Auto industry shows teeth

It appears that the local automotive industry must really be so darn frustrated with the government on its foot-dragging regarding the issue of used car importation. Their importation and auction visibly go unabated to the chagrin of the industry. The sector maintains that aside from the sad reality that these steadily eat into their market, there’s also the huge possibility of having the country flooded with unsafely converted right hand drive vehicles and those with emission levels far above what’s allowed by our Clean Air Act.

Proof of the industry’s frustration is the recent reported plan of the TMA or the Truck Manufacturers Association to seek a (TRO) or Temporary Restraining Order from the courts against the practice. This move would put into acid test the claimed legality of such importation as claimed by their importers and auctioneers and backed up by SBMA chairman Felicito Payumo. Most, if not all of these importations go through Subic Free Port.

The planned measure can be interpreted as a desperate move by the industry to make the government take a definite and final stand on the issue. Talks between the government and the automotive sector regarding the controversy have been going on since November 2000 with no end in view. With a reported 15,000-second hand vehicles still being held by the Bureau of Customs awaiting release, major industry players have expressed their apprehensions on their negative impact on the already dwindling sales by local car manufacturers.

It is also the concerned view of the industry that the second hand importation issue first be addressed once and for all before the other burning issue of additional excise tax is settled.

Honda confirms commitment

A venture that’s projected to generate $65 million in exports annually and 200 additional jobs for highly-skilled Filipino technicians was recently ceremoniously confirmed with no less than the President of the Philippines, Madame Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leading the rites.

The P1 billion-transmission plant of HPMC, Honda Parts Manufacturing Corporation, located at the Laguna Technopark in Sta. Rosa, Laguna had its groundbreaking and time capsule laying ceremonies last July 31. Once fully operational by the third quarter of this year, the new plant will be capable of producing 140,000 units of manual transmission assemblies supplying not only the Asean region but also the rest of Asia, Europe and the Americas including the US. This makes the Philippines the transmissions hub of Honda’s global network of factories.

Honda’s decision on the project was reportedly initially relayed to the President during her state visit to Japan in September of last year and re-affirmed on her latest visit to Japan last May.

Signet reacts speedily, so does Columbian

We thank the people behind Signet Motors Mandaluyong and Columbian Motors for swiftly reacting to the concerns of one of our readers, Mr. Wilfredo Chingcuanco, which we made mention in this column last week. Our self-confessed new no. 1 fan has special mentions for Mr. Felix Mabilog and Mr. Renato Velasquez.

Consistent quick reactions to your customers’ concerns would definitely elicit further trust and confidence in your operations and more importantly, in your ever-valuable name.

Auto Focus fan’s concern

We thank one of our column readers, who’s also an avid viewer of our TV shows, Ms. Roselle Panganiban, for her concern for our TV show Auto Focus (Tuesday, 11 PM, Channel 4 Manila and nationwide via satellite over the National Broadcasting Network).

Let me tell you that Auto Focus is a co-production of STV, Sunshine Television Ventures and NBN, National Broadcasting Network and as such was not affected by the 25-percent airtime rate increase by NBN.

Ford driving test on Motoring Today

Starting this coming Sunday on Motoring Today (11:30 to 12 noon, Channel 4 Manila and nationwide via satellite on the National Broadcasting Network), viewers will not only stand to learn the basics of proper and safe driving, together with the best and safest reactions to given adverse road situations, in the process they can also win very valuable prizes.

Ford Group Philippines shall be giving very interesting prizes weekly to three viewers who would be able to answer simple questions regarding safe driving and have their e-mailed correct entries luckily drawn on the Ford Driving Test.

Ms. Maricar Parco, Ford Group Philippines avp for marketing and communications looks forward to entries from all over the country. The prizes range among the much sought after merchandize items seen in all Ford dealerships all over the country. Provincial winners need not come to Manila to claim their prizes as they shall be available in all Ford dealerships.

Watch out for the Ford Driving Test, on Motoring Today starting this coming Sunday where you don’t only get to learn the basics of safe driving, you also earn valuable prizes in the process.

Happy Motoring!!!

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