Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) turned over 16 units of its modernized public utility vehicles (PUVs) to Sampol-Bulac-Santa Maria-Meycauayan -Transport Service Cooperative (SBSMM-TSC) at the Activity Center of the City Hall Annex in Barangay Sapang Palay Proper in San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan province last July.

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 system by CoolAire and 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.

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-kilometer 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 training
9. Extensive fleet management system
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.