Isuzu interested in PUV modernization

Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) has expressed its interest to participate in the government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, saying it will produce units compliant with the new standards and will be locally made.

IPC marketing head Joseph Bautista said they intend to be part of the solution to replace those jeepney units that are considered unsafe, old and not environment friendly.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is in the process of rolling out a modernization program that will see a phaseout of jeepneys more than 15 years old by 2020.

The program aims to modernize the fleet of jeepneys plying the road through low-carbon and low-emission vehicle technology. Jeepneys should be replaced by those powered with Euro 4 engines or electrically-powered engines with solar panels for roofs and equipped with safety features, such as a speed limiter, closed-circuit television camera (CCTV), GPS, and dashboard camera.

Bautista said Isuzu’s next-generation jeepneys are compliant with the DOTr standards. He assured these will be comfortable, safe, eco-friendly and will have a business model that is profitable for the drivers.

He added that Isuzu’s jeepneys will be made in the Philippines and will be supported by local parts. IPC operates an assembly plant in Laguna.

According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III, around 180,000 jeepneys nationwide face replacement under the program.

Isuzu Cebu Inc. general manager Steve Gingco is happy with the government’s stance on PUV modernization, saying that the more improved and modernized the country’s transport system, the more it will have good ripple effects across all industries.