Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has pulled out a 54-percent growth through the year’s first four months, selling 6,369 vehicles compared to last year’s 4,154. This was amidst a disappointing 25-percent decline last April.
A joint report released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers’ of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers’ Association Inc. (TMA) showed that IPC shipped 1,439 units in April, 32.5% higher than the 1,086 shipments during April 2014. However, the figure was a 24.9-percent decline from the previous month’s 1,917 sales.
Luckily, Isuzu’s performance during the year’s first quarter softened the blow from the April slump. Until the end of said month, the Isuzu mu-X has managed to sell 2,971 units; the Category V trucks sold 28; Category III trucks shipped 908; and Category IV haulers delivered 334.
“Our SUV and truck sales are what give us the advantage in the first four months of the year. We are continuously putting effort to make sure that our supply will be able to meet the demand especially for these two segments,” said IPC President Hajime Koso.
However, Isuzu’s staple Crosswind AUV saw significantly lower sales of only 1,230 units from January to April, not even close to the 1,810 units sold during the same period last year. Likewise, the D-MAX struggled to maintain its footing against the competitors’ strengthened pick-up nameplates. It fell to 925 units, dwindling 28-percent over last year’s 1,292 showing.
“Generally April is a slow month not just for IPC but for the industry. Looking at the bigger picture our sales are more than 50-percent compared to 2014—which is a great achievement. With the rate we are going, it is not far that we will reach the 18,000-unit target even earlier than scheduled,” added Koso.