Maserati PH finally brings in new Grecale

AT A LAUNCH event held in the Samsung Hall at SM Aura Premier, Maserati together with Philippine distributors, Modena Motorsports, Inc, announced the arrival of the Maserati Grecale in the Philippines.

Grecale is a range within the range, the Trident brand’s fullest ever. An extremely wide range of engines is available: conventional internal combustion, hybrid and, in a year’s time, the Grecale will also be the first full-electric SUV in Maserati history.

Two versions were rolled out at the launch: GT, powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine capable of delivering 300 hp; and the powerful Trofeo, equipped with a high-performance 3.0L 530-hp petrol V6 based on the Nettuno engine fitted to the MC20.

On the other hand, three more variants shall be made available in the market: Modena, which is equipped with a fourcylinder 330-hp mild hybrid engine; the PrimaSerie Launch Edition, a limited edition featuring exclusive content; and to complete the range, the Grecale Folgore, the 100% electric version with 400V technology - all will be made available for indent ordering.

“Grecale embodies a perfect blend of sportiness and sophistication,” said Takayuki Kimura, Head of Maserati Asia Pacific. “As the inaugural offering for a new segment of Maserati, we are very excited to bring Grecale to the Philippines to turn everyday journeys into extraordinary driving experiences.”

The new SUV stands out in terms of spaciousness and comfort. It sports best-in-class levels of interior space, driveability, handling, acceleration (0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds – on the Trofeo), top speed (285 km/h – again on the Trofeo), sound quality and extensive use of fine materials such as wood, carbon fibre and leather.

Every journey is transformed into a unique adventure that combines dynamic comfort and an unforgettable driving experience, made possible by the extraordinary handling provided by the new, 100% Maserati Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) system and the 360° control it offers over the car. The option of complete control translates into a clear distinction between the various DRIVE MODES: COMFORT, GT, SPORT, CORSA (Trofeo only) and OFF-ROAD.

Hyundai HD78 GT’s PTO feature pushes versatility

DID you know that you can extend the versatility of the Hyundai HD 78 GT with the Power Take-off (PTO) feature?

PTO is a gearbox that channels power from the engine to make auxiliary equipment work. This gives your truck added versatility beyond its usual hauling function. Energy that would have been wasted is harnessed to perform a variety of functions that brings added value to your business.

PTO makes it possible to operate - among many - mowers, wood chippers, water pumps, generators, compressors, blowers, carpet-cleaning vacuums, the winch on a tow truck, the hydraulic lift of a car transporter, mechanical arms, like the auger on the end of a truck, a loader crane, a man lifter for inspecting power lines, the bed of a dump truck, and a whole range of farming equipment.

For the smart operator, this spells savings as you don’t have to shell out extra money to have one installed for you. Plus, you get a valuable accessory that will enhance your service offerings and command better profit for your business. With a longer deck, the HD78 GT already promises maximum versatility. The medium wheel base (MWB) boasts load space of up to 15 feet (ft), the long wheel base (LWB), up to 18 ft, and the extralong wheel base (ELWB), up to 19.5 ft. In addition, you can ride confidently through tough roads even at maximum load because it is built from the famed Hyundai high strength steel.

Best of all, you get all those features at most affordable price points since the Hyundai HD78 GT is one of the industry’s more affordable trucks in its class.

Developed to meet global standards for trucks of its category, the Hyundai HD78 GT is a truck of all trades that’s designed and built to bring in maximum profit to owner/operators.

Financing Motorcycles

IN THREE of these examples, the government has done nothing to halt a significant but long-standing problem from escalating. Here are three illustrations:

Case 1: Rene fantasizes about buying a motorcycle so he can easily commute every day from his house to his office and back. He continued to set aside money from his paycheck in order to purchase the motorcycle of his dreams. Rene made the decision to visit the closest motorcycle showroom to purchase a brand-new motorcycle once he had enough savings. He was greeted like a king by a salesperson, but he received a shock when he learned that he couldn’t pay the whole price for the desired motorcycle. He was informed that the only way he could obtain it was through funding. This required him to make both a down payment and a monthly payment for the next three years.

Second example: Brando comes from a wealthy family. He rushed immediately to a well-known motorcycle store in Quezon City after receiving the money needed to purchase a brand-new motorcycle from his mother. But he was shocked to learn from the saleswoman that they only sell using a 3-year finance plan. He attempted in vain to justify the necessity for a finance plan by saying that he already had enough cash to purchase the motorcycle he desired. The saleswoman informed him that it was company policy.

Case No. 3: Cesar is employed by a large corporation that also sells motorcycles. He made every effort to work with his firm to finance the motorcycle he so desperately wanted since he wanted to possess one. The motorcycle was delivered to his home after a month. He was shocked to learn that the motorcycle’s SRP would be more than double what he would be paying when he received the paperwork for it. Cesar understood that the financing of his motorcycle was generating significant profits for his business and its sister enterprise. There is a significant problem in the local motorcycle sector because the majority of motorcycle dealers have an odd grip on the financing plans for the products they are now selling. The motorcycle industry is a multi-billion dollar sector, and it is anticipated that in the next few years, the number of motorcycles will continue to rise dramatically.

Why should the common poor be forced to bear the hardship of going through financing plans offered by different finance companies that double or even triple the cost of a regular motorcycle?

Around P80,000 will get one a decent, new motorcycle. And for about P130,000, a fantastic, brand-new motorcycle that you can occasionally take outside of the city. You may immediately bring the money home because you already have it. You certainly think so. The majority of motorbike consumers today are dissatisfied with the subpar system used by the dealers in the past and currently. The majority of the dealers are pressuring the buyers to use financing options (either internal or through the banks of their choosing). These lending companies (together with the dealers) would undoubtedly be guaranteed a significant profit through financing plans. It would not be profitable to pay cash for the SRPs.

Is this horrible plan permitted in this nation? The key companies in the nation’s motorbike sector have been embracing this strategy for a while now because it is still extremely profitable. Why is it put up with? We’d prefer to direct that query to the authorities, who are still feigning ignorance of the true problem while holding up helpless motorcycle consumers against their will.