Hyundai's VOW to help accelerate nationwide COVID-19 vax rollout

MANILA: Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) has fortified its commitment to support national efforts in accelerating the COVID-19 vaccination rollout with the Hyundai Vaccine on Wheels (VOW) program.

Through Hyundai VOW, HARI presents a comprehensive portfolio of mobility solutions developed to support the efficient transport of vaccines and to help fast-track the rollout of vaccines nationwide.

In a statement, HARI President and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said, “With Hyundai VOW, we firm up our response to the pandemic. It concretizes HARI’s resolve to help shape a stronger and healthier society — a society capable of ‘transform-nation,’ or of taking on the challenge to bring the economy back on its feet in and despite present difficulties.”

The Hyundai VOW program features the Hyundai MedTRX Series and the County mobile vaccination clinic.

The Hyundai MedTRX (pronounced “med trucks”) Series was launched by HARI last July. It is a fleet of refrigerated vans that cater the transport needs of local governments, health sectors, and cold chain solutions providers to fast-track the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines. This series is offered in two commercial vehicle platforms: the HD36L and HD65.

The HD36L is a six-wheeler, light-duty truck that is built with Hyundai’s high-strength steel. It is best known for its reliability, efficiency, and safety. The cab and chassis measure 5,310mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 2,200mm high. It also has a 2,810mm wheelbase that makes the truck suitable for delivery large quantities of medical supplies.

The HD36L is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged intercooler direct injection diesel engine that generates high torque and speed. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that helps achieve sufficient fuel efficiency even with high speed and large delivery loads.

The truck also comes with a load-sensing proportioning valve (LSPV) that adjusts the braking force based on the load to guarantee efficient braking. It is also equipped with strong tires and a reverse warning buzzer.

The HD36L features a 45-degree tilt angle that makes it easier to check important vehicle components and conduct maintenance service.

The HD36L MedTRX Refrigerated Van is offered in two variants: the HD36L refrigerated van built with Cooltech by Centro and the HD36L refrigerated van developed by HK Climate Controls Inc. (HKCCI).

The HD36L refrigerated van with Cooltech is designed with a durable body and finish. It comes with stainless lock rod and hinges, four-inch polystyrene foam insulation, and the Thermal Master T-1600 refrigeration that can produce attainable temperature of -20 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the HD36L refrigerated van developed by HKCCI features a sturdy body that can carry a huge load of vaccines and other medical supplies. It has a stainless lock rod and hinges and side door access. Its refrigeration system is powered by Frigid Air 45 with attainable temperature of -25 degrees and a four-inch polyurethane foam insulation.

HARI also offers the HD65 MedTRX refrigerated van, which is built with heat-treated steel frame secured by crossmembers and bolt-type fasteners. Its cab and chassis measure 6,170mm long, 2,000mm wide, and 2,250mm high. It has a 3,415mm wheelbase that gives the truck a commanding presence on the road.

The HD65 is powered by a 3.9-liter turbocharged intercooler direct injection diesel engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The HD65 also comes with safety features such anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution. The truck’s windshield also provides excellent field of vision and clear forward lines of sight to ensure safety while driving. The tires are also equipped with large brake drum linings to achieve dependable stopping power.

The HD65 has a 50-degree tilt angle that makes it easy to maintain.

The HD65 refrigerated van is developed by HKCCI. It comes with four-inch polyurethane foam insulation, stainless lock rod and hinges, and side door access. The truck also features the Frigid Air refrigeration system with attainable temperature of -25 degrees Celsius. It is also equipped with electric standby unit and automated thermoregister to maintain and monitor van temperature.

The HD65 MedTRX refrigerated van conforms to the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), and the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). It also meets the WHO standard temperature range of +10 to -25 degrees Celsius for vaccine storage.

From transporting people to providing healthcare services, the County hits the mark as a mobility solution. It features an unintimidating appearance on the road, with its rounded edges and smooth exterior that create a neat and sleek image. Last year, it served as a Hyundai “Biyahe ng Bayani” free shuttle for medical frontliners.

The County features excellent ergonomics and aesthetics that make every ride comfortable and convenient for the driver and passengers. It comes with a commodious cabin with premium cargo storage for extra luggage and cozy passenger seats that offer best-in-class comfort. It is also equipped with flush panoramic windows that give the passengers a stimulating view. In standard configuration, the County is installed with 29 seats, including the driver's.

As Hyundai’s MVP (Mobile Vaccination Partner), the County features spacious and flexible interiors that can be configured with a clinical bed and storage for medical essentials and healthcare goods to accommodate vaccination procedures. The customer may also request to add two units of portable Bio Ultra Freezers, two units of retractable tent (motorized), blood pressure (BP) apparatus, oxygen tank with regulator and humidifier and other optional medical and emergency equipment.

HARI assures that the County delivers the highest level of performance, resilience, and safety as it was engineered and developed through Hyundai’s modern testing and manufacturing facilities.

The County is powered by a common rail direct injection (CRDi) engine that generates 140ps and delivers responsive acceleration with high torque even at low revs.

The County has also undergone the most demanding durability tests on different road conditions to assure its stability. The bus is built with a robust body on a box-type chassis frame to ensure greater resistance against bending and torsional forces. It was also developed under Hyundai’s electrostatic immersion process to ensure greater rust resistance.

The County also comes with an LSPV to selectively dispense hydraulic brake pressure between the front and rear wheels based on the weight distribution of the passenger load. It is also equipped with a large 9+10 tandem brake booster that provides sufficient hydraulic brake pressure to reduce brake pedal force and ensure the safety of the passengers.

“Given the still-limited mobility and the health risks posed by crowded vax centers, VOW brings the vaccines to the people where they are, in a safer and more convenient way. Our Mobile Vaccination Clinic can even make drive-through jabs possible. That way, we can secure herd immunity possibly in a shorter span and so fast-track the economic recovery that we all hope for.”

To learn more about the MedTRX Series and the Country Mobile Vaccination Clinic, contact any Hyundai Trucks and Buses dealer. To know more about Hyundai trucks and buses, log on to hyundai.ph/trucksandbuses. To request for quotes online, send an email to Hyundai CARES at wecare@hyundai-asia.com.

Photos from Hyundai Philippines

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