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Isuzu PH answers call for PUV modernization, fields first 15 units of next-gen PUV for testing

By Randy
.
June 19, 2018

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is on a mission to make changes for the better in terms of public transport. In this light, it recently turned over 15 units of its take on the modern jeepney or public utility vehicle (PUV) to the Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO), a transport system for use by the Senate of the Philippines employees.

The purpose of this is for IPC and SETSCO to test the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program or PUVMP on real-world scenarios. This would help DOTr, as well as the organizations and manufacturers like Isuzu to fine-tune the program before allowing the PUV operators, drivers, and the public to adapt to it – a reasonable way of ensuring its quality right from the get-go.

In brief, the PUVMP was created with the end-goal of transforming the iconic jeepney into a safer, tougher, and more comfortable PUV for the 21st century Filipino commuter. That being said, the program is aiming to replace some 250,000 old and dilapidated jeepneys that are still in use to this day.

IPC’s contribution to the PUVMP is in the form of its QKR77 light-duty truck model. Enlisting the help of body-building companies such as Centro Manufacturing Corporation, Almazora Motor Corporation, and Sta. Rosa Motor Works Inc., IPC was able to create 3 versions of the modern PUV with body dimensions and specs adhering to the Bureau of Philippine Standards PNS 2126:2017 (Phil. National Standards No. 2126 Series of 2017).

For example, the Isuzu modern PUV’s floor-to-ceiling height measures at 1,780 mm (5 ft. 8 in.) To put it into perspective, studies show that an average Filipino’s height is more or less around 5 ft. 4 in. This means that one can board the vehicle and find a seat without crouching down to protect the head from hitting the ceiling. In addition, the Isuzu modern PUV’s walkway spreads up to 830 mm or about 2.7ft. This would give more room for people to walk to and from each end of the cabin.

Aside from these dimensions, the Isuzu modern PUV also has able space for persons with disabilities (PWD), right-side entry with automatic door, LED monitors, LED route signage, and an automatic fare collection via Beep Card, among others.

Finally, IPC reiterated that its modern PUVs will come with a 3-year (or 150,000 km, whichever comes first) cab and chassis warranty. As for accessories, air-conditioning, and body, a separate warranty will be provided.

Present in the turnover event held at the Senate of the Philippines last June 18, 2018 were; Martin Delgra III (LTFRB Chairman), Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Thomas Orbos (DOTr Undersecretary), Sen. Vicente Sotto III (Senate President), and Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri. They were joined by IPC President Hajime Koso, Isuzu Gencars, Inc. Chairman and CEO Edgard Cabangon, and Almazora Motor Corp. Executive Vice President Conrad Almazora.

“This is truly a landmark event for the PUV modernization program of the Philippine government and Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s active participation in this timely project. The fruitful collaboration between IPC and the wholly Filipino-owned Almazora Motors Corp. (the body builder chosen by SETSCO for its fleet) ensures that our commuters ride only in world-class public utility vehicles that also take into careful consideration passenger safety, comfort, and the particular locality’s needs,” said IPC President Hajime Koso.

Photos by Paolo Lesaca

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About the Author

Randolph de Leon
Randy is a person with disability (PWD), a partially-blinded person with only his left eye functioning. Since childhood, the automobile has always been his passion, and is able to express it through photography and most recently, through writing as well. Outside the motoring beat, Randy spends time manning the media aspect of his business which he co-founded with his sister/college classmate. It's called Dragonlight Wellness and Solutions, a multi-business venture centering on improving peoples' lives through earning.