Isuzu PH takes aim at truck dominance with 3-day show

KOSO (center) is joined by executives (from left) IPC EVP Takashi Tomita; Mitsubishi Corp. Japan senior executive officer Daisuke Takagi; Isuzu Motors Ltd. chief engineer Etsuo Yamamoto; and IPC SVP for Sales Division Arthur Balmadrid during the 2016 Isuzu Truck Fest opening.

When it comes to economic growth, not many people think of trucking as an indicator.

“Trucks not only connect various communities and deliver goods that keep us healthy and comfortable, they are also an economic engine that is valuable to the country’s economic growth,” announced Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) president Hajime Koso as he formally opened the 2016 Isuzu Truck Fest that was held from April 14 to 16 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Koso said: “More trucks on the highway mean more goods sold and shipped, more work for factories, more raw material shipped in, and, if the growth is sustained, more jobs. This is why we hold this event regularly. There is nothing more valuable than the trust that our customers have put into our hands, and for this reason, we are continuously working hard to provide excellent products and services best suited to the demands of the Filipino market.”

Presented during the three-day event were IPC’s range of truck models, presented in a diverse range of applications and sizes designed to meet the requirements of an equally varied profile of commercial vehicle users.

Dubbed “Trucks for Life,” the models featured at the show not only demonstrated Isuzu’s heritage and core competency at truck manufacturing, but also the company’s strong ties with consumers.

19-vehicle lineup

Leading the 19-vehicle lineup were IPC’s heavy-duty models, which have long served as benchmarks both globally and locally for their quality, durability and reliability.

Taking the spotlight were Isuzu’s C-Series and E-Series models, most prominent among which were the CYH51S (gross vehicle weight: 41 tons), a 20-cubic-meter dump truck, and the similarly configured CYZ51M (GVW: 33 tons), a 15-cubic-meter version.

Another CYZ51M was also displayed, equipped with a control lever designed as a concrete mixer, complete the full-size C-Series range.

The heaviest sized E-Series models were also represented by two examples of the EXR51F (gross combination mass: 45 tons), and an EXZ51K (GCM: 60 tons).

Displayed as tractor heads, the trucks are readily configurable to serve a variety of purposes. For their part, the EXR51F flatbed and the two EXZ51K fuel tankers can immediately be deployed for their respective duties.

Along with the heavy duty models, also showcased were IPC’s light-duty N-Series trucks, which have been the Philippines’ best-selling light-duty commercial vehicles for more than 15 consecutive years.

On display were the NPR85 and NPS models, which came in cab and chassis format to give visitors an idea of its various applications.

Exhibited as purpose-built models were the NHR NT flexi truck, NHR MB i-Van, NQR dropside, and an NQR aluminum van with a side door.

For the medium-duty category, an F-Series FRR aluminum van, also equipped with a door on the side, was featured.

Adding even more diversity to the show were two special vehicle bodies imported from Thailand, one of which is mounted on an FVM truck. The other body has an interior where the temperature can be controlled.

“One of the key ingredients in our partnership with our clients is the trust that has been forged through time, and which is emblazoned in every Isuzu vehicle. Isuzu trucks are not merely figures in the company’s sales report, but are testaments to the security and assurance that they provide to customers. Isuzu is a responsible partner for life,” said Koso, who reported that in January alone, Isuzu trucks and buses significantly contributed in IPC’s robust growth as 333 units were delivered compared to the 166 units sold in January 2015, reflecting a 100-percent growth.

Also during the event, IPC provided guests with relevant information on the benefits of purchasing brand-new trucks, and outlined the risks involved in choosing used ones.

The company also treated on-site buyers to P10,000 worth of fuel cards, P10,000 worth of LTO registration services, and P10,000 worth of parts coupons.

According to Koso, both activities were meant to show IPC’s gratitude toward Filipino truck buyers.

“After years of deferring major truck purchases, a lot of companies relying on trucks are now ready to shed their old or defective equipment and replace them with new ones. They also realized the value of buying brand new ones, which is why we promised ourselves to not only provide the most reliable and advanced diesel technology, but also to make sure parts will be available at all times to support their vehicles’ operation for many years, as well as give them competent service from IPC’s large network of dealerships,” said Koso.