Fear not to experiment

We welcome the extension of the experimentation on the UVVRP or the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program otherwise known as the "number-coding scheme".

It’s only through extensive studies that we can find out, though maybe not that conclusive, which really often causes the traffic gridlock in the metro – the PUVs or public utility vehicles, the private vehicles or the combination of both and on what times and in which places.

But there is something that the MMDA should really consider – the fact that there are times when we have traffic gridlocks in some parts of the metropolis even at odd hours, meaning even not at peak traffic times. These are times when people with options in their conduct of everyday business can chose to travel within the metro. But due to the presence of many huge buses along EDSA, most of them near empty and just hugging this main thoroughfare waiting for passengers, we still have these traffic jams.

Indeed many commuters, especially those who still do not prefer to travel via the rail transits, need the buses to get to their place of work or to their homes. But these transport needs can be pinpointed to the early morning and at business closing hours, not during the middle of the day.

Maybe we can rid EDSA of those behemoth near-empty buses during the mid day when those with travel time options can take to the road so we can allow the wheels of trade and commerce some respite from stop and go turning at least during this time of the day. Aside from lessening EDSA of useless or an "over supply" of public transport, many operators can also save on gasoline that these unfilled buses consume just merely parking with their engines on through the length of this vital main road. Think also of what this move can do in lessening air pollution in the metropolis.

Ranger’s focus is on power and safety

To the oohs and aahs of those present Ford Group Philippines dramatized the power of the new Ford Ranger during its launched last Feb. 17 at the Dusit Hotel in Makati, first by showing muscled men going through some body-building motions right on the stage and then by making the Ford Ranger on display in the middle of the Ballroom pull with visible ease the entire stage where a band was performing – entertainers, instruments and all.

Billed as the pick up with the "best-in-class power and torque", the new Ford Ranger’s 2.5 Inter-cooled Turbo Diesel Engine has a maximum output of 117 PS @ 3,500 rpm and maximum torque of 280 Nm @ 2,000 rpm.

This "Built Ford Tough" vehicle, is being brought in to the country as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) manufactured by Ford’s Auto Alliance (Thailand) also boasts of being the first and only pick up in its class with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Dual SRS Air Bags.

For comfort and convenience, the new Ford Ranger offers features like blue-faced gauges, all-power amenities, remote keyless entry, radio with in-dash CD features and a 4-speaker system.

As the new Ford Ranger has an introductory price tag that is P20,000 lower that its previous model, Ford Group Philippines president Henry Co emphasized in his speech during the launch, "We have said it before and we are saying it again, the complementation and product specialization that Ford has initiated in the ASEAN under the Asean Free Trade Agreement will benefit consumers in the long run."

On the other hand, Dave Macasadia, Ford Philippines vice president for sale and marketing said, "The new 2003 Ranger has been developed to cope easily with the exceptional demands that pick up drivers need to make of their vehicles."

Ford’s AVP for marketing and communications, Maricar Cristobal-Parco apprised the many motoring journalists who attended the successful launch with the Ranger’s price range: P620,000 for the 2.9L Ford Ranger 4x2 XL M/T while the 2.5L Ford Ranger Trekker M/T will retail for P780,000. The price of the higher-end Ranger 4x4 XLT with two-tone paint is at P960,000. All these models can be checked out in any of the Ford dealerships located all over the country.

Take two for Jianshe

A second manufacturing plant was formally opened by Jianshe Motorcycle Industries in Liip, Mamplasan, Binan, Laguna last Saturday, Feb. 22.

Established last September 2000, the relatively new company is a subsidiary of 103-year old Jianshe Industries Company of Chongquing, China. The second plant, which sits on a three-hectare industrial land, is considered the biggest motorcycle plant ever.

Jianshe Motorcycle Industries Philippines Corporation is now considered as one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers in the country with more than 350 service centers nationwide to lend after sales support to its customers.

Jianshe also introduced its latest 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XVR 150. Specially designed for tricycle use, it is equipped with reinforced cradle, double shock absorber and electric start for more durable and convenient operation.

The Jianshe XVR 150 is vaunted to be specifically designed to adapt to Philippine road condition to assure the safety and convenience of its customers.

Guests in the well-attended inauguration included DOTC secretary Leandro Mendoza and People’s Republic of China Ambassador Wang Chungi.

I’m actually Down Under

As you read this column, I shall actually be in Gold Coast, Australia for the launch of two new BFGoodrich tires – the g-Force and the Sport T/A.

The "BFGoodrich Got to Drive Challenge" is indeed a unique brand of adventure introduced by BFGoodrich Tires where more than 400 dealers, media and celebrity personalities from across Asia were invited for two days of test drive using a variety of BFGoodrich tires on a wide range of vehicles in different conditions and courses.

I’m joined by top-notched motoring journalist Brian Afuang, who writes for The Philippine Star and Rev magazine and just ahead of us are nine activities on this "Got to Drive 2003", ranging from off-road 4WD challenge, motorkhana, drag racing, hot laps to dry slalom and wet figure 8s.

Brian and I will really have our fill of competition driving here at Gold Coast. He was saying, "Magsasawa tayong magmaneho at magkarera dito."

We are here through the invitation of Ms. Rebecca Lee of BFGoodrich Tires, based in Singapore and Mr. Riz Dalangin, through the Philippine representatives of Michelin and BFGoodrich.

The BFGoodrich Got to Drive Challenge is the first major event in the region where all key Asia-Pacific markets are brought together marking a new beginning for the worldwide tire firm in this area of the world market – a visible evidence of its strong commitment to the region.

These are two days of hard, almost competitive driving and we won’t be back in the country till our scheduled arrival on Sunday, March 2. I will just stay in Manila for two days (Monday & Tuesday), time enough to tape my three weekly TV shows (Motoring Today, Business & Leisure & Auto Focus), and leave again on Wednesday, March 5 back to Australia (Melbourne this time) for the 1st Leg of the World Formula One Series through the kind invitation of Mr. Mitsunari Takano, Mr. Arnel Doria and Ms. Min Magbal of Honda Cars Philippines.

What a hard driving life. And I don’t understand why many would still want to become motoring journalists?

Happy Motoring!!!

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