Isuzu Gencars celebrates its 40th anniversary with another achievement to be proud of. Last June 18, 2018, it made motoring history by launching the modern jeepney in a program held at the Philippine Senate.
At the Senate launch, an initial batch of 15 units from Isuzu Gencars were presented to the Senate employees coop by IPC, Isuzu Gencars and Almazora Motors Corp.
The event formally set into motion the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Plan (PUVMP) that seeks to replace the old-style jeepneys by 2020.
Involvement in the jeepney modernization program makes the celebration of Isuzu Gencars’ 40th anniversary truly special. It firms up the company’s image as a reliable partner of government in development efforts.
The said modernized jeepney provides both comfort and safety to the public as it deviates from the old design of jeepney. The entry door would always be to the right side of the driver. There would no longer be rear entrance by the estribo or footboard.
There would be no need to stoop while finding a seat because the PUVMP calls for a raised roof with bars and handles that passengers may hold on to. The seats are still side facing, but will allow 22 seated passengers and a few more standing up.
A handful of the units launched at the Senate are now plying some routes and passengers find the bells and whistles impressive. The modern jeepneys have dashboard cameras, speed limiters, CCTV cameras and an automatic fare collection system.
Best of all, those inefficient and air-polluting second-hand engines are replaced with Euro-4 emissions-compliant engines (or electric battery-run) that are brand new and reportedly 43 percent more fuel efficient.