Text and photos by Kap Maceda Aguila

INGRESS and egress of the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWD) in the Maxus G10 multipurpose vehicle is now made easy with the G10 Assist package.

Maxus Philippines, the local importer and distributor of the commercial vehicle brand with European origins, predicates the dealer option on a programmable swivel lifting seat in the second row — right beside the sliding door. The powered seat “swivels to face the sidewalk, slides out, and can be lowered down to street level so that the elderly or the wheelchair-bound person can easily (sit) or disembark,” said Maxus Philippines General Manager Reginald See.

The Assist device costs an additional P399,800 (inclusive of installation) over the P1.68-million price of a standard Maxus G10. In an interview with Velocity, Mr. See said the rated capacity of the seat is 150 kilos or about 330 pounds. Those who have previously bought a G10 can have theirs retrofitted for the same price, which the executive insisted is “very affordable.” He underscored: “If you look at the options right now in the aftermarket, specifically, our price is up to 40% cheaper.”

Mr. See added that while the standard suggested installment is on the right seat for left-hand-drive territories (so that ingress and egress are on the curbside), two seats can be fitted with Maxus Assist. “We can do that as well. We have options to change the swiveling from clockwise to counter clockwise.” He continued, “The swivel seat is developed for Maxus so we have all the necessary parts components. It’s also in other Asian countries (and is) really made for Maxus.”

The company said in a release that the “programmable swivel lifting seat is easy to operate, via remote control or even through mobile phone via an iOS app. It has a position memory function, path recover function, path obstacle sensor, door interlock, low-power detection and warning, mechanical manual function and anti-tip protection.”

Launched last June 5, the G10 comes with a three-year warranty or 100,000 kms, whichever comes first. Maxus Philippines extends 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, pickup and delivery service, and on-site servicing for corporate fleet accounts.

The nine-seater MPV boasts “modern and luxurious design, offers spacious interior and comfort amenities, highlighted by four captain seats at the rear, power adjustable seat for the driver and front passenger, and flexible seating at the rear to provide spacious luggage room.” Additional accoutrements include a seven-inch touchscreen radio with Bluetooth, USB input, and six speakers. A 220-volt outlet is supplied, along with a front and rear air-conditioning system. It is powered by a Euro 4-compliant, 1.9-liter turbodiesel common rail direct-injection engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that produces 150ps and 350Nm.

The G10 meets global safety standards with an integrated body structure, front and side air bags for the driver and front passenger, three-point seat belts on all seats plus Isofix, front and rear parking sensors, and rear camera.

In his welcome speech during the G10 Assist launch, Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. President Felipe Estrella shared, ”The United Nations observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3. We at Maxus Philippines are doing our share to help develop the world that the UN envisions as ‘inclusive, equitable, and sustainable for everyone, where the rights of PWDs are fully realized.’”

For more information about Maxus Philippines, visit www.maxus.com.ph or like and follow Maxus Philippines’ Facebook page and Instagram account (@maxusph). Maxus showrooms are located at Greenfield District on 833 Sheridan Street, Barangay Highway Hills in Mandaluyong City (02-558-5823), and at Cebu along Soriano Avenue in the North Reclamation Area, Mabolo, Cebu City (0917-867-5734).

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