Sarao bares first air-con, next-generation jeepney project

MANILA, Philippines — Sarao Motors, the Filipino automotive maker whose name has become synonymous with the passenger jeepney, released a prototype of the redesigned "king of the road."

Photos of an ongoing "Boss Gino Special Project" in the company's Las Piñas shop seemingly inspired by the design of older Land Rover Discovery models were released last week on its Facebook page.

The company said that the next-generation jeepney comes with an air conditioning and audio system, a diesel engine, a 4x4 drivetrain and a Trooper chassis.

The rear entrance has been widened from earlier designs with the door fitted with a spare tire. The front bumper with a stainless steel finish is reminiscent of that of the traditional jeepney's, only with a few modifications.

It also has wide glass windows and windshield, while the newly replaced rims are similar to an SUV's. Inside, it has a set of front-facing seats, an all-white paint job and double-padded ceiling.

"It costs around a million, depende sa [specifications] na gagamitin," the company said on its social media account.

The manufacturing of the prototype has been in progress for almost year now, with Sarao admitting that it might not be finished anytime soon.

"Honestly, it's our first aircon project, and it's taking us a while to complete it. Little by little, we're making progress," the company said.