Motoring Today Column

Aug 31, 2022

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is asking the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to exempt public utility vehicles from the no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP).

The reason the LTFRB gave is that this will help ensure enough public transport options for commuters, especially as students return to schools.

If this won't make the NCAP even more hated by private motorists, especially those who say they have been victimized by the MMDA and LGUs with unwarranted traffic violations, nothing else will.

Some observers note that necessity is again being used as reason to give public transport operators and drivers a pass to go about ignoring traffic rules and violations, as well as administrative processes.

In a letter, the LTFRB and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) asked the MMDA not to impound PUVs that were given special permits instead ofcertificates of public convenience or CPCs to operate new or reopened routes that pass by or close to schools in Metro Manila.

The LTFRB earlier opened 68 more jeepney and 32 UV Express routes, in preparation for the school opening.

PUVs looking to ply these routes are only asked to apply for special permits to operate while processing CPCs.

Another thing that should rile private motorists is PUVs being exempted from the coding scheme to reduce the vehicle volume on metro streets, again to ensure public transport availability for students and the masses.

But to be fair to the MMDA, in response to the LTFRB-DOTr letter, it said that while enforcers won't be flagging PUVs for lack of CPCs they would for traffic violations.

The MMDA added that it was still studying the request to exempt PUVs from the NCAP.

September Returns

It's the last day of August. And you know what comes after August. September.

We all know what that means. Time to break out those records of you know who to signal the start of the world's longest celebration of you know what.

For the automotive industry, it's also time to break out those models, promos and marketing schemes for what is traditionally the car-buying season, also a long but hectic season for auto makers and distributors.

And this September signals a return to a norm of sorts. The return of the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

The biannual event organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) returns after a four-year absence, the last being held in 2018.

The Covid-19 pandemic made it a longer wait for the local auto industry's own motor show.

Many expect the 8th PIMS, slated forSeptember 15 to 18 at the World Trade Center in Pasay, to be an exciting, eye-catching, crowd-drawing affair with auto makers and distributors showcasing their latest and best models.

Early on, the CAMPI PIMS Facebook page said the theme for the return of the Philippine International Motor Show will be "Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good."

Already our friends on the beat are busy predicting what will be-or what they would like to see- showcased by our friends in the industry.

By the theme, many suspect that there will be a lot vehicles that also follow the trend for sustainability.

GR 86 Now Here

One thing is for sure though, theToyota Motor Philippines (TMP) booth at the2022 PIMS will have the All New Toyota GR 86, which the country's leading brand announced is now available at TMP's GR Performance Dealerships.

Auto enthusiasts will be happy to know that the All-New Toyota GR 86, described as an "exciting upgrade and a great homage to the revered Toyota 86 line," will be available in either automatic and manual tranny.

Toyota promises the All New G86 arrives with a greater steering feedback and sharper handling as well as more power and torque-237PS and 250 NM-- from a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, horizontally-opposed, DOHC, 16-valve engine.

Top Contributor

Meanwhile, Toyota has more than new cars to tout and celebrate.

Congratulations to TMP for being recognized as the second top importer by the Bureau of Customs-Port of Batangas (BoC-PoB) for the January-July period this year.

The recognition was for remitting to government a total of P16.46 billion in duties and taxes, the second highest collected by the BoC-PoB during the first seven months of the year.

TMP attributes this achievement to the establishment of the 32-hectare TMP Batangas Vehicle Center (BVC), which processes completely-built-up units arriving from the nearby POB at a higher capacity and level of efficiency.

Said TMP first vice president for Vehicle Logistics Aimee Josephine Lopez : "Process automation initiatives as well as the highly reliable port personnel continue to support Toyota's operations through efficient customs processing and timely release of shipments."

Happy Motoring!!!

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