IN a recent AFP (Agence France-Presse) report, Saudi Arabia will have a future that will have no more cars. Hard to believe? Read on:
“RIYADH—Saudi Arabia, the world’s top crude exporter, recently announced the launch of an eco-city ‘with zero cars, zero streets and zero carbon emissions’ at its futuristic NEOM mega development.
“The $500-billion NEOM, set to be built from scratch along the kingdom’s picturesque Red Sea coast, is billed as a development evocative of a sci-fi blockbuster.
“Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled plans for a city, dubbed ‘THE LINE,’ in a presentation broadcast on state TV.
“It consists of ‘a city of a million residents with a length of 170 kms that preserves 95 percent of nature with NEOM, with zero cars, zero streets and zero carbon emissions,’ he said.
“We need to transform the concept of a conventional city into that of a futuristic one,’ said the Arab world’s economic de facto leader, whose nation is ranked among the world’s most polluting countries.
“Prince Mohammed showed computer-generated images of ‘THE LINE’ as well as landscapes of pristine deserts and blue seas.
“The pedestrian city will have services such as schools, health centers and green spaces, as well as high-speed public transportation, with no journey expected to take more than 20 minutes, according to a NEOM statement.
“Artificial intelligence will play a key role in the city, adding that ‘it will be powered by 100 percent clean energy providing pollution-free, healthier and more sustainable environment for residents.”
Construction begins this quarter, AFP said, with funds coming from the Public Investment Fund, the project to produce 380,000 jobs and contribute $48 billion to the kingdom’s GDP by 2030.
Ambitious, I must say. Good luck.
Tasty Toyota promos
SUMMER is fun and the industry isn’t one to be a KJ. Toyota takes the lead once more as it offers huge discounts too hard to resist, starting at P60k. The promos are from April 5-30.
Its best-selling, entry-level Vios model pegs at an exceedingly low P5,276 monthly installment.
Nadinne Capistrano said all Wigo variants also come with free comprehensive insurance each for one year, making it a sensible option for budget-conscious buyers looking to address their daily mobility needs.
The Vios, the country’s best-selling sedan, is sold at a P35k savings, with a free periodic maintenance of up to 20k kms and/or one year comprehensive insurance, and a 5-year warranty for the variants G, E, or XLE. The XE has a free one-year comprehensive insurance. And you get a 35k rebate if you trade in your vehicle for a new Vios.
Also eligible for outright cash discounts are Toyota’s well-loved models—Innova, Fortuner, Corolla Altis, Avanza, Hilux, Rush and Hiace—not to mention the Supra, Alphard, Yaris and Coaster. All-in low down payment, low monthly plans, and zero-percent interest schemes are also available on selected models and variants.
Your old Toyota can fetch up to 40k rebate for a new Toyota model.
For more details, check out https://toyota.com.ph/promos/bringhomethejoy and https://toyota.com.ph/balloon-payment-plus for Balloon Payment Plus packages.
Jazz just junked
AFTER 17 years, Jazz was removed from Honda’s lineup, Honda Cars Philippines has announced.
Visor chief Vernon B. Sarne will be among the heartbroken. He’s been a Jazz enthusiast almost from the day the Jazz was born in July 2004.
The Jazz, which was initially introduced in the Philippine market in July 2004, was launched as an exciting and innovative vehicle in HCPI’s roster of models.
Since it was launched, the Jazz has already sold over 25,000. It had its three generational changes in 2008, 2014 and 2017.
It’s not easy understanding the whys in the car world, or how one beloved brand can be junked that easily.
“The Jazz has been a remarkable nameplate in the Philippine market for years,” said Masahiko Nakamura, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) president. “However, as we continue to put an emphasis on meeting market demands, we have thoroughly studied the necessity of the models in our current model lineup. After careful consideration, we would like to formally announce the discontinuation of Jazz and all its variants, in order for us to shift our focus and resources to our current and upcoming models.”
Jazz collectors can still purchase the remaining models at Honda dealerships. Visit www.hondaphil.com for more details.
PEE STOP The Top 5 car companies in sales performance a year into the pandemic are Toyota (Vios, Wigo & Hilux), Mitsubishi (Xpander, L300 & Mirage), Nissan (Navara, Terra & Almera), Ford (Ranger, Territory & Everest) and Suzuki (Ertiga, S-Presso & Carry).