Pox, OyiL, and I did a chat conference last night. Dprox was in and out due to connection problems. Basically the following were discussed:

1. Models

Proposal is to come up with two models that will share as many components as possible. The first is the proposed AUV that can seat around 7-8 passengers and can be configured as a jeepney, van, pick-up or AUV.

The second is a kei-type car, though the actual size has not been really discussed. Considerations are a 7-passenger type ala Avanza or a really small 2 seater commuter car.

2. Design Philosophy

The models will be modular and will use as much off-the-shelf components, either as plug-in compatible parts or with adapters. However because this will vary the local content composition depending on actual customization of a specific unit, there may be implications re defining it as a PhUV, for tax break purposes.

3. Legal Entity

An entity will have to be set-up to process IPR, accredit third parties; maintain and disseminate compliance standards (website should be fine); provide online list of available service center/dealers/parts; and develop, deploy and maintain an online registry. Actual ownership has not been discussed but presumably, its charter will prevent any one party from owning more than 10% of outstanding stocks.

4. Royalties

No royalties will be charged (a la open source). This is to encourage existing third-party to support the platform. It will also afford smaller mom-and-pop operations to enter the market.

5. Third Party Manufacturers Accreditation

Manufacturers of the core vehicles will be accredited to ensure compliance re compatibility and quality. Conversely, a consortium can also be formed to build the core vehicles.

Third party manufacturers of the add-on or replacement parts will be accredited to ensure compatibility and quality standards.

6. Dealers/Service Centers Accreditation

Dealers/Service Centers will be accredited as well. Dealers are expected to register all transactions with the online database.

Service Centers are expected to upload all repair/maintenance transactions of all registered vehicles. All online registration transactions will be charged a nominal fee which the dealers/centers can pass on to the customers.

7. Online Database

The legal entity will manage the online database. Owners can register their vehicles to discourage theft. Registration is optional.

8. RFID/Zigbee Usage

The use of embedded RFID and/or Zigbee chips on the vehicle (and parts) can be used to automatically determine the rightful owner. Implementation details have not been discussed.

9. ECU/CAN Usage

Technical feasibility or economic viability not yet discussed.

10. LTO Accreditation

Presumably the vehicles will need LTO approval for registration purposes. We need to find out what the requirements are, if any.

11. Buyer Financing

Dealers may optionally offer institutional financing. Needs to be discussed further.

12. Insurance

The vehicles will need to qualify for insurance.

13. Government Incentives

There are several possible government incentives, including tax breaks.

14. Funding/Sponsorship

If we are able to formalize the project, complete with feasibility study, we should be able to get funding. Other ways of generating funding is to get prepaid buyers (kind of purchasing a condo unit that is still being built) or to get corporate sponsors.

This presumes of course that we can assemble a qualified team with sufficient credentials to be credible.

15. Competition

We need to assess present and future competition.

16. Group Members

As often stated in the thread, we need to assemble a complete qualified team or a team with access to pertinent required expertise. We are still lacking core expertise, especially in automotive design and engineering.

17. Tentative EB

March 25, 2006 2pm Figaro Santa Rosa


It goes without saying the above is extremely fluid. We may have even missed out a thing or two. At any rate hopefully at the EB we can complete the requirements and determine just how far we want to take the project – up to the prototype or all the way.

Admittedly, it is a long shot. But that is what makes the project even more challenging. Besides, even if we manage to build just a prototype, wouldn’t that be something already?