Motoring Today Column

Dec 08, 2021

Can we achieve zero road collision fatalities with technology and road safety education? Is this even possible?

Honda Motor Company of Japan believes this can be achieved and has set 2050 as the year when this will happen.

At least that's the goal. And the goal of zero fatalities is meant only for Honda automobiles and motorcycles.

Honda presented this truly ambitious goal during the world premiere of present and future safety technologies it is developing to achieve zero traffic collision fatalities by the year 2050.

Honda aims to achieve this through two main initiatives.

One is called "Intelligent Driver-Assistive Technology" that uses artificial intelligence to reduce driving error and risks.

The other is called "Safe and Sound Network Technology" that will connect all road users, both people and mobility products, through telecommunication, making it possible to predict potential risks and help people avoid risks of collision.

As part of efforts to attain zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050, Honda said it is also expanding the introduction of Honda SENSING 360, the recently announced omnidirectional safety and driver-assistive system, to all models to go on sale in all major markets by 2030.

Honda added that it will continue working to expand application of a motorcycle detection function and further enhance functions of its ADAS or advanced driver-assistance system .

Anther initiative to complement development of software and hardware technologies for the prevention of road collisions is the development and spread of safety education technologies undertaken through its Honda Safety EdTech program.

To be sure, many major automotive brands are also developing technologies aimed at preventing collisions and deaths. But only Honda apparently is brave enough to set zero deaths from collision as the main and definitive goal.

Electrified Nissan Goals

Advocates for more use of electric vehicles will be happy to learn thatNissan Motor Company of Japan plans to launch 20 newElectric Vehicle and e-POWER equipped models in the next five years.

Nissan also revealed that it intends to increase its sales mix across major markets by fiscal year 2026, including by more than75 percent of sales in Europe; more than55 percent in Japan; more than40 percent in China, and by 40 percent in the US.

Nissan revealed this during the unveiling of what it calls Nissan Ambition 2030, a long-term vision for empowering mobility and beyond.

The Japanese automaker said this vision includes transforming Nissan into becoming a truly sustainable company, driving towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world.

In unveiling Nissan Ambition 2030, Nissan said that over the next 10 years it will deliver exciting, electrified vehicles and technological innovations while expanding its operations globally.

It added that this vision supports Nissan's goal to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products by fiscal year 2050.

Nissan is putting money where its mouth is by investing two trillion yen (roughly close to 18 billion dollars) over the next five years to accelerate the electrification of its vehicle lineup and rate of technology innovation.

Ford's Diesel Gift

Ford Philippines has a yuletide treat for pickup enthusiasts: the All-New Ford F-150 Lariat Diesel 4x4.

Many have been clamoring for an F-150 with diesel power and torque. And here it is.

The latest F-150 in Ford's local lineup is powered by a 3-liter 4-Valve DOHC Power Stroke® V6 Turbo Diesel engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology that generates253 horsepower and 596 Newton-meters of torque.

It only comes with a10-speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission withProgressive Range Select and Selectable Drive Modes.

This F-150 Lariat also features LED cargo box lighting, power running boards, LED reflector headlamps with dynamic bending, LED foglamps and taillights, configurable daytime running lights, and 20-inch six-spoke wheels wrapped by all-terrain tires.

The spacious double cab interior features a twin-panel moonroof, 12-inch digital instrument cluster screen, a stowable shifter, leather-trimmed bucket seats with heating and ventilation function, second row bench seat with folding armrest with cupholder.

Infotainment system comes from a 12-inch LCD touchscreen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, an 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system, and six charging ports.

It also equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0, a suite of safety and driver-assist technologies.

Suggested retail price is P3.398 million.

Coding is Back

Private motorists should be aware that the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program, or also known as the number coding scheme, is back.

Thankfully for some, it returned modified to only affect motorists only during the afternoon rush hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Depending on the end number of vehicle license plates (for those already with) or conduction sticker (for those still without license plates), vehicle are banned from going out on metro roads during the specified rush hours.

During those hours, private motor vehicles with plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited during the afternoon rush hours on Monday, 3 and 4 on Tuesday, 5 and 6 on Wednesday, 7 and 8 on Thursday, 9 and 0 on Friday.

The MMDA said the resumption of the modified number coding scheme will only cover private vehicles.

Exempted from the modified UVVRP are public utility vehicles (including tricycles), transport network vehicle services, motorcycles, garbage trucks, fuel trucks, motor vehicles carrying essential and/or perishable goods.

The MMDA also said light trucks will also be banned along EDSA during the rush hours from Monday to Friday also following the number coding scheme.

Happy Motoring!!!

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