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Customs says Petron was top importer in 2022

BW FILE PHOTO

PETRON CORP. was named the top importer based on the payment of duties and taxes to the Bureau of Customs (BoC) in 2022, the Finance department said.

The Department of Finance (DoF) in a statement said the list of the top 10 importers also included Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., Unioil Petroleum Philippines, Inc., and Seaoil Philippines, Inc.

Insular Oil Corp., Filoil Logistics Corp., Chevron Philippines, Inc., Jetti Petroleum, Inc. and Nestlé Philippines, Inc. were also named as top importers last year.

The spike in oil prices last year helped Customs collect P862 billion, exceeding its full-year P721.5-billion collection target by 19%. It was also 34% higher than the P643 billion collected in 2021.

Crude oil prices surged as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022 affected global supply.

At the Port of Manila, the top three importers were Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd., SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp., and Regan Industrial Sales, Inc.

Mondelez Philippines, Inc., Atkins Import and Export Resources, and Universal Robina Corp. were the biggest importers at the Manila International Container Port.

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp., Globe Telecom, Inc., and Louis Vuitton Philippines, Inc. were the top importers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

At the Port of Cebu, the biggest importers were Filoil Logistics Corp., Seaoil Philippines, Inc. and the National Grid Corp.

The Port of Batangas’ top importers were Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Chevron Philippines, Inc.

From Jan. 1 to March 13, the BoC collected P166.973 billion, exceeding its P153-billion target for the period.

This year, the agency is targeting to collect P901.3 billion. This consists of P570.3 billion in value-added tax from imports, P207.4 billion in excise taxes, P105.1 billion in import duties and P18.5 billion in other fees. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson 

The shape of few

PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

The Lexus LF-30 Concept shows what is to come, and why that matters

By Kap Maceda Aguila

AS A BRAND SPACE, Lexus at Mitsukoshi — a stone’s throw from the lone Lexus dealership also at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) — is a warm, inviting venue showcasing the intangible and tangible about Toyota’s luxury marque. From actual vehicles to lifestyle items and, yes, even excellent coffee, Lexus at Mitsukoshi is the place to be. It also reflects the electrification aspirations of the brand — encapsulated in Lexus Electrified, “where the brand’s heritage, sensibilities, and future design inspirations will be showcased,” reported Lexus Philippines.

The future is something that is definitely on display until April 29 for the general public to get up close to, photograph, and even have selfies with. Lexus is displaying the LF-30 Concept vehicle front and center at its Mitsukoshi location.

“The future is predicted by concept cars,” said the company in a release. “They take the form of bold and brave design ideas and propel the imagination into the future and expand a brand’s horizons — often through unexpected means and with a creative energy that makes the seemingly impossible possible. Mobility is the inspiration, and Lexus remains committed to producing cars that tackle the needs of today — while exploring the future of the Lexus brand.”

First revealed at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, LF-30 is a highly angular, dynamic-looking vehicle that is said to “distill” the Lexus “DNA of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.” It was released on the 30th year of the company, and even then had “demonstrated the future of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with new technologies and features.” Interestingly, many of these aspects are now in contemporary Lexus vehicles. Expect designs and concepts to continue pushing the envelope.

Lexus Philippines Brand Manager Jade Sison said to “Velocity,” “We brought the LF-30 Concept here in the Philippines to give people a taste of what is becoming a reality — an electrified, sustainable, and a design-forward luxurious future.”

Ms. Sison added that 48% of the Lexus lineup today is comprised of hybrid electric vehicles. “This will continue to increase,” she stressed. The LF-30 is surely pioneering that new era of greater electrification.

The LF-30 unmistakably channels the signature “spindle grille” that Lexus has been known for, reinterpreting it not just on the fascia but elsewhere as well. This calls to mind the directive that Toyota and Lexus Chief Akio Toyoda issued for the all-new RX SUV, which now bears a “spindle body.” In the LF-30, a continuous stretch of glass from front to rear, large fenders, and the headlights suggest that iconic spindle shape.

The maw of a front fascia is said to flow into the “linear and sharp rear.” Wing-shaped headlights are complemented by sharp rear lamps and massive air intakes. The intent of the designers is to imbue the LF-30 with “excellent aerodynamics and cooling performance.”

Imagining the (near) future does not begin and end with only exterior aesthetics. The cabin and the driver experience also get a reimagining. Lexus said that the LF-30 is a showpiece of “features like Advanced Posture control, which offers complete independent control of the front and rear drive wheels, and allows appropriate provision of front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive, depending on the driving situation; a Steer-by-Wire System, which eliminates a mechanical connection to allow more flexible turning control and more precise steering feel aligned with the driver’s intention (and also contributes to a greater sense of openness as the steering controller can be shifted forward and out of the way during autonomous driving); Wireless Charging, which offers an even more convenient way of charging a BEV; the use of sustainable materials; and the ‘Tazuna’ cockpit, (the brand’s) fundamental human-centered philosophy for the interior which employs next-generation interfaces, such as gesture control and enhanced presentation of vehicle information through AR (augmented reality).”

For the more impatient observer, the LF-30 might look exciting but still a little bit further ahead in the future. Addressing this quite nicely is the imminent arrival of the first Lexus BEV.

“This year, people can expect our first BEV,” declared Ms. Sison. She confirmed the revelation of Lexus Manila Chairman Alfred Ty, who said the same at the opening of Lexus at Mitsukoshi.

The model in question will be the RZ 450e, the brand’s first full EV and an SUV that shares a platform with the Toyota bZ4X. It is expected to be equipped with a 65.6-kWh battery pack and a dual-motor Direct4 powertrain that blurts out 308hp.

This surely ups the ante anew. Remember that Lexus in the Philippines was already quietly but efficiently selling hybrids way before it became fashionable to do so.

For more information, visit the Lexus Philippines website at lexus.com.ph or its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram (@lexusphilippines). Updates and premium services are available via the MyLexus app for both Android and iOS users. Mitsukoshi BGC is at the corner of 8th Avenue and 36th Street, Grand Central Park, North BGC, Taguig City.

Innovations transforming future automobiles

The cockpit of an all-electric Kia EV6 — PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

Tomorrow’s car is here today, and it’s complicated — in a good way

WITH THE EXCEPTION of a flying car, we’re living in the golden age of The Jetsons. Instead of refueling, cars are charged like a mobile phone. You can talk to your car. Cars can drive by themselves.

The future is truly here and now.

So, what exactly are the things that are making these possible? Here are a few:

ELECTRIFICATION
The Philippines may be behind the more electrified automotive markets by at least five years, but we are fast catching up. Already, the majority of new cars introduced or announced this year have had at least one model or variant with one form of electrification or another (i.e., mild hybrids to hybrids to full EVs).

More importantly, charging stations are sprouting up like mushrooms in rainy season. But there is still a long way to go. The best news is that Filipino car buyers will soon be spoiled for choice with a fast-growing variety of electric vehicles available at various sizes and price points.

This might not completely eliminate our dependence on foreign crude oil, but it might, at the very least, minimize the amount of pollution in our already polluted and over-populated metropolis.

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
I got to experience first-hand a fully autonomous Kia Soul in no less than the convention capital of the technology world, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

That was way back in 2016 and, already, the car picked me up from the sidewalk from its slot in the sprawling parking area by itself, drove to the test track — using the signal lights at every turn (after which a Kia engineer sat behind wheel but did not touch the steering wheel) — and the car drove along the simulated highway, demonstrating maneuvers like avoiding a stalled car (it signaled then smoothly changed lanes), moving aside so an “ambulance” behind could pass, and stopping at red lights and stop lights — all without human intervention.

Already, some cars you can buy now have one form of semi-autonomous driving, thanks to technologies like Active Park Assist, Lane Change Detection and Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a whole alphabet soup of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS). High-definition cameras work with sonar and radar sensors to enable the car to “see” and read the road and driving conditions ahead.

Autonomous vehicles aim to transform mobility by adding extra layers of convenience and, more importantly, safety. Once this technology is perfected (or at least brought as close to perfect as possible), it will reduce the number of human drivers. Fewer human drivers on the road mean lower chances of driver negligence, error, or fatigue.

CONNECTIVITY
This isn’t your usual Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity. Car-to-car or car-to-network connectivity is possible when vehicles are given a unique digital identity that enables them to be tracked online.

This might seem like giving too much info or even an outright invasion of privacy, but it’s not much different from the IP address of your smartphone or laptop. It also helps in fleet and traffic management. Future connectivity means vehicles can exchange data with each other or with a network. Possible usage of this data is for real-time streaming to identify high-traffic roads or accidents and advise drivers on alternative routes to use, faster even than what we already get with Google Maps or Waze.

INTERNET OF THINGS
Closely associated with connectivity is IoT, which uses algorithms and enables the owner to monitor a vehicle’s condition and perform predictive maintenance, among a hundred other possible things. At the very least, it will help reduce downtime and improve the overall driving experience.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AI automotive applications enable drivers to improve safety. Examples of AI in cars are vehicles that automatically slow down or even brake whenever a collision is imminent or when headlights sense oncoming cars and dim automatically.

3D PRINTING IN CAR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
My most recent visit to CES (in 2019) showcased many companies offering 3D printing services for the auto industry. A highlight was a whole sports car, and a sport bike, printed entirely in 3D (with the exception of the real rubber tires).

3D printing won’t revolutionize mass production; what it will transform is the art and science of designing and creating static or even working prototypes. From 3D modeling on a computer, a car designer will just send the file to a 3D printer and have the new part in his or her hands in minutes — a process that used to take days, accelerating the production of vehicles in the design phase and testing.

HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE
“Hey, Mercedes! Open the windows,” were the first words I ever uttered to a car. And that Mercedes did obediently open its windows. Today, many cars offer voice-activated virtual assistants. I’ve tested a BMW that offers gesture controls to adjust its audio system and climate control. If you’re familiar with Siri and Alexa, you’ll feel right at home with cars that boast human-machine interfaces (HMIs). HMI will help drivers increase efficiency and safety by letting them focus on just driving the car instead of manipulating various other vehicle controls.

BIG DATA ANALYTICS
Self-driving cars may be cool, but it’s big data that will blow you away. Analytics helps to make data-driven decisions in a vehicle’s life cycle. Data collection and analysis help in predictive maintenance, provides fleet information to managers, and even alert authorities if an accident occurs.

Big data in the auto industry can optimize supply, predict motor vehicle sales, and even help influence the design and styling of new and upcoming vehicles. Car companies are already using big data and analytics to streamline their operations and even improve their financial performance.

WHAT’S NEXT?
Future automotive innovations are redefining how companies plan, design, manufacture, sell, and service their vehicles. They have also transformed how people use and interact with their cars. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-machine interface, and IoT are just a few examples of the burgeoning technological trends in the automotive industry.

Big data and analytics help maintain and enhance the safety of motorists and other road users, making it safe for vehicles to communicate over the internet. These are just a few of the new technologies and innovations that will continue to transform the automobile and all its affiliated industries.

These innovations are so disruptive to the whole mobility ecosystem, the only thing that could beat them would be the debut of a flying car.

Terrafirma Motors, Chengdu Dayun forge deal for modern jeepney, electric truck

Aboard the Dayun Dragon EX5 — PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

By Kap Maceda Aguila

DESPITE the misgivings and protestations of some quarters, it’s clear that the public utility vehicle modernization program of the government is gaining momentum and is heading to an inevitable fruition. To reach the end goal much more easily and quickly, the private sector needs to get on board.

Columbian Auto Group subsidiary Terrafirma Motors Corp. (TMC) is obviously heeding the clarion call, as it recently signed an agreement with Chengdu Dayun Automobile Co. Ltd. (Chengdu Dayun) for a commercial vehicle assembly and distribution partnership.

Under the deal, Chengdu Dayun, the fourth largest private auto firm in China, will supply TMC with “drive-away chassis” units — comprised of an Isuzu engine, chassis, transmission, axles, and tires. TMC President Felix Mabilog, Jr., speaking with this writer, said that TMC will then design and assemble the body and other components onto the units. These vehicles are to be deployed as modern jeepneys under the aforementioned Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. An initial 25 vehicles have already been delivered to the San Pedro Transit Cooperative in San Pedro, Laguna. Mr. Mabilog said that another cooperative has ordered 60 units as well.

The executive revealed that TMC previously sourced units from Mahindra in India, but the latter’s vendors had been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and “could not keep up” with a proposed ramp-up of production. However, the deal with Chengdu Dayun has an added benefit of having only five percent duty, on account of a standing trade agreement with the country. The Mahindra arrangement called for 30% duty.

“Founded by Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) Chairman Emeritus Gov. Jose Ch. Alvarez, TMC is part of the Columbian Auto Group, which has traditionally been involved in the manufacture, assembly, distribution and retail of vehicles,” said TMC in a release. It cited past partnerships with automotive brands BMW, Kia, Mazda, Range Rover, Peugeot, and Mahindra. Presently, TMC is “focusing on contributing to nationwide development by shifting from private vehicle distribution to the assembly of commercial vehicles meant to spur economic development. On a macro scale, the Columbian Auto Group has business interests in the land, sea and air transportation industries.”

Chengdu Dayun, on the other hand, is engaged in automotive manufacturing, real estate development, logistics, construction, and film investment.

The ceremonial signing was executed by TMC Chairman Bienvenido Santos and Chengdu Dayun Executive Vice General Manager Xie Ping in Makati City, attended by industry partners and guests led by Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

Aside from the modern jeepneys, TMC is looking at the importation and distribution of configurable, battery-powered light trucks. The company displayed during the event a prototype of the Dayun Dragon EX5. “With Terrafirma’s expertise in vehicle assembly, the Dragon EX5 is set to become a fixture on Philippine roads. Eventually, with the help of our local distribution partner Astara Philippines, this product will contribute to the vehicle modernization program as a champion of clean air technology. We look forward to contributing to a brighter, cleaner future for the Philippines with this partnership with Chengdu Dayun,” said Mr. Santos.

Mr. Alvarez revealed to this writer that TMC is also looking at local suppliers for parts of the all-electric truck.

Concluded Mr. Mabilog, “We can use this (model) later on to shift from internal combustion engines to electric. That’s the direction we’re seeing. While our modern jeepneys will be internal-combustion-engine-powered for now, we’re offering this electric delivery van option.”

Electric cars we’d like to see here

WHEN WE LOOK at studies about the future of private transportation, the common traits across the board usually are that the vehicles are electric, semi-autonomous, aerodynamic, and connected. What do manufacturers around the world have in store for us this year? Here’s a wish list of electric cars of 2023 that I would love to see in the Philippines — hopefully sooner than later.

Rolls-Royce Spectre

The most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever produced, It is the luxury marque’s first electric vehicle (EV), and has been designed as an EV from the ground up.

Polestar 3

I’ve seen the Polestar a lot in Europe, and would love to see it reach the Philippine market. It is Volvo’s sister marque, and carries five radar modules, five external cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors for some awesome driver-assistance safety features.

Toyota bZ4X

This non-luxury, electric crossover was developed alongside the Subaru Solterra and is Toyota’s first model to be offered as part of the Toyota BZ (Beyond Zero) series of zero-emissions vehicles.

Fisker Ocean

This EV with a fancy name is super good-looking and carries a so-called Solar Sky Roof that can charge under the sun. Won’t this be perfect for our sunny Philippine clime?

Hyundai Ioniq 6

This is obviously one of the world’s most aerodynamic cars — sporty and slightly reminiscent of a Porsche in profile.

Kia EV9

Its interiors feature sustainable materials, and it has a solar panel built into the front bonnet. It will also carry Automode — Kia’s autonomous driving technology.

SEC readies rules, lists projects for blue finance

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has provided a list of projects that are eligible for “blue” finance, including wastewater management and offshore renewable energy, under draft guidelines that it asked would-be issuers to comment on before month’s end.

In an advisory, it said the guidelines “are intended as a reference on eligible blue projects and activities which blue bonds can finance.” The raised funds are meant to support the sustainability and conservation of ocean-based resources.

The SEC has enumerated six eligible activities, namely water supply; water sanitation; ocean-friendly and water-friendly products; ocean-friendly chemicals and plastic-related sectors; sustainable shipping and port logistics sectors; and fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood value chain.

Eligible blue project categories include ecosystem management and natural resources restoration of coastal, marine, and river ecosystems;  sustainable fisheries management; sustainable tourism in the vicinity of marine conservation areas; wastewater management; and marine and offshore renewable energy.

Under the proposed guidelines, eligible issuers must provide the clear benefits to ocean health that their project or activities can supply.

Issuers must also contribute to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) no. 6 and/or 14, which they need to assess and quantify, where feasible.

UN SDG nos. 6 and 14 pertain to the goal of availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation, and the conservation and sustainability of oceans, seas, and marine resources. Eligible blue activities must contribute to the two goals.

Additionally, the commission said that the issuer must prepare a framework that clearly distinguishes the use of proceeds toward green, social, and blue activities.

According to the SEC eligible blue projects must aim to address sustainable water management and ocean protection, and must also seek to contribute to the development of the “blue economy.”

Meanwhile, harmful activities such as fossil fuel power generation are ineligible for blue bond issuance, as well as projects that pose significant harm to ocean health and resources.

“Issuers are also encouraged to develop a list of additional ineligible projects and/or activities for the issuance of their blue Bonds,” the SEC said.

The proposed blue bond guidelines are applied in conjunction with SEC Memorandum Circular No. 12 of 2018 or the “Guidelines for the Issuance of ASEAN Green Bonds Under the ASEAN Green Bonds Standards in the Philippines.” — Adrian H. Halili

Isuzu PHL presents ‘redefined’ mu-X

PHOTO FROM ISUZU PHILIPPINES

ISUZU PHILIPPINES CORP. (IPC) revealed a “fresh new look” for the latest iteration of the Isuzu mu-X.

The popular SUV now sports a sleek two-tone front grille and is given 20-inch alloy wheels. IPC is playing up the image of the vehicle as a “premium family SUV” — now bearing a refreshed exterior design.

IPC also provides a new color option, Norwegian Blue, for the new mu-X. It also gets a new Smart Power Tailgate with Step Sensor — allowing owners to open the vehicle tailgate automatically through a key detection and sensor technology. The company said in a release that this “(makes) it more convenient for owners to load and unload their baggage.

The Isuzu mu-X, which has been bestowed with a five-star rating from the ASEAN NCAP, is equipped with a class-leading Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) to keep its occupants safe on the road. The mu-X earned the 2021 SUV of the Year plum at the Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards and 2022 Best Engine Performance from the Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards. This, maintained IPC, “proves that the mu-X is still one of the most trusted and reliable family vehicle in the market today.”

IPC President Tetsuya Fujita added, “The latest edition of the Isuzu mu-X with its new premium styling and smart features does not compromise the vehicle’s core value of durability, reliability, fuel efficiency and five-star safety. We think it is this complete package that will truly elevate the driving experience of Filipino families nationwide.”

For more information, visit www.isuzuphil.com or an Isuzu dealership.

ERC to review SMC termination of power supply deals 

JEROME CMG-UNSPLASH

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it is set to review the decision of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. to terminate its two power supply deals with Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Monalisa C. Dimalanta said in a Viber message on Saturday that the agency had been informed by Meralco through SMS of its receipt of the notices of termination of the power supply agreements.

On Friday, Meralco announced that two subsidiaries of SMC Global Power — Excellent Energy Resources, Inc. (EERI) and Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd. (MPPCL) — had terminated their power supply agreement (PSA) with Meralco.

Ms. Dimalanta said the deal with EERI and MPPCL covered 1,200 megawatts (MW) and 600 MW, respectively. She said Meralco is set to jointly file with the companies “the appropriate pleadings with ERC by Monday for the withdrawal of the PSAs.”

“ERC will then review and act on such motions, when filed, after determination of compliance with law and legal processes,” she said.

In a Viber message on Friday, Meralco confirmed receipt of the notices and “[we] are currently studying our available options.”

In its statement, the power distributor said the available options include the possibility of requesting the approval of the Department of Energy (DoE) to conduct another round of competitive selection process for the 1,800-MW requirement of Meralco.

The two companies under San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) power arm are supposed to start delivering Meralco’s needed capacity by 2024 and 2025. EERI proposed to supply capacity from its natural gas power plant starting in 2024 for P4.1462 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while MPPCL offered 600 MW from its coal-fired power plant for P4.2605 per kWh by 2025.

Meanwhile, advocacy group Power for People Coalition welcomed the recent development.

“With EERI and MPPCL backing out, consumers are spared from the surely costly bills they would have been charged out of the two contracts,” the group said in a statement.

“As Meralco seeks to hold a rebid, it now has a chance to ensure genuinely least-cost electricity for consumers. We advise Meralco to ensure that it uses straight energy pricing in its terms of references for the new contracts, and for DoE to mandate fixed pricing in all PSAs, or else face the outrage of consumers,” it added.

Terry L. Ridon, convenor of think tank InfraWatch PH, said in a message on Saturday that while the decision of SMC Global Power to terminate the PSAs would not immediately result in higher prices, the public should expect rate changes upon rebidding.

“The public should expect rate changes upon the rebidding of the power supply gap left by the termination of the SMC power supply contract. We have yet to see whether the corresponding new contracts will result in higher prices, but the ERC should ensure the least cost based on market conditions at the time of rebidding,” Mr. Ridon said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Great Wall Motor previews PHL lineup

The Haval H6 (left) and Haval Jolion — PHOTO FROM GREAT WALL MOTOR

GREAT WALL MOTOR (GWM) readies to enter the Philippine automotive market — recently previewing its offerings to members of the media and other guests.

In a message, GWM ASEAN President Elliott Zhang said, “Today, joining hands with Luxuriant, our strategic partner in Philippines market, GWM brings four outstanding products to this market, including our Haval H6 and Haval Jolion developed with GWM Intelligent Modular Architecture. In the future, GWM will continue to deepen our partnership with Luxuriant, with commitment to introduce intelligent, green and sustainable mobility experiences with advanced products and leading technologies, supportive to the upgrade of auto industry in Philippines.

According to Luxuriant Automotive Group Marketing and Sales Director Tonette Lee, the brand brings in a new experience through new energy, technology, and intelligence at a vibrant and exciting time for the automotive sector. “Our market has never been more exciting, and we would like to contribute our share, especially in the area of green energy, towards sustainable driving at real world prices,” she said.

GWM said that the H6 and Jolion are “true hybrids capable of producing exceptional performance while enhancing fuel efficiency.” The technology also allows for four driving modes — EV, series, parallel, and regeneration — each having their own fuel consumption and driving profiles or capabilities.

“The H6 matches a 1.5-L turbo-charged internal combustion engine to a 130-kW Dedicated Hybrid Transmission capable of producing a combined output of 240hp and 530Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Jolion uses a 1.5-L naturally aspirated internal combustion engine mated to a 115-kW Dedicated Hybrid Transmission capable of producing a combined output of 186hp and 375Nm of torque. The system results to smoother power delivery, better acceleration, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, and most importantly, 35% to 50% of fuel savings,” reported Luxuriant Automotive Group Product Marketing Manager Fritz de Ocampo.

The Haval H6 is GWM’s flagship model in the Philippines, while the Haval Jolion enters the B-SUV segment. After the unveiling, GWM and Luxuriant Automotive Group executives led the media to a test-drive event at the Batangas Racing Circuit where guests had the opportunity to drive the vehicles, highlighting specific capabilities and unique features.

Converge considers capacity swapping for subsea cable 

CONVERGE ICT Solutions, Inc. is eyeing to grow its subsea cable connections through partnerships and swapping, with its intent of creating new network redundancies.

“Subsea cables are the gateways of the Philippines, so, it’s not enough to build just one, you need to put in several redundancies,” Converge Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Anthony H. Uy told reporters on the sidelines of a recent media briefing.

Mr. Uy said that Converge will try to maximize its current capacity through swapping.

“With our current capacity, if someone will build a new cable, we can swap our excess capacity in the other subsea cable so there would be redundancy,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

According to Mr. Uy, Converge is in discussion with several companies, both from the West and Asia, that are planning to build subsea cables and for swappings.

“We are already in talks for swappings because we have a lot of capacity,” he added.

“Actually, our traffic comes from America. We are not similar to China and Indonesia. So, the tendency is we will need more capacity, multiple redundancies because no one can tell what will happen to that cable,” he added.

“So, the more multipath we have, the better for our network, and this is what we are trying to do,” he said.

For 2023, the listed fiber internet provider allotted up to P15 billion in capital expenditure, a fourth of which will be used for investments in subsea cable and data centers. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Toyota presents ‘family-friendly’ deals this March

PHOTO FROM TOYOTA MOTOR PHILIPPINES

TOYOTA MOTOR PHILIPPINES serves up various payment options and perks on its vehicles this March.

A Toyota Innova 2.8 J Diesel M/T variant is available with P178,650 down payment under the brand’s Pay Low option, which allows customers to purchase a new vehicle with as low as 15% down payment. The program offers free insurance for the first year, free LTO registration for three years, and free chattel mortgage at 60 months to pay via all-in cash out. Other models available under the Pay Low program are the Wigo 1.0 G (P101,100 down payment), the Rush 1.5 GR-S A/T (P176,400), the Fortuner 4×2 G A/T at (P274,200), and more.

Meanwhile, the Avanza 1.3 J M/T variant is available for a monthly payment of P9,147 under the Pay Light option, which offers low monthly payments with 50% down payment and 60 months to pay. The Hilux 4×2 J M/T is available for P10,662 per month under the Pay Light option, while the Hiace Commuter Deluxe M/T and Lite Ace 1.5 Pickup M/T are at P18,930 and P6,865, respectively.

Buyers paying in cash get a P50,000 discount for the Corolla Altis V HV and V variants under the Cash Savings option, up to P30,000 for the Vios (depending on the variant), and P20,000 for the Veloz G CVT.

Buyers of a brand-new Corolla Altis, Raize, Veloz, Rush, Fortuner, and selected variants of the Vios, Avanza, Innova and Hilux are entitled to free basic periodic maintenance service (PMS) during the promo period, as long as the vehicles are purchased from authorized Toyota dealers. Customers may avail of the free PMS package up to the 20,000-km checkup within 18 months from the release date of the vehicle.

All variants of the Lite Ace sold and released within the promo period qualify for a fixed 1,000-km to 40,000-km PMS fee. Customers will only need to pay P1,999 (VAT-inclusive) per PMS visit until the 40,000-km checkup. This fixed PMS promo can be availed within 24 months from the release of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, customers who trade in their Wigo for a Vios during the promo period will get a P35,000 rebate; Vios owners who upgrade to the Raize G CVT will receive a P30,000 rebate. Avanza owners who will trade in their unit for a Veloz also get a P20,000 rebate. The trade-in rebate can be used as cash discount or to buy accessories when purchasing the participating model during the promo period.

All brand-new Wigo, Veloz, and selected models of the Vios, Corolla Altis, Innova, Hilux, Avanza, Rush, and Fortuner come with free one-year insurance provided by Toyota Insure. The one-year comprehensive insurance covers 24/7 personal accident, passenger auto personal accident, three-year CPTL, own damage (OD), loss/theft, excess bodily injury (EBI), property damage (PD), acts of nature (AON), and includes emergency roadside assistance.

All brand-new G, E and XLE variants of the Vios bought from authorized Toyota dealerships nationwide also have a warranty coverage of five years or 150,000km, whichever comes first.

The promotion runs from March 11 to 31, 2023 only. For more information, go to https://toyota.com.ph/promos/StartTheFun.

Electrification: Yes, but…

An all-electric Porsche Taycan is one of the EV models that is, well, leading the charge in the Philippines. — PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

There’s no straight line to EV adoption, even in the EU

CHANGE DOES NOT always move in one direction. It’s often more complicated than that. Take, for example, the global momentum toward embracing electric vehicles (EVs). It’s been slow, but pretty straightforward. That was, until the war in Ukraine broke — and another energy crisis was born.

Let us review: The European Union’s plan to only allow zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles (from the passenger cars and vans segment), to be sold within their member states starting from the year 2035, was put into place by a majority vote — with the intention of decarbonizing transportation systems to address climate change.

Now that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced Western Europe to cut many of its economic ties with Russia — including having to drastically reduce its dependency on natural gas sourced from the latter — fuel prices have skyrocketed, as with the price of electricity. Having said that, the cost of charging/maintaining an EV in Europe has also risen. Now, more EU member states are beginning to express their dissent for the approaching EV sale exclusivity come 2035.

Is this a kind of step backward, as some countries appear to still want to cling on to internal-combustion-engine-powered vehicles? And, if you think about it, an EV still does emit CO2 across its life cycle — that is, during its production and even during its charging phases. Other countries also argue that although EV technology has advanced so much in the last couple of years, the other dimensions of the EV story still pose problems — namely, the lack of charging infrastructure, an uncertain electricity supply, an unstable electricity grid, and some problematic access to raw materials (read: the semiconductor supply shortage in the wake of COVID). It is enlightening to know that battery electric vehicles actually require twice as many semiconductor components, compared to their ICE-powered counterparts.

Germany, which has a very strong automotive lobby, is now even campaigning for certain e-fuels (synthetic fuels) to be exempted from the 2035 ban. It’s actually an emerging technology that claims to leave a significantly smaller carbon footprint, but which many environmentalists don’t necessarily agree with.

Nevertheless, Germany does plan to increase (as a government directive) its renewable energy share in the overall electricity grid — and that’s a great thing. It may, in fact, be the answer to the question of how to source all the additional kilowatt-hours necessary to power all the new EVs that will be in use by then.

And perhaps that is a large part of the answer to the survival of EVs amid a global energy crisis — countries will just have to diversify their power generation assets. And while regular people will likely be owners of EVs by then, we must keep in mind that EVs en masse have great potential for storing renewable energy during the day, and then feeding them right back into the grid during peak hours.

Perhaps the future is still bright, after all.

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