From the Inquirer today -
http://business.inquirer.net/money/b...ticle_id=67281
Auto parts makers want local parts in public jeepneys
By Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer
Last updated 04:04am (Mla time) 05/22/2007
Automotive parts makers have teamed up with a group of jeepney operators to develop a “Philippine-made public utility vehicle” in support of the government’s plans to rehabilitate the country’s jeepney fleets.
The Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (MVPMAP) said it had signed a memorandum of agreement with the umbrella group Philippine Jeepney Operators and Drivers Alliance Foundation, as it was wrapping up preparations for the launch of its “Philippine Utility Vehicle or PhUV.”
The MVPMAP embarked on the development of a PhUV prototype in part to convince the government to provide incentives to investors that would take part in developing a “national vehicle” using mostly local parts.
MVPMAP officials said the PUV initiative would be part of the group’s PhUV campaign for perks.
It would also support the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ plan to “refleet or rehabilitate” the jeepney sector’s 240,000 units spread across the country.
The PUV program is aimed at targeting the nationwide PUJ refleeting program to make the existing PUJs powered by surplus diesel engines comply with Euro standards on exhaust emission.
There are an estimated 67,000 jeepneys in Metro Manila alone.
“Public utility jeepneys are a basic form of transportation in our country and a PUJ should naturally be made with as much local value added as possible,” the group said. “Thus, we came up with the PUV idea.”
The MVPMAP said it would campaign for the PUV jeepney to be part of a PhUV program of incentives from the government, the officials said.
The PUV program would also fill in the demand for a coaster-type minibus, which could be air-conditioned.
In the process, all these were expected to modernize the land transportation sector.
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