ISUZU Cebu Inc. (ICI) expects to end the year on a high note following the introduction of its Blue Power models.
“Cebu has always been a special market for our products, particularly for the light commercial segment. With our new Blue Power engines, we are confident that we will sustain, if not surpass our current market share in this region,” said Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) president Hajime Koso.
IPC, through its dealer, Isuzu Cebu Inc., unveiled last Friday its lineup of Isuzu D-Max pick-up trucks and Isuzu mu-X sports utility vehicles (SUV) powered with the new 4JJ1-TCX Euro 4 engine that can deliver up to 177 PS and has a maximum torque of 380 N-m.
Engineered with Blue Power technology, this engine is set to provide maximum engine output, cleaner emission, superb fuel economy and engine durability.
“These models have our most advanced diesel engine we ever introduced in the local market, coupled with the latest features for each segment. We think that this lineup will be a big hit to the Philippine market,” Koso added.
The two new models will be available in Cebu next month.
ICI general manager Steve Gingco said Cebu has been an important segment for Isuzu’s continued growth in the country.
He said that in the last couple of years, Isuzu ranked second in the region’s commercial vehicle category, cornering about 16 percent market share. The Visayas- Mindanao (VisMin) dealership contributes about 30 percent of the total Isuzu sales nationwide.
“This proves that Cebu is a trendsetter of the industry in VisMin region,” said Gingco. “Cebu is an important market in influencing the VisMin region.” Isuzu’s mu-X and D-Max contribute about 40 percent of Isuzu Cebu’s total sales in all of its branches or about 10 percent of the total sales of Isuzu nationwide.
Since the introduction of mu-X three years ago, ICI branches sold almost 3,000 units in Cebu alone, the ICI official said.
ICI is a company wholly-owned by Ayala Corp. and franchised dealer of Isuzu commercial vehicles, which has branches in Cebu, Mandaue, Bohol, Iloilo, and Talisay.
Industry sales
Auto sales reached 196,164 units for the first semester of 2017, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association.
As of June 2017, sales in the passenger car segment reached 67,180 units or 34.25 percent while sales in the commercial vehicles segment stood at 128,984 units or 65.75 percent of the total sales.
The first semester of 2017 was led by Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. with 42.73 percent market share. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. followed with 19.11 percent.
Isuzu Philippines Corp. came in third with 11.03 percent share. Ford Motor Company Philippines cornered the fourth spot with 8.52 percent while Nissan Philippines Inc. nabbed the fifth spot with 5.21 percent market share.