Hino showcases jeepney prototypes
AS the government is earnestly pushing its Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), it behooves the private sector to step up and help realize the veritable re-fleeting and replacement of the country’s aging clunkers. And step up they did.
Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the country, showcased its modern jeepney prototypes at the recent Public Transport Modernization Expo staged by the Department of Transportation. Four variants are available: Hino fourand six-wheelers for Class II and III in AC and non-AC versions. Similar in form to mini buses, the Euro 4-engine powered Hino jeepneys can seat 23 to 30 passengers. The Hino Class III model is a roomy,
air-conditioned mini bus with frontfacing accommodations – equipped with seatbelts for additional safety. The Hino Class II PUV is designed more like a conventional jeepney with side-facing passenger seats, and boasts covered open-air windows, with provisions for standing passengers to further maximize seating capacity.
Dubbed “Modernong Sasakyan,
Progresibong Bayan” the expo, held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, featured various local players in the commercial vehicle manufacturing sector.
In a release, HMP chairman Vicente Mills Jr. said, “Our active participation in the government’s project is driven by our Hino’s Total Support mantra. We are committed to providing reliable and innovative transport system solutions for the welfare of all our stakeholders – including our natural resources such as the air we breathe. We believe that this is the first step toward an upgraded and greener transport system.”
HMP positions itself as the only local “one-stop” shop both for trucks and buses. The company assembles Hino chassis platforms, and produces standardized and customized truck and bus bodies to meet specific requirements of its customers and transport partners. “Recent custom body examples include mobile library, mobile hospital, mobile court and mobile kitchen units. Hino’s chassis combined with customized bodies is HMP’s response to the country’s need for applicationspecific, reliable and sustainable transport system units,” continued HMP.
Meanwhile, HMP president Hiroshi Aoki shared, “Our discussion with different jeepney operators and cooperatives has helped us improve our prototypes. As we address the need for a more reliable transport system, we will continue to leverage our ability to assemble and distribute quality trucks and buses designed to help Filipinos get where they need to go – safely, economically, and with environmental responsibility – while focusing on sustainable development.”