Isuzu formally opens roxas dealership
ISUZU Philippines Corp. (IPC) is keeping the ball rolling in its commitment to dealership network expansion. This time, the leading truck manufacturer in the country boosts its presence in the Visayas region. Soon to open in Roxas City is a new Isuzu dealership under the helm of Isuzu Cebu Inc. (ICI). IPC and ICI recently acted a formal signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Agreement.
None other than outgoing IPC president Hajime Koso and executive vice president Shojiro Sakoda graced the event held at the company headquarters in Binan, Laguna. Representing the Isuzu Roxas were AC Motors president Antonio A. Zara and IADI Chief Operating Officer Alex Paguio. Isuzu Roxas, under ICI, belongs to a dealer group managed by AC Motors, an Ayala company.
In his brief remarks, Koso expressed delight that they are now one step closer despite the challenges they all experienced in the past two years. He is excited about the grand opening of this newest addition to the Isuzu network. He also expressed confidence that Isuzu Roxas will bring in more sales for Isuzu under ICI'S leadership.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Isuzu Cebu, Inc. (ICI) for supporting our expansion project and complying with our Isuzu Outlet Standard or IOS. As you may all know, we are on our "road to 50 dealerships" and today seals [an] additional outlet nationwide. We have been wanting to further establish our presence in Western Visayas,” said Koso. “On behalf of Isuzu Philippines Corporation, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to ICI for this exciting new outlet.
We are confident that with your leadership, Isuzu Roxas will bring in more sales for the network. We are all looking forward to the grand opening of Isuzu Roxas.”
The upcoming dealership sits in an expansive 3,500-sqm property located at Barangay Bolo, Iloilo East Coast - Capiz Rd, Roxas City. Of course, it will feature the new Isuzu Outlet Standard (IOS), depicting a cleaner and more streamlined interior and facade. The showroom, meantime, holds a 426-sq.m space plus a service area that can accommodate multiple vehicles for display and service.
For his part, Zara stated, “The addition of a new Isuzu dealership in our rapidly expanding network is a strong testament to the growing preference for the Isuzu brand as we continue to widen our reach to our customers in Western Visayas. Roxas City has emerged into a booming city with a strong economic development brought by different businesses citywide, and we are confident that Isuzu Roxas can cater to more customers in the region.”
Isuzu Roxas targets opening and beginning its operations sometime in the second half of the year. Once opened, Isuzu Roxas would become the 48th dealership under IPC'S dealer network. All network dealerships now have a modern design with a functional facility to serve customers in their respective areas.
22nd year as the leading truck brand
MEANWHILE, IPC adds another feather to its cap by achieving the top ranking in terms of the industry's truck sales. Based on the combined report from the Truck Manufacturers Association Inc. (TMA) and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (CAMPI), for 22 consecutive years, IPC remained the number one truck brand in the country, the exclusive assembler, importer, and distributor of brand-new Isuzu commercial vehicles (CV) and light commercial vehicles (LCVS) in the country.
According to the report, IPC sold 4,427 truck units, accounting for almost 45.5 percent of the market. The significant contribution came from the company's Category III light-duty trucks selling 2,745 units gaining 56 percent segment share. Its Category IV medium-duty trucks contributed a total of 1,397 units sold, or 38.3 percent share. In contrast, the Category V heavy-duty trucks contributed 285 units sold or a 25.3 percent segment share.
Koso credited the brand's continued domination to Isuzu's global reputation as the leading truck maker known for its durability and reliability. Moreover, the company's excellent aftersales support is manifested through IPC'S nationwide dealer network with top-notch servicing facilities, expert service technicians, and on-call field support personnel to provide technical assistance whenever and wherever needed.
He also reiterated that the company continues to provide timely transport and business solutions to its customer, “As a leader, we continue to innovate as we launched our New N-series Smoother AMT trucks late last year. Currently, this is the first lightduty truck in the market with an automated manual transmission, and we are confident that this new innovating truck will have similar success as other models in our lineup,” said Koso.
Moving forward, Koso revealed Isuzu's intention to shift its gear towards sustainability. "2022 will be the start of a new era for Isuzu, more sustainable and eco-friendlier plans will be introduced that are in line with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. This includes its products, operations, and customer service. IPC will evolve into a company that creates economic value combined with social and environmental contributions to with-stand the challenges ahead," he concluded.