Mercedes-Benz's New Steering Wheel Can Punish You If You Don't Hold It Right

Mercedes-Benz will debut a new steering wheel on the 2020 E-Class that will, among other things, force you to hold it properly.

The 2020 version of Mercedes-Benz’s mid-sized sedan will now have the ability to detect if your hands are off the wheel. Sensors located at the front and back of the wheel rim can sense if it’s being held. If not, it can trigger the various driver assist systems; lazy finger trip drivers, beware.

The new tiller reduces mechanical buttons thanks to the adoption of capacitive buttons. It’s a further development of the Touch Control buttons seen in the current E-Class. Mercedes-Benz says the tech has been tested to work even in extreme temperatures, with the buttons designed to work in temperatures that’ll burn the skin (over 100 degrees Celsius).

The 2020 E-Class will also benefit from various steering wheel types—Sport, Luxury, and Supersport. Regardless, Mercedes-Benz says “it’s the most beautiful steering wheel they’ve ever built.” As for the size, the German automaker has opted for fixed sizes for their wheels from 370 to 380 mm in diameter, 29 mm wide, and 42 to 4 mm deep.

2020 Jeep Wrangler Tips Over During Crash Test

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler tipped over during its safety certification test. It happened during the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)’s driver-side small overlap front crash test and is clearly seen in the lead photo above (see video below). This results in the Wrangler earning a “marginal” rating for the test.

The Wrangler, which was redesigned in 2018, was evaluated three separate driver-side small overlap crash tests, one by Jeep as part of the Institute’s verification test program, and two at the Institute’s Vehicle Research Center. In both tests conducted by IIHS, the Wrangler rolled onto its passenger side after striking the test barrier.

The Wrangler performed well by the normal metrics used to evaluate performance in the driver-side small overlap test. The driver’s space was maintained well, and the dummy’s movement was well-controlled. However, the partial rollover presents an additional injury risk beyond what the standard criteria are intended to measure. A vehicle tipping onto its side is not an acceptable outcome for a frontal crash, and as a result, the Wrangler’s overall rating was downgraded to marginal.

Rollovers are especially dangerous crashes, in part due to the risk of complete or partial ejection. This is a particular concern in the Wrangler, which has a roof and doors that can be removed. The Wrangler also lacks side curtain airbags designed to deploy in a rollover to keep occupants inside. It is not required by regulation to have side curtain airbags because of its removable roof.

After the vehicle tipped over in the audit test, Jeep questioned whether this outcome was related to the method that IIHS engineers had used to attach the vehicle to the crash propulsion system. IIHS agreed to conduct a second test using a different method, which was approved by Jeep. The second test also ended with the vehicle tipping on its side.

The Wrangler earns good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof and head restraint evaluations.

This is the second “black eye” for the Wrangler after the European New Car Assessment Program or Euro NCAP slapped it with a one-star safety rating. It did receive a four-star rating from the NHTSA.

Upcoming Volvos May Come with This Peculiar Bump on the Roof

The next-generation of Volvo cars will come with this little bump on the roof. Now, before you think that it’s a rally-inspired scoop of some kind, it’s actually LiDAR tech which should enable full self-driving technology, at least for highways.

Volvo’s next-generation of vehicles, underpinned by a new modular architecture called SPA 2 will be hardware-ready for autonomous drive as they roll off the production line in 2022. Tech firm Luminar will provide the LiDAR equipment which will be integrated into the roof.

Volvo says that cars based on the SPA 2 architecture will be updated with software over the air, and if customers decide to opt for it, the Highway Pilot feature that enables fully autonomous highway driving will be activated once it is verified to be safe for individual geographic locations and conditions.

In addition to the Highway Pilot feature, Volvo Cars and Luminar are also exploring LiDAR’s role in improving future advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Potentially, all future SPA 2-based cars will come with the LiDAR sensor as standard.

Luminar’s technology is based on its high-performance LiDAR sensors, which emit millions of pulses of laser light to accurately detect where objects are by scanning the environment in 3D, creating a temporary, real-time map without requiring internet connectivity.

LiDAR is key in creating cars that can navigate safely in autonomous mode, providing them with the reliable vision and perception that cameras and radar alone cannot provide. LiDAR is the ideal basis for safe decision-making in complex environments at high speeds.

To enable the Highway Pilot feature, Luminar’s perception technology will be combined with autonomous drive software and the cameras, radars and back-up systems for functions such as steering, braking and battery power installed on forthcoming Volvo cars equipped for self-driving. Put together, this gives Volvo users who want it access to a safe, fully self-driving feature for use on highways.

As part of the announcement, Volvo Cars and Luminar are deepening their collaboration to jointly ensure robust industrialization and validation of Luminar’s LiDAR technology for series production. Volvo Cars has also signed an agreement to possibly increase its minority stake in Luminar.

For Silicon Valley-based Luminar, partnering with Volvo Cars represents the company’s first delivery of its technology into series production. This is a key step to achieving the economies of scale that are required to bring the technology to the wider automotive industry.

The 2020 Isuzu D-Max is One Tough MF

The all-new 2020 Isuzu D-Max is one tough pickup truck; that much has been confirmed as it scored an impeccable 5 out of 5 stars at the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program or NCAP crash safety tests.

The latest result builds up on the D-Max’s stellar performance at the ASEAN NCAP. In 2014, Isuzu’s pickup truck scored a 4-star safety rating.

The 2020 D-Max is the first pickup truck is tested under the revised (and stricter) 2017-2020 ASEAN NCAP protocols. ASEAN NCAP notes that it has “enhancements n both passive and active safety technologies.”

Equipped with dual SRS airbags, ABS, and seat belt minder across all variants (at least in the Thai domestic market trim which was tested), the 2020 D-Max scored 83.16 points out of a possible 100—nabbing a 5-star safety rating. The score is based on 42.72 points out of 50 in Adult Occupant Protection, 21.83 points out of 25 points in Child Occupant Protection, and 18.61 points out of 25 points in Safety Assist Technologies.

The all-new 2020 D-Max is built on a brand-new platform—the Isuzu Dynamic Drive Platform. It uses ultra-high strength steel for the first time, while use of high-strength steel is up from 30 to 46 percent. Aside from dual SRS airbags, ABS, and seat belt minder, selected variants of Isuzu’s pickup truck can be equipped with stability control as well as blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Yes, You Drive Safer with Doggos on Board

Travelling with a pet dog in the car helps motorists to drive more cautiously and reduces stress behind the wheel, that’s according to a research done by Spanish carmaker, SEAT.

A subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group says that in their study, it revealed that traveling with four-legged friends help their owners drive safer with over half (54 percent) admitting they drive more carefully with their furry companions onboard.

The influence of having a doggo on board may be even more pronounced among younger drivers. Recognized as among the most at-risk age group on the roads, over two thirds (69 percent) of motorists aged 18-24 said they drive more carefully with their dog in the car.

Older drivers were least affected by their in-car canines, with 42 percent of over 55 saying that travelling with their dogs makes them drive in a more cautious manner.

As well as driving more cautiously, the presence of a dog in the car also appears to benefit mental health by reducing drivers’ stress levels. This could even help ease road rage for some motorists as over a third of drivers (35 percent) said that they feel calmer at the wheel if their dog is travelling in the car with them.

Hyundai PH is First Automaker to Outline What "New Normal" Will Be Post ECQ

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines is the first local automaker to publicly announce its safety guidelines for dealers and service centers in areas covered by the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

With automotive dealers and service centers allowed to re-open under GCQ, HARI will be implementing what they term, Guidelines for Protection and Safety (GPS)—a wide-ranging set of health and safety guidelines in what could be “the new normal.” Their policies cover everything from vehicle importation, assembly, office operations, vehicle delivery to dealerships, showroom operations, sales operations, after-sales, customer relations, test drives, and unit release.

The Hyundai GPS guidelines are all based on global standards, risk assessment, and protocols set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

“It will not be easy,” affirmed HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo. “Even if the ECQ is lifted or modified, we do not expect to return to ‘business as usual.’ The great lock down has radically changed consumer behavior but we are ready for the next normal in auto. We are in the year of resilience and as a leading mobility provider, we are taking the needed steps to ensure the well-being of our customers and employees inside and outside our dealerships.”

With non-essential travel still limited even under GCQ, Hyundai is beefing up its online channels—Hyundai C.A.R.E.S. for both sales and aftersales services. Aside from e-mail and Facebook Messenger, HARI will also roll out more virtual tools to boost “no-contact” transactions and engagement.

Meanwhile, at dealerships, Hyundai GPS measures include: social distancing of at least one meter apart for both customers and employees; dealership front liners wearing proper PPE gear; installation of sanitation booths equipped with thermal scanners and sanitizing material for incoming customers and employees; posting of safety reminders and availability of antibacterial sprays in all key areas--showroom, service bays, customer lounges, and toilets; provision of surgical masks, alcohol and hand sanitizers to customers.

In addition, HARI will disinfect all test drive vehicles, perform regular sanitation of dealerships and parts warehouse, and will offer the option to customers to fumigate their new or serviced vehicles.

Finally, as part of Hyundai GPS, HARI has gone on board Project ARK (Antibody Rapid Test Kits), a private sector-led initiative that will make the FDA-approved rapid test kits available at the community level. HARI is one of the first local auto firms that signed up for Project ARK and has initially committed to 3,000 test kits for its employees and LGU beneficiaries.

Chery Auto PH Now Equips N95-Certified Cabin Air Filters

Chery Auto Philippines is now fitting most of its local line-up fitted with an N95 certified cabin filtration system.

The term “N95” equates to the standards set by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for 95 percent air filtration of airborne particles measuring 0.3 microns or higher. It’s since become a household name right after the Tall Volcano ash fall last January, and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Realizing its importance in the health and safety of its owners, Chery Auto Philippines is now equipping it on all models in the country—from the Tiggo 5X upward.

The Tiggo 5X, Tiggo 7, and Tiggo 8 now come fitted with an N95-certified long-life cabin filter. Made up of an extremely fine mesh of synthetic electrostatic polymer fibers (non-woven polypropylene fabric), these can block out most hazardous particles including bacteria and viruses. On top of that, it has an activated charcoal layer that filters out harmful gases while deodorizing peculiar smells. The high efficiency filter also helps dehydrate and remove moisture from the cabin air, effectively reducing the lifespan of most germs.

The Chery Tiggo 5X starts at P 818,000 while the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 are priced at P 1,195,000 and P 1,280,000, respectively. All Chery models come with a 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, 3-year free PMS package, and a 10-year engine warranty.

Some Carmakers Have Their Safety Priorities Backward

With the multitude of driver assist technologies like blind spot warning and lane keep assist, the question now beckons: which tech actually prevents accidents?

Based on the latest findings published by the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it’s clear that technology designed to automatically help vehicles stay in their lanes doesn’t provide the same safety benefit as other advanced safety systems.

The IIHS study examined claims data for BMW vehicles from the 2013 through 2017 model years that were equipped with different levels of BMW crash avoidance packages, some of which included LKA.

According to the IIHS study, automatic emergency braking (AEB) and blind spot warning (BSW) can reduce the frequency of insurance claims due to car crashes, but lane keeping assistance (LKA) systems that can automatically steer vehicles between lane lines don’t appear to offer drivers the same safety advantages.

Still despite the benefits, BSW is seldom included as standard safety equipment on new cars and is instead offered as a stand-alone option or as part of a more expensive package of driver convenience options—even on vehicles where LKA comes standard.

A system with FCW, lane departure warning (LDW)—which alerts a driver when the vehicle crosses over a painted lane line but does not take control of the vehicle’s steering automatically—and AEB reduced collision claims by 5 percent, property damage claims by 11 percent, and bodily injury claims by 16 percent. A more technologically advanced version of these systems available in BMW’s Driving Assistance Plus package reduced claims even more. But the addition of optional LKA did not lead to a further reduction in claims.

This echoes an earlier study by Consumer Reports (CR) where they believed that forward collision warning (FCW), AEB, and BSW should come standard on all trim levels. To be named a CR Top Pick, a vehicle must have FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection as standard equipment on all trims, but doesn’t add points to a vehicle’s Overall Score for LDW or LKA.

The IIHS study shouldn’t stop automakers from trying to improve their LKA systems though. That said, they’re reiterating that AEB and BSW should be made standard on new vehicles as well.

2020 Hyundai Palisade Shines in Latest Safety Tests

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade has now received the highest possible overall safety rating from the U.S.-based National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Under the New Car Assessment Program or NCAP, both the front- and all-wheel drive versions of the Palisade earned the maximum five-star scores for safety in frontal and side crash evaluations.

This is on top of the Palisade receiving a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with the LED headlights.

The Palisade strategically uses Hyundai’s Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) to greatly increase structure strength without the weight penalties or excessive cost of more exotic lightweight materials such as aluminum.

Hyundai says the Palisade is not only formed from 59 percent high-strength steel—versus just 25 percent for the new Explorer—but uses 19 hot-stamped components that reduce weight by requiring less metal overall. Moreover, the structure is optimized in a way that produces a safety cage for side and roof protection, as well as critical small overlap front crash testing.

The Palisade is available on an indent order basis in the Philippines with a price of P 3.240-million.

2020 Honda City Scores Perfect 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Safety Rating

The all-new 2020 Honda City managed to score a perfect 5-star ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP) safety rating.

Scoring 86.54 points overall, the all-new City is awarded with the organization’s highest safety rating using the revised (and stricter) 2017-2020 assessment. The City received 44.83 points in the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category, 22.82 points for Child Occupant Protection (COP), and 18.89 points in the Safety Assist Technologies (SAT).

Honda’s newest sub-compact sedan is fitted with 4 airbags, ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminder, and stability control across all its variants in Thailand resulting in the high score. That said, it’s understood that Honda will also offer them as well on variants to be sold across Southeast Asia as well. Blind Spot Visualization (in this case, Lane Watch) is also available in certain variants as well.

MIROS Director-General and ASEAN NCAP Chairperson, Ts. Dr. Siti Zaharah Ishak said: “We are excited to have another 5-Star car in the line-up of ASEAN NCAP assessed vehicles. Although the City was assessed twice prior to this, we can see there have been significant improvements in the number of safety technologies that are equipped in this new model as a standard fitment. I am also pleased that in addition to the existing safety assist technologies ASEAN NCAP is assessing, which will be available in variants that will be launched soon, Honda has also added an Emergency Stop Signal technology that consumers will benefit in mitigating any unwanted collision.”

The 2020 model marks the third Honda City assessed by the ASEAN NCAP in which the first was in 2012, while the second in 2014. In both occasions, it has shown 5-star safety performances.

The Mazda CX-30 Will Let You Walk Away from This Kind of Crash

If you think no one could walk away from this gnarly crash, think again. You can, if you’re in a 2020 Mazda CX-30. Mazda’s next-generation sub-compact crossover was just awarded with a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This adds yet another safety-related accolade for the CX-30 after it scored a near-perfect adult protection score at the Euro NCAP.

To qualify for the 2020 Top Safety Pick award, the CX-30 earned good ratings in all six IIHS crashworthiness evaluations, including the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. It also needed advanced or superior ratings for both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention, as well as an acceptable or good headlight rating.

Mazda’s i-Activsense is an umbrella term covering a series of advanced safety technologies which make use of detection devices such as milliwave radars and cameras. They include active safety technologies that support safer driving by helping the driver to recognize potential hazards, and pre-crash safety technologies which help to avert collisions or reduce their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided.

Mazda’s i-Activsense advanced safety technologies include Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

These features as standard on the Philippine-spec CX-30 AWD Sport and AWD Signature.

The CX-30 missed out on the organization’s highest accolade, the Top Safety Pick+ due to its headlights. Oddly enough, the IIHS gave the curve-adaptive headlights on the CX-30—the Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) a “poor” rating due to its excessive glare.

Regardless, it joins the CX-9 as a Top Safety Pick. Meanwhile, 2020 Mazda3, Mazda6, and even selected models of the CX-3, and CX-5 were awarded with a Top Safety Pick+ rating earlier in the year. The IIHS noted Mazda as a standout, earning more Top Safety Pick+ awards than any other automaker this year.

Ford Developing Tech to Stop Cyclists Getting Hit by Car Doors

Every year thousands of accidents are caused by drivers or passengers opening a door into the path of a cyclist. “Car dooring” results in 60 cyclists being seriously injured or killed each year in the U.K. alone, while in Germany it was the cause of around 3,500 accidents during 2018. This problem is expected to get worse as more people choose to cycle and ride e‑scooters in cities.

Now Ford has developed a technology that could one day make it easier to avoid dooring accidents with vulnerable road-users that also include motorcyclists.

Exit Warning provides visual and audible alerts to road users and vehicle occupants when it detects that opening the door of a parked car might cause a collision; it could also prevent a vehicle door from opening into someone’s path.

Ford vehicles already feature sensors and technology that can automatically detect and brake for cyclists, and help drivers to know when other road users are passing by their blind spots.

Using these existing sensors, Exit Warning analyses and understands the movements of approaching road users—whether they’re riding a bicycle or an e-scooter—on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle.

If the system detects that opening the vehicle door could cause a collision, an alarm sounds to warn the driver or passenger of the danger. Bright red LEDs on the wing mirror begin to flash as a visual warning for cyclists and a strip of red LEDs along the inner trim of the door, that becomes visible when the door is opened, provides further warning for passing road users.

Engineers are also testing a new mechanism for the car door that momentarily prevents it from fully opening until the Exit Warning system determines the passing road user is safely clear of the vehicle. The vehicle occupant will be able to manually override this feature in an emergency.

Following testing with drivers and cyclists from within Ford, engineers will be conducting customer clinics in the coming months. Part of the testing will be to ensure that the technology accommodates road users in different markets, taking into account right- and left-hand drive vehicles as well as different road and lane layouts.

Luzon's Now Under Enhanced Community Quarantine. Here's What It Means

The first workday after the implementation of the NCR’s Community Quarantine, Malacañang has opted to bump things up to an Enhanced Community Quarantine for the entire area of Luzon. This takes effect 12:00 AM from Tuesday, March 17 to 12:00 AM on Monday, April 13.

The decision was formalized by President Rodrigo Duterte via a recorded message addressed to the Filipino people. After that, details were ironed out by the President’s various cabinet secretaries.

Here’s what you can expect:

• The period of Enhanced Community Quarantine may be shortened (or extended) depending on the daily meeting of the Interagency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Disease.
• Mass gathering is not allowed. With that, all public parks, beaches, basketball courts will be closed, and loitering at all times of day is not allowed.
• All mass transportation (LRT, MRT, buses, PUJs, taxis, TNVS, tricycles) is suspended.
• Outbound international air travel is allowed at any time for all persons except for Filipino tourists. Outbound domestic air travel has been suspended. International travelers can leave their house or hotel 24 hours before their scheduled departure.
• Inbound air travel is allowed for repatriating Filipinos and long-term visa holders subject to health and/or quarantine procedures.
• Departing passengers may be accompanied by one (1) person when traveling to any international port. They must present proof such as travel itinerary, or e-ticket.
• Everyone is quarantined to their respective homes with the exception for those who are purchasing basic necessities such as food or medicine. In these cases, only one (1) person from each household is allowed to go out (no driver, spouse, siblings, children, etc.).
• Provisions for food and essential health services will be regulated.
• Exempted from the home quarantine are: health care workers, peace and order officers, workers who work in private establishments that cater to basic necessities (see below).
• Proof of residence and employment (for those working in exempted industries) must be carried at all times, and may be required at checkpoints.
• Malls are closed.
• Private establishments catering to food (supermarkets, wet markets, public markets, groceries, food preparation and delivery, water re-filling), medicine (pharmacy, drug stores, medical clinics, medicine production), banks (including money transfer services), utilities (telecommunications, gasoline stations) will remain open. Restaurants are allowed to remain open provided they only prepare food for takeout and delivery only.
• In these establishments, they will operate with a skeletal workforce and will practice proper social distancing.
• Food deliveries such as those from Food Panda and Grab Food are allowed to operate.
• For establishments that will remain open, employees will have to either take private transportation or walk. Local Government Units (LGUs) can organize shuttles if required.
• For people with private vehicles, transit to and from these approved establishments is allowed.
• Hotels are not allowed to accept new bookings during the quarantine period. Guests who have existing bookings or guests with existing long-term accommodations are allowed to stay.
• There will be heightened uniformed presence (police and military).
• Cargo can flow in and out of Luzon unimpeded.
• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and export-related establishments will remain open, but will require their employees to be housed in a temporary staff housing by Friday, March 20).
• Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) are not allowed to operate.
• Health Checkpoints surrounding NCR will still be implemented. This will be supplemented by roving patrols.
• Several exits are closed on NLEX and SCTEX. Follow them on Twitter to get the latest update on which exits are opened and closed. Only vehicles carrying uniformed personnel on official business, health workers, medical staff, media reporters with special passes, and those transiting to and from purchasing basic necessities are allowed to pass.
• CAVITEX, C5 Link, and CALAX will remain open.
• SLEX will remain open but will have checkpoints at the following locations: Calamba Toll Plaza NB; Alabang Exit NB, Cabuyao SB; Southwoods SB; Eton SB; Mamplasan SB; Susana Heights SB; Sto. Tomas SB; Magallanes SB.
• STAR will remain open but will have checkpoints at the following locations: Tanauan (SB); Malvar (NB/SB); Lipa National Highway before NB Entry; Ibaan National Road after NB exit; Balagas after SB exit.
• All operations of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Luzon has been suspended. Therefore, deadline for registration of motor vehicles and renewal of licenses that expire during the Enhanced Community Quarantine can until the end of April 2020 with no penalties. Validity of all student permits will also be extended.

With the cancellation of public transportation, the DOTr with start to deploy buses to serve front line health workers. These are their routes as of March 19.

North West Area (Staging Area: Valenzuela Gateway Complex)

• Malanday
• Valenzuela City General Hospital
• Monumento / MCU
• Tondo General Hospital
• Metropolitan Medical Center
• San Lazaro Hospital
• Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
• University of Sto. Tomas Hospital
• Chinese General Hospital
• United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)

North West Area (Staging Area: Valenzuela Gateway Complex)

• Valenzuela Gateway Complex
• Quezon City General Hospital
• Balintawak
• Philippine Orthopedic
• United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)

North East Area (Staging Area: SM Fairview / LTO East Avenue)

• Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial (Caloocan)
• SM Fairview
• Diliman Doctors Hospital
• Veterans Memorial Medical Center
• Lung Center of the Philippines
• National Kidney and Transplant Institute
• Philippine Heart Center
• East Avenue Medical Center
• Philippine Childrens Hospital
• Centris Station (EDSA / Quezon Avenue)

East Area (Staging Area: BFCT East Marikina Terminal)

• SM City Masinag
• Marikina Valley Medical Center
• Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center
• BFCT East Metro Transport Center
• Araneta Center Bus Terminal
• Robinsons Gallery
• The Medical City - Ortigas

East Area (Staging Area: SM City East Ortigas / BFCT East Marikina Terminal)

• Ortigas Hospital and Healthcare (Cainta)
• SM City East Ortigas
• Pasig City General Hospital
• The Medical City Ortigas
• Robinsons Galleria
• VRP Medical Center
• St. Lukes Medical Center - E. Rodriguez
• Rizal Medical Center

Central Area (Staging Area: MRT-3 Cubao Station / LTO East Avenue)

• Centris Station (EDSA / Quezon Avenue)
• Providence Hospital
• Capitol Medical Center
• United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)
• UERM Memorial Medical Center
• National Childrens Hospital
• De Los Santos Medical Center
• St. Lukes Medical Center - E. Rodriguez
• MRT-3 Cubao Station

Central Area (Staging Area: PITX & Robinsons Galleria P2P Stop)

• The Medical City - Ortigas
• Robinsons Galleria
• Cardinal Santos Medical Center
• Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
• Santa Ana Hospital
• Makati Medical Center

South East Area (Staging Area: South Station & RITM)

• RITM
• Asian Hospital and Medical Center
• Muntinlupa City Hospital
• South Station
• SLEX Sucat Exit
• Bicutan Exit
• Makati Medical Center
• St. Lukes Medical Center - BGC

South East Area (Staging Area: PITX & Vista Mall, Daang Hari)

• Vista Mall, Daang Hari
• Perpetual Help Medical Center (Las Pinas)
• Las Pinas General Hospital
• Baclaran Market
• San Juan de Dios Educational Medical Center
• Pasay City General Hospital
• Adventist Medical Center
• Makati Medical Center
• Philippine General Hospital
• Manila Doctors Hospital
• United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)

The routes are still subject to change depending on the data and requests coming from the Department of Health (DOH).

The bus service will likewise comply with the DOH containment protocols such as the observance of social distancing, body temperature checks, and regular disinfecting of vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Vice-President (OVP) will also start deploying buses to serve health care workers. Their routes are as follows:

• Route 1: RITM Alabang — Magallanes SLEX MRT (via Osmeña Highway, via Quirino Ave.) — Taft Ave. LRT — PGH / UP-NIH — Lawton LRT — Carriedo LRT — Recto LRT — Tayuman LRT — Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.
• Route 2: Heritage Hotel EDSA ext (via Roxas Blvd., via Quirino Ave.) — Taft Ave. LRT — PGH / UP-NIH — Manila City Hall (via Quiapo) — UST Hospital — UDMC (via Welcome Rotonda, via Quezon Ave.) — Phil. Orthopedic Center (Banawe, via Araneta Ave. — EDSA Quezon Ave. MRT.
• Route 3: SM MOA Globe EDSA — EDSA Taft LRT / MRT — Magallanes MRT — Guadalupe MRT — Shaw MRT — Cubao MRT / LRT2 (via Aurora Blvd., via C5 ext.) — QMMC (via C5 / Marcos Highway) — Santolan LRT2 — Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Cainta.
• Route 4: EDSA ext. / Macapagal Ave. — EDSA Taft LRT / MRT — Magallanes MRT — Shaw MRT — Cubao MRT / LRT2 — East Ave. Medical Center — Phil. Heart Center — Lung Center of the Phils. (via Quezon Memorial Circle) — VMMC (via EDSA) — Monumento LRT.
• Route 5: SM Fairview (via Commonwealth Ave, via Quezon Memorial Circle) — East Ave. Medical Center — Phil. Heart Center — Lung Center of the Phils. (via Agham Road, via Quezon Ave.) — Phil. Orthopedic Center — UDMC (Welcome Rotonda, via España) — UST Hospital — Lawton LRT.
• Route 6: Balintawak LRT — Quezon Ave. MRT — GMA – Kamuning MRT — Cubao MRT — Santolan–Annapolis MRT — Ortigas MRT — EDSA cor. Kalayaan Ave. — Ayala MRT — Magallanes MRT — Heritage Hotel EDSA ext.

This page will be updated with more information.

UPDATED: Here's What You Can Expect as NCR Goes Into Community Quarantine

UDPATE: Luzon is now placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine. Read what it means here (3/16).

With the COVID-19 outbreak causing the National Capital Region (NCR) to go into Community Quarantine mode, Malacañang as well as other agencies has issued the official guidelines which take effect starting Sunday, March 15 at 12:00 AM to Tuesday, April 14, 12:00 AM.

Here’s what you can expect (Note: the information presented here is out of date. Please read about the Enhanced Community Quarantine here.)

• The NCR is now under a Community Quarantine. This limits the movement of people to accessing basic necessities and work. Uniformed personnel and quarantine officers will also be present to control the borders.
• Local government units are encouraged to enact a curfew in their respective cities from 8 PM to 5 AM to limit non-essential movement. Only workers and those involved in essential services are exempted from the curfew. So far the following cities have chosen to implement it:Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, Quezon City.
• The number coding scheme is suspended indefinitely, including Makati.
• The MMDA is encouraging business establishments such as shopping malls to close down during the community quarantine lockdown period. However, groceries, pharmacies, banks, and restaurants with home deliveries, and other essential establishments should be allowed to operate.
• Malls have opted for shortened operating hours during the community quarantine period with most opening at 11 AM and closing at 7 PM. That said, several malls including The Powerplant Mall in Makati, those in the Greenhills Shopping Center, Ayala Malls, and Robinsons Malls opted to close completely except for supermarkets, drug stores, convenience stores, and banks.
• An enhanced community quarantine can also be implemented if needed. Once in place, it will mean a strict quarantine in all households, transportation is suspended, and the provision of food and other essential health services will be regulated.
• Classes and all school activities are suspended until April 14, 2020.
• Mass gatherings are prohibited. This includes movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities, community assemblies, and non-essential work-related gatherings. Essential work-related meetings and religious activities may continue for as long as each person has a distance of 1 meter between themselves (social distancing).
• Land, domestic air and domestic sea travel to and from the NCR is restricted. All workers whether employed or self-employed are allowed to travel to and from the NCR provided they can submit proof of employment and/or business at the checkpoints.
• Mass public transportation such as the LRT, MRT, and PNR will continue to operate provided that social distancing is implemented, unless an enhanced community quarantine would be put in place.
• All departing passengers shall be allowed to transit through the NCR provided that they have a proof of confirmed international travel itinerary scheduled within 12 hours of entry.
• Private companies are encouraged to implement flexible working arrangements. For those engaged in manufacturing, retail, and services, social distancing must be implemented. 
• The LTO says that no penalties will be imposed for the late registration of motor vehicles and renewal of driver’s licenses from March 13 to April 12, 2020. The validity of student permits is likewise extended, while temporary operator’s permit which expired on March 13 can be settled within the aforementioned duration without suspension. These are for areas covered by the community quarantine.

For those taking land-based public transportation in the quarantine zone, here are some reminders during the period of community quarantine:

• Back riding for motorcycles whether public or private, no matter the passenger, is not allowed according to the MMDA. 
• For taxis (including airport taxis) and TNVS, passenger count should not be more than 4 people including the driver.
• For UV Express, should not be more than 6 passengers with one seat apart between passengers including the driver.
• For old Public Utility Jeepneys, passengers should not be more than half its regular capacity and again, passengers must be one seat apart. This is the same for Modern PUVs Class 2 and Class 3. No standing passengers are allowed.
• For Public Utility Buses, total passenger count should not be more than 25 including driver and conductor. They must be seated one seat apart and there will be no standing passengers allowed.
• Multiple bookings for a single trip for TNVS (i.e. Grab Share) and motorcycle taxis such as JoyRide and Ankas will be prohibited.
• For tricycles, only one passenger is allowed.
• Terminal Operators shall not allow any person to enter terminal premises if they show any symptom of COVID-19 such as fever.
• Provincial buses and inter-regional trips of UV Express and Jeepneys to and from Metro Manila shall be terminated on the entry points as identified by the Philippine National Police.
• Point-to-Point (P2P) buses to and from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Clark are allowed to operate provided they are subject to Department of Health and PNP protocols and procedures.
• All PUV drivers and conductors are required to wear masks.
• For all provincial buses, UV Express, and PUJs coming from North and Central Luzon, trips will terminate at Ciudad de Victoria via Philippine Arena Exchange Southbound Exit. City buses will then ferry these passengers into Metro Manila after they are subjected to health checks.

Separately, these are supposedly the location of the border checkpoints which will be manned by police officers with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP):

Caloocan City

• PCP 4  – Quirino Highway corner Malaria Road Boundary of Caloocan and Bulacan
• PCP 3 – Phase 7C Dela Costa Homes Boundary of Caloocan and Musan Bulacan
• PCP 3 – Phase 9 Boundary of Evergreen Vill. Barangay Gaya-Gaya SJ Bulacan
• PCP 3 – Phase 10 Caloocan and Bulacan Bridge
• PCP 6 – Bankers Village Gate 3 Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan
• PCP 6 – Sierra Nova Subdivision 1 Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan
• PCP 6 – Sierra Nova Subdivision 2 Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan
• PCP 6 – Sierra Nova Subdivision 3 Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan
• PCP 6 – Gubat Sa Siudad Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan
• PCP 6 – Shelterville Barangay 171 Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan

Malabon City

• Don Asilio Boulevard Barangay Dampalit Malabon
• Panghulo Road Malabon

Valenzuela City

• NLEX (Entrance)
• MacArthur Highway Malanday Boundary of Valenzuela and Meycauyan (Exit)
• Punturin Boundary of Libtong Meycauyan (Primary)
• NLEX Harborlink (Mindanao Avenue Metro Manila exit)
• Lawang Bato emergency exit to NLEX
• Viente Reales Skyline exit 10 Meycauyan, Bulacan
• Viente Reales Tugatog exit to Meycauyan, Bulacan
• Lingunan Ciudad Grande exit to Meycauyan
• NLEX Linguhan Exit Going to Valenzuela
• Lawang Bato NLEX
• Overpass near Memorial Gardens
• NLEX Paso de Blas entrance
• Wawang Pulo Boundary of Obando Bulacan

Muntinlupa

• Susana Heights

Las Piñas

• Daang Hari
• Zapote Road

Parañaque

• Roxas Boulevard corner MIA Road
• Macapagal Boulevard corner Pacific Avenue
• Roxas Boulevard near footbridge, Barangay Baclaran
• Airport Road in front of UCPB, Barangay Baclaran
• Bradco Avenue corner Diokno Avenue, Barangay Tambo
• NAIA Avenue, near Pascor Drive Barangay, Santo Niño
• Pacific Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard, Barangay Don Galo
• C5 Road corner Kaingin Road
• Quirino Avenue corner Victor Medina, Barangay San Dionisio
• C5 Road Boundary of Las Piñas and Parañaque
• Canaycay Avenue, in front of Caltex, Barangay San Dionisio
• Sucat Interchange
• Doña Soledad Avenue, Near Skyway entrance/exit
• West Service Road corner Marcelo Avenue, Marcelo Green
• West Service Road in front of Robinson, Barangay Merville
• PNR Bicutan Interchange
• Along C5 Road Extension, Manuyo Uno, Las Piñas City
• Along Padre Diego Cera Avenue, Manuyo Uno, Las Piñas City
• Zapote Viaduct, Barangay Zapote
• Along Canaycay Avenue Manuyo Dos
• Riverdrive, BFRV Barangay Talon Dos
• Marcos Alvarez Avenue, Talon Singko

Muntinlupa City

• Tunasan – San Pedro Boundary, Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
• Tunasan – Cuyab Boundary, Arandia Street, Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
• In front of Parce Bello, Victoria Homes, Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
• Biazon Road corner MCX Road, Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa City
• SLEX Tollgate exit (westbound), East Service Road, Barangay Alabang Viaduct, Muntinlupa City
• Sucat-Taguig Boundary, Dr. A Bunyi Street, Barangay Sucat
• Major J Posadas Avenue, corner West Service Road, Barangay Sucat, Muntinlupa City
• In front of Total gas station, Don Jesus Boulevard corner West Service Road, Barangay, Cupang, Muntinlupa City
• Muntinlupa–Las Piñas Boundary, Alabang-Zapote Road, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City
• In front of Police Outpost, along Investment Drive corner Commerce Avenue, Barangay, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Marikina City

• Makabayan Street corner JP Rizal, Barangay Nangka
• Pambili Street corner Marcos Highway (U-Turn) Barangay San Roque
• Armscor Avenue corner Sampaguita Street Fortune (to San Mateo)
• Delos Santos Avenue, Monterey Hills, Fortune (to San Mateo)
• Lilac Street corner Olive Street, Concepcion Dos (to Antipolo)
• Olive Extension, Footbridge, Concepcion Dos (to Antipolo)
• Sumulong Highway corner Katipunan Access Road, Santo Niño (to Antipolo)
• Marcos Highway in front of Buenaviahe Building, Barangay San Roque
• San Miguel PH 3, Barangay Fortune
• Champaca Street corner Ponteverde Drive, Barangay Concepcion Dos
• Panorama Street corner Waco Street, Barangay Concepcion Dos
• Panorama Street corner Ignatius Street, Barangay Concepcion Dos
• Katipunan Street corner Tangerine Street, Concepcion Dos
• Chestnut Street corner Gospel Street, Barangay San Roque
• East Bank Road, Barangay Sta Lucia (to Taytay)
• Ortigas Avenue Extension, Barangay Santa Lucia (to Antipolo/Taytay)

Pasig City

• Kaginhawaan Street corner Lexi Avenue, Maggahan
• Green Park Gate Felix Avenue Dela Paz
• Greenwood Avenue, Pinagbuhatan
• Thadeus Street, MRV, Santa Lucia
• West Bank Road, Barangay Maybunga (to Taytay)
• Sandoval corner Eusebio Avenue, Barangay Pinagbuhatan (to Taytay)
• Eusebio Avenue corner C6 Road, Barangay Pinagbuhatan (to Taytay)
• Tramo Road, Santa Lucia Road, Santa Lucia

This page will be updated with more information as we get them.

2020 Mazda3 Scores 5-Star Safety Rating

It was only going to be a matter of time (and a formality), but Mazda has announced that the 2020 Mazda3 has aced the U.S. government’s frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests allowing it to receive a 5-star safety rating—the highest the NHTSA can give.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 5-star safety rating helps consumers make smart decisions about safety when purchasing a vehicle. The 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates how vehicles perform in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side, and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on roadways.

The Mazda3’s performance in the NHTSA test echoes the tougher Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety tests which garnered it a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2020.

Aside from its stellar crash structure, the 2020 Mazda3 is fitted with technologies recommended by the NHTSA such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support.

These features are found in Mazda’s i-Activsense safety system, standard in the 2020 Mazda3 Sedan and Sportback models. It’s priced at P 1.495 million and tops out at P 1.590 million.

Road Safety Groups Caution Against Used, Worn Tires Amidst Possible Shortage of Low-Cost Tires

While most people link the Coronavirus to the closure of vehicle manufacturing plants as its most direct effect to the automotive industry, it may also have an effect on something that concerns current vehicle owners as well: the supply of low-cost tires.

With low-cost tires becoming a popular choice among motorists, the fact that a vast majority of these tires come from China or Southeast Asia, where the majority of COVID-19 cases are found, this may result in a reduced stock of low-cost tires in the near future.

Stocks are currently stable at the moment, but road safety groups are now cautioning owners who might have been in the market for these low-cost tires against the dangers of partly worn or used tires. Not only is there a possibility that these tires have been poorly patched up due to puncture damage, but used tire sellers might not actually be able to expertly determine whether or not these used tires are actually safe to be re-fitted into a car.

Road safety groups remind that tires must have a remaining tread depth of 1.6 mm to be considered as safe. Taking this into consideration, a new tire, even with a higher initial price tag, may represent a better lifetime value given worn tires will require more regular replacement.

In case that low-cost tires become scarce, buyers are recommended to skip worn or used tires, and simply go for mid-priced ones. Moreover, motorists are reminded to check air pressure, condition, and tread depth on a regular basis.

Subaru PH Now Offers 360-degree Camera for Subaru XV and Forester Models

Subaru is doubling down on its commitment to offer cutting-edge safety on their vehicles by adding a 360-degree camera on its most popular models—the Subaru XV and Forester.

The system, dubbed Superview Around Recognition (SAR) is a 360-degree camera system that integrates seamlessly into the Subaru XV and Forester’s Panasonic head unit. The system adds three additional cameras and stitches them together to create a bird’s eye view. This gives additional driver confidence when navigating tight or challenging confines.

The Superview Around Recognition (SAR) system is available on the following models. Their respective retail prices are also listed:

• Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight with SAR 360 – P 1,858,000
• Subaru XV GT Edition with SAR 360 – P 1,938,000
• Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight with SAR 360 – P 1,888,000
• Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight with SAR 360 – P 2,018,000

For customers who just bought their respective Subaru XV or Forester, don’t worry. Good news is that for as long as your vehicle is compatible, the SAR 360 system can be installed as a dealer accessory for P 40,000—not a bad deal, especially for those who’re not too confident of their parking skills.

Global NCAP Calls on Car Makers Not to Make Safety Shortcuts (w/ Video)

The Global New Car Assessment Program or Global NCAP is highlighting the double standards by which car manufacturers operate depending on region requirement, particularly in the area of safety.

In the first test of its kind, the Global NCAP crash-tested a 2019 Nissan NP300 Hardbody (basically the D22 series still being sold as new in Africa) against a second-hand Nissan Navara NP300 (D23) manufactured in Europe in 2015.

The difference in safety performance between the new African model and the second-hand European version is a matter of life and death. It proves that going brand-new isn’t necessarily safe.

The crash test driver dummy in the new African Nissan would have likely sustained fatal injuries, the driver of the equivalent second-hand European model would have likely walked away from the crash. The second-hand European car is fitted with the life-saving crash avoidance anti-skid system, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the new African version is not.

The demonstration coincides with the Global NCAP’s call to action to half road deaths and serious injuries by 2023 worldwide.

Unfortunately, not all automakers are heeding this call.

Maruti Suzuki has announced that they will no longer submit their vehicles for evaluation by the Global NCAP.

Citing the Global NCAP test as being optional, Suzuki’s joint-venture in India (also the Philippines’s source of vehicles such as the Alto and the upcoming S-presso mini SUV) says that they will instead focus on meeting Indian government regulations such as the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP).

That said, the BNVSAP requirements are more rudimentary than their Global counterpart. Under the BNVSAP, vehicles sold in India require just a driver’s airbag, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and front seat belt minders as standard equipment. Furthermore, while Global NCAP tests their cars at an average speed of 64 km/h, the Indian test sets it at a lower 56 km/h.

No Fog Lights? No Worries. Mazda Cited for Good Headlights as 5 Models End Up as Top Safety Picks

When Mazda first came out with the all-new Mazda3 and refreshed Mazda6, one of the complaints lashed out on these two vehicles is the lack of front fog lights. Though engineers did manage to tuck the function into the headlights, it still was a concern for those who’re used to seeing additional set of driving lights mounted closer to the ground.

Well, worry no more, because the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) confirmed what Mazda was telling everyone all along: their headlights are okay. True enough, the 2020 Mazda3, Mazda6, and even the CX-3, and CX-5 were awarded with the highest Top Safety Pick+ award. Meanwhile, the Mazda’s CX-9 earns an additional Top Safety Pick for 2020 (when equipped with the ALH headlights).

This means Mazda earned more awards than any other automaker from IIHS, beating even the likes of safety-minded Subaru and Volvo.

To qualify for the 2020 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards, Mazda vehicles earned good ratings in each of the IIHS’s six crashworthiness evaluations: moderate overlap front, driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. Mazda vehicles also earned advanced or superior ratings for front crash prevention in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations. Additionally, Mazda achieved good or acceptable headlight ratings, with the “plus” awarded to its models that come exclusively with good or acceptable rated headlights (this discounts the locally-speced 2020 CX-3 which comes with just halogen headlights).

Also helping Mazda achieve this high safety rating is its umbrella of advanced driver assist technologies that make use of milliwave radars and cameras. Called i-Activsense, it’s available in certain Mazda3, CX-30, and CX-8 models in the Philippines.

They include active safety technologies that support safer driving by helping the driver to recognize potential hazards, and pre-crash safety technologies which help to avert collisions or reduce their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided. These technologies include Smart City Brake Support, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control, and Adaptive Front-Lighting System.

Toyota Motor PH is Recalling RAV4s for Airbag-Related Issue

Yet another car model joins the growing list requiring new airbags due to faulty ones installed by the now-defunct Takata, but not for the usual reason. Toyota Motor Philippines is announcing that 1,157 units of the RAV4 will require a new driver’s airbag.

These RAV4 units, according to a Defect Information Report supplied by Takata do not have phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellants (the main cause of the Takata airbag recall). That said, they’ve found that these RAV4 units have airbag inflators which tend to absorb moisture over time. In turn, this may cause the airbag to inflate slowly or even rupture in the event of a crash.

Both Takata and Toyota haven’t really understood what factors may contribute to the inflators absorbing moisture, but out of caution, Toyota Motor Philippines has decided to take preemptive action and replace these airbag inflators with a new one at no cost to the owners.

The affected RAV4 models were produced between June 6, 1997 to August 17, 1999.

Toyota Motor Philippines is currently preparing the replacement parts, and will attempt to notify owners through Official Notification Letters. Given that these vehicles are over 20 years old though, it’s best for affected owners to contact their nearest authorized Toyota dealership to know more about this safety-related recall.