Motoring Today Column

Oct 05, 2022

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has extended the age limit of public utility vehicles by two more years.

It's apparently another decision much informed by the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects on the transport sector.

The LTFRB has set the maximum age limit for buses at 15 years;UV Express at 13 years; tourist bus at 10 years and transport network vehicle services units at seven years.

The LTFRB also approved by the LTFRB is extending the deadline for PUV operators to settle their fees until the end of the year.

In giving transport operators two more years to operate units beyond the maximum limit, LTFRB chairperson Cheloy Garafil says: "We expect that a substantial number of PUVs will benefit from this board resolution based on what we talked about with different transport organizations."

She adds: "This is based on our discussions with the transport groups, who asked for the waiving of penalties to give them more time on their applications and for them to start on the road again."

Perhaps it's only fair that the LTFRB give transport operators at least two years to recover from losses incurred from Covid-19 restrictions.

Valuing MSME's

Toyota , like many other auto companies, has always valued small- and medium-sized businesses as a good source for clientele.

They represent a good percentage of sales for auto companies. Remember the Tamaraw FX?

The Tamaraw may arguably be said to be the first AUV. Toyota aimed the Tamaraw, quite aptly named, at families and traders and entrepreneur's, large and small. And was quite successful at it, leading to the new segment.

But auto companies also value micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) more than just as a good source for sales.

Toyota highlighted this in its latest marketing campaign for the second coming of the Lite Ace.

A Toyota press statement leads with these factoids: MSMEs made up 99.5 percent of the Philippines' business establishments, employed 63 percent of the country's workforce, and contributed to 40 percent to GDP in years before Covid 19 pandemic.

Those numbers comes from United Nations Development Program statistics.

Toyota then says that as the economy is steadily opening up, MSMEs need access to financing to help them resume operations and re-enter the market.

This is why Toyota Financial Services Philippines (TFSP) has come up with the Kabuhayan on Wheels Financing programs for Lite Ace.

These programs provide the following ways SMSEs can acquire a Lite Ace: (1) Vehicle Loan and (2) Finance Lease - both customizable to ensure hassle-free payment terms; and (3) the Lite Sa Bulsa promo which allows customers to pay as low as P2,903.50 weekly.

"With the vision of bringing mobility for all and the goal of enabling local businesses to contribute to economic recovery," Toyota invites all SMSEs to start moving forward in their business with the all-new Toyota Lite Ace which is available in pickup, panel van, FX utility van, and cargo aluminum van variants.

Check those offerings out at www.toyotafinancial.ph.

Ford's 25th

Ford Philippines is marking its 25th anniversary. Time really does fly.

We remember whenFord Motor Company Philippines, Inc. (FMCPI), Ford Motor Company's Philippine-based subsidiary was established back in 1997.

We hope we remember it right. Terry Emrick was Ford Philippines first president, who became a friend to us and many others in the beat.

That first year Ford sold 97 Ford Expeditions, the first model made available locally. And after 25 years, Ford counts close to 400,000 customers its fold.

These also include owners of Ford Club Wagon, EcoSport, Escape, Everest, Expedition, Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, F150, Lynx, Mustang, Ranger, Territory, Town Car (Lincoln) and Transit.

Ford is celebrating its 25th year with the theme "Driving Our Future Together."

Says Mike Breen, Ford Philippines managing director: "We thank all our stakeholders who have been part of our journey for the last 25 years - our customers, dealers, employees, business partners, and communities.

"We appreciate the amount of support, partnership and collaboration you have extended through the years. As we move forward to the years ahead, we will continue to go further and take the Ford ownership experience to greater heights."

Ford is inviting customers, followers, enthusiasts, and dealer partners to join the festivities by updating their profile photos on Facebook using the official Ford Philippines 25th anniversary frame.

There is also an invitation to participate in the #MyFordStory program and post stories with photos and videos about their Ford vehicles, experiences, and memorable moments on social media pages using the hashtag.

It's one of those times when we wish we're techy enough to join in these kinds of celebrations on social media.

Happy Motoring!!!

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