Builder of jeeps, hammers gears up for motorshow

These vehicles are not the usual kind you see cruising along EDSA or Ayala Avenue. They are modified to withstand rugged and are built to be more durable and reliable than the common vehicles that ply the streets. Multi-purpose 4x4 jeeps or Wranglers have captured the attention of many car enthusiasts. While many just dream of driving them, there are those who actually assemble their own 4x4 jeep.

At the helm of providing jeep aficionados with quality jeep parts, accessories and bodies is MD Jeepstar, one of the country’s leading fabricators and exporters of after-market accessories, replacement parts and jeep bodies. Established in 1946 by Dr. Maximino D. Juan who pioneered the importing spare parts for U.S made cars and trucks in the Philippines, MD Jeepstar was conceived to answer the country’s need for a rugged, light vehicle–the multi purpose jeep. Initially, surplus jeeps were imported from Europe and Japan which were used during World War II and in the US Base in Japan.

"The surplus market grew even after the war. Recognizing the Filipinos’ affinity for jeeps as introduced by Americans, MD Jeepstar started with the fabrication of replacement body parts not available locally," says Rommel Juan, VP for Marketing of MD Juan Enterprises and the grandson of Dr. Juan.

From customers coming from the rural areas, local city governments, big private firms to students, young professionals and the more professional ones, MD Jeepstar caters to almost all jeeps enthusiasts all over the metropolis with its line of products that include EJ Wrangler, EJ Ministar and Jr. Hammer. Its other products are civilian jeep bodies, armored vehicles, military jeeps, and body assembler kits which includes among others hood, fender left/right, windshield, tailgate and side doors. Military jeeps are exported to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and US.

"In the US the vintage jeeps are called ‘poor man’s restoration’ because they are modified mostly by veterans who are also jeep aficionados and collectors," Juan shares.

In the jeep body line, MD Jeepstar has started devising for the later models of the CJ and YJ jeep series. It has also expanded its jeep replacement parts line through the development of small parts detail now in great demand from collectors and hobbyists. Its operations also include fabrication of the exact body part of accessories jeep enthusiasts need.

Every month, MD Jeepstar produces about 30 Wranglers and 10 Hammer jeeps within its 1.6-hectare assembly plant in Novaliches, Quezon City. People come to MD Juan with either two choices — purchase the jeep body and assemble it on their own or buy an all geared up jeep for an estimated price of P350,000.00

"Most of our customers buy the body and chassis assembly kits and have them assembled by their own mechanic or assembler. This way they can purchase the parts whenever their budget permits it," Juan shares.

Customers also have the option to get technical assistance and advice from MD Juan dealers. They can go to any of the company’s dealer and ask for a package while all the nitty gritties that go with jeep assembly will be taken cared of by the company representative.

Now with 30 dealers nationwide located in key cities such as Iloilo, Davao, Laoag, Cebu, Baguio, and Tacloban, MD Juan has been, through the years, the country’s premier provider of jeep bodies, parts and accessories.

"We are developing our dealership networks to be able to tap more market in the country. We are also having a millennium sale wherein we will lower the price of Hammer assembly kit to make it more affordable to our customers," says Juan.

Jeep enthusiasts who are interested in Wranglers and jeep assembly may visit the Motorshow International on October 3-7 at the World Trade Center where MD Juan Enterprises, Inc. will display two Jr. Hammers and a Wrangler. Motorshow, organized by the Philippine Exhibits & Themeparks Corporation (PETCO), is the country’s biggest and longest-running auto and cycle show now on its 12th season.

The show will gather major car manufacturers, dealers, automotive parts and car accessories producers. The five-day event includes Motorshow in scale, a display of miniature static models, the Exotic Car Slalom, the annual car clubs meet, and remote control races for cars and four-wheel drives.