Centro gears up for PUV upgrade

MANILA, Philippines — Truck body builder Centro Manufacturing Corp. is all set to join the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program as it unveiled its prototypes of the modern jeepney.

Centro already has seven prototypes of the modern jeepney for the PUV modernization program, five of which are Euro 4 models and two electric PUV models.

The platforms of the prototypes were supplied by leading truck manufacturing brands such as Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Tata, Foton, and electric jeepney maker PhUV Inc.    

Centro said all models complied with the new Bureau of Philippine Standards PNS 2126:2017 covering the modern PUV.

Centro chief operating officer Jerryme Garcia said the firm is in full support of the government’s eco-PUV program which aims to use the third slot in the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program for the fiscal incentives.

”We are glad that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is pushing for local manufacturing resurgence. We need this large demand to increase our production volumes and enjoy economies of scale to bring down our costs and consequently, our prices,” Garcia said.