Isuzu PH Turns Over 16 Modern PUVs in Bulacan

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has turned over 16 units of its modernized public utility vehicles (PUVs) to the Sampol-Bulac-Santa Maria-Meycauayan -Transport Service Cooperative (SBSMM-TSC).

The formal turnover was held at the Activity Center of the City Hall Annex in Barangay Sapang Palay Proper in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan province.

IPC executives led by Executive Vice President Shojiro Sakoda, Department Head of Fleet Sales Mario Ojales, and officers of Isuzu Quezon Avenue turned over to SBSMM-TSC officers Chairperson Elizabeth Villacruz and Vice-Chairperson German Manao Jr. 16 Isuzu PUVs.

Joining the turnover ceremonies were guests from the local and national governments, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Office of Transport Cooperatives (OTC), Land Bank, Centro Manufacturing Corporation, CoolAire, and Eudoo Technology.

The modern Isuzu PUVs assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 platform with rear body designed and manufactured by Centro Manufacturing Corporation are Class 2 PUVs fitted with air-conditioning systems by CoolAire and have a side-facing seat configuration. The Isuzu QKR platform is assembled in the Philippines and is equipped with Euro IV-compliant 4JH1-TC diesel engine that delivers excellent fuel economy.

The new PUV body is compliant with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017). The passenger cabin floor-to-ceiling height and gangway width provides more space for passengers to move easily inside. The passenger door is safely situated on the right-hand side, facing the sidewalk. Other design features of the body include panoramic windows and windshields, full-body insulation, automatic door closer, and provisions for persons with disabilities.

For SBSMM-TSC, a well-established transport entity in Bulacan that operates over 600 jeepneys, its acquisition of Isuzu modern PUVs will not only provide world-class transport to its riding public but will also make possible for the cooperative to reap the numerous aftersales advantages of IPC’s vaunted PUV-X program.

The PUV-X Program enumerates Isuzu’s 10-Point Advantage: 1) Isuzu’s proven reliability, durability and efficiency; 2) Experienced Body Builders; 3) Accredited Accessories Suppliers; 4) An unmatched 3 years or 150,000 kms warranty coverage; 5) Nationwide dealership network of 43 outlets and counting; 6) Expert Truck Executives (Truck Elites) to help customers; 7) Nationwide parts availability, competent and trained service technicians, technical assistance from Japanese and Filipino engineers, and Isuzu Service Medic vans for roadside assistance anytime; 8) Drivers and mechanics trainings; 9) Extensive fleet management system, and; 10) All-around customer assistance.

The 16 modern PUVs that SBSMM-TSC is now using are the latest additions in support of the government’s efforts to modernize all PUVs by June 2020, as embodied in the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) that envisions the replacement of some 200,000 PUVs nationwide 15 years and older with new, safe and environmentally friendly vehicles.

The SBSMM TSC in Bulacan is said to be the first cooperative in Region 3 to comply with the PUVMP.

The modern PUV units will soon ply routes covering major cities in Bulacan through San Jose Del Monte, Sta. Maria, Marilao, Bocaue, and Meycauayan.

In a statement, Centro President Raffy Juan said that they are glad that there is a growing number of transport cooperatives like SBSMM-TSC who trust the two brands.

“We are confident that we will be able to deliver the benefits of the government’s PUV Modernization Program. Our Modern PUVs can also be provided with PWD-friendly features for the convenience of differently-abled commuters,” said Juan.

He also assures the commuting public that the modern PUV bodies are fully compliant to PNS 2126 standards of the Bureau of Philippine Standards.

“With Isuzu as our partner, we have fully committed to support the PUV Modernization Program by providing the vehicle solutions. And we will continue to do so by developing more Isuzu products in the different classes of the Modern PUV,” Juan added.