By Monico D. Mekaniko
PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA – Daewoo Bus Corp. is one of South Korea’s largest bus companies and for the last three years, a Philippine company has been exclusively making Daewoo buses.
The Columbian Manufacturing Corporation (CMANC), located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is the exclusive manufacturer of Daewoo buses and in the last three years, the company has assembled and manufactured about 700 units for various customers.
These buses have been purchased by a number of provincial bus operators, some as far as Mindanao. In all, the combined mileage has reached over 120 million kilometers.
To provide more jobs for Filipino engineers and technicians, CMANC supports completely knocked down (CKD) operations, which also allows the development of products used for local and export markets. Daewoo executives during the 2012 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) stressed that because of their partnership with CMANC, other players in the transportation industry have taken interest in the CKD business in the Philippines.
Already plans are underway to introduce other eco-friendly bus models to serve both the local market and the export business. Alternative fuel variants that could be brought to the Philippines include compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid, and electric engine buses.
CMANC General Manager Mario Regis said that their partnership with Daewoo has allowed the company to grow both in terms of operations as well as technical skills. “We see our participation in PIMS this year as a celebration of our accomplishments, we assembled and produced more than 700 units in just three years, and now these buses serve our commuters from Northern Luzon to Southern Mindanao.”
At the 2012 PIMS, CMANC introduced two new models the BV115 and the BS106. The former is one of the most fuel-efficient models from Daewoo, powered by a 340 PS Euro II certified engine. It also has a 6-speed Allison Torqmatic transmission with retarder.
The BV115 Daewoo Bus model provides great performance, fuel-efficiency, safety, and comfort to both driver and passengers alike. It has elegant styled exteriors and a comfortable, modern interior. It's also rugged and tough, made specifically for the Philippines' tropical climate and the roughest road conditions in the Philippines. Meanwhile, BS106 is powered by a 240 engine and its hollow steel frame is more lightweight but is still structurally durable.
Till next time, this is Monico D. Mekaniko, Va-va-vroom!
