IPC joins PUV modernization program

To phase out Crosswind in 2018

Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) is phasing out next year Crosswind, the country’s most popular Asian utility vehicle (AUV), replacing it with a modern jeepney model that will be its entry into the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program of the government.

IPC President Hajime Koso told reporters at the company’s 20th anniversary celebration that the Crosswind, which he likened to a national AUV, will be retired after serving for 16 long years because it can no longer meet with the Euro4 emission requirement, which will take effect starting January next year.

Instead, the all-truck manufacturer will manufacture a modern PUV model that will vie for the replacement of the estimated 200,000 old and highly-pollutant jeepneys. Using the small NKR platform (4.5 tons), the new model will be equipped with a Euro4 emission compliant engine imported from Japan and complete with onboard diagnostics such as GPS, wifi, automated fare collection, speedlimter, side entrance, among others.

Koso said they will participate in at least two – Class 2 and Class 3 – out of the four PUV classes. Class 2 and 3 have seating capacity of 23-25 passengers but Class 2 is geared for city use and allows standing while Class 3 is for the provinces and is designed to be front seating. The first two categories account for 60 percent of total potential jeepney replacement throughout the country. Category 4, which IPC may also participate in, is geared for the offroad terrain in the provinces and are built with special features such as topload provision for cargoes.

Koso said the price of its PUV has yet to be determined. IPC will provide the entire chassis using the NKR platform but they will collaborate with local body builders to