Revival of native auto industry eyed via e-jeepneys

PhUV, Inc., the business arm of the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, plans to sell up to 200 units of electric jeepneys (e-jeepneys) in the next two years, in a bid to revive the country’s native car manufacturing sector. PhUV assembles the vehicles in the Philippines, but buys the motors from Chinese firm GreenTech, Inc. In November, the Land Transportation Office allowed e-jeepneys to undergo test runs as public utility vehicles in Legaspi Village, Makati. In a statement, PhUV said it has signed a deal to supply e-jeepneys for distribution in Makati, Pasay, San Juan, Taguig, Bacolod and Puerto Princesa. (December 3, 2008)