It was a busy October for the country’s diesel authority as it held events one after another. The sales blitz involved the turnover of Isuzu’s modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) in line with the government’s jeepney modernization program.

The first turn over of modern PUVs was held just in time for the soft opening of Boracay Island on October 26. Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) turned over to Grab PH several units of the modernized jeepney at the island’s Bolabog Terminal. Present during the turnover ceremonies were representatives of the Depatment of Transportation (DoT), IPC executives led by its pesident Hajime Koso, Conrad Almazora of bodybuilder Almazora Motors Corp. Grab PH representatives were also present.

Grab PH is part of the island’s Boracay Transport Master Plan, whose primary objective is to streamline and modernize the public transportation of the popular island paradise. Dubbed as the Hop on, Hop off Jeepney program, the Isuzu jeepneys will transport passengers around the island’s seven kilometers road network. IPC initially turned over three units of the modern jeepney and a prototype PUV was displayed during the formal turnover ceremonies.

Modern Jeepney in tune with the times

The Isuzu PUVs were assembled using the QKR77 cab and chassis platform with the shell designed and manufactured by Almazora. The 23-seater units are air-conditioned by Coolaire and fall under the Type 2 class PUV with side-facing seating configuration. The PUVs are compliant with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017). Step inside the cabin and you’ll notice that the floor-to-celing height and gangway width are adequate at 1,780 mm and 830 mm, respectively.

It also has a side door entrance for easy and safe eggress and ingress with panoramic windows and windshield. Almazora also equipped the PUVs with full-body insulation using GeneQ shield, automatic door closer, ECE compliant headlamps, brake systems, wipers, windshield washers, large side view mirrors and space for PWDs.

Completing the overall form and function of the modern jeepney are gadgets such as an LCD/LED TV monitors and a CCTV system by Mikasa, a fire extinguisher, a Vectras GPS navigation system, dashcam and back-up cameras, which are all put in place for the added safety, entertainment and convenience of the riding public. All these safety and modern options are not available in existing dilapidated jeepneys that are now considered rolling coffins.

Turnover of PUVs to Pasang Masda

A few days after the Boracay turnover event, IPC became part of Philippine transportation history as it led the historic turnover of 15 units of its modernized PUV at the iconic boundary of Manila and Quezon City, two of the country’s most important cities.

The turnover event in Metro Manila was led by Koso, and was attended by Mayor Erap Estrada of Manila and Mayor Herbert Bautista of Quezon City, and officers of the transport group Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang-Masda) led by its president Obet Martin.

In a symbolic gesture of cooperation among local government units and the private sector, the two motorcades originating from the city halls of Manila and Quezon City converged at Mabuhay Rotonda, where the seven modernized PUVs from Manila and the other seven from Quezon City finally joined an Isuzu PUV on display at the Rotonda.

“What IPC started for the Senate’s transport cooperative last June 18, we continued to expand to other key strategic locations in the country such as Iloilo. Now, we bring the efficiency, safety and comfort of our Isuzu modernized PUVs right at the heart of the country’s vibrant socioeconomy, where an efficient public transport system is most needed,” said Koso.

The route that the 15 modernized PUVs will ply is the Manila City Hall to Quezon City Hall route and vice versa.

The government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) is envisioned to replace some 200,000 jeepneys nationwide 15 years and older with new, safe and environmentally friendly public utility vehicles.

Isuzu Taytay opens its doors

Continuing the rapid expansion of its nationwide dealership network, IPC held the grand opening of its dealership in Taytay, Rizal, on October 29. Isuzu Taytay now brings its unmatched Isuzu Advantage right at the doorstep of one of the country’s top municipalities and provinces.

At the opening, officials of Isuzu Automotive Dealership Inc (IADI) were in attendance, including its president Emmanuel Aligada and the Regional Director of IADI North Alex Paguio, who gave their opening and closing remarks. Also in attendance were Mayor Joric Gacula of Taytay and Gov. Rebecca Ynares of Rizal.

Isuzu Taytay, the newest dealership in IADI’s extensive network, is strategically located in the burgeoning “automotive row” along the busy Manila East Road. With a total area of over 3,131 square meters, the dealership can display up to three light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and one commercial vehicle (CV). Its service bays can accommodate up to seven LCVs and one CV at a time.

“As we all know, Isuzu trucks have held on to the No. 1 position in total truck sales for 18 consecutive years, and this year, so far, our total truck sales have reached more than 47,000 units. For our light commercial vehicles, we have sold more than 200,000 units. In our objective to make the entire Philippines an Isuzu country, Isuzu Taytay will play a very important role in capturing the market in Rizal Province,” Koso said.