Kymco launches K4K for clean air

Further supporting the government’s initiative to promote cleaner air, Taiwanese motorcycle giant Kymco recently launched K4K, a campaign that calls for the use of four-stroke engines on motorcycles.

S.C. Kymco Pilipinas, a subsidiary of Kwang Yang Motor Company (Kymco) Taiwan, announced that its K4K – or Kymco Four-stroke Para sa Kalikasan – campaign aims to educate motorcycle users on the benefits of using four-stroke engines.

"Kymco is known around the world for having one of the highest standards when it comes to emission," said Manuel Sta. Cruz, S.C. Kymco president. "Our motorcycles already conform to the Euro 2 standards while those of Honda only conform to Euro 1. Honda may be responsible in the creation of Kymco in Taiwan but I’m proud to say that we have overtaken Honda when it comes to the cleanliness of engines."

Kymco will be going nationwide with its K4K campaign, distributing flyers and leaflets to tricycle drivers, teaching them what the four-stroke technology is all about.

Sta. Cruz lamented that lack of access to the right information led some Filipinos to buy low quality motorcycles that are now having problems with emission testing requirements.

"A motorcycle is a major investment so it is only proper and wise for buyers to ask around first before buying," he said.

He added that even those motorcycles with four-stroke engines could not easily claim that they are "Clean Air Act compliant."

"There is a certain standard for carbon monoxide to be met. Hindi porke four-stroke pasado na. But we guarantee that our motorcycles are Clean Air Act ready," he said.

Kymco is known in Asia and Europe more for its scooters. However, in the Philippines, it developed certain models such as the Spike 125 moped that caters to the needs and wants of Filipino motorcycle riders.

The company recently launched its CG 150, a tough-as-nails motorcycle specifically designed for Filipino tricycle use. Aptly nicknamed the "Kargador" (porter), the motorcycle has more sturdy frame and components and is completely ready to be abused on the road.

"We know how our countrymen use and abuse their motorcycles. We designed the Kargador with their habits in mind," Sta. Cruz said.

The Kargador is priced at a reasonable P69,400. It is now displayed in various Kymco dealers such as K-Servico Trade and United Excelsior in Luzon, Emcor in the Visayas and Mindanao, Exclusively Kymco and Kymco World in Taytay, Marikina, Mandaluyong, Pasig and Makati.