Motoring Today Column

Mar 10, 2021

March is looking to be a month for all-new launches. And we're not just talking about all-new vehicles but also about an all-new reburnishing of the old one-stop-shop concept.

One is the launch of an all-new pickup that makes the 2021 pickup truck war all the more interesting. Two is the opening of a one-stop-shop block for motorists.

All New DMAX

Isuzu Philippines Corporation launched the all-new DMAX in a digital debut streamed on its official Facebook account and YouTube channel.

Isuzu unveiled a DMAX lineup of 10 variants with suggested retail prices starting from P857,000 up to P1.825 million, indicating its seriousness about battling for dominance in the local pickup wars.

During the launch, IPC president Hajime Koso said: "We are very excited to introduce this model to the Philippine market-a market that has been particularly special for us since there are a lot of scenic routes and challenging terrains all over the country that a pick-up and 4x4 enthusiast would love to traverse, especially on the weekends. Because of that, we've made sure that the All-New D-MAX will have a wide range of choices to cater to every consumer's needs."

Isuzu says the new generation DMAX is truly an all-new pickup built from ground up following the Japanese automakers universal design concept aimed, among other objectives, at minimizing vibration and reducing cabin noise.

It added that All-New Isuzu D-MAX "has been redesigned to keep in harmonious step with the modern-day Filipino's ever-changing needs, and is more than capable of meeting the unpredictable daily demands of both work and lifestyle, while still achieving that remarkable balance between toughness and style."

The new DMAX lineup has variants powered by by the new 4JJ3-TCX which uses a highly advance Isuzu common rail system that can deliver 190 PS of power and 450 Nm of torque and the RZ4E-TC which generates 150PS of maximum power and 350 newton meters of torque.

Isuzu has also armed the all-new DMAX with a host of the latest developments in driver-assist and safety technology as well as for smart connectivity and infotainment.

Depending on which DMAX one acquires, available are the 10.1 Infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice control and the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) that employs state-of-the-art sensors and a first in its class Smart Duo Cam.

Also available in some of the variants are active and passive safety features such as Forward collision warning (FCW); Autonomous emergency brake (AEB); Turn Assist; Pedal Mis-application mitigation; Adaptive cruise control (ACC); manual speed limiter (MSL); lane departure warning (LDW); blind spot monitoring (BSM); rear cross traffic alert (RCTA); parking aid, and multi-collision brake (MCB).

Isuzu is also offering some cute freebies for the first first 200 customers who reserve and purchase the All-New D-MAX at any of dealerships. These freebies include a special-edition Isuzu D-MAX Miniature as well as the opportunity to be part of raffle for 50 Limited Edition D-MAX G-Shock watches.

Phoenix Block

There's a new Phoenix on the block. Interestingly enough, it's called the Phoenix Block.

What it is is one-stop-shop place along the Sucat Skyway where you can get fuel, LPG, automotive maintenance and repair services, stock up on convenience store products, and digital transactions, all from Phoenix.

Describing itself as a multi-industry consumer brand and the fastest-growing, leading independent oil company in the country, Phoenix this new initiative solidifies its intent to expand the beyond petroleum sector.

This self-proclaimed homegrown institution says the Phoenix Block a multi-purpose retail compound that features a Phoenix gas station, aFamilyMart convenience store, a Phoenix SUPER LPG Hub, an Autoworx Plus automotive care shop, Posible digital payments, and Limitless digital transactions.

The Phoenix Block along Sucat also features a Wendy's take-out and drive-thru counter, which it says is first of its kind in Asia for the restaurant chain.

The Wendy's local franchise is also under the Phoenix parent company, Udenna.

In press statement, Phoenix President Henry Albert Fadullon, said: "The Phoenix Block is a great representation of what the Phoenix brand is today--more than just fuel. We may have started as a petroleum company, but we now offer a more extensive portfolio of products and services, offering a complete and cohesive selection of brands that complement a full lifestyle."

Phoenix Block along Sucat Skyway is just the first of many.

Said Arnel Alban, Phoenix vice president for retail operations, network development, and non-fuel retailing business: "We plan to replicate this project in more locations and make Phoenix a part of more communities."

LRT-2 Extension

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) has great news for commuters from Marikina and Antipolo.

It announced that two new stations - part of LRT-2 East Extension Project - will begin operations by the end of next month.

One is the Marikina Station in front of the Sta. Lucia mall and Robinsons and the other is the Antipolo Station in front of SM Masinag.

Great boon, too, for those regularly shop at those malls.

Soft-opening for both stations is scheduled for April 26, 2021, with operations starting the next day.

The LRTA said two new stations will serve commuters from Recto, Manila going to Masinag, Antipolo, and back with travel time from Recto to Masinag estimated at around 40 minutes.

Faster MRT-3

Regular riders of the Metro Rail Transit 3 have been enjoying the faster turnaround and shorter waiting times at stations because of continuing rehabilitation work and the use of more trains.

Kudos for these great news should be given toSumitomo Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, maintenance contractor for the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project, according to MRT-3 Director for Operations Michael Capati.

During a recent virtual press conference, Capati reported that MRT-3 rehabilitation project has significantly increased the number of operational trains.

The MRT-3 set a new highest record of 23 running trains on the mainline last January 21.

MRT-3 trains have also attained running operational speeds of 60 kilometers per hour since last December.

This has resulted in shorter headway or waiting time between trains at stations from 4 minutes to 3.5 minutes.

In terms of passenger volume, the MRT-3 reported that 172,665 commuters rode the MRT-3 last February, the highest recorded during the Covid-19.

The MRT-3 also reported that on a daily average 66 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) out of 72 LRVs are operating on the line.

The six LRVs are now undergoing general overhaul, it added.

Happy Motoring!!!

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