ISUZU Philippines Corporation (IPC) participated in the 2nd Philippine Auto and Parts Expo (PhilAPEX) on Aug. 9 and 10 at Hall 4 of the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.
On display were the three modernized PUVs (public utility vehicles) designed and built with its three accredited body builders, Centro, Almazora Motors Corp, and Santarosa Motors. IPC also displayed its NLR CKD (completely knocked down) truck which will also be one of the future platforms of Isuzu’s PUVs.
IPC’s modernized PUVs, assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 cab and chassis platform are air-conditioned 23-seater Class 2 and 3 type PUVs that already meet Euro4 emission standards.
The new PUVs are compliant with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017), providing 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 system, brake system, wipers, windshield washer, and side view mirrors, and provisions for persons with disabilities.
Completing the modernized look and features of the new PUVs are the LCD/LED TV monitors, electronic signages, fire extinguishers, GPS navigation system, CCTV, dashcam and back-up cameras, and the automatic fare collection system – all geared for passengers’ safety, entertainment, and added convenience in fare collection.
The new PUVs also come with separate warranty coverages for cab and chassis (3 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first) and body and aircon, options not available for old utility vehicles.
IPC President Hajime Koso expressed his excitement with the Japanese brand’s participation in PhilAPEX. “The 2nd Philippine Auto and Parts Expo once more gives us a chance to highlight the best of Japanese automotive industry combined with the skill and innovation of Filipino craftsmanship. The fruitful collaboration between IPC and our accredited body builders that are wholly Filipino-owned ensures that our commuters ride only in world-class PUVs that also take into careful consideration passenger safety, comfort, and the particular locality’s needs.”
He added, “IPC, in partnership with our local body builders, has the operational, logistical, and technical capabilities to produce modernized PUVs on a national scale.”
At the PhilAPEX, IPC also highlights its Isuzu Advantage unmatched by other automakers. The Isuzu Advantage consists of:
A nationwide network of 41 dealers, complete with servicing facilities. This dealership network is still growing as IPC intensifies expansion this year;
- Nationwide parts availability, showcased by a 6,000-sqm warehouse facility to cope with the increasing demand for parts;
- Expert service technicians, and special Japanese truck field engineers available to support and answer customers’ queries and other technical requirements;
- The Isuzu Mobile Medic, specialized service trucks that provide roadside assistance to fleet customers;
- Training for drivers and mechanics, heavy-duty truck safety driving training and the recently launched eco-driving program to teach fleet drivers the importance of efficient driving.
The Philippine Auto and Parts Expo, the first of its kind in the country and now on its second year, gathers local vehicle and parts manufacturers and assemblers. It is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments and the Philippine Parts Makers Association, Inc (PPMA). With its theme “Gawang Pilipino, Para sa Pilipino”, the expo aims to open up networking opportunities among local parts makers and international vehicle manufacturers, while at the same time showcasing to the public vehicles and auto parts that are locally manufactured./PN
