Motoring Today Column

Aug 19, 2020

Positive has gotten a bad reputation these days.

Nobody wants to read that in test results in these Covid-19 times.

Still positive can be good even under community quarantine, especially when it refers to an increase in vehicle sales.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines reports selling 3,147 vehicles in July, a positive 39 percent increase in sales compared to units sold in June.

The biggest increase in sales came from the Xpander, Mitsubishi's 7-seater compact MPV, with 1,083 units sold, a 63 percent increase from June sales, the carmaker said.

Another big positive jump in sales came from the Strada, Mitsubishi's entry in the pickup truck segment wtih 583 units sold in July, a 58 percent increase in sales from July, it added.

Mitsubishi also reports selling 517 units of the L300, a 19 percent increase and501 units of the Mirage/G4, a 17 percent increase.

The Montero Sport found 496 new buyers, a 27 percent rise in the months compared.

However only 13 units of the Pajero was sold in June.

Mitsubishi also reports 1 unit sold under the Others classification although it did not identify the make or model.

One positive take from Mitsubishi's increase in sales is that people are still buying cars even under the pandemic. Optimists will read that as reflection of confidence that the economy will recover and grow.

Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, president and CEO of MMPC , best expresses this positive take, saying: "We at Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation very much appreciate the significant sales improvement achieved in the month of July; not just for the Mitsubishi brand but for the entire automotive industry. The progress represents the commendable capability of the Philippine market to adapt during these trying times. We hope that the strong momentum will continue and we at MMPC will strive harder to provide better offerings both in sales and after sales service. Despite the very challenging situation that we are facing, MMPC remains optimistic and inspired to serve our customers."

Ford Territory

If anything can boost momentum for positive growth in industry vehicle sales even under community quarantine restrictions, it is new vehicles that can excite Filipino buyers with their design, engineering, digital technology for connectivity and affordable price points - like the New Ford Territory.

In a press statement, Ford Philippines described the Territory as "a Ford-engineered and designed SUV which combines a sleek and stylish look, impressive performance, and smart and safe technologies that will offer a new driving experience to young professionals and starting families."

"We are confident that the Ford Territory will offer a new driving experience to Filipino customers as a modern, spacious and technologically-advanced SUV that delivers great value," said PK Umashankar, Ford Philippines president and managing director.

Available in two variants, Titanium+ and Trend, the Territory is classified as a small SUV powered by 1.5L EcoBoost engine mated to a CVT transmission with Sport mode that delivers 143 horsepower and 225 Newton-meters of torque.

The Territory is now available at Ford dealerships nationwide at an introductory retail price of Php1,179,000 for the Trend variant and Php1,299,000 for the Titanium+ variant.

Positive Note

Providing a positive note to the lockdown is a musical collaboration between singer-songwriter Barbie Almabis and live looper Zsari using the Nissan X-Trail as an additional musical instrument.

Nissan Philippines, Inc. asked Barbie and Zsari to team up in a challenge to perform and record a song while adding whatever sounds they can generate from the Nissan X-Trail.

The collaboration resulted in a version of Barbie's hit song, "Money for Food" which can be viewed and heard on Nissan Philippine's Youtube channel.

"This is definitely one of the most unique musical projects I've ever worked on," said Barbie in a press statement.

"I never imagined that someone could make music with a vehicle, but by discovering more about the Nissan X-Trail and Nissan Intelligent Mobility, I realized that it is indeed possible. This project really showed me how versatile this vehicle could be - not only as a great ride, but also as a surprising musical instrument! This was a great way for Zsaris and I to explore our art, and we hope that this would inspire everyone to stay creative while staying safe at home."

"The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for all of us. But we must remember that even if we're staying safe at home, we can still exercise our creativity. We are so happy to bring creativity to life at this time and collaborated with such talented artists like Barbie Almalbis and Zsaris, to recreate a famous Filipino song with the Nissan X-Trail," said Atsushi Najima, Nissan Philippines president and managing director.

"As the first vehicle in the Philippines to carry Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the Nissan X-Trail features a unique array of sounds that helps create a safe and secure experience for both drivers and passengers. The Nissan X-Trail is truly a vehicle that inspires creativity and passion," he added.

Angkas Sharing

Motorcycle taxi hailing service pioneer, Angkas, is continuing its campaign to donate its IATF-approved protective shields to local government units.

The latest recipients are the Pasig and Pasay city governments.

Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeco turned over the protective shields to Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto in simple ceremonies at the Pasig city hall.

Royeco said Angkas is also coordinating with the mayor's office to provide free motorcycle rides home to health care workers (HCWs) at Pasig city hospitals.

"Tinanggap po ni Mayor Vico ang ating Angkas shields para po ipamigay sa ating mga frontliners Ang mga Angkas bikers naman ay tutulong magbigay ng libreng sakay sa ating frontliners. Hopefully makatulong talaga tayo sa mga pangangailangan ng Pasig City," Royeca said.

Royeco also turned over Angkas protective shields to the Pasay City government led by Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.

Aside from providing free motorcycle rides to HCWs of government-run hospitals and medical centers in Pasay, Angkas has agreed to the mayor's request to have its rider-partners help as contact tracers.

"To help in our country's efforts with contact tracing, certain Angkas bikers will also be trained and deployed to help in this aspect," Royeca said.

Happy Motoring!!!

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