Corruption or incompetence may end something that’s working

The MMDA had better watch it. They have a good thing going for the motorists by way of the OBR or the Organized Bus Route System. The traffic in EDSA has indeed thinned out since the time that only enough buses were allowed to ply the route as there are commuters needing them. Although despite the new system there are still quite a number of buses running in EDSA during off-peak hours that are half empty. But can you imagine their clogging numbers before the system was finally put into place? However, if they don’t watch it and they don’t stick to the rules or if some of the MMDA guys would play favorites or close their eyes to some that do not follow the rules — the system would in due time self destruct.

There are already complaints coming from bus drivers that some buses are being allowed to ply the route sans the necessary cue cards or coupons or whatever they are called. In other words, there are some buses that get to ply the route without authorization either due to bribery or sheer incompetence.

This "oversight" or corruption may finally cause the scraping of the system altogether when complaints mount. Of course, we don’t want to see this happen. It would be a great disservice to the many motorists and commuters that are benefiting from the working system.

To the gallant MMA chairman, Bayani Fernando we can only say that this is one traffic reduction scheme that "visibly" works in the Metro. I suggest you take care and don’t let the few corrupt among the ranks of the MMDA cause its untimely demise.

Ford Day plus

It’s on its 3rd year running and by the looks of it Ford Group Philippines may have decided to make it a yearly affair — an institution.

The Ford Day 2005 though had a "plus" from the usual round of exciting activities designed to make the whole family come and stay.

This year’s celebrations, also held at the Fort Open Grounds in Taguig, placed on center stage the official launching of the Ford Road Safety Youth Council. Composed of 15 core students from the some of the finest schools in the country, the Ford Safety Youth Council aims to encourage youth participation in developing programs that would instill discipline and create awareness on road safety.

While road safety was the overall theme of the 2005 Ford Day, the event dubbed "Fun, Family, Ford" also featured a wide array of activities including car displays of both the old and the new of brands included in the Ford stable like Mazda, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover.

A dual event for Isuzu

Isuzu Philippines Corporation beat all the other auto manufacturers and distributors to the draw this year by coming up with its annual Christmas Party ahead of the rest — with a launching to boot.

Before the riotous merrymaking all eyes were on the much awaited 4x4 version of the much acclaimed Isuzu Alterra, which was unveiled to the media that evening at the Le Pavilion in Roxas Boulevard.

Although Isuzu felt that the 4x2 version is very much competent, the confidence provided by the go-anywhere, do-anything nature of a four-wheel-drive vehicle is a different story altogether, what with a convenient Touch-On-The-Fly electronic transfer case to make off-road driving hassle-free.

Similar to that of the 4x2 version, the Alterra 4x4, which only comes in 4-speed automatic transmission, is powered by the tried and tested 3.0-liter 16-valve DOHC 4JJ-1 I-TEQ diesel engine.

And for those who have found the 4x2’s astonishing smooth ride addicting, Isuzu has made sure that the same proven suspension combination of independent double wishbones with torsion bar springs and stabilizer bar in front and Flex Ride MOVE (Mobility On Versatile Equilibrium) semi-elliptical leaf springs with telescopic shock absorbers in the rear is in place in the 4x4 variant.

How much? Well if you go for the Alpine White & Sterling Silver Monotone have yourself ready with P1,589,000 while if you choose the Starry Black Two-Tone, just add P10,000 more.

There are some aesthetic differences, but you’ll have to check them out yourself at your nearest Isuzu showroom. Don’t let me rob you further of the excitement of discovering them yourself.

Now, the party that ensued after the motoring media finished in its meticulous study of the Alterra 4x4 was as usual exciting and full of fun and prizes. The theme was the 80’s era and those who went said I missed a lot for being under the weather that night and failing to come. Some of the motoring journalists made a "career" out of the costume party, and how. Whatever, the Isuzu Christmas party was a smashing success.

Volvo offers 5-year trouble-free motoring

It was the Lili Restaurant, that well-known Chinese restaurant at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila where Viking Cars Philippines, exclusive distributors of Volvo cars in the country invited the members of the SPMJ, the Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists, for a friendly lunch last December 7 to pass on the good news of Volvo’s 5-year Comprehensive Service Package to its clients.

According to Atty. Albert Arcilla, Viking Cars president, all brand new car purchases made from November 23 to December 31 of this year are entitled to avail of this outstanding offer where the buyers can enjoy hassle-free periodic maintenance services and specific replacement parts on their Volvos at no cost during regular service intervals.

This 5-year Comprehensive Service Package is part of the six Special Ownership Packages that Volvo is making available to its esteemed clientele, the others including; 0% Interest Financing Packages, Lowdown Plus, Straight Cash-off and Trade-up Ownership Package.

A trip to Viking Cars soonest can make you avail of any of these attractive packages.

Honda at Merk’s Bar

The Honda Christmas Party for the media that was held last Thursday, December 8 brought back my dancing shoes although already long set aside and actually due for retirement — thanks to Johnny Black and Henessy XO.

Honda Cars Philippines president Takashi Sekiguchi showed his own terpsichorean talents late in the evening although I missed seeing HCPI’s number-two man, Arnel Doria in the dance floor all through out the party.

Well, as usual the motoring journalists came in full force and shared camaraderie and fellowship with nary a care of what publication, medium or network of alliance — just friends and brothers in the same profession and passion having a lot of fun together.

I was still very much under the weather that day but Johnnie and Hennessy and a group of nuts called the motoring media changed all that.

Pit Lane Notes

Saying the phrase ‘BMW Sauber Team’ will take a lot of getting used to, but at least one thing about their squad remains unchanged: their driver lineup. There was a lot of speculation around Jacques Villenueve’s future with his team but BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen finally laid those rumors to rest this week when he announced that the former world champion would be retained. Villenueve reportedly said that although he never doubted his future with BMW Sauber, he admits that the last six years were tough on him as he found it hard to deal with new teams. He also said that Sauber has always been very competitive, and they will definitely be a team to watch out for this season with powerhouse BMW backing them up.

The Toyota Racing Team unveiled their new car called the TF106 last Monday, and since then, they’ve been busy with testing at the Circuit de Catalunya. Among the changes that were made were the new specification RVX-06 engine, new Bridgestone tyres, and a modified front suspension. Jarno Truli was reportedly quite excited over the new car, and cannot wait to drive it in the season-opening race in Bahrain in three months.

Jenson Button gave his new teammate Rubens Barrichello the perfect Christmas gift: his lucky number. BAR finished 6th place in the Constructor’s Championship, and will thus carry the number 11 and 12 in the 2006 season. Rubens would have gotten the number 12 as the team newcomer, but upon learning of his new mate’s lucky number, Button was more than willing to give him 11. The Brazilian had achieved the first race win of his career, all his karting titles and his first victory in the junior Formula Ford championship with the number 11.

Motoring Tip of the Week

Drinking and driving don’t mix. That’s the main friendly reminder that I’ll pass on to you for this week and next week’s column.

Happy Motoring!!!

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