Local auto parts makers say “We better get going now”

November 01,2017

After the successful exhibition of the 1st Philippine Automotive Parts Expo or PhilAPEX 2017, the local auto parts makers are now scrambling to get ready for the PUV Modernization Program (PUVPM) of the Department of Transportation. PhilAPEX 2017 was organized by the Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA) to show the auto industry the local supplier base developed to serve the needs of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program of the government.

A side event of PhilAPEX 2017 was the Eco PUV Showcase highlighting some sixteen prototypes of the modern PUV from various platform suppliers and body builders. The Eco PUV Program of the Department of Trade and Industry aims to answer the supply side of PUVPM. To finance the various incentives to support this program, the budget of P9.0 Billion for the coveted third slot of the CARS Program will now be allocated to the Eco PUV Program. Program participants must however commit to locally manufacture and assemble 200,000 units of the both the PUV platform and the body over the next five to six years.

PPMA President Ferdi Raquelsantos says that there seems to be an alignment of the stars now that DOTr is creating the demand while the DTI is taking care of the supply side. “Other government agencies like the DENR, the Bureau of Philippine Standards and even the DOE are in full support mode. And now, the latest one to throw in his support and put his weight behind the PUVMP is no less than President Rodrigo Duterte himself”.

“This has got to be the strongest support any administration has ever given towards this PUV Modernization Program which has been lingering in the back burner for so many years”, he says. “We aim to capitalize on it by maximizing local parts manufacturing. We need to gear up for the bigger production volumes to be generated by this Program”.

“We most welcome both the PUVPM and the Eco PUV Program as they will generate more employment opportunities for the unemployed and more business opportunities for the SMEs that comprise the majority of our membership base. Their effects will surely be felt in SMEs in both the upstream and downstream support sub-industries of the domestic auto industry”.

The PPMA along with other auto industry groups such as the Truck Manufacturers Association, the Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines and the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines have been closely coordinating with the Project Management Office of the Board of Investments.

Raquelsantos explains that PPMA is very confident that the BOI PMO people behind both the CARS and Eco PUV Programs will come up with the best programs and incentive packages that will support manufacturing resurgence in the country. “This will promote the advocacy that given the opportunity and the proper government support, the Filipino can make a truly Pilipino utility vehicle that the Filipino commuters deserve, the modern PUV. Even the theme chosen for the recent PhilAPEX 2017 event ‘Gawang Pilipino, Para sa Pilipino’ was testament to this”.

The recent PhilAPEX 2017 exhibited the sixteen Eco PUV prototypes to the different jeepney operators, driver organizations and transport cooperatives from all over the country. All these prototypes were locally manufactured and assembled in compliance with the new Philippine National Standards 2126:2017 covering the modern PUVs as set by the BPS based on international UN ECE standards.

In the new PNS, the entrance is now on the right side, the cabin height is increased to allow for standing passengers, sufficient seat spaces and clearances were provided for and more passengers were allowed while assuring both safety and convenience. It may also be equipped with high tech features such as a speed limiter, automatic fare collections system (AFCS), GPS tracking, wifi and CCTV.

Major automotive platform manufacturers such as Isuzu, Mitsubishi/Fuso, Tata, Hino, Foton and Hyundai displayed their units with bodies supplied by major truck body builders Centro, Almazora, Sta. Rosa, Pilipinas Hino and Del Monte. Electric vehicle pioneer PhUV Inc. also showcased two electric jeepneys powered by the modern lithium ion batteries.

PPMA members were also in full force from the big boys such as Yazaki-Torres, Valerie/VSO Group, Manly Plastics, Motolite, AGC and Roberts to the smaller ones such as MD Juan Enterprises, Kea and ROH Wheels.

Raquelsantos concludes that PPMA is very excited to support both the PUVMP and the Eco PUV Programs and promote local manufacturing and assembly. “We together with all the auto industry groups will continue to work closely with the DTI and DOTr to make sure these programs succeed. These will take us to the next level that we have long aspired for so we better get going now and prepare early”.

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