Traffic and Parking: A Driver's Nightmare
It is very stressful to drive around Metro Manila, especially if you are going to or passing by a Central Business District (CBD). Not only is the traffic paralyzing but finding a parking space in CBD's is like looking for a contact lens in the ocean.
Based on my careful observation, many people who use their car during weekdays and rush hours are alone in their car. Most of them are either on their way to or just came from work (you can see their corporate attires hanging on the windows of their car). People seldom practice carpooling. In Indonesia, driving a car alone during rush hour is prohibited to encourage carpooling. We do not have any laws or ordinances to encourage people to carpool. Riding a motorcycle instead might not be a good alternative due to high risk of getting into an accident plus the inconvenience of the hot weather and polluted air we have in the Metro. Owning and driving a car, then, is the most comfortable mode of transportation for those who can afford it. Below is a table summarizing the benefits and disadvantages of owning a car and a motorcycle: (1 being the lowest and 5 the highest; red indicates inferiority)
CAR (sedan/ AUV)
|
MOTORCYCLE
| |
Safety
|
5
|
1
|
Comfort
|
5
|
1
|
Luggage Space
|
4
|
1
|
Entertainment System
|
5
|
1
|
Stability (when driving)
|
5
|
1
|
Road/parking Space Occupied
|
4
|
1
|
Ability to traverse through traffic
|
2
|
5
|
Fuel Consumption
|
4
|
1
|
The One- Seater
Since both motorcycles and cars have their own advantages and disadvantages and many people here in Metro Manila use motorcycles and cars alone, it will be beneficial if a one-seater car will be introduced to the market. It will still have a proper seat, air conditioning and sound system. A decent luggage space which can also be converted into a small seat is available behind the driver's seat; it's a 1+1 seater car in this case. The same materials used in ultra-compact hatchback like the Mitsubishi Mirage will be used for the body of the car. A 400-600cc engine will be the power plant of the One-seater which will provide adequate power and low fuel consumption.
Upon my research, a one-seater concept has already been made into reality through the Carver One (http://www.examiner.com/article/world-s-coolest-car-the-carver-one). The concept was promising. However, it was marketed more as a luxury toy than a functional vehicle. It had a turbocharged engine and retailed for 30,000 euros, same price as a Mercedez Benz C–class. The Smart Car for Two, on the other hand, is still a wide vehicle when compared to the one-seater concept since the two passengers are seated side-by-side as opposed to the one-seater's motorcycle layout seats. What I am proposing is to strip its luxurious features out. Only basic features of a car are appropriate for the practical One-seater car; same features you will find in ultra-compact 5-seater hatchbacks like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Hyundai Eon, Chevrolet Spark, Suzuki Alto and Chery QQ.
Retail prices for ultra-compact hatchbacks ranges from 379,000 to 600,000 depending on the variant. If the same materials are used, I believe it is safe to assume a SRP of 2/3 the price of ultra-compact hatchbacks or roughly around 250,000 pesos.
The One-seater will not only be marketed to car owners seeking smaller vehicle for easy parking and more practical option than full-sized cars but also to motorcycle owners who want to add security and comfort to their daily travelling needs. Here is table showing the benefits of all 3 types of vehicles: (1 being the lowest and 5 the highest)
CAR (sedan/ AUV)
|
MOTORCYCLE
|
One-Seater
| |
Safety
|
5
|
1
|
4
|
Comfort
|
5
|
1
|
4
|
Luggage Space
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
Entertainment System
|
5
|
1
|
4
|
Stability (when driving)
|
5
|
1
|
4
|
Road/parking Space Occupied
|
4
|
1
|
2
|
Ability to traverse through traffic
|
2
|
5
|
4
|
Fuel Consumption
|
4
|
1
|
2
|
With the practical one-seater, more parking and road spaces will be available in busy districts. Lower emissions, lower fuel consumption and lower motorcycle accident rate will also be evident.
Sample Photos of the one seater:
One-seatervs regular sedan
<a href="http://s1323.beta.photobucket.com/user/zeusonline/media/Assignments/OnevsSedan_zpsfc20c343.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/u584/zeusonline/Assignments/OnevsSedan_zpsfc20c343.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo OnevsSedan_zpsfc20c343.jpg"/></a>
*based on the Nissan Juke
Interior Shot
<a href="http://s1323.beta.photobucket.com/user/zeusonline/media/I2-dashboard_verlicht_zps0f329b52.jpg.html" target="_blank"><imgsrc="http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/u584/zeusonline/I2-dashboard_verlicht_zps0f329b52.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo I2-dashboard_verlicht_zps0f329b52.jpg"/></a>
*based on Carver One interior
submitted by: E.U. 4
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