Kymco: Clean air at all cost!

Taiwanese motorcycle giant Kwang Yang Motor Co. (Kymco) is supporting the Philippine government’s campaign to make the air in this country cleaner.

"It is not only for us but for our children and grandchildren that we are doing everything to fight air pollution," said Manuel Sta. Cruz, president of S.C. Kymco Pilipinas, a subsidiary of Kymco Taiwan.

Sta. Cruz hailed the government for the Clean Air Act which mandates the use of cleaner fuel and the strict emission testing for cars, buses and even motorcycles.

He noted that although motorcycles are known to be less a pollutant compared to four-wheeled vehicles, still many two-wheelers contribute to the problem of air pollution due to their abuse and wrong maintenance.

He pointed out that motorcyclists should lead in the campaign for cleaner air.

"Motorcycle riders owe it first to themselves to have a cleaner air," pointed Sta, Cruz. "They are exposed to the air, unlike those in cars and buses who enjoy the comforts of airconditioning."

Kymco is among the world’s most strict companies when it comes to emission. In Taiwan, which has one of the highest standards in smoke emission, Kymco is leading all manufacturers in quality, regardless of whether they are making cars or motorcycles.

Studies done by the Taiwanese government show that Kymco’s motorcycles and scooters emit the lowest levels of carbon monoxide, nitrates of oxygen and hydrocarbons. Even Kymco’s lone two-stroke scooter — the Topboy — prides of emitting one of the lowest levels of hydrocarbons in its class.

Sta. Cruz said Kymco has long been developing a four-stroke motorcycle for tricycle use as early as two years ago. The development took into consideration the needs, wants and habits of typical tricycle drivers. The result was a model that is not only durable and easy-to-maintain but also one that is easy on the budget.

Sta. Cruz aptly called the new four-stroke model as Kargador. "It’s meant for heavy loads," he said. "We know exactly that pantra models are subjected to all kinds of abuse so we made our Kargador extra tough."

The Kargador runs on the tried and tested CG150 engine, a four-stroke motor that operates on tougher push rods and not the weaker timing chain. It has extra thick forks, swing arms, and super rigid frame that are designed to withstand years of abuse. It also has four rear shock absorbers and stronger rims with thicker spokes.

K-Servico is now displaying the Kargador in its stores in Luzon while Emcor now sells this new motorcycle in Visayas and Mindanao.