Why worry about stiffer fine

Many groups, lead by no less than the country’s biggest organization of motorists, the AAP (Automobile Association Philippines) have expressed their support for the government’s move to implement increased fines for various moving and non-moving violations of both transport drivers and operators.

And parallel to this endorsement of motorists comes the howl of protest from transport groups claiming that the fines are too stiff for drivers who can only earn so much and not equitable to the proposed rates of penalties.

But then some quarters who can’t seem to reconcile in their minds the relevance of the protest could only come up with a quizzical query, “What’s your worry if you would toe the line?”              

Only those who are habitual traffic law violators, the recidivists should worry about this measure to put more teeth into our traffic rules and regulations—into the violators’ pockets.

And then there’s the apprehension from the transport sector that the higher fines could only mean bigger takes for the “kotong” cops.

“Then don’t give them the reason to pull you over, toe the line by obeying traffic rules at all times” was the immediate repartee of those supporting the mulled move.

Besides, complaints from drivers now have an ear among the ranks of the enforcers. Try the MMDA chairman, he hates crooked traffic enforcers.

An awesome showcase of Isuzu Trucks

While currently having a firm hold on the country’s commercial vehicle segment, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) recently showcased its diverse product range during its 2014 Truck Fest Manila, with the objective of further ensuring the brand’s continued leadership in the local market.

IPC’s Trucks for Life lineup took the spotlight at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia from June 11 to 14, 2014 following a similar equally successful edition held in Clark, Pampanga last May 8 and 9.

“The past few years have shown a tremendous increase in the sales of trucks and buses, with growth rates going past 30% not only for Isuzu, but for the entire auto industry,” says IPC president Nobuo Izumina. “It is no coincidence that during this period, we also saw the growth of the economy, placing the Philippines among the strongest growing economies in Asia. This is proof that the truck and bus segment plays a key role in nation building. Isuzu rises to this challenge by providing world-class trucks and buses that are suited to the needs of all Filipino businesses.”

Isuzu is arguably one of the Philippines’ most trusted brand when it comes to trucks, proof of which is the N-Series being the country’s bestselling light-duty truck for 15 consecutive years. To lend more credence to such a distinction, IPC brought forth at the 2014 Truck Fest the new Isuzu CYZ and EXR heavy-duty trucks, which can be configured depending on the requirement of a particular company.

Isuzu Philippines also took the opportunity at the event to turn over new CYZ and EXR trucks to the companies that have previously made reservations, namely; Pan Pacific Petrofuels, Rephil Station Inc. and GITC Supply Solutions for the EXR and 1^st Balfour for the CYZ.

The EXR with a gross combination mass of 45,000 kilograms is powered by Isuzu’s 6WF1-TCC engine that has an intercooled turbocharger and a high-pressure multi-injection, common-rail direct injection (CRDi) fuel system that allows a power output of 390 PS and Euro II emission compliance. It also has an aerodynamic cab design and an optimal ground clearance, which makes it capable of tackling rough terrain. Its driver’s seat conforms to the latest Euro safety regulations, adding to an auto-adjust wedge-type brake with ABS.

While the CYZ, is rated with a gross vehicle weight ranging from 30,700 kilograms to 33,000 kilograms and runs on the same engine as the EXR, so it has high torque ratings even in low rpm ranges, helping it achieve excellent fuel efficiency. Similarly, the CYZ’s cab is also aerodynamic and can be tilted for easy maintenance access. A strong chassis frame and heavy-duty multi-leaf Trunnion suspension, and a no-spin-type differential are among its key features.

The new purchases indicate that IPC is on track to surpass, or match at the very least, the company’s truck sales total in 2013. Last year IPC’s tally in the segment reached 2,682 units. In the first five months of 2014, IPC sold 1,130 trucks to various companies.

“As business people, we would like to worry less about logistics and focus more on growth,” says IPC executive vice president, Takashi Tomita. “Developments are happening fast and all at the same time, and we often miss opportunities when we encounter operational problems that slow us down. Isuzu offers the solution to business needs, with each model thoughtfully designed to cater to every requirement” the friendly Japanese executive added.

IPC’s senior vice president for sales, auto industry veteran, Arthur Balmadrid proudly describes the 2014 Isuzu Truck Fest setup, “Lining up the event’s hall are 24 Isuzu truck models that are each designed for a specific business purpose. These are an NHR55 school bus & aluminum van, NKR71 composite/aluminum van, NPR71 fire truck, aerial platform and aluminum van, NQR71 telescopic and articulated crane, drop side and aluminum van, FRR90 drop side and aluminum van with side door, FVR34 dump truck and garbage compactor, FVM34 drop side and 28-footer wing van, 12.5 cu. m. CYZ51 dump truck, EXR51 tractor with 30 kl fuel tanker, a D-max Flexiqube and two I-Van in 16 and 18-seat UV Express shuttles.”

In closing IPC’s soft-spoken and affable president, Izumina-san added, “With this Truck Fest, we showcase the very best of Isuzu products, which have special features and rear body configurations.”

The Truck Fest, which IPC started in 2013, takes over from the Isuzu Truck Attack events that were held in 1999, 2004 and 2010.

Honda further affirms market presence

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), in its incessant bid to regain its strong market presence in the country recently announced the arrival of the refreshed Honda Civic, marking its third straight model launch in 2014.

While unveiling the newly upgraded Civic, HCPI president, Toshio Kawahara proudly declared, “Continuously exuding the distinctive character that has carved the winning heritage of the Civic badge, the new Civic we are introducing today further improves Civic’s values of spirited driving, advanced technologies and premium and sporty styling.” The amiable current top honcho of Honda Philippines with almost 5 experience-laden years of presence in the country prior to his recent appointment added, “The “More Sporty Civic” stands to be the grand concept for this updated model, which is reinforced by its three major characteristics: sporty design, advance features in fuel economy, entertainment and safety; and fun with dynamic driving and handling.”

The new Civic is available in both 2.0 and 1.8 liter engine displacements, both mated with 5-speed automatic transmission and capable to deliver maximum power output of 155 ps @ 6,500 rpm for the 2.0 liter variant and 141 ps @ 5,500 rpm for the 1.8 liter variants.

HCPI now offers the Civic in three variants, two of which will come with genuine MUGEN and Modulo aero kits fitted as standard. The 2.0 EL MUGEN variant comes with MUGEN accessories – sports grille, front under spoiler, rear under spoiler, side under spoilers, wing-type trunk spoiler and a MUGEN emblem. The 1.8 E Modulo variant on the other hand is equipped with Modulo front under spoiler, rear under spoiler, side under spoilers, wing-type tailgate spoiler.

The new Civic 2.0 EL MUGEN and 1.8 E Modulo come standard with fog lights, chrome handles and power retract side mirrors with integrated side turn lights. The new Civic now comes with a newly designed 16-inch three-dimensional, multi-spoke alloy wheels for its best selling 1.8 E variant to create an exciting balance between aerodynamic body styling and sportier stance, while the 2.0 EL MUGEN sports the signature 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

“With your hands steady on the steering wheel, experience the thrill of more spirited driving at your fingertips with the Civic’s race-inspired and fun-to-use paddle shift technology that delivers superb driving pleasure of a manual transmission” were Kuwahara-san’s encouraging words to the sporty drivers.” Should the driver opt for a more relaxed driving pace on long highway stretches, the cruise control is added to the new Civic” he gamely added.

For safety concerns as standard, the new Civic is equipped with driver and passenger SRS airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). The 2.0 EL MUGEN variant comes with additional safety features such as side airbags, side curtain airbags, vehicle stability assist (VSA), child seat anchors, and driver and front passenger seatbelt reminder; enabling it to be 5-star Asean New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN-NCAP) safety rating compliant. Both the 2.0 EL MUGEN and 1.8 Modulo variants are now equipped with a multi-view reverse camera that is capable of displaying HCPI’s SRP (suggested retail price) has the 2.0 EL Mugen at P1,368.00.00, the 1.8 EL Modulo at P1,118,000.00 and the 1.8S at P978,000.00.

Motoring Today online

Following in the heels of the first all video auto website, Auto Focus Online, the cyberspace version of the TV show of the same title, Motoring Today Online will soon have its presence in the internet.

With the same objective of giving automobile enthusiasts a chance to see online what they miss on the Auto Focus TV show, the country’s premier TV magazine that exclusively centers on the automobile and its industry when it airs every Thursday evening at 10 o’clock on the Home Shopping Network (Sky Cable, Channel 13), Motoring Today Online shall also feature the 27-year old TV show’s regular viewing fares like news updates on the country’s transportation traffic management issues, road safety reminders, car maintenance tips, motor sports and motoring industry news and other aspects of motoring that are aired every Sunday, 12 noon on the Solar Sports Channel (Sky Cable, Channel 70).

Happy Motoring!!!

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