Motoring Today Column

Nov 16, 2022

First off we'd like to invite everyone to the country's biggest outdoor test drive festival happening tomorrow until Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia open grounds.

It's called the Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Test Drive Festival where the latest and best from major and popular brands are available for viewing and test drives.

These include Changan, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota and WM Motor.

What can be a better way to try out, compare, and reserve that dream ride you are planning to gift yourself and your family this holiday season?

Even if you're not in the market for your first or next vehicle this Christmas, the festival should be a fun way to live out that dream to drive your future vehicle.

And if your future is all electric, the festival should provide some of theHEVs, PHEVs and full electrics now available in the market.

Remember, electric vehicles, the plug-in hybrids and the full electrics, are exempted from coding restrictions.

Heroic Partnership

Speaking of electric, the new partnership betweenHero MotoCorp. of India and Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC) can see the arrival of a scooter that can electrify the local market for battery powered two-wheelers.

Hero MotoCorp touts itself as the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters while TMC is a member of the Columbian Group of Companies, an old and experienced hand in the local automotive industry.

TMC will not only distribute Hero motorcycles and scooters locally but will set up an assembly plant for two-wheelers which is slated to begin production by the second half of 2024.

An exciting prospect for local distribution is Hero's new VIDA V1, the Indian motorcycle-maker's first electric vehicle-the VIDA V1.

Says Sanjay Bhan, Head of Global Business, Hero MotoCorp, of the partnership: "Our partnership with Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC) to enter the Southeast Asian region is an integral part of this expansion strategy. The trust and technology prowess of Hero MotoCorp combined with TMC's automotive expertise and network in Philippines will definitely create an impact and strengthen our footprint in this key market."

Adds Bienvenido Sanvictores Santos, TMC chairman: "This is a coming together of two visionary companies and the new partnership will lead us to new horizons by enabling us to deliver modern, technologically superior and eco-friendly mobility solutions to our customers here."

TNVS Law?

Is there a need for a law to institutionalize ride-hailing services or the operation of Transport Network Companies?

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian thinks so, filing Senate Bill No. 817, which seeks to Institutionalize rules and regulations governing transport network vehicle services.

In published reports, Gatchalian explained the need for such a law: "It is important for the development of the country that we develop modern transport systems. We need to put in place mechanisms that will develop the industry along with transport network services and provide protection to passengers."

In SB 817's explanatory note, Senator Gatchalian said: "The bill seeks to define the nature of TNCs and Transport Network Vehicles and clarify their role as a common carrier."

In the same note, Gatchalian also alluded to what SB 817 wants to correct or clarify under regulations now in place that cover the operation of TNCs and TNVs.

The explanatory note said taxi operators alleged that Department of Transportation (DOTr) orders covering TNCs and TNVs offer unfair competition because they are not subject to regulations covering other public transport modes.

It added that congressmen cited issues on liability and tax collection.

Finally, Senator Gatchalian said, "It is our intention to ensure that regulation is not a hindrance, but continues to the safety net that the public can rely on for its protection. In the interest of transportation development and public service, support for the passage and approval of (SB 817) is earnestly sought."

Full Speed Ahead

More contracts have been signed covering various phases and segments of the P488.4 billion Metro Manila Subway Project.

This was announced by DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista in a press statement following the signing ceremony held atMalacañang Palace for MMSP Contract Packages 102 and 103.

"We now have majority of these contracts awarded with construction of several sections in full swing," Bautista said.

Contract Package 102 covers construction of the Quezon Avenue and East Avenue Underground Stations and Tunnels to be undertaken by a joint venture ofNishimatsu Construction Company Limited and D. M. Consunji Incorporated.

Contract Package 103 (CP103) covers work on the Anonas and Camp Aguinaldo Underground Stations and Tunnels to be undertaken by the Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Company Limited.

"With contract funding securely in place, there is no stopping the realization of the country's Golden Age of Infrastructure under the Build Better More program of our President," said Bautista.

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments & inquiries:

(email) sunshine.television@yahoo.com

(website) www.motoringtoday.ph