Philippine Automotive History Book Project

[Autohistorian]

Hello Tsikoteers.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Autohistorian. I am an automotive enthusiast with an equal interest in history. It has been my lifelong dream to start a book project about Philippine Automotive History. I want this to be a text book for college students. My main goal is to educate the youth about what happened in our local automotive industry so that they may learn from it and maybe not make the same mistakes.

It might also touch on some history of our neighboring countries such as Thailand and Malaysia so that we can learn from their success.

I have asked the permission of Papa Tsikot and Jedi to start a thread in Tsikot.com so that we may gather data for the book in this very site. I think it is a very worthy cause. I already have started talks with a publisher who has published a book for another group that I belong to. We will launch that book on Entreprenuership in the coming months.

Re the book, I also want to interview the formal Car Manufacturers or Members of CAMPI so they can give their own history in the Philippines. I'll also put in indigenous/alternative modes of transport such as the pedicab, riles tulak-tulak, tricycle and the kuliglig. I also want to feature the various local auvs, and jeepneys as well.

I propose we use the following outline so that we don't get confused.

1.Introduction

Through the Years
2. Pre-colonial times
3. Spanish times

3.1 trams
3.2 kalesa (it was popularized during colonial times but the term itself predates the era)

4. During the Second World War
5. 1950 – 1999 (can be further broken down)
6. 2000 – present (can be further broken down)

History of Manufacturers in the Philippines
7. GM
8. Ford
9. Honda
10. Isuzu
11. Mitsubishi
12. Nissan
13. Toyota

Alternative Local Modes of Transportation
14. Kalesas
15. Riles tulak tulak
16. Kuliglig
17. Pedicabs (Padyak)
18. Tricycles

Evolution of the Jeep to OTJ to Jeepney

19. Jeeps

19.1 MDJeepstar
19.2 Lubar

20. OTJ

21. Jeepneys

21.1 Sarao
21.2 Francisco
21.3 Malaguena
21.4 Lawin
21.5 David

22. AUVs and Special Vehicles

22.1 Castro
22.2 Sterling
22.3 Panther
22.4 Parejo
22.5 Allana Motors
22.6 Thoroughbred
22.7 Carter
22.8 Alana AMC Hammer
22.9 Multicabs

23. Provincial Creations

23.1 Iloilo style Jeepneys
23.2 Bacolod type Jeepneys
23.3 Cebu Type Jeepneys

Of course the outline as well as the suggested topics are open to suggestions.

Well then, lets write the Philippine Automotive History!!

[jedi]

Lets support this project tsikoteers, malaking tulong ito lalo na sa future generation as a reference sa ating local automotive industry.

[dprox]

A compendium on Philippine transport history such as this is long overdue. The sources are many but fragmented, and what better forum than Tsikot to gather and verify the facts!

History is pleasant to know, especially when you discover the achievements of your predecessors. But life is not all that rosy. It is not so pleasant to realize that we have suffered much, and that defeats, especially recent ones are too close to the present for comfort.

If we remember the triumphs, no matter how few, we will be encouraged. If we remember the humiliations, we must learn the lessons. But that will happen only if we remember.

Please accept my submission, not as moderator of this forum, but as principal of Disenyo Pilipino, and as member of YabangPinoy. I hope you find the bit of history contained in my paper useful http://www.disenyopilipino.ph/filipinocarsymposium.html. You will find in it some recommendations for the survival of the indigenous automotive industry.

If I may suggest, perhaps you should consider a chapter on the role the Philippine Government has played in this history, in terms of legislation, programs, regulations, incentives, etc.

I imagine that there should be eye candy in the book. Let me be the first to post a few, beginning with 1-HP classics.




[SIZE="1"][ Photos taken by me, with best wishes from the kutsero & cochero. Let me know if you want the hi-res version. ][/SIZE]
[SIZE="4"]Godspeed![/SIZE]

[jpdm]

in the case of jeepneys....

As compensation (Philippine Rehabilitation Act) for our destruction during World War II, the Americans provided us with money to rehabilitate our transport industry. Remember, the Japanese confiscated everything that ran on wheels to limit the mobility of the guerillas, that is why a people carrier was badly needed by the Roxas admin. Now, the problem is that we were kinda shortchanged by the Americans by forcing us to buy surplus military equipment. Well, we couldn't do anything. No money would be released unless we bought those surplus machines. Enterprising and resourceful pinoys (e.g. Sarao) converted (with longer chassis) these Willy's jeeps into passenger jeepneys.

And the rest is history for the workhorse made by the former kutsero turned into an industrialist.

[dprox]

I'd like to make a pitch this early for the book to move from the past not just to present, but with a view to the future.

If there is to be a future at all in this age of global warming, then the industry needs to move toward clean and green technology. I don't know that we have anything other than the FlexFuel engine project of Ford Philippines, but since we are beginning with the past, here are shots of vintage green vehicles in the Philippines.

Take this roadster for instance ~
[IMG]http://www.bigjimsphilippine***perience.com/images/transport/carabao_cart.jpg[/IMG]
The only emissions this engine puts out is organic and recyclable. Low speed, high power.
Having a near zero carbon footprint, its only footprints are hoofs and grooves.
[SIZE="1"][ Photo imported from www.bigjimsphilippine***perience.com ][/SIZE]


The post WW2 variant appeals to the younger set, utilizing contemporary rims and tires,
shown here in the dunes of lahar country. Same engine, modified chassis.
[SIZE="1"][ Photo imported from Mga Kwento ][/SIZE]

[nicolodeon]

Nice thread! I'm looking forward to the outcome of this project.

[jeeprox]

Hi Autohistorian,

Maganda iyang libro mong iyan. This is the first time I've heard of anybody attempting to go into such a noteworthy undertaking. Congrats & good luck.....

Now I have a suggestion. Idagdag natin and isang mode of transport na usong uso ngayon sa Mindanao, where I grew up. Ito iyong "habal-habal", spurred by the continuous growth of the motorcycle industry.

Sa probinsya, may mga enterprising motorcycle owners na nilalagyan ng wooden extensions (both rearwards & sidewards) ang upuan ng kanilang mga motorsiklo para makasakay ng APAT or more passengers!!! Nagmukhang eroplano tuloy!!

Ito siguro ang provincial version ng mga FX shuttles natin. I asked my brother to take a photo of this at post ko dito.

Pero short range lang ang mga ito, from the barrio to the main road via farm to market roads, mga 2 to 3 kms one way lang. Kuwento lang ito...... first time ko mag post. Sana dumami mag contribute para mabuo mo libro mo.

[Autohistorian]

This is what I got from Isuzu's webpage. Hopefully we can get a more detailed history:

[SIZE=2]For over 50 years, Isuzu has played a significant role in Philippine development by providing tried, tested and trusted commercial vehicles and diesel engines that move a country to rise. Today, Isuzu Philippines Corporation carries on with this proud legacy of giving top priority to customer service, employee satisfaction and social responsibility while continuing its quest to provide quality products that not only provide efficient transport for Filipinos but also help in nation building.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]The 1950s bore witness to Isuzu’s Philippine debut through its line of trucks. In 1972, General Motors and Isuzu joined forces to create GM Philippines. More changes in management took place in the two decades that followed, leading to the creation of Isuzu Motors Pilipinas in 1989, fully owned by Isuzu Motors Limited in Japan. To pave the way for a new and even better joint venture, the company ceased its operations in 1995.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]A CAUSE TO BREATHE[/SIZE] [SIZE=1]Our products are extensions of ourselves, and we want to give something back to the world by not taking any more from it. We take pride in developing vehicles that demonstrate diesel technology working to protect and preserve the environment.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=2]August 7, 1995 marked the birth of Isuzu Philippines Corporation, an enviable forging of forces among Isuzu Motors Limited, Mitsubishi Corporation, Ayala Corporation and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation. More than 13 hectares of industrial land located at the Laguna Technopark in Biñan, Laguna holds the company’s manufacturing facilities capable of producing 15,000 units annual through a modest yet productive work force.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]True to its history, Isuzu Philippines Corporation is guided by its corporate slogan “Your Responsible Partner”. This is evident in the implementation of their company policies and thrusts.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]Having carefully built its reputation on trust and dependence of a whole economy and country, Isuzu possesses core values unmatched by other vehicle manufacturers. Building the vehicles that our nation depends on, Isuzu is a company that can truly be called “The Nation’s Workhorse”.[/SIZE]

[Autohistorian]

Here's Mitsubishi Philippines:

[SIZE=2]Established in 20 February 1963 as Chrysler Philippines Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation now markets over 16 types of vehicles in the Philippines, after 43 years of operations.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]Vehicles range from the easily-recognizable Lancer and Galant passenger cars, to light commercial vehicles of different images and purposes: The ubiquitous Pajero, the active Strada 4x4, the Space Gear, Adventure, L300 Versa-van, Exceed, and commercial vans. Moving the industry are the FK/FM trucks and the RP/RS buses. Tucked neatly between the light duty pickups and heavy haulers are the Canter light truck and Rosa mini-bus.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]Today, Mitsubishi, headed in the Philippines by Mr. Kengo Takase, produces thousands of vehicles a year in a 190,294 sq. m. plant along Ortigas Ave. Ext., Cainta, Rizal. Mr. Takase is leading the company to focus on four major concerns: Manufacturing, Marketing, Labor/Management Corporation and Community Involvement.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]In manufacturing, production programs are aimed towards product quality. Quality Circles provide the impetus for continuous improvement of manufacturing processes leading to improved quality and cost-effectiveness.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]With Total Customer Satisfaction remaining to be the underlying commitment, the importance of delivering products and services that are attune to the complex and changing needs of the customers in the Philippine market setting remains to be the thrust of marketing activities and efforts.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]All in all, after 41 years of existence in the country’s automotive industry, Mitsubishi Motors continues to offer quality products and services to the Philippine market.[/SIZE]

[Autohistorian]

Universal Motors Corporation is the oldest and largest Filipino –owned assembler and distributor of automotive vehicles in the country today and is known for its many innovations. It made a bold move in 1984 when it concentrated on the Nissan light commercial and recreational vehicles . In a time when such vehicles where not popular, UMC ventured into them and captured the market. Establishing a reputation that is as sturdy as a kawayan (Filipino term for bamboo) for Nissan pick-up trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). UMC has total assets of about 1.3 billion with more than a hundred regular employees to date.

UMC started like a kawayan shoot pushing out of the ground. With a paid up capital of only 125,000 in April 1954 and the efforts of the Lee brothers Anthony, Thomas, Henry, William, Charles, Silvino, Victor and partners, UMC was the pioneer assembler and distributor of automobile in the Philippines.

In October 1955, the first locally assembled Mercedez Benz rolled out of its assembly plant. The rest of the Lee siblings joined the company in 1958.

In 1971, UMC entered into an agreement with Nissan Motor Co., Limited of Japan for the exclusive distributorship of Nissan light commercial and recreational vehicles. From this agreement flowed the transfer of technology in terms of assembly operations and design. Typical of its trusty kawayan nature, UMC has carried the Nissan brand through good and bad times. Thus was born the Nissan Patrol, Nissan Terrano, the Nissan Urvan (Escapade/ Shuttle) and the Nissan Frontier pick up. UMC’s hardwork bore much fruit earning the Customer satisfaction #1 award in the years 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2002. In 2000, UMC propelled the Nissan Frontier to the top making it the # 1 selling pickup truck in the market and remains on the top spot for four straight years ever since.

In 1984, while other major brands have either pulled out of the country or closed down, UMC stood its ground and built a strong brand image for Nissan light commercial and recreational vehicles, much like the way a kawayan weathers a storm by being sturdy yet supple to the wind.

An added feather to the cap of UMC’s history of achievements is the prestigious Executive Vice President Award it received in 2002 and 2003 from its mother company - Nissan Motor Co. Limited of Japan which recognized Universal Motors for its outstanding sales performance .

Today, UMC has expanded into a large kawayan grove composed of Star Motor Manufacturing Industries , Inc., its assembly subcontractor; Core Automotive Resources, Inc., its prime dealer.

[donbuggy]

I wish that there was a Filipino Car museum to complement this auto history book so we can see the actual vehicles described in the book. I'd rather go to a car museum and look at the ugliest Filipino made AUV than go to an art museum and stare at a pretty painting of a flower.

[phonesystem]

Universal Motors Corporation is the oldest and largest Filipino –owned assembler and distributor of automotive vehicles in the country today and is known for its many innovations. It made a bold move in 1984 when it concentrated on the Nissan light commercial and recreational vehicles . In a time when such vehicles where not popular, UMC ventured into them and captured the market. Establishing a reputation that is as sturdy as a kawayan (Filipino term for bamboo) for Nissan pick-up trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). UMC has total assets of about 1.3 billion with more than a hundred regular employees to date.

UMC started like a kawayan shoot pushing out of the ground. With a paid up capital of only 125,000 in April 1954 and the efforts of the Lee brothers Anthony, Thomas, Henry, William, Charles, Silvino, Victor and partners, UMC was the pioneer assembler and distributor of automobile in the Philippines.

In October 1955, the first locally assembled Mercedez Benz rolled out of its assembly plant. The rest of the Lee siblings joined the company in 1958.

In 1971, UMC entered into an agreement with Nissan Motor Co., Limited of Japan for the exclusive distributorship of Nissan light commercial and recreational vehicles. From this agreement flowed the transfer of technology in terms of assembly operations and design. Typical of its trusty kawayan nature, UMC has carried the Nissan brand through good and bad times. Thus was born the Nissan Patrol, Nissan Terrano, the Nissan Urvan (Escapade/ Shuttle) and the Nissan Frontier pick up. UMC’s hardwork bore much fruit earning the Customer satisfaction #1 award in the years 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2002. In 2000, UMC propelled the Nissan Frontier to the top making it the # 1 selling pickup truck in the market and remains on the top spot for four straight years ever since.

In 1984, while other major brands have either pulled out of the country or closed down, UMC stood its ground and built a strong brand image for Nissan light commercial and recreational vehicles, much like the way a kawayan weathers a storm by being sturdy yet supple to the wind.

An added feather to the cap of UMC’s history of achievements is the prestigious Executive Vice President Award it received in 2002 and 2003 from its mother company - Nissan Motor Co. Limited of Japan which recognized Universal Motors for its outstanding sales performance .

Today, UMC has expanded into a large kawayan grove composed of Star Motor Manufacturing Industries , Inc., its assembly subcontractor; Core Automotive Resources, Inc., its prime dealer.

i got your idea. Thanks for sharing here
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[romski123]

This should be included in the book! The habal habal. Uniquely pinoy!

Does anybody have a picture of a kuliglig?