Work wheels: vehicles that help industries move

This Labor Day, we celebrate the contributions of workers who help drive the economic growth and development of many industries. That said, it is only fitting to take a look at some of the vehicles that help with the movement of people and commodities in various businesses. 

So, without further ado, here are the vehicles that help industries move. 

Mitsubishi L300 

The Mitsubishi L300 has become a staple name in the local light commercial vehicle segment as it has been one of the go-to nameplates for small businesses and larger enterprises. 

It is offered in the Philippines in various body types to cater to the needs of Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation’s customers. 

Popular is the Mitsubishi L300 FB with a rear body designed for both family and business use, allowing it to fit up to 17 passengers or cargo that is well within its 1,215-kilogram (kg) payload capacity. 

Here are its powertrain and chassis specifications: 

Engine displacement (in cubic centimeters [cc>)	2,268
Transmission	Five-speed manual
Maximum power (in horsepower [hp>)	98
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters [Nm>)	200
Front suspension	Independent wishbone and coil springs
Rear suspension	Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Front brakes	10-inch ventilated discs
Rear brakes	10-inch leading, trailing drums
Steering type	Ball, but gear-type with power steering
Wheels, tires	14 inches, 185R14C-8PR

 

The Mitsubishi L300 has a starting price of P825,000. 

Next-generation Toyota Tamaraw 

The next-generation Toyota Tamaraw might be a returning nameplate, but its impact on the local light commercial vehicle scene allowed it to bank on its popularity back in the day. 

With more than enough features to back its return up, the next-generation Toyota Tamaraw looks to serve a new generation of businesses. 

Like the aforementioned, Toyota Motor Philippines’ entry in the commercial vehicle market comes in many forms. To date, one of the most sought-after models is the flexible GL Dropside variant. 

Powertrain and chassis specifications are listed in the table below: 

Engine displacement (in cc)	2,393
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Maximum power (in hp)	147
Maximum torque (in Nm)	400
Front suspension	Independent front suspension coils
Rear suspension	Rigid leaf springs
Front brakes	Discs
Rear brakes	Drums
Steering type	Power steering
Wheels, tires	16 inches, 215/65R16

 

The said variant of the next-generation Toyota Tamaraw comes with a price tag of P1.075 million. 

Isuzu Traviz

No stranger to commercial models, the Isuzu Philippines Corporation offers small and big businesses alike capable means of transporting their goods. 

The Isuzu Traviz has made a name for itself thanks to its durability and heavy payload capacity (1,660 kg). Like its competitors, Isuzu’s light commercial vehicle can also be had in different body configurations, with the utility van variant being a top pick for many due to its versatility. 

Below are its powertrain and chassis features: 

Engine displacement (in cc)	2,499
Transmission	Five-speed manual
Maximum power (in hp)	76
Maximum torque (in Nm)	176.5
Front suspension	Double wishbone with coil springs
Rear suspension	Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Front brakes	Ventilated discs
Rear brakes	Leading, trailing drums
Steering type	Power steering
Wheels, tires	14 inches, 195R14C-8PR

 

Those looking to add the Isuzu Traviz to their fleet can do so at a starting price of P1.07 million. 

Kia K2500 

Kia Philippines has also set foot in the light commercial vehicle arena by throwing the K2500 into the fray. 

The South Korean carmaker banks on the said nameplate to earn a slice of the segment and make its mark outside the passenger car division. 

Being Hyundai’s mass-market arm, it is only fitting that Kia deliver’s the marques’ entry into the workhorse category. 

The Kia K2500 is offered in multiple body configurations with the 4x4 Double Cab Dropside striking the perfect balance in carrying both passenger and cargo. 

Here are its notable powertrain and chassis specifications: 

Engine displacement (in cc)	2,497
Transmission	Six-speed manual
Maximum power (in hp)	128
Maximum torque (in Nm)	255
Front suspension	Torsion bar spring
Rear suspension	Multi-leaf spring
Front brakes	Discs
Rear brakes	Drums
Steering type	Rack and pinion
Wheels, tires	15 inches, 195/R15

 

The Kia K2500 4x4 Double Cab Dropside gets a price tag of P1.238 million. 

Final thoughts 

These are just some of the best business partners and mechanical laborers available on the market today. 

Other nameplates are sure to have contributed to the growth of some businesses, and they too, deserve to be celebrated. 

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