Motoring Today Column

Jul 04, 2018

The tricycle, the little brother of the jeepney in being an icon of the common tao's mode of transport is on the limelight as traffic enforcers have seen its use as regular transporter of very young students whose parents cannot afford the high cost of the traditional school bus as unsafe aside from being basically illegal especially when used in National Roads.

It's another one of those 'no win' arguments for both sides. The authorities have the unarguable argument that putting 8 to 10 young bodies on a vehicle that can only safely carry 3 adult persons including the driver is unsafe. To add to this, the tricycle configuration is not one of those approved by the traffic authorities as suitable to be a school bus. And to top it all, tricycles are prohibited by law from operating along main roads.

But then on the other side, there's the politically non-contradictable reason or excuse of being poor, and barely making both ends meet while trying to give one's child the education that's just a dream to many others. They can't afford a school bus and even hardly, a tricycle to bring their children to school.

What's the 'Solomonic' solution? I leave that to the government.

But there's one issue that involves tricycles that may not be as hard to solve, if only most LGUs (Local Government Unit) would have the political will. I'm referring to the tricycle's very dangerous presence in our highways.

By an existing law, tricycles, motorized or otherwise, to include similar unsafe modes of transport like the 'kuligligs' (field tractors dabbling as transporters) are not allowed to ply our highways.

A few years back (probably a decade) we have checked with the'caretakers of the highway', the Highway Patrol Group why, despite an existing law, they allow tricycles in the highway. They not only pose danger to faster traveling vehicles, especially at night, they also cause tremendous delay in the transport of people, goods and services as the faster vehicles would have to slow down every few kilometers due to their slow and road hugging presence-a bane to the country's economic development.

We were apprised that the HPG had their hands shackled in implementing the law by the presence of permits to operate given out to the tricycle owners and operators by the LGUs. Since then I stopped asking.

But with an administration bannering good governance by an unusually strong political will, I'm asking again now, "Why can't the PNP HPG stop tricycles, "kuligligs" and the like from dangerously running in our highways?"

I don't think we need a King Solomon to solve that problem.

Suzuki Philippines , which is presently shaping up in the local automobile industry as a compact car exponent recently came up with a back-to-back launch of the much-anticipated, all-new Dzire and Swift.

The grand dual unveiling, held at the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City, which was attended by over 500 media, bankers, and dealers nationwide, introduced not only the latest upgrades on bothSuzuki vehicles, but also the revolutionary Japanese Technology behind these newest innovations.

No less than the 'father' of both models, the Japanese engineer who built the Dzire's and the Swift's technical design almost from the ground, Chief Engineer Masao Kobori flew in from Japan to attend the much-heralded event and to personally proudly explain the revolutionary technology used for both models.

During the launch the all-new Dzire was presented as a comfortable sedan in a compact body with advanced technology and features to enhance the driving experience that sports the Auto Gear Shift or AGS technology, which reportedly combines the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission and convenience of an automatic transmission.

On the other hand, the all-new Swift was touted to boasts of a daring transformation while retaining old features that Filipino customers love-blacked-out A pillars for wrap-around windows, dynamic side-window treatment and distinctive vertically arranged lamps.

The all-new Dzire comes in two variants starting with the GL MT priced at P638,000.00 and the GL + AGS lists at P698,000.00.

The sporty Swift has three variants starting with the GL MT at P775,000.00,GL CVT at P799,000.00 and the GLX CVT at P899,000.00.

If you want to see any of the latest remarkable models of Jaguar and Land Rover the place to go now is at 1008 EDSA Greenhills as All British Cars recently opened the doors of its official showroom in a gala inaugural event.

All British Cars , the first and only official dealer authorized by Coventry Motors Corporation to sell and service Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles proudly unveiled their new spacious, modern showroom and after-sales workshop to hundreds of guests as proof of the company's commitment and dedication to become the dealer of choice for discerning Filipino customers.

The celebration was attended by a number of Jaguar and Land Rover Asia Pacific executives led by its sales director,Alistair Scott and joined by sportsman,Mandy Eduque, president ofAll British Cars; and byGeorge Barcelon, chairman of Coventry Motors Corporation. British Ambassador H.E. Daniel Pruce and San Juan City Mayor,Hon. Guia Gomez also graced the event .

The new dealership showcases the latest and greatest Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in its almost 10,000 square feet brand new showroom, which allows for nine vehicles, comfortable seating lounges for customers, sales offices, and multiple merchandise and accessories displays. The showroom also has a dedicated vehicle handover area and adequate parking spaces for customers.

There's still a whole mouthful to say about the new home of Jaguar and Land Rover but I suggest you see and experience them yourselves while feasting your eyes on some of the latest models that the extraordinary marquees presently offers to the discerning local premium luxury market.

Happy Motoring!!!

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