Motoring Today Column

Jun 10, 2020

While right in the middle of General Community Quarantine (GCQ), we asked around for prognostications on what life would be like as we transition to the new normal - living with the Covid-19 sword hanging over our heads.

Many of the foretellings seem to be coming true. Work from home is moving from temporary to permanent for many. Online shopping is moving from mere option to default action for the housebound.

Other hoped-for outcomes from easing out from strict quarantine restrictions look like works still in progress. Authorities still have not learned to strike a balance between providing adequate mass public transport and maintaining physical distancing protocols to contain the contagion.

But sadly the pessimistics among us may be right in saying that we don't have, as we wrote earlier, "enough right-minded private motorist, commuter, government planner, bus and jeepney transport operator that would tip the balance from chaotic and unsafe to orderly and disciplined traffic."

Still, all is not lost for some wished-for Covid-19 consequences. One is the prayer for fewer fossil fuel guzzling vehicles, especially private cars, on the road so we can still see the mountain ranges behind Metro Manila skylines.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued new guidelines for the so-called coding scheme to reduce the number of vehicles back out on the street during the GCQ.

Many hope these guidelines would make the practice of carpooling more prevalent. In essence, all private vehicles will be allowed on the road every day of the work week if they have two or more occupants on board.

Share rides people! At least four can ride on five-seaters, practicing physical distancing and wearing masks. Theoretically that's three cars left in garages every day if their owners practice carpooling.

Another prognostication moving toward new reality is the use of bikes and the e-scooters. More and more people are going to work and home using bikes and scooters. Many out of desperation.

Perhaps the MMDA was shamed into action by biking groups that unilaterally took steps to protect bikers on major thoroughfare during rush hours, placing makeshift markers to delineate biking lanes while volunteers marshalled traffic to keep bikers safe.

The MMDA has issued a statement saying it welcomed the establishment of bicycle lanes and promoting the use of bicycle as mode of transportation but called for smoother coordination from cycling advocates.

The MMDA went further by saying it would support the establishment of 'pop-up bike lanes and elevated bike lanes in Metro Manila.'

It added that the MMDA, in coordination with the ' Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other concerned government agencies, have plans of connecting the existing bicycle lanes on EDSA to bicycle lanes of the local governments in Metro Manila as more people prefer bicycle as alternative mode of transportation in the new normal.'

It revealed that discussions are being held 'on the enhancement of existing bicycle lanes and creating a bicycle road network in Metro Manila.'

Cycling advocates should actively participate in these discussions to ensure talk turns into action and action leads to the establishment of a safe bicycle road network.

BMW Ramps Up

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, is ramping up programs and products to make owning a Bimmer even more pleasurable.

In a press statement, SMC ACDC said all brand new BMW vehicles it sells will get a five-year or 200,000-kilometer warranty covering "all mechanical and electrical components, but does not cover preventive maintenance or wear and tear items."

SMC ACDC said it is also bringing back BMW Service Inclusive packages that Bimmer buyers can purchase covering preventive maintenance costs for a period of five years or 60,000 kilometers. There is also a BMI 5-year or 100,000-kilometer package. BMW also announced the availability of three new variants of popular models.

One is the BMW 520i Sport which features new exterior design elements and 19inch wheels and comes with Apple CarPlay as standard. Price is P4,290,000.

Another is the BMW X3 xDrive20d Business which has new exterior trim and design elements, Apple CarPlay, and is powered by 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine that generates 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Price is P3,990,000.

The third is the BMW Z4 M40i Frozen Edition powered by a 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder gasoline engine uprated to generated 387 hp and 500 Nm of torque and which only five will be sold in the country. Price is P5,990,000.

Virtual Honda

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. is preparing for the launch of what it calls Virtual@Honda , a facility that will allow for Virtual Dealership Online Transactions, or a contactless process of car purchase, car maintenance and repairs.

To be launched in August of this year, Virtual@Honda will allow customers to conduct or perform the following from the comfort of their homes: Visit online, Inspect models inside out with 360 degree features, Reserve a vehicle and service appointment, Test drive schedule, Unit availability query, Access account, and Live-chat with a sales consultant.

Bangon Phoenix

Phoenix Petroleum has launched Bangon Tsuper, a special rewards program for drivers of public utility vehicles and Transport Network Vehicle Services.

In a press statement, Phoenix said that starting June 5, 2020 and until August 5, 2020, PUV and TNVS drivers who are active Phoenix Tsuper Club (PTC) members can use earned points to redeem exclusive Phoenix products.

"As the country prepares for the eventual return of mass transportation, we at Phoenix Petroleum recognize the plight of our Filipino drivers who have lost their source of income for the past three months. The Bangon Tsuper program aims to provide assistance to them by giving access to reward items that may help ease their expenses at home and on their livelihood, or provide additional earning opportunity," Phoenix Petroleum president and COO Henry Albert Fadullon said.

Suzuki Salute

Suzuki Philippines salutes the courageous contributions of frontliners in the fight against the Covid-19 Pandemic with what it calls the Big Hero Promo.

The Big Hero Promo entitles verified frontline workers to a P15,000 discount on their choice of Suzuki Philippines featured models which areAPV, Celerio, Ciaz, Dzire, Swift, and Ertiga. The Big Hero promo is available until June 30, 2020.

Happy Motoring!!!

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