India bus manufacturer looking for local partner

MANILA, Philippines — India-based Hinduja Group of Companies is looking for a local partner as it plans to set up manufacturing operations for buses in the country to support the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

In a statement, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) would assist Hinduja Group in finding a local partner.

Lopez conveyed the DTI’s commitment to Hinduja Group chairman Prakash Hinduja during a meeting held last Aug. 23.

He said the DTI is providing assistance to Hinduja Group in finding a partner as the agency is actively promoting investments in manufacturing in the country.

Manufacturing provides benefits to the country in terms of job creation and reduced reliance on imports.

Hinduja said he has previously met with the Department of Transportation to learn about the requirements under the PUV modernization program.

Launched in 2017, the PUV modernization program seeks to promote environment-friendly and more efficient public transport systems to better serve passengers.

Over 100,000 vehicles are needed for the modernization program.

While Hinduja Group is planning to manufacture buses, Lopez encouraged the firm to look beyond and consider producing modern jeepneys and electric vehicles in the country as well.

The group is hopeful progress could be made in the plan in time for the upcoming visit of Indian President Shri Ram Nath Kovind to the Philippines.

Hinduja Group is engaged in various sectors such as automotive, oil and gas, real estate, power, healthcare, trading, information technology, media, banking and finance.

The group is present in the country through its subsidiary, Hinduja Global Solutions Philippines, which is involved in IT-business process outsourcing operations.

Hinduja Global Solutions employs around 9,000 workers and has 11 sites located in Quezon City, Muntinlupa City and Iloilo City.