Enthusiasts shift to more useful sport-utes, trucks and vans
BESIDES the usual array of fully tuned, pimped-out sedans, SUVs, trucks and commercial vans that could serve their true potential were some of the eye candies at the recent Manila Auto Salon (MAS) motoring exhibit.

And noticing that more of these SUVs and trucks have entered the annual car show are veteran MAS exhibitors Sammy Liuson of Wheel Gallery, distributor of

Bilstein and H&R shocks Arvin Lim, and A-Toy Bodykits’ Victor Llave.

Liuson said a lot of exhibitors who had joined the show opted for big vehicles with suspension systems that were raised, instead of entering cars that have been “dropped” or “blinged out.” These SUVs and trucks are better suited to Philippine conditions because they are able to withstand floods and can overcome any terrain.

“What is noticeable this year is that a lot of those who joined went for pickups and SUVs, and these SUVs are not being lowered but instead are being lifted,” Liuson said.

“All SUVS and pickups in this year’s event are lifted,” Lim agreed. “Most probably that’s because people would like to showcase vehicles that are based on functionality and not just on ‘porma’ alone.”

His entry followed this lead, as Bilstein focused on raising SUVs about two inches to three inches higher than their stock ride heights. Among the head-turners were the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Limited, 1997 Land Rover Defender 90, 2010 Land Rover Defender 110, 2012 Toyota Hilux and the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser of Liuson, which were all fitted with Bilstein suspension kits.

Not just for show
Meanwhile, Llave created new innovations for Filipinos in the form of a rescue vehicle called “Rescueboy” and massive mobile food carts.

“I want to build these before. But it is only recently that I managed to finish and display them,” Llave said, noting that he built the rescue vehicle as part of A-Toy’s social awareness program.

“Profit is one thing. The reason why I built Rescueboy is that I want to contribute something to the society,” Llave said, citing the disaster brought about by typhoons like Ondoy and Peping, as well as the heavy monsoon rains.

The Rescueboy is a small van based on a Suzuki that was converted into an immediate-response unit. It has a small boat fitted on its roof, an open cab that could seat 10 passengers in the back, plus the driver and a passenger in front.

Regarding the mobile food carts, Llave said these are designed for entrepreneurs eyeing to engage in the food and beverages business. According to him, 10 companies have already commissioned him to build mobile food vehicles for them.

“It’s easy for food sellers to switch from one food product to another. All that’s needed is to repaint or replace the sticker on the vans and they can sell new products,” Llave said.