Truck maker JMC Philippines goes into modern jeepney business

Trucks manufacturer JMC Philippines unveiled on Friday a prototype of its modern public utility jeepney.

The model was launched during the Philippines Bus and Trucks 2018 Exhibition in Pasay City.

“We just launched it now and it is ready for mass production ... This is JMC’s answer to the PUV Modernization Program,” JMC Philippines president Kris Lyndon Go told GMA News Online.

Production will depend on the demand.

“We are very bullish of the jeepney market. As you can see now most of the jeepneys need replacement,” said Go.

“We are in collaboration with different local body makers. So once we see an increase in demand, we can increase production,” he said.

The JMC jeepney costs P1.4 million per unit.

The model is Euro-4 compliant, can carry up to 30 passengers, and is equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS).

“ABS technology has been proven effective at preventing accidents,” Go noted.

Under the PUV Modernization Program, passenger jeepneys that are 15 years and older must be replaced by environment friendly and fuel-efficient units with an exit door on the side of the vehicle and a bigger body to accommodate more passengers.

The program is targeted to be in full swing by 2020. The Development Bank of the Philippines is providing P1.5 billion in loan financing to kick-start program. —VDS, GMA News