Let's discuss kei cars...

[dx2r]

Japan has actually been successful exporting kei cars to the U.K., India, China, and other countries. In fact some models are being manufactured in those countries. However in such cases, the engines have typically been upgraded from the maximum 660cc to 800cc and higher. Also, some models have been enlarged beyond the maximum width of 1475 mm as regulated by the Japanese government for kei cars (e.g. Suzuki Wagon R+).

While technically these no longer qualify as kei cars, they still share a lot of characteristics with genuine kei cars, notably the small size, economical price, and higher fuel mileage.

Previously, industry analysts have questioned the appeal of entry-level mini cars in markets such as India and the Philippines where vehicles (even tricycles) are often overloaded and (ab)used for just about any transportation requirements. Hence, affordable utility vehicles are much preferred.

Yet Maruti is now producing the Alto in India, Tata will be delivering the Nano by Sept/Oct and here in the Philippines, the (Maruti) Alto, Chevy Spark, and even the Chery QQ are fast gaining ground in low down payments and relatively affordable monthly payments. On a parallel development, chopped-up genuine kei second-hand Suzuki Wagon Rs (660 cc) knocked-down kits are beginning to proliferate in Pampanga, Bulacan, and Cavite.

So, the questions are - has the local buying public began to accept kei cars? Will the difference in engine (1100cc vs 800cc vs 660cc) matter greatly - given gasoline prices are expected to further skyrocket? If general market acceptance progresses, how will EDSA traffic/NLEX/SLEX etc evolve?

Just some thoughts...

may alam po kayong dealer ng suzuki wagon r? saan po? pakiemail po : dx2r_ae77*yahoo.com

[architect]

Hi dx2r,

There are several dealers in Cebu, Bulacan, and Cavite. For Bulacan dealers, pm wildthing. For Cavite, pm ehnriko and jpdm. jpdm is not as active in this forum these days but is quite active at the Pinoy Progress forum (www.pinoyprogress.com). I think the Bulacan dealers are located along the national hiway while some of the Cavite dealers are along Aguinaldo highway. In fact, there is one near SM Bacoor.

I am not familiar with the Cebu dealers but I believe their prices are the lowest, even when you add shipping to Manila. This is because one of the major importers bring the cars in from the port there.

Note also there are several variants of the Wagon R - Wagon R Plus, Wagon R Wide and some others. The Wagon R itself has several engine models, from 660 cc to 1000cc.

Hope this helps.

[jpdm]

Hi dx2r,

There are several dealers in Cebu, Bulacan, and Cavite. For Bulacan dealers, pm wildthing. For Cavite, pm ehnriko and jpdm. jpdm is not as active in this forum these days but is quite active at the Pinoy Progress forum (www.pinoyprogress.com). I think the Bulacan dealers are located along the national hiway while some of the Cavite dealers are along Aguinaldo highway. In fact, there is one near SM Bacoor.

I am not familiar with the Cebu dealers but I believe their prices are the lowest, even when you add shipping to Manila. This is because one of the major importers bring the cars in from the port there.

Note also there are several variants of the Wagon R - Wagon R Plus, Wagon R Wide and some others. The Wagon R itself has several engine models, from 660 cc to 1000cc.

Hope this helps.

Hi Architect!

yes, here in Cavite there are lots of multicab dealers.

The more "mainstream" dealer is the RUSCO brand of multi-cabs..

mostly suzuki chop-chops...

they also sell chinese multicabs-suzuki mivan look alikes....

There also lots of guerilla style second hand dealers that also sell their in-house minivans...

most daihatsu minivans (newer versions)..

All the multicabs and minivans have plates starting with A ( Cebu?)and Y (Port Irene?)..

The minivans' exterior are ok but the interiors look awful...(dirty and smelly...with minimum upgrades on the upholstery) Im not sure about the aircon also...

price ranges from 189,000 to 200,000 (for the chinese made look alikes--wuling?dongfeng?)

Maganda pa rin gawa ng Norkis in fairness...