Two new Class III public utility vehicles were turned over to Perlas RCG Transport Tours Corp. as part of its fleet modernization efforts in Batangas.
Isuzu Philippines Corporation, together with dealer partner Isuzu Calapan, has turned over two units of the Isuzu NPR85 Class III PUV to Perlas RCG Transport Tours Corp., a transport cooperative based in Ibaan, Batangas. The new units will serve the Lobo to Lipa City route and vice versa, supporting the cooperative’s efforts to modernize its fleet and improve transportation services for the communities it serves.
The addition gives commuters another public transport option designed for daily provincial operations, while also giving the cooperative vehicles built around passenger capacity, durability, fuel efficiency, and longer-route comfort. Isuzu positions the NPR85 Class III as a practical platform for operators that need to keep vehicles running consistently across demanding inter-city routes.
Supporting fleet modernization in Batangas
The turnover forms part of Perlas RCG Transport Tours’ effort to improve mobility between communities in Batangas. For transport cooperatives operating regular provincial routes, vehicle uptime, fuel consumption, passenger comfort, and the ability to handle varying road conditions can all influence day-to-day operations.
“We are honored to be part of Perlas RCG Transport Tours’ mission of serving commuters in Batangas. Partnerships such as this reflect a shared commitment to improving the transportation experience of everyday Filipinos, and we look forward to supporting their operations not only through our reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles, but also through Isuzu’s unmatched Aftersales support,” said Mario Ojales, department head for dealer sales at Isuzu Philippines Corporation.
The turnover ceremony was also attended by Perlas RCG Transport Tours chairman Juanito Humarang, Ibaan Mayor Jane A. Casas, Vice Mayor Edralyn Joy A. Salvame, CENTRO assistant sales manager Carlo Enriquez, and Agribank Lipa branch head Alvin Rempis. Their presence reflected the broader collaboration among the transport cooperative, local government, vehicle supplier, body builder, and financing partner in supporting fleet modernization.
Built for longer provincial routes
The Isuzu NPR85 Class III PUV is based on the NPR platform and is designed to carry passengers over longer routes. Its higher gross vehicle weight and payload capacity are intended to give operators the capability needed for sustained provincial and inter-city use while maintaining dependable performance throughout the journey.
Passenger comfort is addressed through a body built by CENTRO, which uses a front-facing seating configuration more suited to longer trips. The cabin is enclosed and air-conditioned, with the air-conditioning system supplied by Country Cool Phils., helping protect passengers from heat, rain, road dust, and other outside conditions.
The vehicle also has high ground clearance, which can be useful on wet, uneven, or challenging roads, particularly during the rainy season. Taken together, these features are intended to give commuters a more comfortable and convenient ride while making the vehicle better suited to the realities of provincial transport operations.
Diesel power for daily operations
Powering the NPR85 Class III PUV is Isuzu’s 4JH1-TC diesel engine, which the company positions around fuel efficiency, durability, and the demands of continuous public transport use. For operators, fuel consumption is a major operating expense, making efficiency a key factor in keeping route operations sustainable over time.
The NPR85’s combination of passenger capacity, mechanical durability, and commuter-focused body configuration is designed to support daily service over longer distances. In practical terms, the platform is intended to balance the needs of operators, who depend on reliability and manageable running costs, with those of passengers, who benefit from a more comfortable enclosed cabin and front-facing seats.
A shared push for more reliable public transport
Ibaan Mayor Jane A. Casas also highlighted Isuzu’s reputation for durability and reliability during the turnover. “Isuzu vehicles have long been known for their durability and reliability. Based on my own experience and that of my colleagues in the construction industry, Isuzu has consistently proven its quality and dependability. For us, Isuzu remains the number one choice,” she said.
For Perlas RCG Transport Tours, the new units represent a step toward updating its fleet while maintaining service on an important inter-city route. For Isuzu Philippines, the turnover also reinforces its role in supplying vehicles and aftersales support to transport operators working to modernize public transportation outside Metro Manila.
In Summary
Isuzu Philippines Corporation and Isuzu Calapan have turned over two Isuzu NPR85 Class III PUVs to Perlas RCG Transport Tours Corp. in Ibaan, Batangas. The units will serve the Lobo–Lipa City route and vice versa.
The NPR85 Class III PUV features a CENTRO-built passenger body, front-facing seats, an enclosed air-conditioned cabin, high ground clearance, and Isuzu’s 4JH1-TC diesel engine. The vehicle is designed for longer provincial and inter-city routes where durability, passenger capacity, comfort, and operating efficiency are key considerations.