Dynamism over passivity

Despite the flak that the Erap-Isko tandem of the City of Manila is getting, some even from their fellow local government executive counterparts, for their controversial but firm stand in the truck ban row, I would give this pair an “A” for being an “action duo”—they see a persistent problem, they see a solution and they implement it. If that’s not swift determined action devoid of dilly-dallying I don’t know what is.

Yes, I agree the Manila truck ban may have some negative economic consequences but it cannot be denied that in the few days that it was implemented it indeed de-clogged the city streets of humongous container-carriers that greatly contribute to the snail’s pace of traffic flow. They were few days of relief for thousands of Manila motorists.

Some are of the opinion that indeed the truckers would bear directly the negative impact of the Manila truck ban. And they also say that it could be a small price that needs to be paid for the good of more people. Studies show that billions are lost yearly because of the traffic in the metro. How do these huge losses compare to that of the truckers?  

Yes, the “Erap-Isko” tandem has agreed to a compromise of extending the window of allowing trucks to travel through the streets of Manila to two more hours. But they said it was only temporary until it proves ineffective. Of course it will not work, if the idea is to rid Manila of its infamous traffic problems—sheer volume of vehicles is one big culprit.

Some are suggesting that we go the way of some countries that actually works, which is to limit deliveries in the entire metropolis to an 8-hour window, say from 10pm to 6am. All that the business establishments that receive the deliveries would have to do is design a receiving system for goods during that window. This would stop the traffic-causing practice of delivery van drivers of parking in any available space near their place of delivery while making their deliveries. They can do this during the delivery window without causing traffic obstruction.  

Think about it.

Isuzu’s D-Max LS 4x4 put to the test in Ilocos

Last week, from February 27 to March 1, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) invited a group from the motoring media to showcase the D-Max LS 4x4’s off-road driving performance and leisurely traits through an event where this all-new pick up model challenged the terrain of the world-famous Paoay Sand Dunes in Ilocos Norte. The vehicle, which carries Isuzu’s reputed strengths of durability, reliability and fuel-efficiency also showed-off its promise of go-anywhere adventure through its tried and tested 4x4 system.

The motoring journalists who were all flown-in to the northern end of the Philippines were reported to have been awed when the D-MAX LS 4x4 provided excellent stability and traction over the numerous obstacles at Paoay Sand Dunes---naturally designed in demonstrating the pickup’s advanced electronically controlled 4x4 system. In 4x4 High and 4x4 Low modes, which can be engaged via a knob conveniently located on the vehicle’s center console, the motoring media experienced how the D-MAX LS 4x4 tackled terrain and overcame conditions which are far worse than anything that can be found or experienced in normal driving situations.

Apart from off-roading capabilities, the comfort of the latest D-MAX LS 4x4 was also demonstrated by the IPC executives who joined the trip on the winding roads of Ilocos Norte and also led the event participants to visit historical attractions like the Marcos Museum, the Malacanang of the North, and the Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

In the 2-day ride and drive event the participants were made to experience the D-Max LS’s spacious cabin, leather seats finished in mahogany shade, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, backseat center armrest, 15 storage compartments and 10 cupholders and premium 2-DIN CD/MP3/Micro USB/Aux Input/Jack/Tuner with Bluetooth connectivity audio system with six-way speakers and a first-in-class ceiling-mounted exciter speaker, while on and off the road.

After spending an enjoyable evening at the Playa Tropical Resort Hotel in Currimao, the D-MAX LS 4x4’s best-of-both-worlds combination of toughness and luxury was further established on the roads that link the Bangui Windmills, Pannzian Beach Resort in Pagudpud, and the rock formations at Barangay Kapurpurawan.

“The D-MAX has always been known for strengths that not only make it a workhorse but also as a vehicle that can provide owners maximum enjoyment,” IPC’s friendly president Nobuo Izumina said. “In the all-new D-MAX 4x4, these traits are enhanced through features that improve performance and convenience, while at the same time guaranteeing durability, reliability and fuel efficiency. The test drive on the sand dunes and the roads of Ilocos should remove doubts regarding this pickup’s capabilities,” the soft-spoken IPC top executive added.

“Ensuring the off-roading prowess of the D-MAX LS 4x4 is a new 4WD Terrain Command Select Dial that allows the driver to switch from 4x2 to 4x4 High mode even while traveling at speeds of up to 100kph,” explained Joseph Bautista, IPC’s top honcho for product planning. “The truck boasts an approach angle of 30 degrees and a departure angle of 22.7 degrees, and can be tilted sideways on a 49-degree slope. It is also equipped with a Limited Slip Differential and has one of the highest ground clearances among pickups, thanks to a ride height of 235mm. Along with 255/65R-17 tires, the truck is very suitable over unpaved roads and flooded situations,” he added during his product presentation to the motoring media.

“Isuzu designed the latest D-MAX to have a heavy-duty chassis and a body structure that’s constructed from high-tensile strength steel, making it more rigid. With a superior suspension system composed of independent double wishbone with coil springs in front and semi-elliptical over-slung leaf springs in the rear, vehicle stability is achieved while being able to accommodate a heavy payload,” proudly declared IPC’s senior vice president Art Balmadrid.

Art, the highly-respected highest Filipino executive of IPC who was given a surprise birthday celebration by the motoring media and IPC executives during the event’s grand ending-dinner added, “Power for the D-MAX LS 4x4 is provided by a 4JJ1-TC iTEQ 3.0-liter Common Rail Direct Injection with Turbocharger and Intercooler diesel engine, which makes 146ps @ 3,800rpm and 294Nm @ 1,400rpm to 3,400rpm. Matched to this is a new 5-speed automatic transmission that has been thoroughly modernized with a sequential shift function.”

After the hands-on experience of motoring media, to let customers know of the D-MAX 4x4’s capabilities, IPC will stage a series of 4x4 test-drive activities starting at Isuzu Pampanga on April 25 to 27; Isuzu Cebu on May 9 to 11; Isuzu Bacolod on May 23 to 25; Isuzu Cagayan de Oro on June 6 to 8; and Isuzu Davao on June 20 to 22.

Of course, Isuzu Philippines shall have a very strong presence during the Caltex Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival that’s happening at the SM Mall of Asia on April 24 to 27 together with almost the entire local auto industry composed of importers and manufacturers (BMW, Lexus, Peugeot, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Honda, Ford, Mitsubishi, Kia, BYD, Nissan and Toyota) to give the public a chance to see up close and experience current model brand new vehicles for close scrutiny and test drive.

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments email motoringtoday-star@stv.com.ph / sunshine.television@yahoo.com.