Motoring Today Column

Oct 29, 2020

There's a public transport experiment going on that is really worth noting. It is not actually called an experiment but it can be seen as a form of ayuda for public utility vehicle operators as well as drivers now suffering loss of income as a result of the lockdowns and community quarantine restrictions.

Transport authorities call it Service Contracting. In essence, government will be paying transport operators and drivers a performance based-subsidy to supplement their earnings from fares.

The subsidy is supposed to cover part of the operational costs of PUV drivers and operators while operating under limited capacity in compliance with health protocols.

Service Contracting is "being undertaken in line with the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act to ensure efficient, safe, and financially viable operations of public transportation," according to a Department of Transportation press statement.

This subsidy program is initially proposed to last for three months and is funded by an appropriation of Php5.580 billion.

Drivers of Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) and Public Utility Buses (PUBs) plying the opened routes during the various Community Quarantines are qualified to beneficiaries of the program. Around 30,000 PUV units are to be contracted.

However, transportation authorities may be looking for better business models to replace what they describe as a fragmented transportation system that is "outdated and does not serve the needs of all relevant stakeholders."

They may be looking at Service Contracting to help meet mobility requirements of the commuting public and ensure unhampered movement of goods to support economic activities during the current health and economic crisis.

There is a school of thought that see the Covid-19 pandemic lasting well into 2021. And if Service Contracting succeeds in providing "a dependable public transport sufficient in supply to cater to passenger demands with predictable trip schedules," then we could see it extended.

Some are saying that perhaps government should begin to seriously consider subsidizing mass transport if it can't afford to provide the service itself.

Honda Twin Launch

Honda Car Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has joined the rush to launch new offerings for the last quarter dash for sales. And it's a two for one launch, rolling out the newHonda CR-V and the fifth generation all-new City in digital debuts streamed live on it official Facebook page and Youtube channel.

Quite notable aside from redesigned front bumpers and grille and other other exterior tweaks is that the seven-seater variants of thenew CR-V are powered by a1.6-liter DOHC i-DTEC Turbo Diesel engines mated to a9 Speed Automatic Transmission, which produces120PS at 4,000rpm, and a maximum torque of 300Nm at 2,000rpm.

The diesel engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The five-seat variant of the new CR-V is powered by2.0-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which produces a maximum output of 154PS at 6,500rpm and peak torque of 189Nm at 4,300rpm.

Meanwhile, the All-New City rolled out at the virtual launch is noticeably bigger than its predecessor.

In styling, interior comfort and convenience features, the fifth-generation City ups the ante for all stakeholders in the subcompact segment.

Notable in the All New City range is the top-of-line 1.5 RS CVT variant which comes with a complete set of sporty upgrades including a High Gloss Black front grille with RS logo emblem, sporty front bumper and grille, full LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Fog Lights, Sporty Black Power Folding Door Mirror with Integrated Side Turn Signals, Gloss Black Trunk Spoiler with RS logo, and a newly designed sporty 16-inch Alloy Wheels.

The All-New City is powered by a new 1.5-liter 4 Cylinder DOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine mated to a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) which generates a maximum output of 121ps at 6,600 rpm and a maximum of 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm.

A six-speed manual transmission is available in the 1.5 S MT.

11-Years of Chevy

The Chevrolet brand has steadily grown locally and it is all thanks to The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) which is now celebrating its 11^th anniversary as the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the country.

Since it was appointed by General Motors Southeast Asia Operations to manage the full business operations for Chevrolet in the Philippines, TCCCI has built a network of 23 strong, 7 in Metro Manila and 16 across different regions.

TCCC also has grown the range of Chevy vehicles it is offering locally, from the Suburban, Tahoe,Camaro, and Corvette to theColorado, Trailblazer, Trax Premer and Spark.

"We are immensely grateful for the continued confidence of the Filipino market in Chevrolet. It is their love for Chevy that drives us to constantly find new ways to deliver innovative and commited customer service, and bring global and iconic Chevrolet nameplates to Philippine roads," said Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, president and chief executive Officer of TCCCI.

"Chevrolet is a brand driven by great resolve and boundless optimism. While we continue to navigate through unprecedented market conditions, we are determined to strengthen our product portfolio and fuel the brand's potential for renewed business growth in the local automotive scene," Arcilla added.

Two-Years of MG

Also having an anniversary celebration, its second, is MG Philippines which by the way is also under the umbrella of TCCCI distributorship.

MG Philippines started selling MG-brand vehicles back in October of 2018 and already has sold well over 5,000 units, more than half of which were the MG ZS crossover.

Aside from the ZS, also in MG Philippines' vehicle roster is theMG 5 Sedan, the RX5 SUV, and the MG 6 Fastback Sedan.

MG started with 12 dealer partners and today has a total of 28 fully operational MG dealerships across the country.

Said Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, president and CEO of MG Philippines: "At the onset of our appointment, it was our goal to introduce stylish, high value-for-money, attainable vehicles to the local motoring public, and we were fueled by the positive reception we have received from our principals, our dealer partners, esteemed motoring journalists, valued stakeholders, and of course our increasing loyal clients. The MG brand's British heritage and design, and the skilled entrepreneurship and progressive thinking of our principals at SAIC Motor International (SMIL), matched with the personal and sincere desire of TCCCI to serve the Philippine motoring public has created a convergence of talent, with aspirations that we will continue through the years."

Happy Motoring!!!

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