Refleeting of PUJs with RP-made multi-purpose vehicles pushed

MANILA, Philippines – The automotive industry is pushing for the refleeting of public utility jeeps (PUJs) with the country’s own model of vehicle under the Philippine Brand Vehicle (PBV) program, a ranking government official said.

In an interview over the weekend, Trade Undersecretary Elmer C. Hernandez said they are in talks with automotive makers for the creation of the PBV to replace the PUJs.

Hernandez said the PBV is intended as a multi-purpose vehicle. He said the carmakers have the freedom to make their own designs and even use imported parts on the vehicle as long as it meets the government’s standards.

“We are talking to existing players and they said they are willing to customize existing models in order to meet the standards,” he noted.

“PBV will serve a niche market and is different from passenger cars and sports utility vehicles (SUV). This will not compete with the commercial vehicles,” Hernandez said. He said this will open up a new market in the industry as the PBV will cater to people who are not going to buy commercial vehicles.

The trade official said the refleeting will also help mitigate the air pollution problem in the country. He explained that PUJs are using re-conditioned engines while the PBVs will use all brand-new engines.

He explained that most PUJs are smoke belchers and emit more smoke because they use old motors. Hernandez said aside from the motor, all parts of the PBV must also be new.

In addition to its environmental benefit, Hernandez said the PBV will be affordable to people because its target is PUJ owners. “It will be competitive in terms of price.”

He said the government is willing to provide support to the program but added they are still unsure if it will be in the form of tax breaks and income tax holidays. He noted that not only carmakers will benefit from this since the auto parts industry can also produce the parts.

“This is a good opportunity for parts makers,” Hernandez said. But he said there is no rule that the parts must be made locally.

According to Hernandez, the PBV will be a multi-purpose vehicle and not a passenger car. Aside from being used for public transportation, Hernandez said the PBV will also cater to families and cargo. –Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star)