Isuzu Phils to export Crosswind CKD packs to Vietnam, Caribbean

Isuzu Philippines Corp. expects to offset the continued weakening in sale of commercial vehicles in the local market through exports of completely knocked down (CKD) vehicles to Vietnam, the Caribbean and Central Americas.

However, despite the weak local demand, Isuzu managed to corner a 35- percent share of the commercial vehicle market.

"We would like to keep that market share as a better target. Share is what matters," Ken Takashima, Isuzu Phils. vice president for marketing and sales, said.

In 2003, Isuzu sold only a total of 13,000 units of commercial vehicles versus its maximum production capacity of between 25,000 units and 30,000 units.

To keep the bottomline secure, the company has started to export CKD units, mainly the Crosswind model, to Vietnam. It is also test selling Crosswind to Central Americas and the Caribbean.

Takashima said the Central Americas and Caribbean sale was a product of the Tokyo Motor Show where Isuzu Phils. displayed the Crosswind.

Incidentally, the Vietnam market is also being serviced by Isuzu Japan.

Crosswind’s sales performance in the local market has been challenging as 419 units were only sold last January from 468 in December 2003, and 692 in November 2003.

The Isuzu official said the market size for commercial vehicles continued to shrink, thus the challenge for manufacturers is to maintain market share versus volume targeting.

"We cannot match the 2003 sales so we must maintain our market share," Takashima said, during the formal turnover ceremonies yesterday.

Yoshifumi Komura is the new Isuzu Phils. president replacing Toru Koyasu who will be returning to Japan for new assignments.