MANILA, Philippines - Anticipating increased demand for school transport vehicles, local truck body manufacturer Centro Manufacturing Corp. has launched a school bus version of its Isuzu I-Van that was first launched in 2011.
The school bus version, also produced in the company’s plant in Maaguyam, Cavite, uses an upgraded platform of the Isuzu NHR-MB light truck.
The bus is based on the Isuzu I-Van, a passenger van that integrates the truck cab and chassis with a 13- seater body. It is customizable to carry more passengers.
Centro sales manager Vic Belisario said that with the implementation of a 15-year old limit for school transport vehicles by the Land Transport and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) since January 2014, there is now a growing demand for brand new school buses.
“Because there have been no new franchises granted the last few years and therefore no overall growth is foreseen, we nevertheless see an average increase of four percent in registration of brand new buses to replace the 15-year old buses which will be retired. This increased demand is evident right now as we are also experiencing the same upbeat demand for the shuttle application of the I-Van,” he said.
Citing data from the Department of Education, Belisario noted that the number of private elementary schools has increased 1.5 percent, while enrolment grew 3.5 percent in 2013.
“This bodes well for the school bus industry as we see our market base steadily increase. We, therefore, had to make sure that our I-Van school bus have been designed and manufactured to conform to LTFRB specifications on school transport vehicles and to the Motor Vehicle Inspection System of the Land Transportation Office (LTO)” he said.
The standard I-Van school bus can carry 16 students. With the addition of two optional jump seats, it could seat up to 18 students. I-Van seat cushions are also made thicker, making the seats more comfortable.
“The I-Van is also airconditioned so students would be transported to school in comfort. And since Isuzu has the reputation for durability and reliability, our I-Van will last longer at less maintenance cost for the operator,” said Belisario.
Other than the school bus model, the Isuzu I-Van is also available in the standard passenger van model and the ambulance model.