Courtesy of Philippine Parts Makers Association Courtesy of Philippine Parts Makers Association Courtesy of Philippine Parts Makers Association Courtesy of Philippine Parts Makers Association Courtesy of Philippine Parts Makers Association Courtesy of Philippine Parts Makers Association Courtesy of Philippine Parts Makers Association Courtesy of Philippine Parts Makers Association Courtesy of Philippine Parts Makers Association

MANILA - The Philippine Parts Makers Association on Tuesday shared images of prototypes for modernized public utility jeepneys that can be used for the government's PUV modernization program.

Ferdie Raquel Santos, president of the Philippine Parts Makers Association, said most of the units have air-conditioners, GPS, Wi-Fi and CCTVs. Some units have special features for persons with disabilities.

Prices of the modernized public utility jeepney range from P1.3 million to P1.6 million, with a 7-year warranty.

Santos said 16 modern jeepney prototypes, including 2 e-jeep units, will be displayed at the Philippine Autoparts Expo on Thursday at the Philippine Trade Training Center, near the World Trade Center, in Pasay City, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

"Makikita nila ang 16 na prototype na gawa ng iba-ibang body builders. Higit sa lahat makikita nila kung papaano ang safety and convenience ng mga bagong sasakyan na ito," said Santos.

The engine and chassis of most of these units are imported but the body, parts and other components are all locally made, Santos explained, as the government has provided local parts makers and body builders incentives to be part of the modernization program.

The move to replace the old jeepneys has been subject of several transport strikes by operators and drivers in the past months, who said they can't afford the modernized units despite assurance of financial assistance from the government.