Motoring Today Column

Feb 08, 2017

After our motoring section column ("They say, they say", January 18, 2017) came out, wherein we published excerpts from a couple of Parańaque City ordinances and resolutions passed and approved during the administration of former mayorsJoey Marquez and Jun Bernabe, which specifically allowed free motorists' access to Aguirre Avenue, El Grande Avenue and Elizalde Street, more critical reactions were relayed to us by residents and business enterprise owners of BF Homes .

One of the most intriguing reactions of this group of puzzled residents and businessmen questions the seeming inaction of second-term mayor ofParañaque City, the HonorableMayor Edwin Olivarez to what appears to be BF Federation of Homeowners Association's (BFFHAI) blatant disregard to existing ordinances, specifically those previously mentioned here.

"If there are previously approved ordinances and resolutions that specifically allow free access to these main thoroughfares, why is our dear Mayor, who we freely voted and even went unchallenged on his second term, allowing BFFHAI to continue harassing motorists entering BF Homes and requiring residents to purchase stickers just to be able to enter their own subdivision and go back to their own homes?"

They also asked.

"Why doesn't our very popular and well-loved Mayor allow the free market forces take their natural course and let businesses within BF Homes thrive and make land values take their true unimpeded rising levels?"

I can only, in my own limited way through this column, act as a conduit of free thoughts to hopefully reach the rightful ears.

Again, please don't shoot the messenger.

The Bonifacio Global City Amphitheater was the chosen launching site of the 2017 Isuzu D-Max X-Series last January 27.

For aesthetics this upgraded model of the X-Series is characterized in its exterior by a gun-metallic radiator grille that is brightened by a bold red Isuzu badge complemented by a front skirt highlighted by red striping further enhanced by a newly-designed, two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels.

"There is no denying that the Isuzu D-Max is an ideal vehicle for leisure activities and is also a highly capable workhorse. With the arrival of the new D-MAX X-Series, the new model now addresses the lifestyle mobility requirement of active and urbane families too. So now, no other pickup truck available in the local market can offer the combination of utility, reliability, versatility and high style that the D-MAX X-Series does" was the statement released by Isuzu Philippines president Hajime Koso.

The D-MAX X-Series is powered inline-four 3.0-liter Common Rail Direct Injection diesel engine that produces max power of 163 PS and 380 Nm of torque with Variable Geometry System turbocharger and intercooler. It has a 5-speed automatic with sequential shift and 5-speed manual transmission.

It's available in three colors-Splash White, Venetian Red andCosmic Black and available for test-drives in all Isuzu dealerships nationwide.

Porsche Philippines launched their latest release of the Panamera, their well-received executive sports sedan together with their Chinese New Year celebration with the motoring media with a 'mami & siopao' party held at the Carrera Café last Friday, February 3.

The new Panamera Turbo has a new biturbo direct injection engine, which is more powerful than its predecessor while significantly improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. It's a4.0-liter V8 engine with an output of 550 hp and 770 Nm of torque, which is an increase of 30 hp and 77 Nm compared to the former generation.

It is all-wheel drive with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission. 100 kilometers is taken in 3.8 seconds.

An up close and personal look and a test drive is a must.

Suzuki Philippines (SPH) general manager for automobile, Shuzo Hoshikura proudly announced the leading compact car manufacturer's record-breaking 37% year-on-year growth as they wrapped up 2016.

"With this, on behalf of Suzuki Philippines, I would like to extend our gratitude to our clients, whose unwavering support translated to Suzuki's massive sales influx in 2016. As we prepare for the coming months, we shall continue to prove that we are deserving of our clients' trust through our great-value products and services," appreciatively remarked the very dynamic SPH top executive.

We also gathered from Ms. Odessa Gan, SPH's very charming marketing manager that SPH's astounding sales performance can also be attributed to their efforts to bring their products closer to Filipino's hearts by way of timely product launches, successive dealership openings, test drive events coupled by accolades from different award-giving bodies like the Auto Focus Media's Choice Awards, which bestowed upon the Ciaz, the"Best Value Money Compact Sedan" for 2016-2017.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) held its traditional Thanksgiving Party for the Philippine motoring media for consistently doing a good job of updating the public regarding the goings on in the local automotive industry.

And also getting to be a tradition during the traditional event is the proud announcement that TMP has again seized the 'Triple Crown' for again being Number One in sales of passenger cars, Number One incommercial vehicles and Number One in the country's overall vehicle sales. And this feat is also getting to be a tradition being marked for the 15^th 'consecutive year'.

But this year the ante is up with an added jewel in the crown, with TMP now part of the Top 10 Toyota distributors worldwide in terms of sales.

It was also during the event that TMP's new executive vp for marketing, Kei Mizuguchi was introduced to the motoring media by TMP president Satoru Suzuki during his keynote speech.

The incoming TMP executive before being assigned to the Philippines have handled various markets across the region in Thailand and Taiwan and even in the country back in the 90s.

Congratulations to Toyota Motor Philippines!

Happy Motoring!!!

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