Car firms urge gov’t to be strict on vehicle emissions

Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) vice president and concurrent president of the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) Elizabeth H. Lee is urging Trade and Industry Secretary Cesar V. Purisima to strictly implement the Clean Air Act provision on vehicle emission standards.

According to Lee, the CAMPI and TMA support Purisima’s push for the strict implementation of the Clean Air Act on the requirement of a certificate of compliance to emission standards (CCES) from the country of origin and a certificate of roadworthiness as a pre-condition for the registration of imported used or second hand vehicles with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The CAMPI, additionally, Lee said, also suggest the further effective implementation of the following measures: enhancement of the CCES to include conformance to Philippine left-hand drive standards prior to release from the Bureau of Customs; application of such pre-condition to LTO registration to include in-use vehicles; increase tariff to compensate for subsequent costs and damages; and enforcement of the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

Lee warned that "in the face of the rising number of safety issues gravely affecting the importation of used motor vehicles that have been converted from the prohibited right-hand to left-hand drive, it has become imperative for the DTI to more stringently implement the requirements of the Consumer Act, failing which, said products should be outrightly refused admission to the Philippines."

Lee added that "if they have already found their way into the country, they should be stopped from being auctioned as converted RHD vehicles and prevented from being operated on public roads."

Lee stressed that used motor vehicles may be injurious, unsafe and dangerous considering their age and condition as they are already beyond the warranties afforded in their countries of origin.

"The danger being posed by converted cars to motorists and the general public is not something to be trifled with. Nobody stands behind them who will answer to the consumers in case of defects and malfunctions," she added.