It was an ending that came almost unnoticed because the automotive manufacturer launched an all-new model – the Innova. That was the second of the Toyota IMVs (Innovative Multi-purpose Vehicles) to be introduced in several markets around the world. In a few months, the Innova – which was offered in seven variants – became a bestseller.

Toyota launched the Hilux pickup as the first IMV, as 2004 closed. By May, Toyota completed with three IMVs with the launching of the Fortuner SUV, which became an instant bestseller. With a limited number of units offered in the local market to introduce it – and an introductory price of only R1.2 to R1.5-million – the Fortuner soon became the most-sought-after vehicle in its class.

That kind of market confidence did not keep the other automotive manufacturers from launching their own surprises in the Philippine market.

In January, Mitsubishi Motors unveiled the Grandis (2.4-liter MIVEC) and the Montero Sport 2.8-liter turbo diesel with intercooler. The Grandis, a station wagon which replaced the Space Wagon, was introduced at P1.48-million, while the Montero, P1.58-million.

Practical cars – characterized by smaller, fuel-efficient engines – competed for the budget-conscious buyers’ attention.

In July, Honda Cars Philippines, which holds 46 percent of the hatchback market, confidently launched the Honda Jazz with the 1.5 VTEC and CVT engines. The introductory prices were P712,000 for the Jazz VTEC and P752,000 for the Jazz CVT variant.

To strengthen its hold on the small car market, in September, Honda also launched the City with a 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter variants. Prices after launching ranged from P561,000 for the 1.3-liter I-DSI manual, to P721,000 for the 1.5-liter VTEC CVT.

In February, Nissan Motors Philippines also introduced a practical variant of its Sentra series – the Sentra GX 1.3-liter.

Suzuki, known for small cars, offered the Swift, a 1.5-liter compact hatchback, in the local market in August. Suzuki is well-known for its other reliable 4WD vehicles in the local market – the Suzuki Vitara SUV, Jimny and the APV (All Purpose Vehicle).

Practical vehicles introduced in 2005 also came in the form of the pickup, an old-reliable vehicle which is a favorite of entrepreneurs. Isuzu Philippines Corp. introduced upgraded variants of the popular D-Max 4x4 and 4x2 pickup, starting with the new Flex Ride System which corrected the rough ride of the older model. (In January, the same Flex Ride System was also installed in the Sportivo, the high-end variant of the Crosswind.)

Universal Motors Corp., makers of the Nissan Frontier, also introduced the T3 Titanium 4x2 in July, presenting a "bigger, bolder and better" Frontier 2.7-liter variant.

A month before that, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. gave the public a preview of the new Endeavor with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that it would introduce later that year. In October, Mitsubishi launched the Strada 4x4 GLX with an introductory price of P900,000. It was the lowest priced 4x4 pickup in the market.

The popular 1.6-liter passenger car category had an interesting parade of new models, starting with the Ford Focus. Months before Ford Philippines introduced the Ford Focus in the local market, it presented the new model in previews and test drives around Metro Manila. Its "wildest" presentation was at the UAAP game between La Salle and Ateneo, where a Focus model "flew" over the crowds!

It was a bold move that was unusual in the car industry where auto makers usually keep as a closely guarded secret the shape of a new model, especially if the model it will replace is still being sold in the market. Finally in September, Ford Phils. launched the Focus 1.8-liter automatic model in five simultaneous gatherings around Metro Manila, presenting it as Europe’s best-selling car. Its introductory price also helped make it a hit – P919,000.

By October, Ford offered another variant – a sporty 2.0-liter hatchback, with sunroof.

Also in the same month, Mazda Philippines unveiled the Mazda6, a sports sedan with a 2.3-liter engine.

It was a year that will be remembered, though, for the variety of SUVs and luxury vehicles that were introduced in the local market.

The Isuzu Alterra – first as a 4x2 and later in the year, with the 4x4 variant – made its debut in the Philippine market in May. Replacing the classic Trooper, the Alterra is an all-new model that Isuzu Philippines preferred to call a "Sports Recreational Vehicle" (SRV), and is in the same category as the big SUVs like the Chrysler Trailblazer and the Ford Explorer. The Alterra is almost a foot longer than the Trooper, and has a three-row seat layout, with a large cargo area when the third row is folded. Its 3.0-liter V6 engine is a third generation DOHC common rail direct injection diesel engine. Its introductory price for the 4x2 variant – about P1.4 – made it a very popular SUV model. The recently-introduced 4x4 variant is priced at P1.589 million to P1.599-million.

In the luxury sedan market, the European brands paraded a variety of models costing many millions of pesos. Just last month, CATS Motors introduced three Mercedes Benz models: The S-Class luxury sedan, B-Class sports tourer and M-Class off-roader. The S350 (3.5-liter V6, 272 horsepower) is priced at P8.8-million; while the long wheel base S-500 (5.5-liter V8) costs P10.8-million.

The B-Class compact sports tourer (which takes the shape of a van), comes in two variants – the B170 which is priced at P2.250-million; and the B200, priced at P2.750-million.

The M-Class, and SUV with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 272 horsepower, is priced at P5.5 million.

In April, CATS Motors also introduced three luxury American vehicles – the Chrysler 300C, a 3.5-liter luxury sedan; the Town and Country and the Dodge Durango (4.7-liter V8 truck).

In the same week that April, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) launched the Sonata, Matrix, Getz (a subcompact) and the Tucson SUV.

Also in April, Nissan Motor Philippines launched the new Nissan X-Trail.

In February, Peugeot opened a Philippine office through Auto France Philippines. It launched the 307 SW and the 807 (a multi purpose vehicle).

By mid-January, we will know which of those vehicles had made an impact in the local market. That’s when the sales reports for the year will determine the bestsellers and the vehicles who may need more than the right price and profile to attract the buyers’ eyes.