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Centro unveils 7 prototypes of modern jeepney

Future jeepney operators/drivers have the choice of driving the cleaner Euro 4 or going Electric.

Autodeal on Oct 18, 2017

Centro Manufacturing Corporation introduced their jeepney prototypes to the public during the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Eco PUV Showcase held at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Related: DOTr greenlights PUV Modernization Program

On display were 7 of the 16 prototypes of the modern jeepney including 5 Euro 4 models and 2 electric vehicles. The platforms used were built by truck makers such as Isuzu, Mitsubishi FUSO, Tata, FOTON, and electric jeepney maker PhUV Inc.

As a recap, the government’s PUV Modernization Program aims to replace jeepneys 15-years and older with new low-emitting and low-carbon units. This has been met with a backlash from jeepney drivers and operators due to its costs among other things.

With this, Centro said that it will use its 3rd slot in the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program to subsidize their manufacturing costs as well as the prices. In addition, these “modern jeepneys” will provide more employment and business opportunities since the program requires that PUVs should be locally assembled.