Motoring Today Column

Jan 26, 2022

Is the government's program to privatize the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) doomed to fail?

Investors who answered the call of government to support the program to privatize the MVIS fear this happening.

After decades of failing to establish a government-operated MVIS, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) embarked on a program to privatize this through accreditedPrivate Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers ( PMVICs).

The PMVICs are supposed to inspect and certifiy roadworthiness as well as compliance with emission standards of light vehicles and motorcycle registered with the Land Transportation Office ( LTO).

The plan was for PVMICs to take over the role of certifying compliance with vehicle emission standards mandated by the Clean Air Act from Private Emission Testing Centers ( PETCs) which are to be phased out.

However, the rollout of PMVICs met with protests and criticisms that prompted the President himself to weigh in on the program.

PMVIC inspection was not made mandatory as planned and operators which spent millions to acquire testing equipment were forced to lower fees to match those charged by PETCs just for emission testing.

In an exclusive interview with Motoring Today,Atty. Fudge Tajar, spokesperson of theVehicle Inspection Center Operators of the Philippines ( VICOAP), said the situation is untenable for its members whose revenues can't even meet operating costs.

When asked if the MVIS program is in danger of failing, Attorney Tajar said, "I would have to say yes. If the current conditions continue it could discourage future investors from entering the industry."

If PMVIC testing is not made mandatory even just in areas where some are now operating, "PMVICs won't be able to sustain their actual operating costs and will end up closed," the VICOAP spokesperson said.

While VICOAP believes the DOTr, at least those in the top levels, remain steadfast in pushing through with the MVIS privatization program, "on the ground level PMVICs are being boxed out from conducting their mandate," she said.

"I guess our presence endangers the livelihood of 'quote-unquote' corrupt officials on the local level. They are benefitting from the previous system," she added.

VICOAP is working hard to gain the public's trust following birth pains experienced during the initial rollout of the MVIS privatization program but "those whose interests are being thwarted by our presence have gone to great lengths to discredit the PMVICs both with the public and the policymakers," said Attorney Tajar.

Addressing fears of some motorists wary of reports of vehicles damaged during testing at PMVICs, the VICOAP spokesperson said: "The only time there were regular reports of these damages were in the beginning of the implementation -the birth pains- which full responsibility was taken in the facilities involved.

She assured the public that "if it is indeed determined that the facility was indeed responsible for the damage of vehicles, then it's only right that the management assume responsibility and resolve the issue in a manner acceptable to all concerned."

"VICOAP members actually guarantee the accuracy of the inspection and testing. Our service speaks for itself. We invite all to come to our centers and experience the process for themselves." she said.

Finally, Attorney Tajar said: "Responsible vehicle ownership includes ensuring the safety of your vehicle. By demanding honesty and trustworthy service, you are doing your part in putting an end to the status quo of fixers whose practices continue to erode the trust in government."

Peugeot's New Partner

Congratulations are extended to Peugeot Philippines which now has a new partner heading into 2022.

"Having just celebrated our tenth anniversary in the Philippines, we are energized to continue building our momentum in the country through our great vehicles and after-sales service offerings with Astara as our partner," Peugeot Philippines Brand Head Maricar Parco said.

Astara , one of the biggest automotive distributors in Europe andLatin America, recently partnered with Stellantis, one of the leading global automakers where the Peugeot brand is housed.

The partnership ushers in Astara's expansion in Asia, starting in the Philippines.

"Astara will bring to the Philippines its strong expertise in strategy implementation and a wealth of cross-market experience to realize the potential of PeugeoT in the Philippines," said Stellantis Senior Vice President for ASEAN and General Distributors Christophe Musy .

Adds Peugeot Philippines Managing Director Raoul Picello said: "Our investment will help infuse a renewed sense of vigor for Peugeot Philippines and its patrons, creating a more purposeful brand that resonates to the Philippine market."

Peugeot Philippines plans to introduce four new vehicles this year, starting with the New 5008 SUV.

First BMW Salvo

SMC Asia Cars is starting off the new year with the launch of the new BMW 520i Luxury.

"We are thrilled to bring a more intuitive premium business sedan in the BMW 520i Luxury," said Spencer Yu, SMC Asia Car president.

"The updated version brings forth features that are usually found only in the higher tiers of the luxury car market. This wide variety of innovations onboard make it immensely competitive at its price point and renders the new 5 Series perfect for the next generation of trailblazers who are looking to change the way they lead."

Priced at P4.29 million, the newBMW 520i Luxury comes with a comprehensive 5-year or 200,000-kilometer warranty.

Happy Motoring!!!

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