Another way of putting it is that the PhUV is running on a chinese platform (L300 clone) and a chinese power train (Isuzu clone). PhUV couldn't have been built from scratch, given the very recent entry of the Foton into the Philippine scene. Dreamco offered the platform only last February, if memory serves. (NB: In case you hadn't noticed, the Chinese invasion had begun.)

Bigboy carmakers take about five years to develop new models. MVPMAP took less than that number in months! I don't know if you can consider that an achievement. But I'll be kind and say it was certainly a valiant effort worth some recognition. It's like Aguinaldo's ragtag army attired in full rayadillo outfits, attacking with bolos and wearing birthday boots. Any Filipino who says those guys weren't heroic aint worth kamote. My gratitude and sympathies go to those first revolutionaries.

Anyway, now you know why you and I keep getting that uncanny feeling that it was a rush job. With the time allocation for design the size of peanuts, you can only achieve so much.

No, it's not an excuse.
It's a beginning.