Author: Gelzon de la Cruz

After delivering 364 modern PUVs so far, Hino now gunning for 500 by year’s end

Gelzon de la Cruz

Having turned over 364 units so far, the country’s longest operating truck maker has been at the forefront of the country’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization initiative. They now intend to deliver over a hundred more units this December to close out the year with 500 Hino modern PUVs already in the hands of new transport cooperatives.

Press Statement by Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), “Hino bolsters modern PUV program with 300+ modern vehicles turned over nationwide,” 2019:

Manila, 16 December 2019 – Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, closes the year with more than 300 units of modernized PUVs turned over to different transport cooperatives nationwide. As 2020 approaches, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to support the government’s flagship program for the transportation industry.

A pioneer supporter of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) in line with the government’s vision of a restructured, modern, well-managed and environment-friendly transportation system for the Filipinos, HMP has backup up the program since it was announced by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in 2017 through planning and execution. Prior to the launch of the PUVMP, the DOTr hosted a one-day expo featuring modern PUV prototypes with the theme “Modernong Sasakyan, Progresibong Bayan.” Hino showcased its Class II and Class III AC and non-AC modernized jeepney prototypes during the said expo.

Hino likewise joined the first Modern PUV Caravan held at the Clark Economic Zone in Pampanga with the theme “Arangkada ng Pagbabago Tungo sa Kaunlaran.” The company rolled out its first set of Class II PUVs to the Pateros-Fort Bonifacio Transport Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TSMC) and Taguig Transport Service Cooperative (TSC), the first two transport cooperatives to receive modern PUVs from Hino, in July 2018.

To date, Hino has established partnerships with 16 local transport cooperatives. The company has turned over a total of 364 modern PUV units nationwide. Most of these modern PUVs are already operating in Metro Manila, and many have reached other parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Hino is set to turn over more units this month to reach its goal of 500 modernized PUVs turned over to transport cooperatives by the end of the year.

Pride of the Filipino Modern Jeepney

As the only local one-stop shop for trucks and buses in the Philippines, Hino is proud to offer its end-to end services— from design and development to manufacturing and spare parts supply— to the government and its transport cooperative partners. Hino’s modernized PUVs have been awarded with a Certificate of Compliance from the DOTr for having passed the Philippine National Standards (PNS)’s dimension requirements and other standards set by the national government.

Hino PUV units come in two variants–Class II and Class III in AC and non-AC versions. The Hino Class II PUV is designed like the standard jeepney with side-facing passenger seats. The jeepney can accommodate standing passengers to maximize capacity. The Class III model is an air-conditioned mini bus-type with front-facing passenger seats with seatbelts. Both PUV types can accommodate 23 to 30 passengers. Powered by Euro 4 engines, these modern PUVs are set to deliver safe, efficient and sustainable transportation for Filipinos.

“I am very glad to see a growing number of our PUV units operating across the country. Being able to support the modernization program by providing quality products built to deliver Total Support not only to the commuters but to the drivers and cooperatives as well also allows to pursue our commitment of ensuring the safety of welfare of Filipinos,” says HMP Chairman Vicente T. Mills Jr. “I am looking forward to more successes for this program. We will continue to work closely with the government and the cooperatives to improve our transportation system and provide a safer and more comfortable ride for our Filipino commuters and drivers,” he added.

As Hino enters 2020, the company hopes to strengthen the presence of its PUVs in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

For more information about HMP and its efforts for the PUVM, follow the company on Facebook at facebook.com/HinoMotorsPH/ and on Twitter at @HinoMotorsPH.

Isuzu breaks ground for construction of new La Union dealership

Gelzon de la Cruz

Isuzu Philippines has kicked off the construction of their new dealership in Bauang, La Union where the provincial government is focusing their economy on becoming northern Luzon’s agritourism center by 2025.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), “Isuzu Philippines Holds Groundbreaking ceremony for new Dealership in La Union,” 2019:

On track for its “Road to 50 Dealerships”, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) formally held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Isuzu dealership in La Union.

IPC led the ceremonial installation of the time capsule on the 7,300-sqm lot along the national highway in Barrio Paringao in Bauang, La Union. The facility is expected to be completed mid-2020. The Isuzu La Union dealership features the new design guidelines for Isuzu dealerships, which has a cleaner and more streamlined interior and façade.

Benigno Garcia, Chairman and President of One Maharlika Motor Sales and Services Corporation will oversee the operations of this contemporary designed dealership. He added that the 3, 000 sqm showroom can display 4 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and 2 commercial vehicles (CVs), while the service area can accommodate up to 5 LCVs and 4 trucks in its service bays.

Isuzu La Union dealership also marks a new partnership between IPC and One Maharlika Motor Sales and Services Corporation.

In his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony, IPC President Hajime Koso welcomed the new partnership, as this would pave the way for IPC to reach more Filipinos.

“We at Isuzu always look for ways to connect and reach out to our customers. Today marks the construction of our new dealership as we aspire to serve our customers here in La Union. Isuzu La Union will be a place of finest Isuzu vehicles, genuine Isuzu parts, and exceptional services,” Mr Koso said.

He further added, “La Union is known for its tourism industry, and its economy is diversified with service, manufacturing, and agricultural industries spread throughout the province; and we at Isuzu Philippines are very happy to establish our presence here in La Union, in response to its growing transportation requirements.”

Mr. Garcia announced that Isuzu La Union will offer the full roster of brand-new Isuzu LCVs and CVs. “By the time we open in mid-2020, we will offer Isuzu LCVs such as mu-X and the D-MAX, as well as our trucks like N-Series, F-Series, C&E-Series, and of course, the newly introduced Traviz, which is ideal for small and medium enterprises.”

In a prepared statement, La Union Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III declared that by 2025, La Union would become “the heart of agritourism in northern Luzon.”

He added, “The Isuzu La Union groundbreaking ceremony is a validation that, indeed, it’s great to do business in La Union. Isuzu La Union would bring forth a stronger presence in transportation technology in the northern Philippines. Ultimately, this would result to a more robust movement of people, goods and services, which would spark economic dynamism not only in La Union and northern Luzon but the whole Philippines.”

To know more about Isuzu’s full roster of LCVs and CVs, log on to www.isuzuphil.com or visit the nearest Isuzu dealer near you today.

Coca-Cola Philippines acquires 95 Isuzu trucks including FVR’s with Allison automatic gearboxes

Gelzon de la Cruz

Coca-Cola Philippines, owner of one of the largest truck fleets in the country today, acquires 95 new Isuzu trucks including FVR medium-duty haulers with distinctive Allison automatic transmissions.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), “Coca-Cola and Isuzu partner to champion safety and sustainability in fleet operations,” 2019:

Coca-Cola Beverage Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the country, has partnered with Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC)— the country’s leading manufacturer of brand-new trucks— to further enhance safety and sustainability within its logistics operations. 95 top-of-the-line vehicles have been turned over to Coca-Cola’s already expansive delivery fleet.

Coca-Cola operates one of the biggest truck fleets in the Philippines, with almost 3,000 trucks and over 2,000 sales service vehicles. Approximately 2,500 shipments per day are undertaken, transporting to 20,000 doors across the country. For operations this massive in scale, the Company implements a road safety framework built on three pillars: organization and culture, vehicles and technologies, and the drivers. Each pillar, in turn, has different programs and initiatives that address capability development, technical standards and monitoring, and driving performance and engagement.

“For every bottle of Coca-Cola that you purchase, there’s an implicit promise that it was delivered with the utmost quality, in accordance with strict safety guidelines, and adhered to high sustainability standards,” says CCBPI Logistics and Distribution Director Ruth Genota.

Isuzu FVR trucks with installed Allison Automatic Transmission—the first of its kind in the Philippines—were among the partnership turnover highlights. These trucks’ transmission were specially crafted by leading automotive expert Gendiesel Philippines, Inc.

All the turned over trucks delivers Isuzu’s 8-Point Advantage: 1) nationwide dealer network; 2) nationwide parts availability; 3) expert Japanese engineers; 4) expert service technicians; 5) mobile medic; 6) drivers and mechanics training; 7) safety driving training; 8) fuel eco-driving training. The installed palletized bottle carriers were made by IPC partner body builders, Almazora and Centro.

The partnership with Isuzu, whose commercial vehicles are known for their reliability and efficiency, promises to deliver dependable transportation solutions to support Coca-Cola’s extensive and intensive distribution requirements. Isuzu trucks are equipped with Euro IV- to V-compliant engines that produce cleaner emissions; and with blue power technology, which helps make the trucks more powerful, yet economical and environmentally friendly.

These new acquisitions are in keeping with Coca-Cola’s long-standing commitment to reduce carbon emissions and to achieve sustainable operations in fleet management—through the use of low-emission engines in its trucks and through the adoption of new technologies to further improve our logistics and distribution capabilities.

Genota adds, “At Coca-Cola, we make sure that our sustainability practice is a holistic process: our whole value chain, from manufacturing to distribution, has systems in place to reduce our environmental impact. This is a continuous process of improvement, as we work toward further strengthening our environment-conscious policies, across all facets of our operations.”

Coca-Cola in the Philippines has delivered strongly on its environmental stewardship across the business and the value chain through its other sustainability pillars: water, energy, and waste. It has achieved 100% water replenishment in the Philippines, via its water-saving programs and waste water treatment in its operations, in addition to providing far-flung communities access to potable water through the AGOS Program. The company sources over 60% of its total energy requirements in the country from renewable energy; and in 2018, Coca-Cola announced its World Without Waste global goal of collecting and recycling every bottle and can sold, by 2030. In the Philippines, Coca-Cola’s packaging footprint is 50% returnable glass bottles, while its PET bottles and aluminum cans are 100% recyclable. In June 2019, it launched the Viva! Eco-bottle, the first beverage bottle in the country made from 100% recycled plastic.

The Company will continue to forge partnerships with organizations across the Philippines, who share its sustainability goals—pursuing both the health of the industry and the welfare of the environment.

Truckmaker Hino opens fourth new dealership for 2019

Gelzon de la Cruz

Hino Motors Philippines (HMP) continues their expansion campaign with their fourth new dealership this year, this one in Butuan City at the hub of Agusan del Norte’s mining and agricultural sectors in Mindanao.

Press Statement by Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), “Hino unveils new dealership in Butuan,” 2019:

Butuan City, Agusan del Norte | 9 December 2019–Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, stays true to its commitment to deliver Total Support to Filipinos all over the country with a new dealership in Butuan City.

Right in the heart of Agusan del Norte, Hino Butuan is strategically located along the AH26 National Highway, which connects Butuan City to other major cities of Northern Mindanao such as Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and Surigao. Hino Butuan will serve the region’s thriving industries by supplying its truck and bus needs.

Agusan del Norte is the commercial, industrial and administrative center of the Caraga Region. It is home to mining and agricultural industries, yielding rice, coconut, corn, soybeans, timber and abaca.

“We are glad to unveil this new dealership in one of the most promising cities in Mindanao. Hino Motors Philippines has always been passionate in connecting people and businesses no matter where they are in the country, and it fills us with immense pride to be able to contribute to the economic growth of the region,” shares HMP Chairman Vicente T. Mills Jr.

“What better way to end the year than to add to our growing network of dealerships. Through our efforts to share the unmatched quality of Hino products with more Filipinos, we hope to realize our vision of a more connected and sustainable community,” says HMP President Mitsuharu Tabata.

The Hino PUV, Hino 300 Series, Hino 500 Series, Hino 700 Series and Hino Buses are only a few of the models available in Hino’s 19th dealership. Hino Butuan is the 4th dealership that Hino opened this year alone.

Hino Butuan is part of HMP’s ongoing dealership network expansion and operates under Toyota Cagayan de Oro Group of Companies. Managed by Toyota Cagayan de Oro Inc. President-Chairman Ms. Betty Lu and Executive Vice President/General Manager Mr. Peter Lim Lo Suy, it is ready to provide world-class Hino vehicles, parts and after-sales services in Northern Mindanao.

HMP has been engaged in the assembly and exclusive distribution of quality Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines for more than 40 years. It addresses the transport needs of businesses ranging from small and medium enterprises to big corporations by providing safe, durable and reliable trucks.

For more information on Hino, its products and its fast-growing dealership network, check out its official website and follow @Hino Motors Philippines Corporation on Facebook and @HinoMotorsPH on Twitter.

Pilipinas Autogroup heads straight to northern Luzon truck country for second Dongfeng dealership

Gelzon de la Cruz

After opening their first Dongfeng dealership in Cainta last October, Pilipinas Autogroup, Inc. (PAI) now launches their second storefront in Isabela–deep in northern Luzon’s major agricultural freight source. The newly launched Dongfeng Isabela dealership shows PAI continuing the series of soft openings they promised to hold in preparation for their official launch this coming March. Major truck trader PAI had been marketing India’s Tata vehicles exclusively until they partnered with China’s major truckmaker Dongfeng earlier this year.

Press Statement by Pilipinas Autogroup, Inc. (PAI) on Dongfeng, Isabela launch, 2019:

Cordon, Isabela | 28 November 2019–Pilipinas Autogroup, Inc. (PAI) is delighted to announce the opening of its Dongfeng Isabela showroom and service center. Auto Ten Trade and Services owns and operates the Dongfeng Isabela dealership located at Barangay Taringsing, Cordon, Isabela.

“This is the second Dongfeng dealership of Pilipinas Autogroup, Inc. to be established and this is exactly in line with the statement made a month ago by our chairman, Mr. David Coyukiat. We entered the market of Isabela as we recognize a lot of potential growth as business in this area is booming. From construction, hauling, and transport needs, Dongfeng trucks will provide quality vehicles backed up by after sales support. Four more outlets will be soft-launched in the coming weeks to cover strategic high traffic locations.” revealed Mr. Cresencio Fernandez Jr., president of Pilipinas Autogroup, Inc.

Present during the soft launch and blessing were (from left to right): Mr. Ruben Ronquillo Jr. – Sales Director of PAI, Mrs. Julie Zuniega, Fr. Patrick Caro, Mr. Neil Carlo Federizo – General Manager of Auto Ten Trade and Services, Mr. Nicomedes Federizo, Mr. Efren Malupeng – Municipal Administrator of the municipality of Cordon, Mr. Jun Deri – consultant for Auto Ten Trade and Services, and Mr. Ramil Mendoza – Division Head of Technical and Engineering at PAI.

Isuzu serves repeat customer with largest single delivery of modern PUVs

Gelzon de la Cruz

Isuzu Philippines has delivered 25 Class 2 modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) to MetroExpress Connect, Inc. (MCI), a private corporation operating public transport fleets across the country. Intended for public transport routes in Las Pinas and Cavite, the 25 Isuzu modern PUVs with Almazora bodies represent the truckmaker’s largest single delivery so far (exceeding the 20 for a Tarlac transport cooperative last March), and this one for a third purchase batch by MCI.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), “Isuzu Philippines turns over 25 units of modern PUVs to MetroExpress Connect Inc.,” 2019:

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s leading manufacturer and distributor of brand-new trucks, continues its effort to support the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) to bring safer, more efficient, more convenient, and more environmentally sustainable transport system to Filipinos.

IPC turned over the third batch of brand-new Isuzu PUVs to MetroExpress Connect Inc. (MCI), which consists of 25 units that will ply the routes of Las Piñas to Daang Hari, Kawit, Cavite to PITX, Tanza, Cavite to PITX, and General Trias to Daang Hari.

MCI started as shuttle services group, with a fleet of no more than 20 shuttles servicing private subdivisions, providing quality transportation to communities, connecting them to commercial developments and city centers.

As the years progress, MCI have soon acquired bigger and bolder projects, widening their operation, and choosing Isuzu PUVs as their transportation hub, MCI will be able to guarantee its commuters to have a safe, seamless, and reliable transportation.

IPC’s modernized PUVs assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 platform and the PUV body designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corp, is equipped with the Euro IV-compliant 4JH1-TC diesel engine that delivers better fuel economy and cleaner emissions than jeepneys; thus guarantees its clients like MetroExpress Connect Inc. to provide quality and reliable transportation, connecting passengers and communities to their destinations the easy way.

IPC President Hajime Koso encouraged other transport companies across the country to already make that switch to safer, cleaner, more convenient, and more reliable modernized PUVs. “I have always believed that the Isuzu PUVs are truly a vehicle made by the Filipinos for the Filipinos and we are confident that these units will be able to provide a more durable, comfortable, and safe transport solution for the riding public.”

For more information about Isuzu PUVs, visit the nearest Isuzu dealer, or log on to www.isuzuphil.com.

Hino approaching 400-unit mark with latest turn over of 23 modern PUVs to Novaliches-Malinta cooperative

Gelzon de la Cruz

Hino Philippines, the country’s longest operating truckmaker and the second largest in the market, turns over 23 of their modern PUV units to the Novaliches-Malinta Jeepney Transport Service Cooperative (NMJTSC) as they approach 400 of these modern public transports being delivered.  The turn over will be followed by another delivery of 29 more units, eventually bringing the NMJTSC’s fleet up to 52 Hino modern PUVs.

HMP Chairman Mr. Vicente T. Mills, Jr. officially turns over new PUV units to the Novaliches-Malinta Jeepney Transport Service Cooperative in line with the national government’s PUV modernization program.

Press Statement by Hino Motors Philippines, “Hino turns over modernized jeepneys to Novaliches-Malinta Cooperative,” 2019:

Manila, 20 November 2019–Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, has recently turned over the first batch of modernized public utility vehicles (PUVs) for the Novaliches-Malinta Jeepney Transport Service Cooperative (NMJTSC) during a ceremony held in Valenzuela City.

HMP is one of the pioneer participants of PUV Modernization program, a countrywide transformational initiative that will improve the transport welfare and safety of Filipino commuters. In support of the government’s jeepney modernization program, NMJTSC recently received a total of 23 modernized PUV units from HMP. Next month, Hino will deliver its second batch of 29 PUV units to fulfill the cooperative’s requirement. By the end of the year, a total of 52 Hino PUVs will ply the Novaliches-Malinta route.

Since 2018, HMP has already turned over almost 400 modern PUV units to various transport cooperatives nationwide. It continues to forge partnerships with different transport cooperatives to make transport operations more efficient for Filipino drivers and commuters. In the next few months, HMP is set to turn over 58 units of Class III PUVs and 72 Class II PUVs to various transport cooperatives in the country.

HMP was granted the Certificate of Compliance by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) after passing the body dimension measurement standard for modernized jeepneys. These modern PUVs are likewise adherent to the Philippine National Standards (PNS) set by the government.

“As part of our commitment to deliver Total Support to the Filipino community, we continue to actively support the government’s jeepney modernization program for a safer and more comfortable public transportation system in the Philippines. We are honored to be part of this transformation and our partners can trust that we will work closely with relevant stakeholders to help elevate the commuting experience here in the country,” HMP Chairman Mr. Vicente T. Mills Jr. shared.

HMP has been manufacturing trucks and buses for over 40 years now. As the company continues to grow and the demands of customers evolve, it remains committed to providing Filipinos with transportation solutions that address the commuters’ needs without compromising the welfare of drivers and their cooperatives.

Hino shows FlatFormer concept at Tokyo Motor Show

Gelzon de la Cruz

Hino exhibited their FlatFormer next-generation cargo delivery concept at the recently concluded 46th Tokyo Motor Show.

Developed in partnership with REE Auto of Israel,  the FlatFormer is an electric autonomous-driving transporter with in-wheel motors in front and geared motors, one for each side’s pair of wheels, in the rear.  It’s full-time front-wheel-drive with all-wheel 6×6 drive kicking in on-demand to add power. The two full-time drive motors in front and the two on-demand motors in the rear deliver a total of 170Kw or 228hp.

With all autonomous driving and powertrain components tamped down into what’s little more than a flat and stable cargo platform, the vehicle works with intelligent cargo container bodies that have integral jacks to lift themselves onto and off of the FlatFormer’s  deck.

Press Statement by Hino Motors Ltd., ” Hino Concept Vehicle Debuts at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show,” 2019:

Manila, 13 November 2019–Hino Motors Ltd., the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, showcased various transport solutions demonstrating its vision of a sustainable future in its exhibition themed “Transporting Every Happiness” during the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019.

The FlatFormer, an innovative electric truck platform that can fit any body style or frame depending on the requirements, was the highlight of Hino’s exhibit during the 11-day international trade event, which happened at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan.

The 6×6 modular truck platform can be used for different requirements, including passengers, accommodation, catering, and transport and logistics for convenience stores, medical clinics, recycle management services and beauty salons. It is powered by Li-ion batteries and feature a 170kW motor output.

Through the FlatFormer, Hino aims to change the concept of mobility by moving not only people but services as well. With its versatility and optimal utilization of space, FlatFormer will make transporting of people and goods more efficient.

“The Hino FlatFormer was designed in line with our vision of a prosperous and sustainable society for Filipinos. With the super versatility of the FlatFormer, companies can address a broad range of customer needs with a single vehicle platform. The FlatFormer is indeed the future of mobility,” shares Hino Motors Philippines President, Mr. Mitsuharu Tabata.

Aside from the FlatFormer, Hino showcased the Profia Hybrid and Dakar Rally champion. The first is a truck equipped with the world’s first AI technology that predicts driving load and performs optimal hybrid control while the Dakar Rally is a 7-ton Hino 500 series race truck.

Isuzu Philippines introduces Traviz LCV challenger / successor to Mitsubishi L300

Gelzon de la Cruz

Pasay City, Philippines | 12 November 2019–Isuzu Philippines has officially introduced their Traviz light commercial vehicle (LCV) at the SMX convention center today, first presenting the new model to motoring press and Isuzu dealers in the morning and then displaying it to the general public in the afternoon.

The Traviz is Isuzu Philippines’ first ever entry into the LCV segment that was dominated previously by the Mitsubishi L300 (until the L300 was discontinued in 2018 and then reintroduced last month with a new Euro 4 engine). Last year, the Traviz was first introduced with a Euro 2 engine in Indonesia where it replaced the Isuzu Bison–ironically, a rebadged Mitsubishi L300.

Bigger than the L300 it rivals and replaces (here and abroad, respectively), the Traviz has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of nearly three tons and a load factor reaching 120 percent. It’s at the very top of its Category 2 truck classification, already bumping up against the 3000kg lower threshold for Category 3 haulers that include Isuzu’s own N-series light-duty trucks.

For the Philippine market, the Traviz is available in two chassis lengths, the Traviz S chassis with a 2250mm wheelbase and the Traviz L with 2400mm (consistently 50mm longer than the 2200mm and 2350mm of the standard and extended wheelbases of the old Euro 2 L300). Prices of basic cab and chassis variants are at P962k for the Traviz S and P992k for the Traviz L .

The new Isuzu Traviz LCV

Now powered with a Euro 4 version of Isuzu’s rugged 4JA1-L turbodiesel delivering 77hp @ 3900rpm and 177Nm @ 1800rpm, their new LCV appears to have finally justified an update to this, the engine of their bestselling Crosswind AUV that was taken off the market last year because of its Euro 2 engine.

Challenger / successor to L300

Developed by the Isuzu Global CV Engineering Center (IGCE) in Thailand, Isuzu’s dedicated truck engineering unit for emerging markets, the Traviz was first introduced globally in April 2018 in Indonesia which accounts for a large chunk of the global LCV trade. The new model was badged as the Traga for Indonesia where it directly succeeds the Isuzu Bison which, in turn, is actually a re-badged second-generation L300 they introduced in 2010 but with a 40 year old design dating back to 1979.

Predecessor of Indonesia’s Traga: the second generation Mitsubishi L300 re-badged as the Isuzu Bison

Indonesia’s Isuzu Bison is identical to the Philippines’ standard wheelbase Euro 2 Mitsubishi L300 except for having Isuzu’s 80hp/195Nm 4JA1-L low boost turbodiesel (the engine also under the hood of the Crosswind) instead of Mitsubishi’s 69hp/140Nm 4D56 direct injection non-turbo diesel that we have here (before their upgrade to a Euro 4 intercooled tubodiesel this year).

The Traga was designed to be larger, more agile, and also more rugged than the Bison/L300. It has a slightly longer 2250mm wheelbase (compared to the standard 2200mm of the Euro 2 Bison/L300) but retains a tight 4.5m turning radius. The ladder frame is based on the chassis of their rugged D-Max pickup, resulting in an undercarriage rated for 600kg more in GVW .

Euro 4 update, finally

Just months after the Indonesia roll out last year, the Traga was previewed here at the 2018 Philippine International Motor Show. Initially renamed the VTO2 for this purpose, the new, as yet Indonesia-stock LCV, had opposite, right-side steering and, more significantly, still the same Euro 2 4JA1-L turbodiesel that they had in the Crosswind AUV–Isuzu’s bestselling model that had to be discontinued last year because it didn’t have a Euro 4 engine.

Indonesia’s Traga previewed by Isuzu Philippines as the Vto2 at PIMS 2018

In the face of these incompatibilities, the preview hinted at imminent adaptations for the Philippine market. Good news since it presented a new model’s justification for development work on the trademark engine of the bestselling old Crosswind which gained even more stature when it was discontinued in 2018.

The Crosswind had to be taken off the market last year when government regulation made Euro 4 compliant engines mandatory for all new vehicle registrations. Even in the face of imminent enforcement of Euro 4 standards, the Crosswind’s developer–Isuzu Astra of Indonesia, also the producer of the Traviz–could not justify an update to the engine of an old model that’s a bestseller only in the Philippines.

The new Isuzu Traviz’s 4JA1 CRDi turbodiesel

Now, apparently, the Philippines’ new Traviz has broken that loggerhead and precipitated the update of the venerable Isuzu 4JA1-L low boost turbodiesel to Euro 4 standards by means of a new high pressure common rail direct injection (CRDi) fuel system and an electronic engine control unit (ECU). Updated to Euro 4 compliance, the Traviz’s powertrain retains the Crosswind’s proven and peculiarly successful combination of the slightly over-square and quick-revving 4JA1-L with its 93x92mm bore and stroke dimensions, and its MUA-5S 5-speed manual transmission with extra deep gear ratios …

  • 1 : 4.357 in 1st
  • 1 : 2.502 in 2nd
  • 1 : 1.501 in 3rd
  • 1 : 1.000 in direct drive 4th
  • 1 : 0.909 in overdrive 5th
  • 1 : 4.777 for final drive

Manufacturing outlook

The Isuzu Traviz is reportedly being imported from Indonesia as semi-knocked down (SKD) kits, giving Isuzu Philippines’ workforce some elbow room for working in some local input and shoring up Isuzu’s foothold as an automotive assembler. But the Traviz’s further reaching effect on the economic footprint of Isuzu Philippines is how it suggests a possible reintroduction of the Crosswind as a completely knocked down (CKD) model to be rolled out by assembly lines that were momentarily mothballed while the big brand truckmaker waited for motivations to align and deliver a Euro 4 engine update.

A Crosswind on the Isuzu Philippines assembly line in 2016

Isuzu continues to support LTFRB’s modern PUV caravan on Visayas leg, shows next-model NLR77 Class 2 PUV

Gelzon de la Cruz

Isuzu Philippines sustains its strong presence on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) modern public utility vehicle (PUV) nationwide caravan as it started its Visayas phase last month. For the caravan’s Visayas leg that kicked off in Iloilo in October, they’ve fielded their next-model NLR77 Class 2 modern PUV which features their trademark hexapod cabin design in front, an integral passenger body built by Santa Rosa Motors in the back, and a powerful new roof-mounted Denso air-conditioning package on top.

Isuzu NLR77 Class 2 PUV on opening motorcade of nationwide LTFRB caravan in Bacolod City

While attending the second stop of the caravan’s Visayas leg held at SM Bacolod last October 28, Isuzu marketing head Joseph Bautista explained that they strongly support the traveling exhibition because it gives the entire country’s commuting public the chance to see the benefits of modernized public transport firsthand. The caravan gives commuters the opportunity to confirm how these new minibus-type PUVs are more comfortable, convenient and eco-friendly than the low-roofed truck-based passenger jeepneys these are replacing.

Bautista said that equally important is how the traveling exhibition shows jeepney operators the modern vehicles they will be driving when they leave behind the old piecemeal boundary system. As members of modern PUV transport cooperatives, former jeepney drivers will be getting mainstreamed compensation, earning fixed salaries supplemented with social security and medical care benefits that are mandatory for all Philippine employees.

The NLR77 Class 2 PUV that they will be exhibiting to commuters and jeepney operators on the caravan’s Visayas leg is described by Bautista as an eventual successor to their QKR77 vehicles, aligning Isuzu’s transport modernization products with the rest of their Euro 4 compliant Blue Power truck lineup. The NLR77-based PUV retains most of the original contours of its spacious cabin and, after its initial development with an integral passenger body built by Santa Rosa Motors, will eventually have more models with Almazora- and Cenro-built bodies as well. NLR77 Class 2 and Class 3 PUVs can be configured with either side- or front-facing seats.

Isuzu NLR77 Class 2 PUV beside converted van public utility vehicle while on opening motorcade of modern PUV caravan in Bacolod City

Bautista confirmed that after Iloilo and Bacolod, the LTFRB modern PUV caravan will visit Dumaguete, Cebu, Bohol, Ormoc and then Tagbilaran to complete the Visayas region leg. The Visayas tour is the third leg of a nationwide campaign kicked off last July in Clark, Pampanga with a first leg covering northern and central Luzon and then a second leg for Mindanao. After the Visayas tour, the PUV caravan will hop to southern Luzon, visiting Legazpi and Quezon, Laguna and Batangas provinces before culminating with a major event at the Paraňaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Metro Manila.

Isuzu Philippines marketing head Joseph Bautista and LTFRB chairman Martin B. Delgra III at opening ceremony of modern PUV caravan in Bacolod City

Bautista further confirmed that aside from visiting upcoming exhibitions of the LTFRB’s nationwide caravan, jeepney operators can go to any of Isuzu’s 42 dealerships nationwide to evaluate these modern PUVs. Bautista said that their dealerships have trained representatives prepared to help interested parties learn options for starting their own modern PUV fleets, and also to arrange test drives to get them behind the wheel of Isuzu’s modern PUV models.

Isuzu NLR77 Class 2 PUV at outdoor exhibit for modern PUV caravan in Bacolod City