ISUZU TURNS OVER THE 3RD BATCH OF MODERNIZED PUVS TO PASANG MASDA
Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) continues its streak as it turned over 30 brand-new modernized public-utility vehicles (PuVs) to the Pangkalahatang sanggunian Manila and suburbs Drivers Association or Pasang Masda, among the country’s biggest transport groups, during the formal ceremony held on January 22, 2020, in Meycauayan, Bulacan.
The turnover was the third batch of modern PUVs Pasang Masda acquired from the Japanese truck manufacturer (The first batch of 15 units were turned over in October 29, 2018, the second batch of 15 units on November 7, 2019).
The well-attended event was graced by Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade together with Undersecretary Mark de Leon, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra, Meycauayan City Mayor Ruth Villarica, IPC top executives led by its President Hajime Koso and Joseph Bautista, representatives from Inteco Quezon Avenue and body builder partner Almazora, representatives from Coolaire and officers of Pasang Masda led by its President Obet Martin.
In his speech, Koso said, “As the No. 1 local one-stop shop for trucks in the Philippines, Isuzu is proud to offer its end-to-end services from delivering the vehicle units to giving our clients outstanding aftersales services.”
The Isuzu PUVs will not only benefit the commuters but also the drivers and operators, as well as it also increases the quality of their livelihood. Isuzu modern PUVs are very versatile, allowing for customization that any PUV operations may require.
The 30 units will ply the busy route between the growing cities of Malolos and Meycauayan in Bulacan province.
During the turnover ceremony, IPC also showcased its newest addition to its PUV lineup, the Isuzu Traviz Lightweight truck with Utility Van for the Class 1 category of the PUV modernization program of the DOTr Omnibus Franchise Guidelines. The Class 1 Isuzu PUV is suitable for crowded inner-city road, and Isuzu Traviz Class 1 PUV is a good alternative to have a modernized jeepney for transport cooperatives.
The modernized PUVs, assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 platform, and the rear body designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corp., are air-conditioned Class 2 PUVs assembled in the Philippines and is equipped with Euro IV-compliant 4JH1-TC diesel engine that delivers excellent fuel economy. The air-conditioning system developed and provided by Coolaire Consolidated Inc. boasts ducted airflow and a highcooling capacity to keep commuters comfortable regardless of outdoor temperature.
The body of the Isuzu PUV is compliant with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017), with the passenger cabin providing more space for passengers to move easily inside. The passenger door is safely situated on the right-hand side, facing the sidewalk. Other design features of the body include panoramic windows and windshields, full-body insulation with GeneQ shield, automatic door closer, high-grade air conditioners with equal cooling distribution, and provisions for persons with disabilities.
Completing the modernized look and features of the new PUVs are the LED electronic signages for vehicle route information, fire extinguishers, CCTV, dashcam and back-up cameras, and the automatic fare collection provided by Euodoo Technologies Inc. These accessories are geared for passengers’ safety, entertainment, added convenience in fare collection and in compliance with LTFRB and DOTr regulations.
Meanwhile, Tugade in his speech praised Pasang Masda for complying with the government’s PUV Modernization Program and extolled other transport groups to do the same. He also asked Koso to lower the price of the recently introduced Isuzu Traviz Class 1 PUV to less than a million to make it more affordable to operators. This pronouncement was met with a thunderous applause by all those who attended.
Koso, when asked later in an interview if the request was possible, said “we will see” with his trademark smile.
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