Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s (IPC) lineup of light, medium, and heavy duty trucks has grown in the first two months of 2013. The rise has also reflected the feat accomplished by Isuzu Motors Ltd. (IML) in its home market of Japan.
According to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and the Truck Manufacturers Association, sales of IPC’s medium and heavy duty trucks rose 21.1 percent in January and February 2013 (46 units) against the same period in 2012 (38 units). IPC also sold 269 units of its N-Series light-duty truck in January and February 2013, up 27.5 percent from the same period last year.
In 2012, the N-Series sold 1,630 units, a 36 percent rise from 2011. This was also the N-Series’ best sales total since 1996. It also retained its top spot as the best-selling light-duty commercial truck in the Philippines for 14 years. “For decades, the market has placed its demand on Isuzu trucks because of their known strengths,” IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki said. “These strengths—durable, reliable, fuel-efficient—are key to Isuzu trucks earning their reputation as dependable business partners. These workhorses are not only invaluable to the various enterprises they serve but are true contributors to the country’s economy.”
Also contributing to IPC’s sales is the Crosswind AUV, which sold 1,006 units in the first two months of 2013, up from 987 units from the same period in 2012. The flagship Alterra SUV sold 68 units in February compared to January (35 units), a 94.3 percent increase. The D-MAX also sold well to kick off 2013, selling 220 units in February, a 107.5 percent increase from January (106 units).
The strong performance of Isuzu’s truck models in the Philippine market reflects its dominance in the Japanese market. The N-Series has commanded a 39.6 percent share in Japan’s two and three ton payload segment last year. The N-Series has led this category in the Japanese market for 12 straight years, and all but one year since 1970.
Isuzu’s F-Series medium-duty trucks as well as the C&E Series heavy-duty trucks have also captured a combined 34.9 percent share of the four ton payload segment in the Japanese market in 2012. The models have returned to the top spot in this category for the first time since 2010. Combined with the results of the N-Series, Isuzu also emerged as Japan’s top-selling brand among all trucks from two ton payloads. Bolstering IML’s performance in its domestic market are Isuzu’s buses, which secured a 35.8 percent share among models that can seat 30 or more passengers in 2012. Isuzu models last held the top spot 44 years ago.
“Isuzu’s success is not only the result of the highly durable, value-added vehicles we produce,” said IML Executive Vice President Ryozo Tsukioka. “It also reflects the united efforts of Isuzu personnel in all departments—including sales, service and parts—to become Number One.”