Hyundai PH Unveils Modern Jeepney Prototype, Inks Agreement with 15 Transport Groups

If you haven't been to the Hyundai Power Solutions Business Mobility Expo, which is on its last day today at the LausGroup Event Centre in San Fernando, Pampanga, now would be a good time to do so because on display at the venue is the prototype of the Hyundai Modern Jeepney, HARI's entry to the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). HARI is the acronym of Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the Philippines. "The debut of the new Hyundai Modern Jeepney reflects the company's steadfast commitment to support the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program," said HARI President and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo at the opening of the three-day event last October 16. "We believe that fleet modernization is an important step towards the economic progress of the Philippines, and we have been working closely with the Department of Transportation to ensure that this vision becomes a reality." Using the Hyundai HD36 light-duty truck  as the platform, Del Monte Motor Works, Inc. (DMMWI), one of the pioneer and leading body manufacturers in the Philippines, crafted the body based on the design submitted by the students from the University of the Philippines's College of Architecture and Interior Design and the College of Engineering to create a mass transport solution that has "better stability and performance through optimized height-to-width ratio and higher power-to-weight ratio." "As such, the Hyundai Modern Jeepney presents itself as a reliable and sturdy road partner for drivers and commuters alike," HARI added. The Hyundai Modern Jeepney was designed on the standards of the PUVMP as set by the government. It has the HD36's Euro IV-rated CRDi engine for better fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions and it can accommodate 22 seated passengers plus an additional nine standing in the aisle with a height of 5 feet, 7 inches. It is also equipped with the mandatory modern PUV features such as an automated payment system (like a Beep card-enabled system), Wifi connectivity, GPS tracking, CCTV cameras for security, and speed limiter technology. As an option, it can also be fitted with LED billboard screens inside and outside to run advertisements which will serve as additional revenue to its operator. Though it seems HARI may be late to the PUVMP game, it's for a good reason as it has managed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with 15 transport groups around the country. For its entry in the PUV Modernization Program, HARI has initially allocated 800 units to support the transport requirements of various groups in key regions, with the first 400 units going to its priority partners and key transport cooperatives, namely, the 11 transport groups that comprise the Public Transport Alliance of General Santos (PTAG) in South Cotabato; the three transport cooperatives from Tanay, Rizal, specifically: Isabela Tourist Transport Service Cooperative, Jardan Transport Services and Development Cooperative, and Amore Transport Cooperative; and the Sapang Palay Minuyan Loop Transport Service Cooperative in Bulacan. Hyundai expects to field its first fleet of modern jeepneys to the Philippine roads by the first half of 2019.