MMDA finds standard traffic signs "corny"

Faced with a cacophony of confusing, off standard, outlandish and sometimes atrocious traffic signs that we find all over the metro, I decided to write about it in this column some weeks back and made a follow up series in the Motoring Forum segment of our TV show Motoring Today.

In the television series we visualized the disturbing state of these traffic signs, some of them with "Do Not Enter" amateurishly painted on what appears to be surplus wood from a construction site, giving doubts to the motorists if they are indeed official signs or just made up by the residents. We also interviewed motorists, to include the leadership behind the AAP or the Automobile Association of the Philippines, to find out what they think about these traffic signs that we presently see all over the metropolis. We were also able to solicit possible remedies from the people we talked to, like putting up a central agency that would focus on the creation, production and putting up of these traffic signs to assure their effectiveness and their conformity to set standards.

We capped the series last Sunday to find out the reaction of the Metro Manila Development Authority to the comments we received and the offered solutions to the perceived growing problem, as more off standard traffic signs continue to sprout everywhere. And to my surprise, I was able to trace the root of the problem as to why the MMDA has the penchant to divert from the standards of traffic signs as set worldwide — they find the said standard signs "corny".

No wonder we see all sorts of traffic signs in all sizes, shapes, colors, letter fonts and what have you. And to think that the Philippines is a signatory to the United Nations Vienna Convention of 1968 on Road Traffic and Road Signs, which we officially adopted on June 6, 1973.

Well, so there goes. I guess we are not only back to square one of the problem, we are set back several squares way behind.

What can I say?

More Models Are Pouring In From GM

Last year, General Motors Automobiles Philippines (GMPh) invited me to visit their vast manufacturing and assembly plant in Thailand and to test-drive the Chevy Optra. During the entire day’s driving exercises, which included long trips in and around Pattaya, one of Thailand’s premier tourist destinations, I opted for the more powerful variant, the 1.8-liter model. When the Optra was finally introduced to the country, it came in with the 1.6 cc engine displacement, which the local market gobbled up con gusto. Now, after such resounding success of the 1.6 variant, having retained its No. 3 position in the mid-size passenger car category since its launch last year, GM Philippines has decided to bring in to the country the more powerful 1.8 models to cater to a wider segment of the market.

In a much business-like dual-launch exclusively for the media held at the NBC Tent at The Fort last August 5, Kookie Ramirez, racing scion of the country’s "motor sports living legend" and my TV co-host Pocholo Ramirez, presented for GM Philippines the Optra 1.8L together with the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. This mid-size SUV or Sports Utility Vehicle, which is vaunted to be a leader in its segment in the US, completes the top caliber SUV line up of GM Philippines that currently includes the Chevrolet Suburban and the Chevy Tahoe.

"In line with our commitment to deliver the finest and best value products in the Philippine market, we introduce these two outstanding vehicles and offer a full-suite of Chevrolet products that will cater to different segments of the market," says James Lim, the very friendly with fine demeanor president and general manager of GMPh.

The Optra 1.8L, which comes only in 4-speed automatic, has a 16 valve DOHC engine that has a maximum output of 121 ps @ 5800 rpn and maximum torque of 165 N-m @ 4000 rpm and a tag price of P799,000.

On the other hand, the Trailblazer EXT, which comes in 4WD automatic, has a Vortec 4200 inline 6-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 275 Hp @ 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 373 N-m @ 3600 rpm and sells for P1.995 million.

GM Philippines top marketing honcho Nicky Mariano extends his invitation to all to check out these new market offerings in any GM AutoWorld dealerships and exclusive Chevrolet Showrooms for a closer look and a test drive.

Protecting Passengers…Saving Lives – The Volvo Saga Continues

Volvo Philippines, through Scandinavian Motors Corporation and its marketing arm, Viking Cars, Inc. recently held the Volvo Child Safety Seminar at the Volvo Makati Showroom.

The invitation of Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, Viking Cars president and chief executive officer described the seminar as, "a special opportunity to gain essential insights on child safety in cars." And indeed for those who were able to attend, myself failing due to a previous commitment, found the seminar, which was conducted by Ms. Birgitta Trommler and Mr. John-Fredrick Gronvall, top-notched engineers of Volvo Cars Safety Center, offered a wealth of invaluable knowledge in protecting a child’s life inside and outside our vehicles. Typically, Albert actually modestly made an understatement in his invitation.

Well, Volvo’s been in the forefront in innovating and leading automotive safety for more than 75 years and because of this car buyers do not expect anything less from Volvo. And Volvo Philippines, under the very able stewardship of Atty. Arcilla, also easily manages to stay on top of the heap.

Not To Be Outdone

In the light of the almost simultaneous launches of Nissan Motors Philippines and Toyota Motor Philippines of their more powerful new offerings in the mid-size luxury passenger car category — the Nissan Cefiro and the Toyota Camry, both in 3-liter variants — Honda Cars Philippines is joining the fray with their new Accord 3-liter V6.

Although not officially launched yet into the local market, word has it from no less than HCPI deputy head for marketing, Arnel Doria, that there are already reservations being made for the new Accord, which boasts of a sun roof and traction control, among many other unique features it offers.

Indeed, this mid-size luxury car category is getting very interesting with present models now similarly focusing on power performance.

Pit Lane Notes

Poor David Coulthard. McLaren-Mercedes, as we all know, will be replacing him with Juan Pablo Montoya in 2005. Rumors were flying in the last couple of months that one of BMW-Williams’ seats was going to be offered to him. The first seat was offered to Mark Webber. Everyone in pit lane was expecting a Williams contract to be offered to DC any day now. Well, Sir Frank Williams and company surprised everyone by giving the remaining seat to BAR-Honda’s Jenson Button.

It has been said that no one was more surprised than BAR boss David Richards. He told the media that Button is under contract for 2005, and none of his people at BAR-Honda were contacted about the move. He claims that the announcement of Jenson’s move to Williams isn’t just premature, it is also invalid. There were even innuendos from Richards that Button was ungrateful. They have issued an ultimatum to both Button and his managing company, Essentially Sport. If they were not granted a meeting, then they will be forced to strictly implement all the provisions in Jenson’s contract. They said that they have been trying to contact the young Briton for days but to no avail. Jenson actually started his career at Williams in 2005. He was then "traded" to Benetton (Renault), and moved on to BAR Honda in 2003.

Going back to Coulthard, it looks like all the slots in the top teams in Formula 1 are taken. His best option would be Jaguar — that is IF they offer him a seat. He isn’t exactly showing impressive numbers this season. McLaren however reportedly said that in the event that DC wouldn’t be offered any drive, they would gladly give him a job at McLaren.

Motoring Tip Of The Week

It’s definitely a good practice to have a regular under chassis check up of your vehicle, especially for those that can no longer be considered as new. A thorough examination of your vehicle’s suspension system may prove vital in ensuring your safety on the road.

I personally had an experience with an old Ford Taunus that I used to drive when I was in college, when one of its tie rod ends just dropped upon my stopping in a service station to fill up.

Convenient that I was there to have it immediately repaired and very lucky it didn’t happen on the road. Had it happened while I was driving, I would have been a goner as I used to wantonly drive fast when I was younger.

Always find time to check your suspension system. It may take all of fifteen to twenty minutes only to have your vehicle lifted in the service station for this purpose. A very short time off your schedule compared to what a faulty suspension system failure can harrowingly cause when you’re driving.

Happy Motoring!!!

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