Motoring Today Column

Jun 27, 2018

The most bought automobile model may not necessarily be the most popular or the most preferred. In many cases the decision to purchase a particular car is not based on what a buyer actually likes or prefers but on what's practical to have in terms of budget, function, how many it can accommodate, etc., but not really because it's the model that makes the buyer's heart jump just by its mere sight.

Having said that, many have really wondered what these vehicles really are. What automobile models are the real aspirations of the motoring public?

For more than a decade now Sunshine TV, producers of Auto Focus, the country's premier news and features TV and Online magazine that's exclusive to the automobile and its industry have been conducting a yearly search and recognition of the most popular vehicles from the country's automobile manufacturers and importers by way of the Auto Focus People's Choice Awards.

Since the awards' birth in 2005 it has been a long learning process for the awards' creators and organizers to come up with the most accurate method to determine the motoring public's prevalent choices. Initially votes were cast through SMS when the Nissan X-Trail (Compact SUV) was proclaimed the first ever recipient of theAuto Focus People's Choice Awards for "Automobile of the Year".

The distinguished list of awardees of Automobile of the Year since then, include the following: 2005 - Nissan X-Trail , 2006 - Isuzu Crosswind, 2007 - Honda Civic , 2008 - Kia Carens, 2009 - Hyundai Grand Starex, 2010 - Kia Sorento, 2011 - Nissan Teana, 2012 -Toyota Vios, 2013 - Toyota Vios, 2014 - Toyota Vios and Lexus IS350, 2015 - Toyota Fortuner and Lexus NX200t, 2016 - Toyota Fortuner and Lexus RX350, 2017 - Toyota Fortuner and Lexus RX350

Through the years the methodology changed in the seemingly unending search for a more precise and equitable system like printing ballots in one of the country's top dailies as well as in a popular car magazine after giving up on the SMS voting. There was also a combination of SMS and Online voting. Then the organizers started to realize that actual sales of the car entries should definitely be part of the equation as making a purchase is a major manifestation of choice. But then there was the question of how to valuate votes and actual sales, what's the best equation? Should it be in favor of sales or the vote, as sales cannot truly reflect the public's aspiration?

For 2018 the equation of combining actual votes and unit sales with valuation of 80% for actual votes and 20% for the vehicle sales to determine individual scores shall hold steadfast with the actual nationwide registration figures of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as documented by its longtime official IT Provider, STRADCOM still the basis to determine actual sales.

However, voting would be done so much easier this year with the application of the 'top of mind' principle. The on-line voting will be simplified with voters having to enter just1 to a maximum of 5 picks for Automobile of the Year in either or both Standard and Premium/Luxury classifications in entering their daily votes.

Organizers of this yearly polling exercise see the new mode of choice as simpler and better. 'Top of mind' awareness and immediate preferences are keys to consider a car model's popularity. And cutting down on the choices and process makes it ultimately easier to register one's choice coupled by the fact that the voting can be done via hand-held and mobile gadgets.

The recognition of the most preferred models for each of the different categories, like sedans, SUVs, sports cars, pick ups, vans, etc. stays. As well as the distinction between the Standard models from the Premium Luxury vehicles.

In tandem with the AFPCA, the Auto Focus Media's Choice Awards (AFMCA) will be undertaken. The AFMCA seeks to acknowledge the automobile industry's continuing efforts to offer car buyers and owners the best possible products. It gives honors to models that demonstrate the top features, value and performance as adjudged by a panel consisting of motoring media professionals and practitioners. Awards are for those chosen for best in Design, Engine Performance, Safety Features and Value-for-Money for each of the 12 Standard and 10 Premium/Luxury model categories.

But, with very stringent criteria applied, the highest vote does not necessarily merit an award. In order to nail a win, a model must exceed at least half of the total media votes cast within a specific model/award category. No winner will be declared unless the 50% majority vote is achieved. This single factor is what is seen to give the AFMCA award of much value.

According to auto industry players and observers the inception of the People's Choice Awards in 2005 and the counterpart Media's Choice Awards in 2008, has provided all stakeholders, the car buying public, auto makers and distributors, and motoring media, a channel of expression, communication and feedback.

Public voting to determine this year's Automobile of the Year started last Friday, June 22. Voting details are on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram @AutoFocusPHL or direct on the voting website www.autofocus.com.ph/afpca2018.

By the way, like in the past years daily electronic raffles with valuable giveaways shall be held and your chances of winning are on a daily basis as you cast your vote.

Of course bikers are different from those that drive four or more wheeled vehicles-they occupy less road space and therefore they are less of a cause of traffic congestion.

So, if it's true, why should our police and traffic enforcers discriminate against them?

So, if it's true, why should they be the favorite for harassment by the authorities?

With all due respect to our biker friends, discriminating against and harassing bikers can be considered as "anti poor" demeanor by the authorities. Although I know for a fact that some motorcycles are a lot more expensive than the already expensive automobiles, most of our bikers are those that use the more affordable private transport, with most of our 4-wheeled vehicles too pricy for them to afford.

Some lawmakers have promised to look into these possible discrimination and harassment toward bikers and we'll follow through this committed succor for our fellow legitimate motorists.

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments & inquiries (email) sunshine.television@yahoo.com