Today, commuters love the modern PUVs introduced under the government’s PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP). But somehow, they still long for the iconic features of the old, traditional PUJs that they have developed an affinity for, such as the colorful body, the egg-shaped fenders and yes, the horses. Well, the long wait is over. Leading truck body builder Centro Manufacturing Corporation will showcase its concept vehicle, the Hari ng Kalsada modern PUV at the Philippine International Motor Show 2022 at the World Trade Center from September 15 to 18, 2022.
The Biyaheng Centro booth will showcase the modern PUV design that embodies the spirit of the Pinoy Jeepney during its heyday in the 1970s and the 1980s. From the graphics, colors to the iconic egg fenders and the horses, the design captures the elements that made the Hari ng Kalsada a true Filipino icon. That made the PUJs the backbone of the country’s mass transport system then. For the modern PUV version, see the beautiful fusion of the old and the new as it attempts to bring back the modern PUV as the new Hari ng Kalsada.
The Filipino Jeepney has evolved through time. It started in post war 1945 when numerous Willys military jeeps were left behind by the Americans. The Filipinos, the creative race that they are, lost no time in converting this into a public transport by adding bench seats at the rear and called it the auto calesa. The evolution was accelerated with the entry of Sarao and Francisco Motors who mass produced them using whatever Japanese surplus engines and parts were available then.
Fast forward to 2017 and the PUVMP spurred the development of the Modern PUV based on guidelines and standards issued by the government. The result: a modern PUV that is 100% brand new using a light truck platform but unfortunately, without a hood. It is airconditioned and has a large GVW of 5,000 kilograms that is enough to handle 23 passengers or even more if standing is allowed. The body is locally manufactured and its seats, legroom, head clearances, aisles, doors and windows are spacious and compliant to international standards.
The modern PUV gained wide acceptance because it is safe, economical, convenient and spacious and with airconditioning to boot. Very affordable financing is also available through the Development Bank of the Philippines and Landbank with a government subsidy of P160,000 to cover the 5% downpayment. Today, the PUVMP is expected to be accelerated with the expansion of the financing program to include commercial banks and the increase in government subsidy to up to P360,000.
Centro has been at the forefront in the development of the modern PUVs as it has supported the government’s PUVMP from the very start, developing modern PUV bodies for almost all light truck platforms locally available. With Centro’s concept vehicle fusing the old and the new, it is expected to bring back the Hari ng Kalsada to what it was during the heydays of the old PUJs.