Well, here we go again. New traffic laws, rules, regulations, etc., are conceived and enacted, all for the purpose of improving the traffic flow in the country and more so in the metropolis. But unfortunately, most of them just come and go.
One such new rule is the limited speed allowable, at the now popularly referred to as the “killer road” – Commonwealth Avenue. But can the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) really implement it?
Much disrespect has been shown by many motorists to MMDA traffic enforcers. This you can see often on the road. Many motorists would disregard MMDA traffic enforcers’ (many refer to them as “pulis patola”) instructions for them to stop for any traffic infringement. Seeing this pitiful sight makes me even consider pushing for these enforcers to be armed so they would be respected or perhaps feared. But then that may even make matters worse.
So much has been done to improve the MMDA’s manner of apprehending traffic law violators – cameras, no contact apprehension, traffic violation certificate being sent by mail, etc., but it appears none of them actually worked basing on the daily sight of motorists, especially public utility drivers committing almost every conceivable traffic violation on the road.
This is an old line – “what we don’t need are more laws, what we need are strong-willed enforcers of whatever laws we already have”.
Outstanding for a freshman
The Chevy Cruze is definitely a freshman in the local racing circuit considering that it was first introduced in the market only last March of 2010 aside from joining the prestigious Philippine Production Car Championships (PPCC) for the first time.
However, despite of its lack of experience and exposure to the local racing environment and race track, its 3rd overall finish by its first and only entry is viewed by The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCI), exclusive distributor and importer of Chevrolet cars in the country, as a testimony to the Chevy Cruze’s versatility not only as a desirable street sedan but also as a top contender in the racing circuit.
For this exceptional feat, Chevrolet Philippines or TCCI contends, “Though the Chevrolet Cruze is marketed to the public as a great sedan choice for its looks and practicality intended for everyday use, this recent result shows just how versatile a car the Cruze actually is. It takes its racing tradition to heart, given that its founder, Louis Chevrolet was a race car driver himself and used his talents in designing and engineering to create cars for that purpose.”
The winning Chevrolet-BRE (Blanco Race Engineering) Philippine Touring Car was especially calibrated to the local circuit and yet deliberately maintained its stock engine, brake system and clutch by the team proving the performance of the Cruze to be world-class, safe and secure on and off the racetrack.
It’s been a little over a year now since TCCCI took over the brand Chevrolet from its General Motors (GM) subsidiary office in the Philippines, and thankfully the company ended 2010 with a 54 percent growth due to a great contribution of Chevrolet Cruze when it was first introduced to the market last year. The Cruze’s performance on and off the circuit is undeniable and is a testament to the outstanding products that Chevrolet constantly makes available.
Take a bow Atty. Albert Arcilla, COO of The Covenant Car Company, Inc.
“On time-all the time” rally promotes road safety
The collaborative efforts to promote road safety of the Social Communications Foundation for Asia (Socio-Com) and Sunshine Television (STV) now include as part of a year round calendar the annual staging of the STV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge.
Scheduled on March 5, the Sampaguita-type “on time-all the time” rally advocates precise driving management and strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations – major factors for safe driving. Winning in this contest would require participants to follow in detail designated routes and to travel at the right speed and at the prescribed time. Failing to have precise timing would mean a demerit for every second they reach designated points delayed or early. Now being caught for any traffic violation during the rally, which runs on public roads, would mean outright disqualification.
Intended to be an annual auto industry event, this motor sport competition serves to prove that participants need not have to drive at breakneck speeds and disregard traffic laws in order to be recognized as a champion rally driver or navigator-being safe on the road gives you a better chance of winning.
Last year’s event established a historical record for having the biggest starting grid (63 participating automobiles from 13 corporate teams) in any Sampaguita Rally held ever since its glory days of the 60s, which saw the participation of big names in the local motor sports community that included among others, the late “racing legend” Pocholo Ramirez, Dante Silverio, Gus Lagman, Mandy Eduque, the late former AAP president Tony Mapa, and many more, luminaries all in Philippine motorsports.
This year, despite a sizing-down of the number of entries from 5 automobiles to only 4 per team, expected are at least a total of 64 automobiles from 16 participating local automobile manufacturers, importers and importers, namely in no particular order: Asian Carmakers Corporation (BMW), CATS Motors, Inc. (MercedesBenz/Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep), Columbian Autocar Corporation (Kia), The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet), Ford Group Phils. (Ford/Mazda), Honda Cars Phils., Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., Isuzu Phils. Corp., Lexus Manila, Inc., Mitsubishi Motors Phils. Corp., PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi/Porsche), Motor Image Pilipinas (Subaru Privateers A and B), Toyota Motor Phils. and Viking Cars, Inc. (Volvo) with two more companies still waiting for final approval.
Although there are no cash prizes involved for the winners, the competition thrives on the much sought-after ”bragging rights” for winning such a very tough and challenging contest. The Corporate Champion stands to hold on for the entire year the very prestigious Corporate Champion Trophy currently held by the Ford Group Philippines Rally Team, which shall be perpetually held by any team that wins the yearly rally 3 times not necessarily in succession. The Champion Individual Team also gets a prestigious trophy and the recognition of winning a demanding competition that requires skillful precision driving and a lot “grey matter” to meet the challenges of staying on route and “on time, all the time”. There will also be 1st and 2nd runner up winners and a lot of special recognition awards for the individual team that’s most precise by garnering zero to the least number of demerits in any particular checkpoint, the individual team that performs best in the rally’s “special stage” to be done inside a racing circuit, etc., and as a special award for this year in answer to clamor of most of the teams that want to have their own uniforms for the event – the “best-looking team” award for the team that has the best uniform.
Just like last year, Georges Ramirez of the legendary Ramirez Racing Clan and son of the late racing legend Pocholo Ramirez shall design the route and officiate the rally, which shall again be held in its entirely inside Subic. And a somewhat “threat” came from Georges to all the participants, “If you found last year’s route tricky and tough, then you haven’t seen anything yet. Wait for this year’s.”
There’s one major change this year compared to last year’s staging. When last year only two were permitted to compose a team inside a participating vehicle, this year three crew members shall be allowed to each assume the roles of driver, time navigator and route navigator.
More convenience for Hyundai buyers
Buyers and those who already own Hyundai vehicles that come from the Greenhills, San Juan City area all need to do to see the latest models or to have their Hyundai vehicles serviced is to go to North Greenhills near a popular fast food chain along Ortigas Avenue.
Recognized local auto industry multi-brand leader, Willy Tee Ten recently officially opened the Hyundai North Greenhills franchise dealership showroom and service facility to serve the automobile enthusiasts of the area.
Congratulations Willy.
For comments: (E-mail) motoringtoday-star@stv.com.ph.