RSA FOR PRESIDENT IN 2022; HONDA HELPS AGAIN
SINCE its eventful global launch in 2004, the Fortuner has never been lacking in adulation in virtually all aspects of what a vehicle should be since the invention of pizza. So consistently awesome this machine is that in 2017, it even outsold Vios, its cute little sister whose reign as Toyota’s No. 1 selling car has been the envy of all.
Thus, even before the third generation Fortuner was unveiled as Toyota’s sensational fifth model launch last weekend, the 36,733 units of Vios sold three years back was erased by Fortuner’s sales of 39,680 that year. Simply amazing, given that Fortuner is priced much higher than the Vios.
By tradition, every Toyota Motor Philippines president will deliver a speech to mark the occasion. Here:
“Our dear friends in the Media, a bright and hopeful hello to you all! Whether you are watching me from your mobile or laptop, in your homes or offices, from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, I hope you are safe and well.
“Once again, this is Hiro Okamoto, president of TMP. Thank you for joining us on our 5th Virtual product launch of the year, as we unveil the country’s leading SUV, the much-loved Toyota Fortuner.
“In 2004, the Fortuner made its global debut under Toyota’s IMV Project, along with the Hilux and Innova. It was sold in most continents with the toughest road conditions and driving environments, quickly becoming a popular SUV.
“It entered the Philippine market at a time when entry level sedans and Asian utility vehicles were the crowd favorites due to their affordability. But the Fortuner proved that the Philippine market is ready to achieve their dreams! It captured the hearts of many Filipinos as proven by strong sales. It has an SUV body perfect for our flood-prone streets, an array of variants including a fuel-efficient diesel engine, a macho look that satisfies desires, and most of all, an affordable price—making it an achievable dream!
“Filipinos are so crazy about their Fortuners that in 2017, it was crowned the country’s best-selling vehicle. In August this year, more than 30 percent of mid-sized SUVS on the road carry the Fortuner badge. To date, we have sold over 220,000 units for the past 15 years!
“The new Fortuner is Smarter, Stronger and Safer than ever! With its refreshed lineup led by the top-of-theline premium LTD grade, the country’s best-selling SUV just got better!
“Well, I won’t do all the talking and will now let you see the New Fortuner for yourself. As its name suggests, may it bring you Good Fortune now and in the future!
“Thank you very much. Maraming salamat po.”
Short but sweet.
Honda helps again
AS part of its 30th anniversary celebration this October, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. ( HCPI), recently donated personal protective Equipment and computers to various medical and educational institutions in Laguna, namely Santa Rosa Community Hospital in Santa Rosa, Laguna; Ospital ng Biñan in Biñan, Laguna; and, Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital in Calamba, Laguna.
Honda also donated 30 desktop computers in coordination with the Department of Education-schools Division of Santa. Rosa, with 18 schools as beneficiaries.
“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary in the Philippines, we wish to show our appreciation to our medical frontliners and educators during this
difficult time. We hope that we were able to assist the various institutions as they endure the obstacles caused by the pandemic.” said Ryohei Adachi, Honda’s executive vice president.
More of Honda’s donation drive initiative can be found at www.hondaphil. com
RSA’S bike binge
RAMON S. Ang (RSA), the well-loved president and COO of San Miguel Corp., now wants the country’s labor force to use the bicycle as major mode for transportation.
Always the maverick that he is, RSA has provided his SMC employees with loaned bikes at no interest. Safety helmets can be had at giveaway prices.
“While we continuously do mass RT-PCR testing of all our 70,000- plus employees to ensure health safety in our facilities and offices nationwide, there’s also a need to provide convenience when they go to work,” RSA said. “Since our transportation system is still limited, bikes will help our employees go to work comfortably.”
The first 1,500 bikes he offered were taken in a flash.
“More are coming,” he said. “With more cities putting up bike lanes, biking to work is now a more viable option. It exposes you less to Covid-19 because you are socially distanced and outdoors. It promotes health, and saves you transportation fares as well.”
His call to motorists: “Please do not treat our bikers as obstacles on the road. Share the road as they are people like you, just trying to get to their destination. Give way to them, because anyway you are inside a vehicle.”
Because of RSA’S consistent display of charitable endeavors and espousal of out-of-the-box ideas benefitting the general public, his friends and even many of his business rivals now want him to run for president in 2022.
What do you think?
PEE STOP The pandemic has made us captives of online orders. For me, nothing beats the kare-kare of the Fortunerdriving Jake Ayson (+639065606004), pizza of Previa freak Shang Berte (+639178428802) and callos- paella of the Mazda-forever Johnny Revilla (+639209285337).