HINO: Ready to take the lead in reshaping transport sector

Hino Motors Philippines Chairman Vicente Mills, Jr.

Early this month, Hino Motors Philippines showcased its Philippine National Standards-compliant transport rides, two modern iteration of the country’s iconic jeepneys.

Presented during during the Clark, Pampanga leg of the Modern PUV Caravan, these air-con equipped modern PUVs-classified as Jeepney Class II and Jeepney Class III-run on
Euro 4-compliant diesel engines, provide comfortable seating, and are equipped with several safety features such as a speed limiter, CCTV, GPS and a dashboard camera to ensure a better and safer commuting experience for both the driver and passengers.

The Modern PUV Caravan is a joint undertaking of the Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, and the Office of Transportation Cooperatives, in cooperation with Development Bank of the Philippines, Landbank of the Philippines, various industry associations and vehicle manufacturers, including Hino Motor Philippines.

While they no longer resemble the old jeepneys and in fact, look more like compact buses, Hino Motors Philippines Chairman Vicente Mills, Jr., says it has been his company’s desire to one day build vehicles that
elevate the commuting experience that the riding public
deserves.

On the lookout

“Hino Motor Philippines is constantly on the lookout for opportunities that will contribute to a more connected community. At the same time we want to provide vehicles, in this case for public transport, that are sustainable and safe. With this in mind, we have linked up with various transport cooperatives looking to modernize their member’s transport vehicles,” explains Mills.

According to Hino Motors Philippines — President,
Mitsuharu Tabata, as the country’s only one-stop shop for sales, service and the customization of trucks and buses for many years, the company has a reputation for delivering premium quality vehicles. “With our versions of modern PUV, commuters can expect convenience, and for our
buyers, Total Support, in any way possible.”

Hino (Centro) PUV Class II (Cabless)

Since last year, Hino Motors Philippines has turned over more than 100 modern PUVs to several transport cooperatives in Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Quezon City, and Iloilo.

The latest are the more than 15 modernized jeepneys turned over to Common Transport Service Cooperative in Commonwealth, Quezon City. These
Hino Class II Jeepneys now ply the route from the Common Transport Service Terminal in Montalban, Rizal, to Commonwealth Market in Quezon City via Litex Terminal.

Apart from being Euro 4-compliant and air-conditioned, these modern jeepneys pay homage to its old counterparts as they also have side-facing seats and can accommodate up to 19 passengers. But with its more spacious design, they can be further maximized to make room for seven more standing passengers.

Coordination

Mills says the company is continuously coordinating with various transport groups so they, too, could upgrade their PUVs. “One way to do this is to participate in events like the Modern PUV Caravan. This event will go all over the Philippines and this means more opportunities for us to link up with more transport groups. There will be around 30 legs to be organized until February 2020,” informs Mills.

Hino (Centro) PUV Class II (with Cab)

Phase one of the caravan, which will run for the entire month of July, and until the first week of August, includes stopovers in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan; San Fernando City, La Union; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Santiago, Isabela; Baguio City; Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; and Marilao City, Bulacan.

“Another way for Hino Motors Philippines to link up with more organization is by joining events like the PhilBus Truck Expo organized annually by AMB Tarsus,” says Mills.

Allied events

As one of the four allied events slated from July 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the PhilBus Truck Expo brings under one location truck manufacturers and their latest commercial vehicle offerings.

“With the government’s push to modernize public and commercial transportation, this expo is a huge chance for us to showcase to the public what the future transport would be like with what we could offer: better and safer rides for the commuting public,” says Mills.

In fact, Mills is looking forward to meeting some of the country’s most influential transport and trucking/logistics organizations like the National Federation of Transport Cooperative, Confederation of Truckers Associations of the Philippines, Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasiwa ng Panlalawigang Bus ng Pilipinas (formerly PBOAP), Haulers and Truckers Associations in the Watersouth (HATAW), Inland Haulers & Truckers Association (INHTA), Aduana Business Club Inc. (ABCI), Alliance of the Philippines Custom Brokers and Trucking Associations.

Hino PUV Class III (Cabless)

Says Mills: “Technology, climate change, dealing with worsening air pollution, and calls for a safer commuting experience are all driving change across the industry as a whole, and are among the critical issues impacting public transport to varying degrees. In fact, visitors will learn so many things from various pocket events that will be held like Truckers Forum, Bus Summit, and the Transport Cooperative National Congress.”

Hino Motors Philippines, a Toyota Group company, was originally incorporated in March 1975, and since then has primarily engaged in the exclusive assembly and distribution of quality Hino trucks and buses, distribution of genuine Hino spare parts, and the manufacture and distribution of other automotive-related products and services in the Philippines.