Motoring Today Column

Jul 01, 2020

The cautious resumption of business in the automotive sector seems to be gaining some momentum with more companies launching vehicles and announcing plans to launch more within the year.

Even with unclear and uncertain government plans and programs for easing towards the new normal, traditional and social media are abuzz with news and posts of an automotive sector active with initiatives to recognize, aid, and reward so-called frontliners in the fight to contain and overcome the Covid-19 contagion.

The automotive sector, and we should include assemblers, importers, and distributors of motorcycles as well as trucks and other commercial vehicles, is learning to use digital platforms-Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and on-line publications- to good advantage.

Both to identify themselves as one with front-liners and the communities and customers the automotive sector serves and to show confidence in the economy-and itself as well-recovering from the pandemic.

This may just be the industry putting on a brave front in the face of desperate Covid-19 times. Still an active automotive sector-based on the number of new model launches, announcement of plans for more, dealerships reopening their doors and service center, announcement of plans to expand dealership networks-should serve to give people confidence in the industry and the economy itself.

Meanwhile, the new model and refurbished model launches, the promos for frontliners and non-frontliners should bolster sales and help the auto sector hold on until the inevitable revival of the economy.

BMW Option

A motorcycle may be the safest mode of personal mobility amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Rider is masked and helmeted on the road. And medical experts point out that infection is greater in closed confines of airconditioned vehicles riding on bikes.

New two-wheeled options have arrived for those looking to acquire new vehicles to avoid the dangers of Covid-19 contagion in public transport.

BMW Motorrad Philippines finally pushed through with the formal launch of the 2020 BMW F900 R in the country.

The Covid-19 pandemic scuttled plans to formally launch what BMW describes as a dynamic roadster in a grand festival to be attended by motorcycle enthusiasts back in March.

BMW Motorrad was forced to settle for a virtual launch alongside the recent on-line rollout of the 2020 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe.

Two variants of BMW's midsize naked bike- theBMW F900 R Standard and the BMW F900 R Style Sport. Both are powered by an 895cc in-line 2-cylinder engine generating 105 horsepower at 8750 revolutions per minute and 92 Newton-meters of torque at 6500 rpm.

Both also come standard with Anti-Lock Brake System and Automatic Stability Control, Keyless Ride System, as well as two riding modes: "Rain" and "Road."

The Standard variant is priced at Php655K while the more fully-loaded with cutting edge technology Style Sport is priced at Php775K.

Both are now available for sale at the six BMW Motorrad dealerships in the country.

Ford F-150 Returns

Ford Philippines has brought back the renowned F-150 to the country. Two variants of America's best-selling pickup truck are made available locally: theF-150 4x4 Platinum SuperCrew AT and F-150 4x2 Lariat SuperCrew AT.

"The F-150 is definitely a strong addition to our pickup truck portfolio as we continue to lead the segment with the widest range of trucks, now totaling 15 variants," said PK Umashankar, Ford Philippines managing director in a press statement.

"The F-150 is packed with segment-defining features and capabilities that have made it the truck of choice across America and the world. We are excited to bring back this legendary Ford truck to Filipino customers who seek next-level power and refinement in their pickup," Umashankar added.

Ford said the F-150 is equipped with Ford's 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology that generates 380 horsepower and 637 Nm of torque.

The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. The F-150 4x4 Platinum SuperCrew AT is equipped with an Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) 4x4 System.

The F-150 is now available at Ford dealerships nationwide with a starting retail price of Php2,698,000 for theF-150 4x2 Lariat SuperCrew AT andPhp2,998,000 for the F-150 4x4 Platinum SuperCrew AT.

Hino's 10-Wheeler

Hino Motors Philippines has joined the Facebook livestream bandwagon with the launch of the newest addition to its 500 series of medium-duty trucks, the all-new Hino FL 10-wheeler.

In a press statement, Hino said the all-new Hino FL 10-wheeler truck sets new standards for medium-duty trucks with its improved safety and comfort, superior reliability and optimum fuel economy.

"We at Hino will always be a committed and solid business partner that continuously innovates and adapts to the changing needs of our customers. We expand our product portfolio and broaden our trucking solutions to provide our customers with the right Hino truck that meets their business needs," said HMP Chairman Vicente T. Mills.

"With this new Hino truck, we aim to partner with more businesses and establishments and support more Filipinos in this time of need. We assure our customers of the Hino promise of reducing total running cost and downtime and maximizing lifetime value through the excellent quality of our aftersales services," Mills added.

KIA Expansion

Even as the country slowly eases Community Quarantine restrictions nationwide, Kia Philippines has announced plans to open new dealerships.

In a press statement, Kia Philippines revealed that it was opening several new dealerships by the third quarter of the year to widen its reach and make the Kia brand even more accessible to Filipinos.

"I am very excited to announce that Kia Philippines hopes to continue the gains it has made in 2019 by expanding our reach and allowing us to give Filipinos more surprises," said Manny Aligada, Kia Philippines president.

"We, together with our business partners, are confident that this move will help strengthen the brand's presence and show the Filipino people that we are here for them, despite the challenges we are facing today," Aligada added.

Among dealerships with full sales and service facilities set to be opened soon are Kia Marikina, Kia Fairview, Kia Isabela and Kia Bonifacio Global City.

Maxus on Lazada

Maxus Philippines has began selling its roster of quality light commercial vehicles online at Lazmall of Lazada Philippines, the country's leading eCommerce platform.

Maxus also is offering big discounts and special financing schemes for its vehicles.

These include a Php50,000 discount for thePhp1.9 million Maxus G10 MPV 1.9 AT; aPhp40,000 discount for thePhp1.53 million Maxus V80 Comfort 13-seater van, andPhp50,000 discounts on all variants of theT60 pickup prices of which range from Php948,000 to Php1.278 million.

Happy Motoring!!!

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