Motoring Today Column

Sep 02, 2020

The latest model to join the Maxus vehicle lineup has inspired its distributor to max out all the wordplay possible from its British marque.

There's the Maxus taking the MPV segment "to the max" with the introduction of three variants of the G50: The 1.5 Turbo DCT Pro, the 1.5 Turbo DCT Elite, and the 1.5 Turbo DCT Premium.

Then there's the G50 doing "Max more" with the "do-it-all" attitude of multi-purpose vehicles infused with Maxus' 124 years of British-bred heritage, global expertise and experience in light commercial vehicles or LCVs.

There may be basis for all the max play on words.

A legitimate 8-seater, the Maxus G50 is not just an "all-in-one vehicle," but a "more-in-one" MPV for use as daily ride, a vehicle for business or delivery, or for weekend leisure rides with the family, says a Maxus Philippines press statement.

The G50 suits young entrepreneurs and up-and-coming corporate managers by ticking off all boxes on the list of criteria defining a compact MPV and adding more to the package, Maxus adds.

This list includes turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine, a spacious 8-seater cabin, reverse camera, Park Distance Control, keyless entry, push-start button, Electronic Stabilization Program, and Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold for all variants.

Plus A 12-inch touchscreen display unit for the infotainment system, 360-degree view camera, leather seats for the Premium and Elite variants.

And finally a panoramic sunroof, mobile wireless charging, LED headlights and power tailgate for the top-of-the-line Premium variant.

But the best thing about the Maxus GS50 may be its pricing.

Said Maxus Philippines general manager Reginald See: "The G50 is an MPV that can take in even your extended family members since it's an 8-seater. It's ideal for long road trips and family picnics. The great thing about this is that it has the price of a sub-compact MPV."

The 1.5 Turbo DCT Pro priced at Php1.088 million, the1.5 Turbo DCT Elite at Php1.168 million, and the 1.5 Turbo DCT Premium at Php1.288 million.

Electric Development

The new normal may see more electric vehicles on the road. At least, that is the prediction-or hope-of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP).

EVAP, along with the Manila Electric Company and event sponsors Nissan and Mitsubishi, is holding the 8th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit on September 24 to 26.

The theme of the 8th PEVS is "Moving Forward to an Electrified Mobility in the New Normal."

The summit will be held on-line and will discuss the challenges and opportunities the EV sector faces as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"EV prospects continue to be bright despite the pandemic. According to International Energy Agency forecast, global sales will rise 6% this year to 2.3 million vehicles before exploding to 45 million by 2030," EVAP president Edmund Araga said in press statement.

This optimism may have basis as more and more automakers and distributors are launching all-electric vehicles and hybrid variants of popular models. Some of the newly launched hybrid vehicles are more affordalble.

Cashless Tollways

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) finally found good reason to mandate cash-less transactions as well as the integration of payment system at linked tollways.

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the DOTr has been encouraging toll operators to automate toll payment process which could then easily lead to integration of toll collection.

While the country is still under community quarantine restritions, the DOTr has released a department order mandating cash-less payment of toll at all tollways, setting a November 2 deadline for all to obey.

The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) has expressed support for cashless toll collection.

"Our expressway network that includes the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Manila-Cavite Expressway, and Cavite-Laguna Expressway is primed for cashless and contactless transactions within the year," said Rodrigo E. Franco, MPTC president and CEO.

He added that the "MPTC tollway group is accelerating all preparations to fully implement all-RFID transactions in our toll plazas."

The MPTC has tied up with Shopee to help motorists get RFID chips which they can install in their cars themselves.

San Miguel Corporation has also said it was working to implement the DOTr directive by the November 2 deadline.

SMC subsidiaries operate the Skyway system, the NAIA Expressway; South Luzon Expressway, STAR tollway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

"We support government policy to go cashless. We also believe it will stem the spread of the virus even as we keep transportation and mobility open and efficient. I would like to remind the public: For your added convenience and safety, please avail now of your free RFID stickers at our toll plazas. There are no requirements, so it will be very quick and easy," said SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang.

The RFID chips or stickers and installation are free. What are we waiting for?

10-Year Licenses

First it was five. Now it's 10. Motorists can now be issued driver's licenses with 10-year validity.

But only those who have not been cited and ticketed for traffic violations over a five-year period can get what theLand Transportation Office (LTO) calls Premium Driver's License.

The LTO hopes this will be an incentive for driver's to drive more carefully and safely, complying with all traffic rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, the LTO is devicing a new point system that will complement the new effort to reward careful and disciplined drivers. The points system will record minor and major traffic violations and set demerit points for the violations.

The LTO said those who earn 10 demerit points can get their license suspended. Those who earn 40 or more can see their driver's license revoked.

Carrot and a stick policy! Can this make drivers more disciplined? We should all hope the answer is yes.

Happy Motoring!!!

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