Isuzu: Diesel power keeps the fight burning

It is interesting to note that despite the few and diesel-powered only models it offers—Alterra SUV, Crosswind AUV, D-Max pickup, N-Series light-duty multi-purpose truck—Isuzu Philippines Corp. ended up fourth in the domestic automotive industry with the most number of products sold from January to November 2012.

With 10,716 total units sold, IPC’s sales performance improved by 22 percent compared to the same period last year.

As explained by IPC president Ryoji Yamazaki, the company as it celebrates its 15th year in the Philippines, has established a reputation for being reliable, durable and fuel-efficient vehicles.

“Proof of this is that we are among the most popular trucks in the local market, with the highly regarded Isuzu N-Series having been the bestselling in its category for 13 consecutive years. Moreover, for the month of November alone, we sold 669 Crosswinds, making it the second best-selling AUV with a market share of 22 percent,” said Yamazaki who reported that in November alone the company was able to sell 1,121 units, 8 percent better than it did in October.

Indeed, IPC celebrated its 15th anniversary this year looking back at its role in shaping the automotive industry highlighting the different models that defined the brand.

Memorable

Known as the leader in diesel-powered commercial vehicles, Isuzu boasts of memorable models such as the Trooper SUV, Fuego pickup and Isuzu Hi-Lander, the latter solidifying its position as one of its best-selling models so far.

While the Japanese brand is proud of its SUVs and AUVs, it is also pleased with its business-oriented trucks. These contribute significantly in the company’s sales performance. The N-Series consistently posts positive growth since 2011.

In earlier interviews, Yamazaki said: “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.”

Strengthen business process

This year, Isuzu sought partnerships with information technology companies to strengthen its complex business processes.

Oracle automotive industry solutions aimed to “achieve management excellence and integrate multiple business processes from operations to finance and improve service to its distributors and customers.”

Aside from sales growth, IPC also reaped awards this year with the 2013 Alterra Urban Cruiser X when it was voted as this year’s Best Large SUV. The 2013 Crosswind Sportivo X, on the other hand, was inducted to the Hall of Fame for having been recognized with five awards in the past years by Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards.

Its AUV was also recognized as the Best On-board Entertainment System under the Media’s Choice category.

IPC is also among the car companies that expressed interest in testing hybrid cars that can run petrol or electricity in the Philippines.

Many of IPC’s flagship models had been upgraded or improved, specifically the Isuzu Crosswind which has been in the market for more than a decade, another proof of consumer trust.

IPC intends to continue its partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) for the Auto-Mechanic Training Center in Tacloban, Leyte. The program, a part of Isuzu Motors Ltd. of Japan’s Heart and Smile, reaches to out-of-school youth and gives scholarship grants for a two-year technical course.

If the promise of expansion of Isuzu Motors Ltd. in the country is to be believed, then 2012 has been a good year for IPC. It would mean more jobs since 90 percent of its products are assembled locally. The car company plans to continuously working with the government to further improve the automotive industry.