Isuzu gears up to bid in PUV modernization

Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) is gearing up for the transformation of the country’s public transport system as it readies its bid for the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

IPC recently put to display three of its bid for the ongoing PUV modernization program in collaboration with body builders Centro Manufacturing Corp. and Almazora Motors Corp.

“These prototypes are a result of our thorough design development with the two leading body manufacturers in the country—Centro and Almazora. Our prototypes conform with the initial standards released by the DTI and we are happy with the outcome, but still we need to conduct series of tests to ensure passenger comfort,” IPC president Hajime Koso said.

“As it is, it shows that our company is ready for the shift towards the modernization of the country’s public transport system. We hope that with the help of the different government agencies involved in the project, we will be able to provide a more comfortable, safer and environment friendly transport alternative,” Koso added.

The government initially seeks to modernize 200,000 public utility jeepneys across the country as part of efforts to provide a safer transport system for commuters while mitigating the effects of climate change.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) earlier scrapped the search for a third participant in its Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program and instead decided to utilize the P9-billion portion of the scheme’s budget for a new program that will support the assembly of eco-friendly PUV.

The new program will support the local manufacturing of replacement vehicles for the Department of Transportation’s PUV modernization program which seeks to not only decongest the roads but provide safer, cleaner, healthier, and fuel-efficient transport system for Filipino commuters.

The DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards had come out with a draft Philippine National Standard (PNS) on PUVs under the government’s modernization program.

The PNS includes the dimensional standard for PUVs such as dimensional limits for the vehicle’s overall height, width and length, wheelbase and front and rear overhang, cabin, seat and seat lay out, step board, service door and emergency exit.

IPC ranked third in terms of market share among local manufacturers as of end August.