By Charles E. Buban
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MENTION Kevlar and the bullet-proof vest immediately comes to mind. However, these days, Kevlar has found its way into the mainstream that almost all products that need to be light, strong and durable have this high-tech material.

And a tire lined with Kevlar is no exception. Just a few weeks ago, tire and rubber giant Goodyear launched in Kuala Lumpur its newest line of premium passenger tires under the Assurance brand.

Featuring a patented ArmorGrip technology, Goodyear expects that its Assurance line will enable the company to dominate the Asia-Pacific region’s mid-size tire market for passenger cars that now stands at over 24 million pieces annually.

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By Charles E. Buban
Philippine Daily Inquirer

AS General Motors and Japanese rival Toyota battle it out for domination of the world auto market, GM announced it will intensify its presence in the Southeast Asian region, which the Detroit-based car giant described as one of the fastest-growing car markets in the world.

“Like China, Russia, India and Brazil, GM sees a huge opportunity for expansion in Southeast Asia. Expect more developments in the coming months, which would include introduction of new vehicle models that car buyers within this market will want at a price they can afford,” announced Steve Carlisle, president of GM Southeast Asia Operations Limited and Chevrolet Sales Thailand.

Speaking before the official opening of the 29th Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand, Carlisle hinted at coming up with a new vehicle model that would fall under the Asian utility vehicle category, a type of vehicle that is already popular in the region, including the Philippines.

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By Charles E. Buban
Philippine Daily Inquirer

LET’S face it, those who could afford the 2008 4×4 Isuzu Alterra has to be well-situated financially, able to have at least P1.673 million of spare cash (or won’t mind paying the equivalent monthly obligation).

Indeed, these Alterra buyer has the ability to enjoy a lifestyle a lot of us could only dream of.

Well, this writer was able to taste that sort of lifestyle when Isuzu Philippines organized Isuzu Alterra… Great Drive, Great Life event a couple of weeks ago where invited motoring media participated in an off-road gymkhana, shooting clay targets (with a shotgun), had lunch aboard a yacht (while cruising Subic Bay in Zambales), went sailing, joined in a modified equestrian competition and finally tried Subic Bay Yacht Club’s fabled synchronized head and foot massage.

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By Charles E. Buban
Philippine Daily Inquirer

“PUSH the 4L button, shift to first gear then take your feet off the accelerator and the clutch,” commanded our Thai navigator. And before we could even argue with his order, he smilingly repeated the instruction and added, “Trust me, you’ll both be surprised.”

Surprisingly indeed, the pickup did not stall and in fact, continued to drive uphill to the amazement of Bam Olivares (of the Daily Tribune) and this writer.

As if we were not yet amazed, Jirayuth Adhidhebnarangkura of Isuzu Operations Thailand even ordered to shift to the second gear and just steer (again, while keeping both feet off the accelerator and clutch).

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By Charles E. Buban
Inquirer

AT THE QUEZON Memorial Circle, a sprawling park at the heart of Quezon City, visitors can take a short test drive to a cleaner, greener future: For only P30 per lap, they can either take the wheel or hitch a ride on the country’s first electric car developed by a Filipino inventor.

The eight prototypes of the “G Car” built by engineer Gerry Caroro have been attracting some 100 to 200 park goers daily since the fleet was added last Nov. 30 to the Circle’s eco-themed attractions.

“My dream is for every Filipino to one day enjoy wonderful stretches of virtually pollution-free roads, with my G Cars as the principal mode of personal transport,” said Caroro, who produced the vehicles at an average cost of P280,000 per unit from his West Avenue workshop in QC.

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By Charles E. Buban
Inquirer

IF a carmaker would like to celebrate a milestone in its corporate history, it would usually roll out a special edition of its top-selling model.

These days, however, carmakers would instead hold an activity or a program that usually pertains to caring for the environment.

Such an act may seem ironic considering emissions from vehicles these carmakers produce are often cited as among the major sources of air pollution and thus, a major public health issue.

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By Charles E. Buban
Inquirer

TOKYO, Japan–The Tokyo Motor Show has always been about technology and this year’s 40th staging of one of the world’s leading automobile expos is no exception as green cars featuring advanced propulsion technology share centerstage with some of today’s fastest and most powerful production cars.

This writer finally got the chance to get up close and personal with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X as well as Fuji Heavy Industries’ (maker of Subaru brand of vehicles) new Impreza WRX STI.

Of course, this writer also witnessed the much-awaited debut of the all-new Nissan GT-R.

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