Tsikot.ph PHUV Prototype

[jamesvhong]

ok ah... May PR na pala taga Inquirer pa...

[mazdamazda]

quoting this article for posterity's sake... :hihihi:

Motoring fans await RP car

By Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer
Last updated 07:16pm (Mla time) 03/18/2007

DOMESTIC auto parts makers who are pushing for a renewed national vehicle program had delayed the unveiling of their prototype unit, which is keeping motoring enthusiasts guessing about what it looks like.

According to the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, the prototype--originally slated for introduction this month--was "already finished" but that it would be launched in early April.

Since MVPMAP broached the idea last year, vehicle patrons have been keeping tabs on the prototype project.

In one thread of conversation in the www.tsikot.com forum, members have expressed both excitement and cynicism about the campaign to convince the government to support a so-called Philippine Utility Vehicle through a package of incentives that would encourage companies to participate in the program.

The enthusiasts were initially intrigued, and with the suspense about the much-touted prototype, could not resist making their own ideas.

One member who goes by the name "drey" said those who were developing the PhUV should make the vehicle with "no power windows, no power door locks, no power antenna, no power tail gate, just power steering."

"No high-end safety features...but it should be equipped with three-point ELR seat belts, and crumple zones or a very rugged front nose/hood, Basta may Passive Safety lahat," drey said.

Also, "the PhUV should have quality and durability since it would be used for business on weekdays and for family use on weekends. The roof should be tough."

Further suggestions were for the PhUV to make single cabs to compete with L300 FB, L300 Pickups and Multicabs.

Another enthusiast, oldblue, had misgivings, saying the "rumored" PhUV was too good to be true.

A tsikot.com member called gearspeed suggested that the PhUV should be named "Electron," and that variants should be called Systeco, GTSi, GTS, GSi, Suprema and SS50.

MVPMAP director Ferdinand Raquel Santos said such discussions were a solid testament that many people were now clamoring for a locally-designed vehicle that could cater to the special needs of Filipinos.

"They want a vehicle that is worthy to sport a Pinoy badge and in the process help uplift the Philippine auto industry," Raquel Santos said. "Thanks to the Internet, we have successfully communicated this message across a broader spectrum of the population."

Another firm, Francisco Motors Corp. has expressed interest in reviving the national car program, and announced last month that is was developing its own prototype.

Enthusiasts have expressed impatience on catching a glimpse of the PhUV.

"Baka may spy photos na kayo diyan i-share nyo naman (If you have spy photos of the PhUV, please share,)" syuryuken said.

Oyil, another tsikot.com member, posted pictures of van-like vehicles which he said was his guess on what the PhUV would look like.

But syuryuken said locally made vehicles in Nueva Ecija and Pampanga looked better.

"Who lives near the FMC (Francisco Motors) plant? Baka nakaparada na yan dun sa malawak na damuhan sa likuran nung planta nila (Maybe it is already parked somewhere in their grassy lot at the back)," oyil said.

Some said the PhUV was not worth the time and money since the proponents said it would be made of completely knocked down kits from abroad, which was a step backward from what assemblers of mostly local parts were already doing. Others said they expected the prototype to have minimal safety feautes, if at all.

But a member named CVT defended the PhUV: "We have to start somewhere. I will support this!"

"If I have the money, kahit panget pa ito ay bibilihin ko pa rin (I'll still buy even if its ugly)," said kikkoman.

Still another member, Galactus, said he would not think about buying if the PhUV would look like the Ford Fiera.

"To buy it just simply because it's a Philippine-made car would be wrong," Galactus said. "There should be quality and value."

"We have to show that the Philippine automotive market is a buyer's market (and not the other way around)," Galactus added. "That is, we are discriminating consumers, too."

[NazQ]

WOW!
sikat sila Old Blue, Gearspeed, CVT, Oyil, Syuryuken, kikkoman, Galactus..

[OyiL]

WOW!
sikat sila Old Blue, Gearspeed, CVT, Oyil, Syuryuken, kikkoman, Galactus..

iscared na nga magpost dito yan pagkatapos sumikat e....showbiz na. peace joke lang

have you seen the facelifted anfras after running out of mazda parts that they originally used? here: take note of the grilles and the headlamps - different ano

[OyiL]

small car? anyone?

[OyiL]

***y back?

[architect]

Hey Lio that is a cute kei car design. 7-seater ala Avanza?