Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation (SFP), the official local distributor of Fuso trucks and buses, mounted a show of force at the recently concluded 2022 Manila Commercial Vehicle Show.
The Japanese auto manufacturer showcased some of its hottest-selling models, including its Class 2 and Class 3 Modern PUVs and the Canter FE71 with Aluminum Van Body. The show went on from July 7 to July 9, 2022, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Now more than ever, there is a need in the Philippines for affordable and reliable public transportation solutions. The government has continuously called for the modernization of public utility vehicles (PUVs), with transport cooperatives still questioning some aspects of this initiative. The Manila Commercial Vehicle Show served as the perfect stage to quell some of these concerns.
As Senator, I have called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand the contracting service program, to help public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators secure their jobs as well as guarantee that fares in public transport will remain affordable.
With three days of activities on schedule, the show started with the National Truckers Assembly, allowing truckers to discuss various truck models and their respective specifications. For its part, Fuso presented the F-Wing 32-ft. Wing Van Body mounted on the FJ 2528R chassis.
On Day 2, Fuso showcased the Class 2 Canter Commute and the Class 3 Canter Express at the PUVMP-Jeep Forum and Bus Operators Assembly. Representatives of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Metro Pacific Tollways also gave talks to promote safe driving and preventive vehicle maintenance.
Throughout the event, SFP encouraged transport cooperatives to consider safer and more reliable modern PUVs to better serve the masses. The company is optimistic, but it remains to be seen whether its efforts will translate into more modern PUVs on local roads.
