Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is strengthening the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) in Region IV-B with the turnover of 28 NLR PUV units to Victoria Operators Drivers and Commuters Transport Cooperative (VODACTCO).
The new Isuzu NLR PUVs at the Isuzu Calapan dealership
Present at the turnover ceremony were key officials from the two concerned parties including IPC President Mr. Noboru Murakami and VODACTCO General Manager Gaudencio Callo. The new Isuzu modern PUV units will be used as the main transportation of Mindoñeros from Calapan City to Victoria, Oriental Mindoro.
“We are happy and proud to be part of your progress and development in terms of transportation. Being the number 1 truck brand in the Philippines for 22 consecutive years, Isuzu’s goal has always been about providing transport solutions to the people,” said Murakami.
The brand advances the PUVMP in Oriental Mindoro
While the specific configurations weren’t mentioned, the Isuzu NLR PUV is capable of seating 21 to 24 passengers including the driver. Depending on VODACTCO’s preferences, the vehicles can be equipped with a CCTV with front and rear cameras, PWD seats, handles and grips, a stereo, and a fire extinguisher.
Under the hood is a 3.0-liter 4JH1-TC turbodiesel engine good for 105 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque. Drivers will have to work on moving Mindoñeros using a 5-speed manual transmission. VODACTCO mentioned that the brand’s fuel efficiency is one of the factors why they considered NLR PUVs, a characteristic that was recently proven and tested by Isuzu D-Max, mu-X, and Traviz.
“To comply [with] the PUV modernization program of LTFRB, we made sure that the replacement of our old traditional jeepneys are durable and fuel-efficient vehicles because this is a big investment for our cooperative members,” said VODACTCO General Manager Gaudencio Callo.
Isuzu Calapan won 3rd place in the 2021 Dealer of the Year award
Like any other modern PUVs, the turned-over Isuzu NLR units promise safer, more comfortable, and more sustainable mobility solutions. These will benefit not only the people residing in the region but also the environment, a campaign that IPC is championing under its “Road to Progress” vision.
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