Hariphil Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) has delivered 15 Hyundai HD50S GT Class 2 modern public utility vehicles to Partner 7 Transport Corporation in Marikina City.

HARI, the official Philippine distributor of Hyundai commercial vehicles, turned over the units on 28 July at the Marikina Hotel Convention Center.

The program included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, vehicle blessing and official handover.

Partner 7 already operates 32 Hyundai HD50S GT units. The additional vehicles raise its Hyundai modern PUV fleet to 47, which will serve passengers along the transport operator’s routes in Marikina.

The delivery supports the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which calls for the replacement of older jeepneys with vehicles that meet current public transport standards.

Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI vice chair, president and chief executive officer, said the distributor continues to work with transport operators after the vehicles are delivered.

This includes access to parts and aftersales service through its commercial vehicle dealership network.

“Partner 7’s continued trust in the Hyundai HD50S GT Class 2 reflects our shared vision of advancing safer, more efficient and commuter-centric public transportation,” Perez-Agudo said.

The HD50S GT uses a Hyundai commercial truck platform with a passenger body designed for Class 2 modern PUV operations. The vehicle was built to handle long operating hours and the frequent stops involved in daily route service.

Partner 7’s repeat order also gives the corporation more vehicles that share the same platform.

This can make parts stocking and maintenance more manageable, while drivers can operate vehicles with controls and equipment they already know.

Representatives from the Marikina City government, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, HARI and the transport sector attended the turnover.

Marikina councilors Jaren Feliciano, Pat Sicat and Angel Nuñez joined the event with Marikina Office of Public Safety and Security head Frankie Ayuson.

LTFRB National Capital Region director Zona Russet Tamayo was also present. Partner 7 president Saturnino de Guzman represented the Marikina public transport corporation.

Frontier Automotive Marilao Corporation chief operating officer Maxwell Quilat and HARI national sales division assistant vice president Timothy Magisa represented Hyundai’s commercial vehicle network.

HARI lists fuel efficiency, durability and passenger comfort among the features of the HD50S GT. The distributor also provides maintenance and parts support as transport groups add more Hyundai units to their fleets.

The latest turnover gives Partner 7 more vehicles for its Marikina operations while expanding the number of Hyundai modern PUVs under its fleet.