The inaugural Philippine Auto Parts Expo (PhilAPEX), a gathering of the country’s finest automotive craftsmen and car parts manufacturers, recently made its mark in the local automotive and transport industry.
Ushered by the Philippine Parts Maker Association (PPMA), the said expo boasted the theme “Gawang Pilipino, Para sa Pilipino,” a slogan that highlighted the country’s best in terms of automobile and auto parts manufacturing.
In line with this, the expo showcased the Philippine CARS (Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy) Program to which Mitsubishi and Toyota took the challenge to participate with the local manufacturing of their Mirage/Mirage G4 and Vios models, respectively.
Not only that, the PhilAPEX also spotlighted various local vehicle body and parts builders like Centro, for example, that joined the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) strides to modernize the iconic Jeepney.
In light of this, the expo had a display of around 16 examples of what could be the design of the future jeepney. All of which upheld the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Philippine Standards’ PNS 2126:2017 (Phil. National Standards No. 2126 Series of 2017).
In brief, the PNS 2126:2017 is a comprehensive set of measurement guidelines that standardizes a modern public utility vehicle’s dimensions both for its body and passenger space. Long story short, the PNS 2126:2017 is the manufacturers’ guide in making the modern jeepney cleaner and more comfortable, safe, and convenient to ride.
Of course, as the future of Philippine transportation, the modern jeepney would still abide by the franchising laws of the country. For this, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also graced the occasion to put forth its strategies and answer questions from different jeepney drivers and operators.
The recently-held first Philippine Auto Parts Expo is made possible by the PPMA, DOTr, DTI, Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (ABMAO), Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC), and Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP).
