Many would like to think that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) would be deluged with applications for the more than 7,870 Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) slots it made available recently, 7,000 of which would be for Metro Manila.
The LTFRB began accepting applications for the new TNVS slots last April 30.
However, the LTFRB again issued a call for TNVS applications which it said it would accept on a first-come, first-served basis until June 17, 2022.
The reason given for the new call is that many of the initial applications it received were rejected for lack of complete requirements.
Some observers note that the renewed call for applications may indicate lukewarm interest for operating as TNVS partner of Transport Network Companies (TNCs) such as Grab.
Welcoming new Isuzu President
We’d like to welcome the new president of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) Noburo Murakami.
Murakami-san replaces Hajime Koso who many in the motoring media consider a very good friend.
After seven years at the head of Isuzu Philippines, Hajime Koso leaves behind a company that is the No. 1 truck brand in the country.
While promising to maintain Isuzu’s No. 1 truck brand status in the country, Murakami hinted at a green future for Isuzu Philippines.
At the event formally announcing his taking over the company from Koso-san, Noburo Murakami said that sustainability is no longer a choice for IPC but rather a social responsibility.
Isuzu must put priority into protecting the environment without compromising customer success in continuing to do business in the future, he added.
Sustainability should not only be reflected in Isuzu products but also in changes in values, operations, and the way the company will do business moving forward, he said.
Murakami promises to instill in Isuzu team members and dealer network a shift in mindset and priority towards a ‘Greener’ era for IPC.
Murakami joined Isuzu Motors Limited in 1995, and rose through the ranks to become IML General Manager for International Sales before being posted to the Philippines.
Murakami was also assigned as vice president of Isuzu North America Corporation (INAC) as vice president in 2014 before being promoted to president and CEO of the company from 2018 to 2020.
New Xpander arrives
Welcome news to Mitsubishi fans should be the arrival of the new Xpander.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines touts the new Xpander as a bolder reimagining of the bestselling 7-seater multi-purpose vehicle with more advanced design and features that combine luxury and comfort found in larger SUVs.
During the local unveiling of the new Xpander, MMPC President and CEO Takeshi Hara expressed confidence its bestselling MPV will tap into the adventurous spirit of buyers and re-excite them to hit the road and go outdoors.
The new Xpander certainly has an outdoorsy appeal that is highlighted by Mitsubishi further raising its already class-leading ground clearance to 225mm.
Powered by a 1.5-liter MIVEC DOHC 16-valve engine that generates 103hp and 141Nm of torque, the New Expander is now available at all Mitsubishi dealerships.
Prices start at P1.03 million with five color options: White Pearl, Graphite Gray, Black, Red, Sunshine Orange and the new Blade Silver Metallic.
Bright future of auto sector
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and Toyota Financial Services Philippines (TFSPH) see a brighter future for the automotive sector.
The optimism comes from rising vehicles and encouraging economic indicators. This has prompted TFSPH to continue offering more innovative schemes to make it easier to own or lease Toyota vehicles.
Now on its 20th year in operation, TFSPH already accounts for five of every 10 Toyota cars sold in the country. TFSPH president Rommel Ocampo says the company will continue to expand its innovative offerings and services to cater to the evolving needs of customers while adapting to the changing mobility landscape.
TFSPH is optimistic about the country’s road to recovery and excited about expanding beyond traditional vehicle financing by offering new mobility services.
He cited the latest TFSPH innovations such as the mobile app myTOYOTA Wallet, and vehicle lease products like KINTO One for individual customers and KINTO One Business for corporate fleet.
Working hand in hand with TMP’s all-in-one mobile customer portal, myTOYOTA Wallet allows customers to easily and conveniently pay for their transactions at any Toyota dealerships nationwide, including payments on parts, accessories, services, and insurance.
KINTO One is a full-service “worry-free” vehicle lease package for individual customers which TFSPH likens to subscribing to use a Toyota vehicle.
The all-inclusive monthly lease payment package covers periodic maintenance service, normal wear and tear parts replacement, annual comprehensive insurance, annual car registration, plus an exclusive KINTO concierge service.
KINTO One Business offers the same full-service lease package but this time to corporate customers’ fleet requirements.
The fleet-management service covers periodic maintenance, comprehensive insurance, vehicle registration, and even roadside assistance in affordable payment packages.
Ocampo cited a recent Automotive Market Study that showed that the demand for new vehicles is rising in the region, and that vehicle subscription or leasing is on the rise in South East Asia, as an alternative to ownership.
Happy Motoring!!!
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