Motoring Today Column

May 24, 2023

Private motor vehicle owners are starting to enjoy the benefits of on-line renewal of registration through the Land Transportation Management System portal.

In essence it has shortened the time and eased the hassle of getting one's vehicle registered.

Much of that time is spent at accredited Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers.

Once the vehicle is certificated as roadworthy, the process goes essentially on-line.

Many of our friends have posted on social media their positive experience with the on-line registration process that the Land Transportation Office has established.

Now the LTO is moving to let public utility vehicle (PUV) operators also enjoy the benefits of on-line renewal of registration for their units.

According to news reports, the LTO has begun discussions with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for better interconnectivity of data bases to facilitate LTO access to LTFRB's list of certificate of public convenience (CPCs) issued to PUV operators.

Aside from making the renewal process more convenient, on-line registration would also help get rid of fixers, according to the LTO.

The reasoning is laudable. But even this early, some observers are expressing concern about the integrity of the process, especially with regard to the motor vehicle inspection system in place for PUVs.

These observers point out that LTO has not been as assiduous or strict when it comes to inspection of PUVs for roadworthiness, as it is for private motor vehicles.

They point to the multitude of PUVs still on the road that obviously won't pass even a cursory inspection for roadworthiness.

But LTO chief Jay Art Tugade has offered this assurance: "The LTO and LTFRB must assure that the PUVs plying our roads are roadworthy units. We want to ease the burden of PUV operators when it comes to the renewal of the registration of their units."

Next-Gen Raptor

Ford Philippines had great success with its initial rollout and subsequent iterations of the Ranger Raptor in the local market.

Will it find the same or greater success with the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor ?

Ford is certainly confident that the Next Gen Ranger Raptor will strengthen its leadership in the pickup segment which it claims raises the off-road performance bar.

Designed and engineered by Ford Performance, the Next-Gen Raptor certainly makes a strong case that it can with a reliable, powerful and efficient powertrain, smart technologies and advanced safety features, a commanding exterior look, all the while delivering upgraded interior comfort and convenience.

Says Mike Green, the irrepressible managing director of Ford Philippines : "Rooted in our Ford Performance DNA, the Next-Gen Raptor is more capable and tougher than ever. It is designed to conquer any terrain with a bold new look and powerful performance with major upgrades and enhancements to already-popular features that Filipino customers have grown to love.

"We are truly excited for the return of the Raptor brand, and we are confident that the second-generation Raptor will continue to resonate with performance pickup enthusiasts in the country."

Off-road enthusiasts should be excited and assured to hear that the Next-Gen Raptorhas had extensive testing in the Australian Outback .

Says Dan Ciccocioppo, T6 Global Program Manager and Product Development Launch Manager, Ford Motor Company : "Through simulator tests, computer modelling and punishing real-world testing in the Australian outback, we've improved key areas like steering, ride and handling at high and low speeds, on- and off-road. This takes what was an already incredible platform and we further leveled it up to deliver an outstanding driving experience for our Next-Gen Raptor customers."

Isuzu Graduates

In 2008, Isuzu Philippines, World Vision Development Foundation, and TESDA joined hands to start the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project in Tacloban, Leyte.

The project involved establishing an IHSP training center for automotive mechanics catering to those who have less in life.

Since 2008, the IHSP center has seen 351 graduates.

This year another batch of graduates joins the ranks of individuals from poor families who now have the skills to be productive members of society.

Honda Pampering

Some cool moms from the motoring media were pampered by Honda Car Philippines in celebration of Mother's Day.

All got lent an All-New Honda BR-V which they used to drive in convoy up to the Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay.

There the moms were treated to a healthy and sumptuous lunch at the Farmers Table and some pampering at the Nurture Spa.

After that new iteration of a motoring test drive event, can we now officially call the All-New Honda BR-V a mom's car?

Happy Motoring!!!

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