I JUST sold my old car. Since it was my nephew buying it, I practically let him have my Lancer, the pizza type, practically for a song.
My dear, old gray ride never gave me a single headache. Also my wife, who drove it for the most part of its 23-year stay with the family. Reliable like my Swiss knife of 38 years.
It pained me to part with my 1997 matic. I must have downed a bottle of single malt—was it Oban or Macallan, if not Hibiki?—before the farewell rites were said and done.
The morning after, the hangover didn’t matter much after I got a high hearing about my nephew being so exceedingly happy at parting time the night before.
Nothing compares with blood brothers bonding with each other. Money’s nothing. Blood is everything.
Have you read the Reuters news about old cars selling like hotcakes in Europe, because people there now view public transport like trains as being carriers of the Covid-19 pandemic?
Said Reuters: “In September, London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for a 5.7 billion pound [about P370.5 billion] bailout package for the city’s transport operator as passenger numbers continued to plunge.”
The virus scare also holds true in Madrid, Berlin, Brussels, The Hague, Rome, Geneva, Vienna and many other major European cities. To them, it’s become healthier and safer to ride in their cars, be they aged 20 or 25.
“It’s fair to say in the time of corona that the amount of vehicles [seen on the road] older than 15 years has increased versus prior years,” said Bjoern Huetter of the United Kingdom’s IHS Market, as quoted by Reuters.
Suddenly, I miss my Lancer.
Okamoto oration
THE following is Atsuhiro Okamoto’s closing remarks during the media lunch hosted by Alfred Ty, chairman of Toyota Motor Philippines, at Grand Hyatt Manila:
“I became President of TMP in January this year. I did not realize but it was ONLY 10 months ago! It seems so long ago!
“I heard IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES, before I came here. So I was looking forward to many exciting experiences like going to Boracay or El Nido, play golf. But I never imagined it to include volcano eruption and a global pandemic!
“But I am thankful for this experience for it has taught us a lot—What we can actually do, how we can become even tougher or more resilient, and how to survive. During this time, we saw how we can start the impossible.
“I did not know where to start, but one thing is ingrained in Toyota DNA. Family takes care of Family. So when this pandemic broke out, we made it our top priority to ensure health and protection of our team members. TMP took steps to preserve the jobs of team members which many companies cannot do under these difficult times. We did it by assigning production team members to do kaizen activities, equipment maintenance, work-place safety and even mask production.
“We also prioritized team member welfare by conducting regular testing, health education and strict enforcement of health protocols. Recently, we are fortunate to go back to 2-shift operations in line with market recovery and in preparation for better sales as economy opens up.
“Outside our plant, we also took the opportunity to reinforce our customer relations, adjust dealer operations by implementing strict safety protocols, enhancing online touchpoints, door to door service, resulting to increasing customer visits again lately. We supported our local suppliers by continuing both CKD production and CBU logistics operations. We accelerated our digital transformation by developing tools that will provide seamless customer experience on the front-end, and efficient operations on the back-end with the use of technology. With drastic volume reduction, our dealers and suppliers struggle to keep their business operations. That’s why even at the height of the pandemic, we continue to roll-out new models, 5 for Toyota and recently 1 more for Lexus. This is our way to excite the market, stimulate sales, leading to restarting the economy and faster recovery.
“We initiated our transition from an automotive company to a mobility company. Locally, we have started with new mobility products such as Kinto One Subscription Service, Connected Auto Loans, and On-demand shuttle. Globally, Toyota is developing a fully connected ‘Woven City’ in Japan, and is eyeing the moon with a Lunar Cruiser! I am dreaming of one day when we can invite you for a ride and drive event to the moon.
“I am confident that we are prepared and positioned for growth beyond Covid.
“I am excited in what the future holds and we count on your support as we navigate a better, safer normal for all of us.
“Thank you and good afternoon.”
PEE STOP Despite almost 10 months of a pandemic-caused sales slump in the automotive industry, our players aren’t about to toss in the towel. They will soldier on like true warriors, believing eternally that nothing is permanent. Christmas is just around the corner and there’s no reminder of a hope forthcoming as strong as what the season brings. We will overcome.