Isuzu keeps firm grip on truck market

THE N-SERIES took a commanding 69.4-percent share of Category III (light-duty commercial truck) segment in 2011.

Last year proved momentous for the N-Series as the light-duty truck model from Isuzu Philippines Corp. topped the sales chart released by the Truck Manufacturers Association and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines.

Figures showed that in 2011, the N-Series took a commanding 69.4 percent share of Category III (light-duty commercial truck) segment after selling 1,196 units from January to December 2011.

This feat continues the N-Series’ remarkable sales streak wherein it captured 67.1 percent share of the market after selling 1,030 units in 2010. It should be noted that the N-Series has overwhelmingly led Category III segment for 13 straight years beginning 1999.

“The N-Series trucks’ achievement of being the bestseller in a competitive class for 13 straight years is concrete proof of its superiority over its rivals,” said IPC president Ryoji Yamazaki. “It means the market has full confidence in this particular truck model, which can only be the result of a very satisfying ownership experience.”

Popularity

Yamazaki attributed the N-Series’ popularity to its versatility as the vehicle could be configured in so many ways: as a passenger van, aluminum cargo van, refrigerated van, fire truck, drop-side truck, aerial platform truck, refuse collector, dump truck, cargo truck or even a tanker.

The N-Series’ durability and dependability also endeared it to entrepreneurs and business partners.

Meanwhile, IPC’s medium- and heavy-duty trucks also exhibited dominating market performance in the Category IV and V segments.

In 2011 IPC sold 240 units—including the popular Forward model—which accounts for 24.8 percent share of the segment.

Marked growth

This is a marked growth from IPC’s 2010 figures, wherein 165 medium- and heavy-duty trucks were sold, resulting in a 14.3 percent share.

Yamazaki also added that last year, commercial vehicles remained dominant in the Philippine automotive industry after posting a 68.3 percent advantage over passenger cars.

This helped cement IPC’s significant hold of the commercial vehicle segment considering it also offers other popular models namely: Alterra sport utility vehicle, D-Max pickup and highly popular Crosswind Asian utility vehicle.

Last year, IPC sold a total of 9,820 units as the company was able to sell 855 Alterras, 2,500 D-Maxes (capturing 16.3 percent share of its category), and 5,029 units of the Crosswind (capturing 16.7 percent share of its category).

Market campaigns

Apart from continuously upgrading each model, IPC said it also keeps on organizing market campaigns such as “On the Right Truck to a Better Future” held last April.

First staged in 1999, this year’s exclusive display of IPC’s commercial vehicle lineup showcased Isuzu’s ability to meet any transportation requirement of business entities and private individuals.

The event also highlighted the clear advantages that brand-new trucks have over second-hand units. “Buying new Isuzu trucks helps the Philippine economy not only by providing reliable workhorses for entrepreneurs, this also creates manpower for the local manufacturing industry,” said Yamazaki.

He added that the show was a reminder of why Isuzu trucks have been No. 1 in the market for more than a decade.

“They’re reliable, durable, fuel-efficient and inexpensive to operate and maintain. We at Isuzu are truly proud to be a partner of the Philippines in the march toward economic progress,” he said.

Display

The Isuzu vehicles displayed at the event include the NHR MB cab and chassis with body options of 16-seater standard, 18-seater school bus and ambulance.

The said body configurations were supplied by Centro Manufacturing Corp.

Other vehicles on display were a 21-passenger Flexi-Truck with dual air conditioning and the NHR 55, which is available as a refrigerated van, cargo van or passenger van.

Also included were the FVR 34, which can be configured into a cargo truck, fuel tanker, bottle carrier, dump truck, city bus or garbage compactor; the FSR 34 fire/rescue truck with mobile clinic; the GVR 34, which can function as a trailer, fuel tanker or bottle carrier; and the LT 132 bus.

Completing the Isuzu lineup displayed at the show were the Crosswind XL, D-Max LX 4×2 and 4×4 LT, and the passenger van.