HAIMA Automobiles Philippines, Inc. successfully staged a weekend caravan from Pampanga to Baguio and back from September 17 to 18, 2011 with the theme: "Driving North to Believe," where it showcased the New Generation Haima Cars and Vans.
Organized by Haima Philippines General Manager Donald T. Calma and Business Development Officer Erwin I. Galang, top LausGroup officers were the first to experience what the all-new Haima line-up has to offer in the said endurance run. With the itinerary set and the models more than ready to conquer the Central and Northern Luzon road, the convoy set off in the morning of September 17.
The Central and Northern Luzon plains once again bore witness to the event as it did last February 14, 2010 when the first ever FStar went to Baguio.
Upon arrival at Haima Cars Pampanga at 7:30 a.m., the participants led by LausGroup Companies Chairman and CEO Levy P. Laus were greeted to a cup of coffee to gear them up for the 250-km drive to Baguio.
Mr. Laus shared that this campaign serves as a driving experience while introducing seven models of the next generation Haima. He said, "Our slogan at Haima is 'Drive it to believe', so we're driving North to believe with different Haima models and visit the new locations of the Haima Network in Northern Luzon, such as Haima Urdaneta, Calasiao, and Baguio."
Promptly an hour following the assembly and unmoved by the cloudy morning, the convoy set off for the long road ahead with all-new Haima models, featuring Haima 2, 3, Freema, FStar Tenda, and Haima 7.
The NLEX experience went on smoothly despite the rain, and the vehicles were driven at a maximum speed of 120km/hr, all powered by Euro4 Compliant emission standard engines. The gear was eventually shifted to normal city driving speed as the convoy reached its first pit stop in CarWorld Tarlac along MacArthur Highway, San Roque.
The slippery road tested the braking system, and was proven well. This is because all units are equipped with Anti-lock Braking System- Electronic Brake Distribution System (ABS-EBDS). In fact, Haima 3 and 7 are equipped Bosch 8.1 ABS. Comparing it with the 5.3 version found in standard vehicles, the 8.1 version is more sensitive, precise, and stable as it allows for a smoother pedal ? the higher the ABS version, the better the performance.
Meanwhile, the convoy had its second and third stops at the recently opened Haima Cars Urdaneta and Calasiao, Pangasinan where the convoy had the chance to tour the facilities. This was shortly followed by their arrival at Dagupena Restaurant for lunch.
The convoy then visited all the LausGroup Dagupan dealers, such as Kia, Mazda, Hyundai, Chevrolet, and Ford along Lucao District, Dagupan City.
Mr. Calma shared the difference of Haima among the other China brands. He said, "Haima is not embarking to be No. 1 considering the many competitors available in the Philippines today, but it's embarking to be the number 1 in terms of quality".
For almost two years, Haima Cars Pampanga and Dau (formerly Haima AutoWorld Pampanga and Dau Sales) have been selling Haima cars, but not in terms of volume.
"We wanted to experience Haima's quality, safety, efficiency, and durability. But this time, we're bringing the new models out, so at this point, we're all out for 2012," he said.
Moreover, the Haima cars and vans took on the infamous zigzag road up to Baguio. The handling of these cars was impressive. Adding to this is the reliability of the FStar. It was considered the 'sweeper' of the caravan since it transported with it the group's supplies and equipment, which attest to the heavy load capacity its seven-seater chassis can offer.
Leading up to the last stop for the day was their visit to Haima Cars Baguio and finally, after a long day on the road, they settled in Green Valley Residence.
The following morning, the convoy visited Baguio's famous tourist spots, such as Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club. But what's more interesting is that these Haima cars started a tourist spot of their own as people eagerly flocked their way to have their photos taken beside the brand new vehicles, particularly the compact car and SUV -Haima 2 C-Sport and Haima 7.
They started their journey back home and stopped over in Urdaneta, Pangasinan for lunch. The challenge that day was different because the journey was marked by heat and heavy traffic. Moreover, the features of the Haima cars, such as air-conditioning systems, sun roofs, comfortable seats, and fully functional USB ports and audio systems alleviated the usual inconveniences drivers would typically experience. Nonetheless, the convoy arrived in Pampanga early evening.
The Haima Drive North Caravan has indeed been a success as testified by the participants.
Corporate Guarantee and Insurance Company (CGIC) President Gilbert M. Fernandez for his part shared that Haima 7 is "comparable with the best-selling Korean SUV in the market today. It gives just the right acceleration for a 2.0 M/T engine and has great white illumination of instrument panel." He furthers, "Haima Cars give value for money in terms of style and riding comfort."
LGC Chief Finance Officer Alfie M. Adriano added that the "Haima Caravan to Baguio all the more validated our experience when we first test drove the new Haima models in China?that indeed these new generation cars of Haima are of high quality, fuel efficient, and reliable cars. Add to that are the new looks which are definitely head turners."
Mr. Galang shared that "with the success of Haima Caravan 'Driving North To Believe', our new generation Haima models have proven that they are 'more than just good looks' with strength, comfort, and capability on the road from Pampanga to Baguio City".
Mr. Laus took the opportunity to thank everyone.
"The Haima Drive North Caravan is one experience we can proudly share to our customers," he concluded.
The Haima Driving North to Believe Caravan is just one of the exciting events that will make you believe. Watch the New Generation Haima cars and vans come your way.
For more information, call +63 45 961 4553 or +63 45 892 4461 or visit Haima Cars Pampanga along Jose Abad Santos, City of San Fernando or Haima Cars Dau along McArthur Highway, Dau Mabalacat, Pampanga. Log on to www.lausgroup.com.ph now. Haima, Drive it to Believe!
