Motoring Today Column

Nov 10, 2021

Not a week goes by without one auto maker and distributor coming out with special editions of various models and variants.

Everyone is working hard to fill up quotas for the year in the season known for seeing sales rise.

Black Xpander

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) has just rolled out the

Mitsubishi Xpander Black Series which is offered funnily enough in two colors: Quartz White Pearl and Black Jet Mic.

Both are priced at P1,138,000.

Give Mitsubishi Motors some love for coming up with Xpander Black Series in both black and white, two of the most-sought after colors for vehicles in these parts.

The black in the Black Series refers to the color of the accessory accents.

At the front, the grille, dynamic shield garnish, lower bumper, fog light bezel and door mirrors are all rendered in black to project an aggressive look, says Mitsubishi.

From the side, the sill garnish, door handles, panel moldings, rear lower bumper and 17-inch alloy wheels are all painted in black to complement the overall characteristic of this new variant, it adds.

The black variant of the Black Series should be quite menacing in a good way.

The white variant of the Black Series should be quite dramatic for the contrast effect.

Mitsubishi claims that since its launch in 2018, the Xpander "has become the no. 1 selling vehicle in its category."

It expects the special Black Series to help it maintain that distinction.

Says Takeshi Hara, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines : "The new Xpander black series is developed to rejuvenate excitement towards our number 1 selling MPV. The Xpander remains to be a very important product in our vehicle line up and we at MMPC are geared to consistently enhance its offerings to cater to the various demands of the market. With the black series, the Xpander presents a more sophisticated look."

Double S-Presso

The Suzuki S-Presso, like its caffeinated namesakes, gives quite a big kick.

Despite its size, the S-Presso has been quite in demand in the market since its launch back in March of last year, according to Suzuki Philippines.

And to continue to spike that demand, Suzuki has come out with the S-Presso Special Edition.

Suzuki says S-Presso now comes with black cladding, skid plates, stylish alloy wheels, and rear spoiler.

The interior has also been spruced up with silky silver ornament on center console, AC louver and side door moulding.

The S-Presso Special Edition comes inStarry Blue Pearl and is priced at P568,000.

Ventilation Protection

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is reminding public utility vehicles, especially air-conditioned PUVs, of the need to keep their windows partially, if not fully, open to maintain better air ventilation.

The LTFRB issued the reminder after it began allowing PUVs to accommodate more passenger to as much as 70 percent of capacity.

The LTFRB reminded operators and drivers of PUV to comply with health guidelines aimed at preventing or avoiding Covid-19 infection.

These include wearing masks and faceshields properly, avoiding talking and answering phones, no eating or drinking, as well as frequenlty disinfecting vehicles.

Bike, E-Scooter Sharing

Can bike- and e-scooter sharing catch on in local communities?

Moovr PH , the first bike and e-scooter sharing company in the Philippines, is betting on this.

It is now offering its services through the Moovr app in Makati City.

In a press statement, Anna Moncupa, founder and CEO of Moovr, says: "With the launch of Moovr in Makati City, we can provide all Makatizens with an accessible transportation alternative that prioritizes their health and safety."

"I am excited to finally launch Moovr in the city this month, so everyone can experience the convenience of riding bikes and e-scooters around the city for faster and safer travel," she adds.

Moovr indicated it chose Makati as another city to offer its services because the leading bike-friendly central business district in Metro Manila and continuously supports cyclists who ride their bikes around the city for work or leisure.

Moovr opened its Makati operations by setting up Moovr Hubs and parking lots in partnership with AyalaLand.

Those wishing to use Moovr bikes and e-scooters need to download the Moovr app for free from the App Store or Google Play Store and create an account by signing up for the service by registering email address or linking Facebook or Google accounts on the Moovr website.

Vehicles can be rented for a maximum of 24 hours and e-scooters must be returned if the battery is less than 15 percent.

The Moovr app will direct riders to the nearest designated Moovr Hubs and parking spots.

Happy Motoring!!!

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