Motoring Today Column

Feb 02, 2022

Our column about the Department of Transportation's program to privatize the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) being in danger of failing drew a reaction from some readers.

One, Val Munoz, believes the success or failure of the program boils down to mathematics.

Writing us in reaction to our column, Val says privatization of the MVIS "was a good idea".

But when it was rolled out, "there were XX inspection centers that was supposed to check X,XXX,XXX vehicles prior to their registration," he points outs.

We are assuming that XX means just a double digit number of Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs) were to inspect X,XXX,XXX or more than a million vehicles up for registration.

Val argues that this is "mathematically not feasible" and "thus the birth pains: long queues, provinces with no nearby MVIS center, erroneous reports and damaged vehicles."

Val continues: "This is what should have been done: for the initial rollout - the MVIS should have been required for vehicles X years old and above (like 5, 7 years or whatever).

"There will still be enough vehicles to make the VICOAP business feasible. And the demand would have been less - since the newer vehicles will not have to undergo the inspection. Cars under 5 years old should be in relatively good shape anyway."

Val's suggestion looks reasonable and should make efforts to make PMVIC testing mandatory in LTO districts or areas they are located more palatable to most motor vehicle owners.

This could even help save the MVIS program which pessimists and critics believe is doomed to fail.

Nissan's Blue Switch

Local environmentalists will be happy to hear thatNissan Philippines will continue to promote sustainable mobility in 2022.

During its annual media thanksgiving event,Nissan Philippines announced that it is bringing its Blue Switch initiative to local shores.

Launched in Japan back in 2018, the Blue Switch initiative focuses on building key partnerships that address social concerns with the use of electric vehicle technologies.

It is part of Nissan Ambition 2030, the company's long-term vision for empowering mobility by strengthening its aim of becoming a sustainable firm that drives towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world.

Said Atsushi Najima, Nissan Philippines president and managing director , of the Blue Switch initiative: "When we integrate EV technology into society, we can unify people, systems, and our goals as a nation.

"EVs can boost tourism, protect the environment, help us respond to emergencies faster, and help enrich the lives of many people. We are looking to turn this dream into reality this 2022 and we can do this by working together."

Toyota Raize

Toyota Motor Philippines may have another potent weapon in its arsenal to continue its decades-long dominance in the local vehicle market.

It's called the All New Toyota Raize which it describes as a 5-seater SUV designed and developed to be compact, active, and useful both as a daily and weekend drive.

Toyota is offering the Raize in four variants the 1.0 Turbo CVT, 1.2 G CVT, 1.2 E CVT, and 1.2 E MT with prices ranging from P746,000 to P1,036,000.

Limited Edition Mirage

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation wants to spark renewed interest in the Mirage G4 with a limited edition variant.

It's called the Mirage G4 GLS Sport. Only 300 units will be released of this special variant which comes with, among other enhancements, Under Grille Garnish with Chrome Line, Front Air Dam, Rear Air Dam, Rear Lip Spoiler, Side Air Dam.

In rolling out the limited edition Mirage G4, Takeshi Hara, MMPC president and CEO, said: "We make a conscious effort to listen to our market and pair it with continuous product development. These help us better understand and live up to the expectations of our Filipino customers."

He adds: "The Mirage G4 has always been an embodiment of dynamism, which is why we fondly associate it to be 'Game For Anything' much like the personality of its owner.

"With this newest iteration, Mitsubishi wishes to reach out to every type of customer that there is. We want to give them options that best represent their individuality so they get to experience what we mean by 'Life Made Better'."

The Mirage G4 GLS Sport retails at P929,000 and is available in three colors: Titanium Gray Metallic, Red Metallic and Cool Silver Metallic.

Happy Motoring!!!

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