Let the people speak!

As a journalist and columnist I find it incumbent upon me not only to express my personal views in this column about motoring in general (land transport issues, traffic management concerns, etc, to include motor sports, auto and motorbike industries) but also to provide a venue for readers’ views and concerns with the end view of improving life for one and all.

Having said that, I’d like to acknowledge a letter sent in by Mr. MDG Sunico of Kalookan City, which I guess is a reaction to that article I wrote here last week about “our country having more than its fair share of laws for an orderly society but a shortage of men who have the strong political will to implement them.”

He writes, “Traffic rule enforcers from the MMDA or the PNP can never effectively implement any rule unless they are knowledgeable in their line of work. MMDA personnel can’t even implement anti-jaywalking rule even when ignorant pedestrians cross EDSA under pedestrian bridges at the Clover Leaf. Whenever some sharp motorists call their attention, these ‘enforcers’ simply give a blank and ignorant stare just like the erring pedestrians.”

Mr. Sunico adds, “The police don’t even know traffic rules and regulations. In our community, they park their cars right at the tip of the corner right across another cop-owned jeepney being used as his personal service vehicle. I presume they don’t even know what a yellow line beside the white dividing line or the yellow X mark in a box on every major intersection means. And the most irritating thing about these cops is that they don’t know what their relationship is to the community they are serving.”

These are very valid and very realistic observations that have been shared by one of our readers, which I could even dare say is shared by many more. To the authorities that may be reading this column, believe me this is as true and as accurate as it can get. Thank you for writing, Mr. Sunico.

Now from another reader, Mr. Andrew G. Birlone, here’s an actual report of some road problem in their area that the local authorities need to address immediately. He writes, “I would like to call the attention of Motoring Today and the local govt. of Orion including DPWH to please see and monitor road conditions along Roman Highway particularly along Orion Town. This highway is very dangerous with particular reference to us as motorists. There has been a recent road widening of major portions of this highway, but this has been overshadowed by the obstructions and hazard caused by tricycles drivers who have allotted themselves the right to use the outer portion of the lane as their parking and waiting area thus posing as a serious road hazards particularly to motorists who are not familiar with the local road condition. Do not make the mistake of using your horn for they will shout and curse you for disturbing them. I cannot see any logic for the municipal traffic aides to tolerate them and turn their back on these abusive tricycles drivers. These traffic road violations were more blatantly observed particularly during 11 to 1 pm and from 4 to 6 pm. Being a voter does not guarantee ownership and exclusive use of national roads.”

As added info regarding road hazards in their area, he adds, “Another road obstruction is the presence of the junk shop along the intersection of Bilolo, Orion which is also near the section of the highway were tricycles drivers appropriated themselves ownership of this portion of the highway. Junk materials and wrecked vehicles can be seen encroaching on the shoulder and the outer portion of the road. One need not be near-sighted and be a safety officer to see how these hazards poses a threat to one’s limb and life.”

Perhaps the local mayor of the area should look into these clear and present dangers in his area. And probably even the governor too, if things don’t get moving. Mr. Birlone, thanks for your report.

There’s also this concern referred to us by our reader, Mr. Raffy Katigbak of Angeles City, Pampanga, which involves the San Fernando Dealership of Toyota Motor Philippines. I have referred and forwarded the information you shared with me with our friends from Toyota. Rest assured that they would lose no time in looking into the issue.

“A good year ahead for the auto industry”

– Sugata-san

During the tradition annual “Thanksgiving Party” hosted for the motoring media by Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC) last week, its president, Mr. Michinobu Sugata showed optimism for the country’s automotive industry entering into the year 2011.

Despite the fact that the entire industry registered a record-breaking sales in 2010 surpassing the “golden year” of the country’s auto industry in 1997, “the Beatle songs-belting president who’s getting further endeared to the local motoring journalists the more he attends and stays longer in media events”, projected Toyota’s sales for this year with both his feet on the ground.

Although Toyota itself achieved a 23.08 percent increase in sales in the Philippines last year, the very friendly Sugata-san said that we cannot discount the fact that sales surge could be due to created demand for replacement vehicles by those whose automobiles were affected by the flooding caused by Typhoon Ondoy coupled by the attendant unusual spending during any election year.

The top Toyota executive in the Philippines who’s in his enviable seat as president for just over a year expects to sell up to 62,000 units this year or a conservative 7% to 9 % growth projection. In 2010 TMPC sold 56,855 units or a little above 30% share of the total auto industry easily making it the top automotive company in the country, a distinction held firmly for 7 consecutive years.

Similarly, Lexus-Manila president Danny “Sir John” Isla together with TMPC senior vice president, Sonny Guerrero and first vice president Raymond Rodriguez share the same optimism, which they expressed during the fun-filled party where iPads and iPhones came a dime-a-dozen as prizes – but there were no raffles, you’ll have to work (like fighting a sumo wrestler) for the prize that you bring home.

To TMPC – “Thank you for having us.”

Isuzu Cagayan de Oro makes it three in a row

Any outstanding feat needs to be recognized and the Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) Dealership in Cagayan de Oro deserves such distinct recognition.

Winning the title “Dealer of the Year” among the ranks of 20 authorized distributors of Isuzu vehicles all over the country is an achievement in itself – but winning it three times and in uninterrupted succession is indeed an outstanding accomplishment.

Every year, IPC evaluates all its dealerships in key areas concerning both sales and after sales operations. And for topping this year’s search for the best, Isuzu Cagayan de Oro’s president and general manager, Frank Rolida and his assistant GM and sales manager, George Ongchua recently received the dealership’s award from IPC president Ryoji Yamazaki and executive vice president Yuki Kato at the SMX Convention Center.

Kudos to you guys are in order.

The cast is complete

With the recent confirmation of Universal Motors Philippines (Murano, Patrol and Nissan commercial vehicle models) and Nissan Motors Philippines (Teana/Sentra/X-Trail) in the roaster of participants in the 2011 STV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge, the cast is complete with 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) all part of the ranks.

A total of 17 teams from 16 auto companies (Motor Image has 2 Privateer Teams running Subarus) or a starting grid of 68 automobiles with 3 team members to a vehicle or a grand total of 204 auto rallyists are expected to flag off at the airport area of Subic. Although each automobile entry shall be flagged-off at one minute intervals it is not expected to take longer than an hour to see all the participants off.

As Rally Director, professional race driver Georges Ramirez prepared two separate destinations for 2 groups to try to figure out separately. Therefore 2 participating cars shall be flagged-off simultaneously but going separate ways.

The 2011 STV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge is a Sampaguita “on time all the time” automobile rally that espouses road safety during its entire run. As the rally runs in public roads, winning requires not being cited for any traffic violation (which means outright disqualification) and skillful driving management on a given route by being “on time, all the time”.

Happy Motoring!!!

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