Category: Isuzu Philippines Corporation

Isuzu PH reports 11.7% sales growth; D-MAX on full throttle at 91.7%

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The Isuzu D-MAX sales tally during the first half of 2014 recorded a remarkable 91.7% increase. 

ISUZU Philippines Corporation (IPC) powers past the midway mark of 2014 with a strong 11.7% growth pace compared to its results during the same January-to-June period in 2013. Isuzu’s performance comes side-by-side with the Philippine automotive industry’s record-setting rate of a 15.5% increase in year-on-year deliveries of commercial vehicles.

The reports from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and Truck Manufacturers’ Association, Inc. state that the domestic market continues to appreciate the value-for-money qualities of Isuzu models as IPC delivered 6,429 vehicles in the first six months of the year compared to the 5,757 vehicles it sold during the same period in the previous year. The rise in IPC’s tally reflects the local market’s increase in sales of commercial vehicles, which reached 68,467 while the entire auto industry sold 108,957 units.

The figures also show that IPC’s consistent sales streak this year is powered by the Isuzu D-MAX, whose unmatched capabilities on- and off-road have resulted in customers purchasing 1,998 units of the pickup. The tally is a phenomenal 91.7% spike from the 1,042 units sold during the same months in 2013.

The D-MAX’s steady growth month after month since its launch in September 2013 has offset the slowdown in the movement of the Isuzu Crosswind and Alterra, leading IPC’s total sales of light commercial vehicles to a positive 9.0%, or 5,018 units delivered.

Bolstering IPC’s position in the local market—the company is ranked third in the commercial vehicle segment in the first half of 2014—are sales of the Isuzu’s NHR and NKR Category III trucks, which reached 1,010 units, a 25.6% increase. Sales of Isuzu’s Category IV trucks also rose 10.2% and those of heavy-duty trucks jumped 255.6%.

In June, the D-MAX held the momentum it set in May with sales reaching 355 units, following the 351-unit tally in the previous month. As a result, sales of IPC’s light commercial vehicles remained almost flat with a 0.9% dip. However, the movement of the company’s Category III trucks sped up 26.5% and Category IV trucks by 19.1%. This allowed IPC to grow 3.3% in June versus May’s total, or 1,156 units in June compared to 1,119 vehicles in the month prior.

IPC’s growth in June comes against the results posted by the country’s commercial vehicle segment, which saw a 6.1% decline in June. The segment closed June with 11,372 units sold versus its 12,110-unit total in May.

“The recent credit upgrade that the Philippines received should have a significant effect in local consumer spending, which would positively impact vehicle sales in the country,” IPC President Nobuo Izumina said. “The almost 25% growth in vehicle sales in the first half of 2014 should further build momentum. We at Isuzu Philippines also expect continued growth, owing largely to the unwavering trust that Filipinos have placed on Isuzu’s reliable, durable and fuel-efficient models. Definitely, these are vehicles built for long-term use.”

Besides the country’s healthy economy and positive consumer outlook, IPC’s optimism also rests on a re-fleeting program of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, which seeks to discard old and unsafe vehicles in favor of new units. The move is seen to spur further growth in sales of commercial vehicles, a segment where IPC is one of the country’s top producers.

Isuzu Philippines presents diversity of product range in Trucks for Life festival

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IPC President Nobuo Izumina (center) leads the ceremonial toast during the launch of 2014 Isuzu Truck Fest Manila last June 11 at SMX in Pasay City. Executives also present, from left: IPC SVP for Sales Arthur Balmadrid; IML’s VP for Global CV Engineering Center Masahisa Kitamura; IPC EVP Takashi Tomita; and, Mitsubishi Corporation’s General Manager for Isuzu Division, ASEAN Department Ken Takashima.

ALREADY having a firm hold on the country’s commercial vehicle segment, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) in its 2014 Truck Fest Manila showcases the diversity of Isuzu’s product range, which ensures the brand’s continued leadership in the local market.

IPC’s Trucks for Life lineup takes to the spotlight at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia on June 11 to 14, 2014. Starring at the spectacle are products that represent the core value of what Isuzu is all about—the ever dependable, durable and reliable Isuzu trucks. The 2014 Truck Fest Manila follows a similar edition held in Clark, Pampanga on May 8 and 9, 2014.

“The past few years have shown a tremendous increase in the sales of trucks and buses, with growth rates going past 30% not only for Isuzu, but for the entire auto industry,” says IPC President Nobuo Izumina. “It is no coincidence that during this period, we also saw the growth of the economy, placing the Philippines among the strongest growing economies in Asia. This is proof that the truck and bus segment plays a key role in nation-building. Isuzu rises to this challenge by providing world-class trucks and buses that are suited to the needs of all Filipino businesses.”

Being the Philippines’ most trusted brand when it comes to trucks, clearly seen in the N-Series being the country’s bestselling light-duty truck for 15 consecutive years, Isuzu remains steadfast in bringing out new products to the market. At the 2014 Truck Fest, IPC presents the new Isuzu CYZ and EXR heavy-duty trucks, which can be configured depending on the requirement of a particular company.

Presenting new trucks

At the event, Izumina leads in turning over the new CYZ and EXR trucks to the companies that have already placed reservations for the units. Three companies ordered EXR trucks and one purchased a CYZ.

Receiving the EXR trucks are Alexander Yu, President and CEO of Pan Pacific Petrofuels; Barnett So, President of Rephil Station Inc.; and Gumersindo Ilagan III, Vice President of GITC Supply Solutions. Getting a CYZ is Ismaelito Altamiro, Vice President at 1st Balfour, Inc.

The EXR, which boasts a gross combination mass of 45,000 kilograms, is powered by Isuzu’s proven 6WF1-TCC engine that has an intercooled turbocharger and a high-pressure multi-injection, common-rail direct injection (CRDi) fuel system. This allows a power output of 390 PS and Euro II emission compliance.

The EXR also has an aerodynamic cab design and an optimal ground clearance, which makes it capable of tackling rough terrain. Its driver’s seat conforms to the latest Euro safety regulations, adding to an auto adjust wedge-type brake with ABS.

Equally as capable is the CYZ, which is rated with a gross vehicle weight ranging from 30,700 kilograms to 33,000 kilograms. It runs on the same engine as the EXR, so it has high torque ratings even in low rpm ranges, helping it achieve excellent fuel efficiency.

Like the EXR, the CYZ’s cab is also aerodynamic and can be tilted for easy maintenance access. A strong chassis frame and heavy-duty multi-leaf Trunnion suspension, and a no-spin-type differential are among its key features.

Trucks for further growth

The new purchases indicate that IPC is on track to surpass, or match at the very least, the company’s truck sales total in 2013. Last year IPC’s tally in the segment reached 2,682 units. In the first five months of 2014, IPC sold 1,130 trucks to various companies.

“As business people, we would like to worry less about logistics and focus more on growth,” Tomita says. “Developments are happening fast and all at the same time, and we often miss opportunities when we encounter operational problems that slow us down. Isuzu offers the solution to business needs, with each model thoughtfully designed to cater to every requirement.”

So lining up the event’s hall are 24 Isuzu truck models that are each designed for a specific business purpose. These are an NHR55 school bus & aluminum van, NKR71 composite/aluminum van, NPR71 fire truck, aerial platform and aluminum van, NQR71 telescopic and articulated crane, drop side and aluminum van, FRR90 drop side and aluminum van with side door, FVR34 dump truck and garbage compactor, FVM34 drop side and 28-footer wing van, 12.5 cu. m. CYZ51 dump truck, EXR51 tractor with 30 kl fuel tanker, a D-max Flexiqube and two I-Van in 16 and 18-seat UV Express shuttles.

“With this Truck Fest, we showcase the very best of Isuzu products, which have special features and rear body configurations,” says Izumina.

Spicing things further at the 2014 Truck Fest Manila are special promos offering free items that are included on fleet and retail purchases made between June 11 to August 31, 2014. The freebies are P10,000-worth of Periodic Maintenance Service coupon, three-year LTO registration and Apple iPad Mini 3G (16GB). Customers who purchase or place reservations during the show qualify for a raffle draw that gives away truck-scale models. The first 200 guests on June 11 receive giveaways like Isuzu truck miniatures, eco bags, and pens.

The Truck Fest, which IPC started mounting in 2013, takes over from the Isuzu Truck Attack events that were held in 1999, 2004 and 2010. All bolster IPC’s leading position in the country’s commercial vehicle segment.

One challenge, five destinations: Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series to takeoff in Pampanga

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YOU love the great outdoors, you got the right equipment, you live for off-road fun. So, are you ready to take on the challenge?

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is inviting you to the 2014 Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series in Pampanga. Featuring the exciting all-new Isuzu D-MAX 4×4, the event is scheduled to hit full throttle on April 25 to 27 at the Eastgate Center, Brgy. San Jose, San Fernando, Pampanga (at the back of Robinsons Starmills). Activities are set to start at 10:00 am and will last until 6:00 pm for the three-day staging (except on the opening day when the first hour is reserved for invited guests).

Adding to the thrills is that admission to the off-road driving challenge is absolutely free of charge.

This 2014, the D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series is on its third edition. IPC started the event in 2008 on three locations, followed by another in 2010 that featured four locations. This year the demonstration of off-road driving skills becomes even larger in scope as it’s set to be held in five venues, clearly illustrating the continuous growth of the four-wheel drive pickup sector in the Philippines, as well as the rapidly increasing popularity of outdoor recreational activities among Filipinos.

“There is no doubt to the appeal that off-road driving holds over Filipino consumers, as can be seen on the consistent rise of the four-wheel drive pickup segment in the local market,” IPC President Nobuo Izumina said. “Over the years, the performance of the Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 contributed to this popularity, and the all-new version of the pickup model will certainly push the growth to new heights. I invite one and all to experience the D-MAX 4×4’s known strengths of durability and unparalleled prowess over tough terrain in the 2014 Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series.”

The series-opening leg in Pampanga will tackle a track that features numerous slopes and hills to climb up and descend from, demonstrating the D-MAX’s power and traction. Other obstacles and trails will also highlight the capability of the pickup’s Limited Slip Differential and the suspension system’s articulation over varying surfaces, heights and angles.

After the Pampanga leg, the 2014 Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series moves to Mandaue, Cebu on May 9 to 11; then to Bacolod City on May 23 to 25; travels to Cagayan de Oro City on June 6 to 8; and culminates in Lanang, Davao City on June 20 to 22.