AT the rate things are going, it seems that Isuzu is now at the forefront of the government’s public-utility vehicle modernization program based on the number of PUVs that it’s turning over to local cooperatives all over the country.
On May 18, Isuzu Philippines Corp. handed 15 units QKR based PUV’s under the Class 3 of the current modernization program at Rodriguez, Rizal.
According to Joseph Bautista, head of IPC Sales Division, the initial 15 units represents the first batch of the 60 units ordered by the Metro Comet transport cooperative that plies the Rodriguez to Cubao route and vice-versa. Bautista said, “The people of Rodriguez, Rizal, should be proud of Metro Comet as they will have the first taste riding the bigger Class 3 PUV in the country.”
Bautista explained that the Class 3 is bigger than the Class 2 PUV, which is slated to replace the archaic public-utility jeepneys (PUJs) on the road. He said, “Class 3 will soon be the standard for UV Express segment in the country.”
Meanwhile, Shojiro Sakoda, EVP of Isuzu Philippines Corp. said in an interview that they are proud to turn over to Metro Comet their first batch of modern PUVs.
The distinction between the Class 2 and 3 can be gleaned on the seating arrangement as the latter features a front seating setup just like a regular bus. It can easily accommodate 23 sitting passengers in a trip and enjoy the features of the Class 2 segment as mandated by Department of Transportation (DOTr) like free Wi-fi and air-conditioned interior. It also has cameras distributed throughout its bus-like body, an automatic door and tap card feature like the ones used in MRT and LRT.
Sakoda-san summarized what their new offering in the PUV modernization is all about when he said, “the modern PUVs are assembled using the Isuzu QKR-77 platform, which has been modified especially for PUV use. Its body was developed by one of the country’s leading bodybuilder Almazora motors. These PUVs are environment-friendly as they comply with the Euro 4 standards. They are safe, as they comply with safety standards and are equipped with speed limiters, auto fare-collection system, CCTV, GPS and dashboard camera, and comfortable and convenient generous seat space, headroom and legroom with door entry on the right side.
The QKR-77, which the PUV was built on, is powered by the reliable 4JH1-TC, four-cylinder diesel engine that pumps out a maximum of 106 hp at 3200 rpm and 230 N-m of torque that is delivered between 1,400 and 3200 rpm. These numbers promise to deliver good fuel economy even in traffic.
Image credits: Patrick P. Tulfo, Patrick Tulfo