Emission testing interconnectivity finally on?

If my sources were as updated as they present themselves, the LTO’s interconnectivity project, which originally bombed out just a few days after it was implemented in the midst of media hype reportedly due to the unpreparedness of some of the project’s participants, is finally, in a matter of speaking and literally "on line".

The new system would mean that the "no show" manner of being issued certificates of emission tests would be minimized and eventually totally eradicated. At the moment we were informed that the on line system gives out the number and description of the motor vehicle that has been tested and passed the established standards. But with the full implementation of the project, the on line system would include the actual picture of the vehicle that was tested. The added premium of the system is the deterrent for reported stolen or "carnapped" vehicles to be given the emission test without being detected as such.

It appears that the biggest road block (no pun intended) to achieving the targeted levels of vehicle emissions for all vehicles is the absence of enough MVIS or Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations for public vehicle emission testing. To date the biggest street pollution is coming from public utility vehicles, many of which are reportedly getting their emissions tests results without actual tests (non appearance).

We have the LTO under the leadership of Gen. Rey Berroya, to give credit for finally having this project lifted off the ground and hopefully fully implemented. I was told that another possible spin-off of this interconnectivity project is the verification of COCs or the Certificate of Cover of CTPL or Compulsory Third Party Liability insurance for motor vehicles, which has been, for the longest time, being scammed by the unscrupulous.

Takashi-san’s going-away present

The Honda Civic was judged by members of the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) as the 2006 COTY-P "besting over 35 entries from several Japanese, European and American manufacturers."

Other awards that the Honda Civic garnered were the Compact Car of the Year and the Best Value for Money special citation.

Word has it that Honda Cars Philippines soft-spoken and well-mannered president Takashi Sekiguchi is Tokyo-bound for a significant promotion and winning these awards can be the most fitting going-away present for a job well done in the Philippines.

Other multi-winners include Motor Image Pilipinas for Subaru Forester’s Best Entry Level SUV and Outback’s Best Luxury SUV and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines for the Mitsubishi’s Grandis’ Best Luxury MPV award and the Strada for Best Pick up.

The CAGI awards night was held last Thursday, March 8 at the Rockwell Tent in Makati.

Back to Tokyo after 4 years and 4 months

Mr. Yoshiaki Ichimura, evp for Marketing Division of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has been assigned back to Japan to tackle bigger responsibilities and greater challenges. I have always had fond memories of Ichimura-san as we always find ourselves together engaged in long conversations about the local auto industry whenever there are MMPC affairs.

Taking over is Mr. Taizo Furuhashi, who hails from Sojitz, Japan. I have had the pleasure of meeting this fine gentleman and I would like again to welcome him to the country.

To our friend Ichimura-san, my best wishes and we hope to see you again.

Honda puts up Honda Safety Driving Center

"We firmly believe that Honda’s commitment must not end in producing products with the most advanced safety features. Part of our DNA is to likewise impart the correct driving skills and techniques for the people to continuously appreciate our vehicles or driving in general," thus declared Mr. Takashi Sekiguchi, president and general manager of Honda Cars Philippines as the formal announcement of the opening of the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC) was announced at the Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City yesterday, March 13.

A non-stock, non-profit company put together by Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. and Honda Philippines, Inc. (Motorcycles), the HSDC shall operate a training circuit for automobiles and motorcycles safety courses in a controlled environment. It will be located in East Service Road, Parañaque, where the Honda Riding Academy was formerly located.

Deemed to house a "first" in Asia outside Japan, HSDC integrates in its track a "low friction" braking course where trainees will get to learn proper handling of automobiles and motorcycles in various slippery conditions.

Furthermore, a motorcycle dirt track is likewise included in the design to teach riders how to properly and safety negotiate unpaved terrain or roads that are debris-filled – which happens to be common in the Philippines.

Highly skilled driving and riding instructors will facilitate the lessons. Having completed a rigid and comprehensive training program overseas, their skills are continually sharpened through their annual participation in riding and driving competitions outside the Philippines.

HSDC aims to achieve its maximum capacity of training 8,500 drivers, 12,000 riders and more than 10,000 school children and senior citizens by year 2010.

Isuzu’s Takashima-san moves up

Mr. Ken Takashima, vice president for Dealer Network Division of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is moving up to face new challenges as Executive Vice President of Isuzu Operations (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Bangkok, Thailand.

After a short but meaningful stay and closeness to some media friends, Ken-san leaves his post here in the country effective March 16 and taking over is Mr. Yuki Kato, who’s not new as far as the country’s operations are concerned having been IPC’s vice president for Finance and Administration from 1999 to 2004.

We wish Mr. Takashima the best of luck in his new endeavor as we welcome back Mr. Kato to the Philippines.

Motoring Tip of the Week

Our friendly tip for today comes from no less than one of the known and recognized experts in what’s now known in auto parlance as "Bling Bling" or automobile makeovers or accessorizing.

Mr. Sammy Liuson of Wheel Gallery, exclusive distributors of Concept One wheels, says that if you want to upgrade your original wheels to the "big, wide and low profile" type that really makes heads turn whenever your vehicle passes by, just make sure you stay within your car manufacturer’s specifications by maintaining the allowable "outer diameter".

Beautiful big, wide wheels are great, as long as they are safe.

Happy Motoring!!!

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