Regulated Presence

This proposed new system of having a centralized dispatching of public utility buses to ply EDSA may really be worth experimenting on. The system, if properly implemented, could rid EDSA of a slew of half-filled buses that hug this main artery of the metro while in constant search of passengers. If in the process of implementing it, colorum buses would also be eliminated from illegally operating and from further clogging this main thoroughfare, then for these reasons alone the proposed measure should be immediately adopted.

Admittedly, the presence of too many buses along EDSA, many of which are being driven by those with wanton disregard for existing traffic rules and regulations, largely contributes to traffic chaos and even challenges the business viability of the bus transit enterprise.

Let’s go for it!

Ford Philippines continues export expansion

With the recent roll off from the production line of its 10,000th vehicle for export, Ford Motor Company Philippines reinforced further its position as the only exporter of completely built-up vehicles to other countries in the ASEAN region.

We learned during the ceremonies marking this milestone that a total of 9,900 vehicles composed of Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mazda 323 and Ford Lynx models have been shipped to Indonesia and Thailand since a little more than a year since the initial rollout.

Congratulations to Ford Motor Philippines!

Impressive — no less!

The least I can say to Joey Antonio, chairman of Prestige Cars and its youthful president Jose Alvarez, Jr., scion of business tycoon Pepito Alvarez, about its new showroom located along Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City, now more commonly known as "automotive row" is that it’s indeed impressive and customer friendly.

No wonder Maricar Cristobal-Parco (she’s now vice president for marketing of Prestige Cars, if you didn’t know, admittedly a loss for Ford Group Philippines) wanted to make sure the closely knit group of motoring journalists come to the cocktails marking its opening (and they did come in full force). The new dealership showroom is set on a 2,785 sqm. area with all three storys to serve its customers for all their sales and services needs.

I haven’t been attending cocktails recently, especially those scheduled during my badminton playing days of M-W-F, but how do I say no to such a nice long-time friend as Maricar? Well, having decided to go and celebrate its formal opening gave me a bonus as it made me see a "long time no see" friend like super businessman Lino Barte together with top-notched property developer and college schoolmate Richie Cuerva and impresario par excellance and TV host idol, Johnny Litton.

If you just came from a far-flung place and you didnít know, Prestige Cars sell BMW cars like the 3 Series, 5 Series, X5 and the Z4 — all of which you can schedule for a test drive.

"Quiet" tires from Yokohama

Yokohama Tires Philippines recently announced during cocktails at the Dusit Hotel the launch of its new AVS deciBel tires that are vaunted to be suitable for high performance vehicles — the latest addition to Yokohama’s AVS (Advance Vehicle System) product range.

The design concept for the new AVS deciBel focuses on producing one of the lowest cabin noise tires to ensure maximum comfort levels for both driver and passengers.

Pit Lane Notes

I totally agree with the TV commentators that last Sunday’s British Grand Prix was by far the most thrilling race ever seen on television. Of course there was this deranged spectator that invaded the track carrying a banner with the words, "Read the Bible, the Bible is always right" running down the fastest part of the circuit possible causing some blood curling thoughts among the millions of spectators, both present and watching television, about the possible consequences if he would be ran over by a speeding Formula One race car. But it was really and truly the brand and quality of racing that suitably earned this year’s race at Silverstone such adrenalin pumping distinction.

Although faced with reported innuendos from FIA’s Max Moseley and F1’s Bernie Ecclestone that this could be the last time Formula One runs in that part of Great Britain due to so-called long-delayed track renovation and improvement, Silverstone indeed came up with no less than a truly fantastic 2003 British Grand Prix, what with the record of having more overtaking maneuvers than in all the other 2003 races put together.

With Sunday’s results, 1st-Barrichello of Ferrari, 2nd-Montoya of Williams-BMW, 3rd-Raikkonen of McLaren-Mercedes, 4th-Michael Schumacher of Ferrari, the Driver’s Championship is still headed by Schumy with 69 points to Kimi’s 62 and Juan Pablo now has 55 to Ralf Schumacher’s 53 and Ruben’s 49. While in the Constructor’s league, Ferrari extended its lead with 118 points to Williams’ 108 and McLaren’s 95 points.

Next stop is Hockenheim for the German Grand Prix. This is considered the home circuit of the brothers Schumacher but the Mercedes-Benz industrial turf.

Philippine Star drives away with racing trophy

The combined racing heroics of veterans Brian Afuang, Manny delos Reyes, Andy Leuterio plus Lester Dizon’s rising star racing performance that comfortably gave The Philippine STAR Team the Championship Award in the recently concluded Civic Media Challenge would surely make basketball fanatic Philippine STAR president Miguel Belmonte proud to know that the Philippine STAR guys can bring home the bacon not only in basketball but in motor sports as well.

During the TV coverage of its fourth and final leg last Saturday held in front of the Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta, I had an on-cam chat with the president of Honda Cars Philippines, Mitsunari Takano and he could not feel less elated at the camaraderie being shown by media practitioners of different networks and publications who share the same passion for racing. Although all through out the interview Takano-san could not hide his satisfaction in again beating and having a better time than his Deputy Head for Marketing, Mr. Arnel Doria — and being a repeat, definitely it was no fluke. No more excuses of "seniority" this time Arnel-san.

The Honda Media Challenge, conceived and heavily sponsored by Honda Cars Philippines Inc. and organized by ADBM Resources headed by Maribelle Alba, is in its 6th year of staging and is now considered as an institution in local motor sports. These grueling, multi-round yearly competitions showcase the sturdy and high-performance features of Honda models that are subjected to punishment by the participants from the media with the Civic on the spotlight this year.

4th Round Highlights

If you care to enjoy the exciting highlights and sidelights of the 4th and final leg of the Civic Media Challenge, you can watch the TV show Motoring Today on Channel 4 Manila and nationwide on the National Broadcasting Network this Sunday at 11:30 AM.

Happy Motoring!!!

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