By Eileen MenciasB
Francisco Motors, the well-known jeepney manufacturer from Las Piñas, is poised for a comeback.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority has approved Francisco Motors’ plan to build an integrated electric and hydrogen vehicle manufacturing facility within the company’s 30-hectare Special Economic Zone in Camarines Norte.
Elmer Francisco, chair of Francisco Motors, said the project would cost P52.5 billion.
“A very important step toward our technological and sustainable industrial revolution that would empower our Filipino engineers, scientists and workforce and let their knowledge, talents and skills that they learned from their experiences as OFWs from giant multinational corporations all around the world shine on a global stage. This is our time,” Francisco said.
He also reflected on the support provided by the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in the 1970s, which helped launch the company’s Asian Utility Vehicle, the ANFRA. This model was widely used by small businesses and utility companies at the time.
Along with fully electric passenger jeepneys, Francisco announced that the Camarines Norte facility will produce the new PINOY Transporter and KIDLAT Van models, both of which will be electric or hydrogen-powered and capable of flight.
The vehicles will feature eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) technology, ideal for a country like the Philippines, made up of islands.
Francisco further noted that Francisco Motors has secured export agreements with 24 countries for the supply of its electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
