It looks like Hino Motors Philippines (HMP) is also interested in providing modern public utility vehicles (PUV).

Aside from presenting their upgraded lineup of Euro4-compliant trucks and buses, HMP also recently launched the Jeepney Class 3 AC, their take on the modern jeepney.

Unlike its contemporaries which have an open-air design, Hino's modern jeepney takes on the form of a mini-bus and comes with air-conditioning. It also gets front-facing seats instead of side-facing benches, much like a bigger bus. It can seat a total of 23 individuals and measures 6000mm long, 1720mm wide and 2115mm tall. Wheelbase, on the other hand, comes in at 3405mm.

Driving the mini-bus is a 4.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that benefits from direct injection. It puts out 136 PS with 390 Nm of torque and is connected to a five-speed manual transmission. Both the front and rear axles come with semi-elliptical leaf springs and double-acting shock absorbers.

With the LTFRB adamant in ridding Metro Manila and neighboring provinces of smoke-belching and poorly-maintained jeepneys, modern mini buses such as this could start plying our roads soon.