Motoring Today Column

Aug 23, 2023

When titans of industry meet and agree to work together for the common good, will this redound to the benefit of the public?

That's a question that many are asking after SMC's Ramon S. Ang and Metro Pacific's Manuel V. Pangilinan agreed to work together on P72-billion tollway projects.

SMC chief operating officer Ang and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation chairman Pangilinan recently led the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to design, build and operate the 87.96-kilometer Cavite-Batangas Expressway (CBEX) and Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway (NBEX).

In a press statement announcing the agreement, Ang said: "Our shared commitment to nation-building has led us to this historic collaboration. Together, we aim to deliver world-class road networks that will serve as arteries of progress, growth and development for our country and the Filipino people. This collaboration stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we are united in purpose."

In the same press statement, Pangilinan said: "Together with SMC, we envisage a future where our CBEX and NBEX can help pave the way for connectivity and economic growth in the CALABARZON region. We look forward to leveraging on our respective strengths for the realization of this vital infrastructure project."

The agreement covers two vital expressways: the 27.06-kilometer CBEX that will establish a crucial link connecting Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALEX) to Nasugbu, Batangas , and the 60.90-kilometer NBEX that will provide seamless connectivity from Nasugbu to Bauan, Batangas.

SMC and MPTC said they will work closely with the Philippine government, local communities, and stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and responsible development that aligns with the country's infrastructure goals.

Many are asking: Why did the two titans of tollways agree to work together on this occasion?

Perhaps the press statement provides some context. It said: "In 2018, MPTC presented a proposal for the 50.4-kilometer Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway (CTBEX) project to the Department of Public Works and Highways and was granted the original proponent status. Similarly, SMC's unsolicited proposal for the CBEX and NBEX was approved by the Cavite and Batangas government."

The competing proposals share the common goal of connecting the provinces of Cavite and Batangasthrough Tagaytay City . MPTC's proposal was coursed through the national government. SMC went about its proposal through the local governments.

It could take really long for the envisioned tollways to be built if both chose to compete rather than collaborate. Maybe they won't even be built at all.

Now projections are the CBEX and NBEX would be completed and open to the public in 2027.

In that perspective the titans joining forces redounds to the common good. Whether the agreement will stand the test of time is another question.

The press statement did say implementation of the MOA is subject to certain conditions, including the procurement of relevant approvals and execution of definitive agreements.

All-New CR-V Coming

Honda Cars Philippines may be asking us to delay plans to purchase our next dream SUV by announcing the soon-to-arrive All New CR-V .

Honda says the sixth-generation CR-V, described as representing a significant step forward in Honda's global thrust on electrification, will be arriving in September.

The all new CR-V will be available with an e:HEV full-hybrid variant . It will also feature Honda CONNECT and an upgraded Honda SENSING.

Aside from the flagship 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT, two other variants will be made available, the 1.5 V Turbo CVT and the 1.5 VX Turbo CVT AWD, all coming with Honda SENSING .

And this early Honda is inviting us to visit any of its 37 dealerships nationwide and reserve one.

Safe Jolion HEV

A good friend from GWM Philippines has good news for those looking for a safe hybrid vehicle.

The Haval Jolion HEV has received the highest five-star ratings from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program, Australia and New Zealand's "independent voice on vehicle safety."

This followed a battery of tests to confirm safety performance, and high voltage battery integrity for the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

Says Tonette Lee, Marketing and Sales Director for GWM Philippines : "To achieve a five-star ANCAP rating, production vehicles must perform at a high level across the four key safety categories, and are required to meet minimum score thresholds for each star rating level. . . ANCAP's recent five-star safety rating for the Jolion HEV highlights its excellent safety qualities, and with this, every model in the HAVAL line up for the Philippines is now ANCAP five-star.

"With the Haval Jolion HEV, Philippine customers get the full benefit of an innovative full hybrid crossover at an affordable price, at 5-star safety."

Happy Motoring!!!

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