Centro Manufacturing Corp. (Truck Body Builder/Assembler)

**jpdm** · September 22nd, 2014 09:31 AM

L300 XV Mikrobus

Fuso Tourister

Centro assembles Mikrobus shuttle van

by Bernie Magkilat
September 21, 2014

Truck body builder Centro Manufacturing Corporation will soon bring into the market a locally-designed and mass-produced shuttle van Mikrobus or the Mitsubishi L300 XV.

Centro president Raphael T. Juan said the company is using the longer L300 FB Exceed chassis cab as its platform and converted it into a single-body, 17-seater L300 XV. Mikrobus is being sold for less than P1 million.

L300 XV was conceptualized to fill in the vacuum created when the L300 Versa Van was phased out locally, Juan said.

“We saw the upsurge in the nationwide demand in the shuttle segment of the mass transport industry and realized that most of the reliable Japanese shuttle models have only 15 seats or less yet has a price tag of over P1 million. We therefore saw the demand for a mikrobus converted from a Japanese chassis cab with over 15 seats yet costs less than P1 million. Our answer is the L300 XV as it has 17 seats (including driver) at an introductory SRP of only P898,000.00,” said Juan.

The L300 XV is the perfect shuttle vehicle for the UV Express and other shuttle applications, school bus, tourist coach and even as an ambulance. Juan says that it is the ideal replacement for the old UV Express shuttles and school buses over 13 years old whose franchises will not be renewed by LTFRB unless they are replaced with brand-new ones.

“In terms of design, because of its bubble top design, there is added headroom while its thicker 4” seat cushion foam gives added comfort. Add to these its dual aircon system and the L300 XV can transport more people in relatively better comfort,” he said.

Also to be introduced in the market is another mikrobus, the locally designed and converted, high-end Fuso Canter Tourista.

Although bigger than the L300 XV, Juan said it will have only 10 seats since the seats are individual and more luxurious, the spaces are wider all around and more baggage space is allocated.

Juan explained that the Tourista is positioned for corporate and higher-end transport applications and for touring purposes such as airport-to-hotel shuttle, local tours and travels or as touring bus for VIP and executives. It boasts of a dual aircon system and a powerful and efficient diesel engine.

Centro also introduced into the market four years ago the Isuzu I-Van, a single-body 16 to 18-seater shuttle vehicle converted from an upgraded Isuzu NHR light truck platform. It was also designed, manufactured and converted by Filipino engineers and technicians at its Maguyam Plant in Cavite. Known for its dependability and reliability, the I-Van is now very popular among UV Express and shuttle operators throughout the country.

For the mass production of the two new mikrobuses, Centro will utilize its new Marilao plant in Bulacan. With Centro’s experience in the Isuzu I-Van and its development, conversion and introduction of the Mitsubishi L300 XV and the Fuso Canter Tourista, it is fast shaping up as the “Mikrobus conversion expert” in the country.

https://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=t&r...75775273,d.cGU