in the welcome address.

As reported earlier, the Isuzu D-Max won the Standard Automobile of the Year (AOY) and the Standard Pickup of the year. It was the first time for the model to be recognized as AOY.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) also received the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Crossover of the Year title for the all-new mu-X.

IPC President Hajime Koso expressed gratitude over the honors received.

“This year has seen new areas of action for Isuzu, highlighted by the much-anticipated launch of the all-new Isuzu D-Max and all-new Isuzu mu-X… With these, we would like to extend our thanks to our loyal customers and Isuzu fans nationwide who have been very supportive of us throughout the years. We could not have done it without you! Ako ang pinaka-masaya ngayon (I am the happiest now),” Koso was quoted as saying.

Rounding up the Model of the Year (MOY) winners in the Standard Classification are Toyota Vios (Sedan), Ford Mustang (Sports Car), and the Toyota Innova (MPV). The Vios copped its 5th MOY win this year while the Innova is now on its 9th MOY recognition. The Mustang, on the other hand, got its back-to-back award.

Meanwhile, the Land Rover Defender took the highest honor at the luxury division after getting the Premium Automobile of the Year honor. 

Coventry Motors Corporation President Chris Ward expressed pride over the latest accolade that they have received.

“It’s been a great success! Defender is such an icon, not just within the industry, but obviously for Land Rover over many, many years. It’s one of the most instantly recognizable cars in the world. Such is the scope the Defender has had for us. And here in the Philippines, absolutely, customers have really taken to the car. It fits people’s lifestyles. It’s great fun,” Ward said.

For the Luxury classification, the other MOY recipients are the Mercedes Benz E-Class (Sedan), Lamborghini Huracan Evo (Sports Car), and the Honda Odyssey (Van/MPV).

Aside from the AFPCA, the STV also has conferred the following AFMCA honorees from the 88 available award categories:  

• Best Design: Standard category
  • Honda City Hatchback (Sub-compact);
  • Mazda 3 (Compact);
  • Mazda 6 (Midsize Sedan);
  • Toyota GR Supra (Sports Car);
  • Toyota Land Cruiser (Large SUV/Crossover);
  • Isuzu D-Max (Pick-up);
  • Kia Grand Carnival (MPV);
  • Toyota Hi-Ace (Van)
• Best Design: Premium/Luxury
  • BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (Sub-compact);
  • Lexus IS (Compact Sedan);
  • Porsche 911 (Sports Car);
  • Mercedes Benz GLE (Midsize SUV/Crossover);
  • Lexus LM350 (Van)
• Best Engine Performance: Standard
  • Honda Brio (Mini);
  • Honda City Hatchback (Sub-compact);
  • Honda Civic (Compact);
  • Honda Accord (Midsize Sedan);
  • Geely Coolray (Sub-compact SUV/Crossover);
  • Toyota Land Cruiser (Large SUV/Crossover);
  • Isuzu D-Max (Pick-up);
  • Toyota Innova (MPV)
• Best Engine Performance: Premium/Luxury
  •  Mini John Cooper Works Clubman (Sub-compact Sedan);
  • Audi RS6 (Midsize Sedan);
  • Porsche Taycan (Large Sedan);
  • Lamborghini Huracan (Sports Car);
  • Porsche Macan (Compact SUV/Crossover);
  • Lamborghini Urus (Large SUV/Crossover)
• Best Safety Features: Standard
  • Honda Brio (Mini);
  • Mazda 6 (Midsize Sedan);
  • Kia Grand Carnival (MPV);
  • Toyota HiAce (Van);
• Best Safety Features: Premium/Luxury
  • BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (Sub-compact Sedan);
  • Mercedes Benz C-Class (Compact Sedan);
  • Bentley Continental GT (Sports Car);
  • Volvo XC60 (Midsize SUV/Crossover);
  • Volvo XC90 (Large SUV/Crossover);
  • Lexus LM350 (Van)
• Best Value-for-Money: Standard
  • Suzuki S-Presso (Mini);
  • Toyota Camry (Midsize Sedan);
  • Geely Coolray (Sub-compact SUV/Crossover);
  • Toyota Land Cruiser (Large SUV/Crossover);
  • Isuzu D-Max (Pick-up);
  • Toyota Hiace (Van)
• Best Value-for-Money: Premium/Luxury
  • Lexus LS (Large Sedan);
  • Lexus NX300 (Compact SUV/Crossover)

The AFPCA and AFMCA — now on its 17^th and 14^th editions, respectively — are the centerpiece of STV’s annual merit programs for the local automotive industry.

As Gamboa pointed out: “We strongly believe that these tandem programs continue to benefit the motoring public and automobile industry no end, even amidst these uncertain and very challenging times. STV has now been working for and with local automotive manufacturers and distributors for 36 years. We’ve been with them through good times and bad over those years. In our own humble way, we are proud to be able to help them and the motoring public in such ways that we’ve been able to.”

Photos from Sunshine Television Production and Marketing Services Inc.

Also read:

Honda Cars PH bags 7 honors at Autofocus People’s & Media's Choice Awards

Mitsubishi PH gains accolades from Auto Focus for Xpander, Pajero

AutoFocus to launch 3-day Summer Multi-Brand Test Drive Festival