Isuzu expands as its modernized PUV spreads to more markets

Koso (third from left) leads the turnover of Isuzu PUV units together with (from left), Conrad Almazora of Almazora Motors Corp., Obet Martin of Pasang Masda, and Isuzu PH Product Planning head Robert Carlos.

Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) is continuously expanding its network. Just this Monday, IPC held the grand opening of one of its dealerships in Taytay, a municipality in the province of Rizal, declared as one of the Next Wave Cities in the Philippines by the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office and the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines a few years ago.

“Isuzu Taytay would play a key role in strengthening the Isuzu brand and world-class service in one of the most economically vibrant provinces in the country,” announces IPC President Hajime Koso.

He adds the opening will further strengthen the Japanese brand’s sales in the country considering Isuzu trucks have held on to the No. 1 position in total truck sales for 18 consecutive years. “This year, so far, our total truck sales have already reached more than 47,000 units. For our light commercial vehicles, we have sold more than 200,000 units. In our objective to make the entire Philippines an Isuzu country, Isuzu Taytay will play a very important role in capturing the market of Rizal province.”

Strategically located in the burgeoning “automotive row” along the busy Manila East Road, Isuzu Taytay becomes the newest dealership under IADI’s extensive network, which is also present in Alabang, Cavite, Pasig, Rizal, Cebu, Mandaue, Bohol, Iloilo and Talisay.

Within Isuzu Taytay’s 3,131 square-meter-total area is a showroom that can display up to three light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and one commercial vehicle (CV). Isuzu Taytay’s service bays can accommodate up to seven LCVs and one CV at a time.

A franchised dealer of Isuzu commercial vehicles, IADI is wholly owned by Ayala Automotive Holdings Corp.

When not inaugurating dealerships, IPC is engaged in expanding presence of its products. During the reopening of Boracay island last Oct. 26, IPC handed over to Grab Philippines, three units of its version of modernized PUV that would join the other newly commissioned public transportation in the resort island to provide better and safer alternatives for commuting locals and guests.

Grab Philippines informs that it plans on further expanding its fleet in the island to about 60 units in the near future. The initial three units, which are all based on Isuzu QKR77 platform and with bodies designed and manufactured by Almazora Motor, will ply the route that starts from Bolabog Terminal that heads to the circumferential road and vice versa.

Koso was joined by Almazora Motors Corp. EVP Conrad Almazora and Grab Philippines’ Laurence Bahia in presenting the units to the local transport group of Boracay.

The Class 2 air-conditioned model features a side-facing seat configuration that accommodates 22 passengers. The Isuzu PUV is powered by a Euro IV-compliant 4JH1-TC turbo diesel engine designed to deliver excellent fuel economy.

Koso (third from left) leads the Isuzu Taytay inauguration rites together with (from left) VP for Aftersales Koji Hanawa of IPC; Taytay Mayor Joric Gacula; Rizal Vice Governor Junrey San Juan; Art Tan of IMI; Manny Aligada of IADI/ICI; Marcelino Alcantara of MAR-VI Enterprises, Inc.; and Alex Paguio of IADI.

What makes these Isuzu PUVs special are the telematics and speed limiter that will come in standard, to aid in fleet management, monitoring and safety. The PUV also features LED TV monitors for real-time information including station details, route, date, time, weather, news, and advertisement, LED electronic signage for route information, fire extinguishers, interior CCTV, dashcam and even back-up cameras. The ride will be free until December.

Manila-Quezon City route

Two days after (Oct. 29), Koso led another turnover of Isuzu PUVs, this time, to members of transport group Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang-Masda) plying the Manila-Quezon City route.

Speaking before guests attended by Manila Mayor Erap Estrada, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Pasang-Masda president Obet Martin, Koso reiterated IPC’s commitment to help modernize the Philippines’ PUVs.

These Isuzu PUVs, set to ply the route Manila City Hall to Quezon City Hall and vice versa, is also based on Isuzu QKR77 cab and chassis platform with rear body designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corp.

Each of the 23-seater unit is equipped with Sanden air-con, with side-facing seat configuration, panoramic windows and windshield, full-body insulation featuring GeneQ shield, automatic door closer, ECE-compliant headlamps, with compliant brake system, wipers, windshield washer, and side view mirrors, and provision for persons with disabilities.

These Isuzu PUVs are equipped with LCD or LED TV monitors, electronic signages, fire extinguishers, GPS navigation system, CCTV, dashcam and back-up cameras, and an automatic fare collection system installed by Euodoo Inc.

Unlike the current jeepneys, the Isuzu PUVs come with separate warranty coverages for cab and chassis (3 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first), body and air-con.

Koso adds IPC would like to be a major partner in the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).