
The iconic Philippine jeepney is set to undergo a modernization drive to upgrade its road safety standards and fuel use efficiency – with the electric jeepney industry praising the initiative and pushing to retain the characteristics of the Filipino icon. [via motioncars] The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), leaders in the e-jeepney movement, has announced its support for the government program that would address issues of dilapidated road hazards and smoke-belching public utility vehicles, including the iconic jeepneys, plying Philippine roads. Rommel Juan, President of EVAP, has expressed optimism for the electric vehicle industry amidst the government’s impending PUV Modernization Program saying, “The Department of Transportation is finally on the verge of implementing this historic modernization program for public utility vehicles which aims to drastically improve the mass transport landscape and help reduce or eventually eliminate toxic air pollution on Philippine roads. This is because not only will the 15-year old jeepneys be upgraded to new ones but the power train will either have to be the environment-friendly Euro 4 engines or alternative-fuel type like electric and hybrid, LPG, LNG and CNG. With the political will of the Duterte administration, we think this will finally happen.” Juan reveals that EVAP and the entire automotive industry are passionate about growing local industries, specifically on generating fresh investments, generating new jobs and providing business opportunities for MSMEs that comprise the bulk of automotive parts and components suppliers. “That is why we are pushing for local manufacturing and assembly of the Read More …