Cars to anticipate

WHEN the tariff for the importation

of semi-knocked-down (SKD) cars is

lowered by the Board of

Investments, consumers can look forward to the influx of snazzy

models that are not locally assembled. Prospective buyers of

new cars are thus advised to keep up-to-date on model changes.

SKDs, if you still don't know, are imported completely

assembled from abroad except for the tires and battery. An SKD

isn't that much different from a CBU (completely built unit), the

only difference being the CBU's tires and battery are also

imported as part of the car.

At present, because of the 40-percent tariff imposed on SKDs,

they are significantly costlier than CKDs (completely knocked

down) cars in the same engine displacement range. Some

components of CKDs are sourced from local parts

manufacturers and suppliers, such as the upholstery, tires,

battery and window glass. Those who read this column these

past two weeks may recall that for many years, CKD assemblers

had to make do with tempered glass windshields instead of the

safer laminated windshield because the only automotive glass

manufacturer in this country did not have laminated glass

technology until last year. The car assemblers are really not to

blame, since a percentage of local content in CKD vehicles is

required by the government.

Going back to model changes, if you're dazzled by the

Mitsubishi Eclipse and can afford to buy one, don't--not yet. At

the 1999 New York International Automotive Show last month, a

completely new Eclipse was unveiled. Shifting to less pricey

cars, Subaru has introduced a new Legacy, its third generation.

The Legacy has been receiving good reviews because of its

4WD and powerplant--the same as that of the highly admired

Outback, if memory serves.

Car buffs are wondering if Toyota Motor Phils., Inc.(TMPI) will

bring in Toyota's newest best seller, the 1.0-liter Yaris.

According to Reuters, the Yaris outsold the Corolla in Japan in

April. Developed in France by a Greek designer and launched in

Europe last January, the Yaris has been reported by test drivers

to be cheekier and peppier (68 bhp at 6,000 rpm) than the Starlet,

which it replaces. The Yaris is known as Vitz in Japan while a

1.3-liter sedan variant called Echo is sold in the United States. A

miniature Yaris minivan called Verso is on the drawing board. If

TMPI gives any sign that it will make the Yaris available here,

whether as a CKD or SKD, it could be worth waiting for and

finding out why it surpassed the Corolla in sales in Japan.

While on the subject of small cars, watch out for the Honda

HR-V, the subcompact version of the CR-V. If Honda Cars

Phils., Inc. brings in the HR-V, will Mitsubishi counter with the

mini-Pajero?

Next year, in time for the new millennium, DaimlerChrysler AG

will introduce a vehicle that is part car and part truck, the PT

(personal transportation) Cruiser. DaimlerChrysler aims to create

a new niche in the automobile market with this tough-looking

vehicle that a Wall Street Journal staff reporter has described as

"part 1920s gangster car, part 1950s hot rod and part London

taxicab. . . It combines the room of a minivan with the flair of a

sport utility vehicle and the practicality of a small car."

Since DaimlerChryster sells Jeep Grand Cherokee CBUs in the

Philippines, there's a slim chance that the PT Cruiser will be seen

in Metro Manila in the future.