Modern PUV Takes On Traditional Look
Local vehicle body manufacturer Centro showcased an old/new jeepney design
for a modern PUV at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show.
Dubbed the Hari ng Kalsada concept, Centro's modern PUV is based on a truck
platform and can have a Euro 4 engine or an electric powertrain,
airconditioning, and 23 people seating capacity.
It features design cues from traditional jeepneys, including graphics,
colors, iconic egg fenders, and horses.
Roberto Cruz, corporate communications head, said Centro was motivated to
come up with the Hari ng Kalsada concept to pay homage to iconic jeepneys
that are now being phased out but are still much-loved by Filipinos.
Centro has made around 3,000 modern jeepneys since the government launched
the PUV Modernization Program in 2017, but this is a far cry from
government's target of around 200,000 modern PUVs, Cruz said.
Cruz said Centro and other vehicle builders have the capacity to ramp up
production of modern jeepneys but jeepney drivers and operators were not
putting down orders.
The Hari ng Kalsada concept should make public transport more cheerful and
colorful if not more efficient.