Quote Originally Posted by Helios View Post
PS: hey folks, when do we get serious about the phuv design? i mean real up to date concept sketches for evaluation? i was involved in a vehicular accident lately so i'm pretty much tied up.
Helios, where are you based?

I sold the UVX to a friend, His latero (panel beater) customized it and they used it to deliver tube-ICE... last time I heard, they have a problem with the starter... and they kinda neglected it. It will be very expensive to restore it now - considering that it has been undergoing torture test since day 1. It was already in a state of neglect when I sold it. After they painted it white and changed the doors into normal type, they didn't pay any attention on maintenance, like engines timing belt and oil. They just continued abusing it, like an old carabao, it doesnt grow old - but it always needs new grass. Its much easier to build a new one, and its not expensive. I estimate, with current material prices, we can make one for only P120K. more or less (bare model) If you notice - I simply played around with what material is available. If you take a closer look at the grill... It is actually the grill of an owner type jeep placed horizontally and fitted to conform with the bumper and hood lines. The Hood is also from the owner type jeep which I expanded and - customized to open forward-up so I wont have any surprises during hi speeds. The Fenders are single sheet G.I.'s shaped in a manner that it doesn't need subframes... it gets strength from the main carrozzeria in a manner similar to VW beetle fenders. I had the rear wheel wells customized so as I could maximize the space behind to accomodate 4 x 8 sheets... it was a challenge that was easily solved by using wheel spacers. otherwise I would have problems with the wheels. It's a very simple yet organic or ergonomic design... because I didnt compromise comfort and room for the driver and passengers. I maid my own strut bars for the front suspension, since buying a new one costs an arm and a leg that time. THe Strut bars I used are corrugated bars - one used for construction of buildings... 1.5" dia. I think., I just picked it up from the Junkyard. It was needed since I altered the caster of the front suspension assembly. I wanted to make the steering feel like it's power steering at the same time increase the stability during hi-speed driving. It really handled well, I always drive it fast because I enjoyed listening to the exhaust tone - I placed a racing exhaust tip to it. It is almost like an American - Step Van, but smaller. It still stands true to its name... It was indeed the Ultimate Utility Vehicle I have ever Experienced... nothing compares to it. Those small suzuki Vans - they are OK in Italy and Japan where streets are small and weather the weather is normally cold and dry humidity. We need more space because our AC's cannot keep our singits dry in the Philippines due to Hot and Wet and Humid weather.

By the way, you were asking when we are going to get something serious here... are we not serious enough already? Which makes me think... by the way Lio, how many companies are participating in the PhUV program? If the market is the C & D or those people buying SUVIC cars or imported junks... then its a huge number. But are these C & D market capable of paying P400,000 for a Vehicle? I think the Government should take another look in making this more realistic. We have a currency and purchasing power nearly the same to India, but they are targeting to make a Peoples Vehicle to only P150K (with imported junk components a.k.a. surplus) or P250K (with brand new components) at least they have a better target. What is the reason why this is too expensive? A car is a necessity for every family... it empowers them. Being able to ride a tricycle or a jeepney anywhere anytime is not empowerment. It is only for the tourist. Empowerment is to give Juan Dela Cruz a decent Nobility on his Mobility (MOREOVER - it Helps and Adds to his becoming a more Responsible Person). Personal, Utilitarian Trekker, Recreational, International, Service .........PUTRIS!

-teka parang di masyado maganda pakingan. At any rate, the same manner the Owner type Jeeps empower the Men of Cavite and Paranaque... pang pulis... pulis and dating.... pulis Character. Empowering dibah. Yun nga lang, kelangan you have to dress up like FPJ or Erap when you drive one, and see to it that you have checked the weather before going out. A small white towel around you neck would be appropriate dressing... dont forget the wrist ban. oh... and Dark Shades - Rayban. did we miss anything from our checklist? Wallet, Watch, Spectacles, Testicles.. OK were ready. Lets Go!

Here are some more from my album... (not a digital album)
Attachment 7350Attachment 7351Attachment 7352
L to R: Concept INDIO, Concept ULTRABUS/X, MY 2004 concept for toyota HiAce's Vans for 2005 onwards.