UMC expects Navara to wrest top spot from Strada

Universal Motors Corp. (UMC) expects to overtake the Mitsubishi Strada as the top selling pick up brand in the country with the launch of its Nissan Frontier Navara.

“I expect the Navara will help make us number one,” Elizabeth H. Lee, executive vice president of UMC told reporters at the sidelines of the launch Monday evening.

Currently, the Mitsubishi Strada lords over pick up sales at it controls 30 percent to 35 percent of the market. This is followed by Toyota ‘s Hilux with 30 percent of the market. The Isuzu D-MAX is a far third at 20 to 25 percent of the market share.

According to her, the Navara is for the A and B segment of society while the Nissan Bravada targets the C segment.

The Navara is imported from Thailand . Lee said all the 230 units brought to the country in November were already sold out.

Lee did not give any sales targets for Navara but said UMC sells 50 to 60 units per month.

The Navara is the first pick up truck to have a six- speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic version is also available.

It also has an electronic-controlled 4WD system with “shift-on-the-fly” function. This means that the user can shift between 2WD and 4WD with the use of a dial without stopping.

The truck has a maximum torque of 403 Newton Meter. It provides better fuel efficiency and reduced transmission.

The Navara has the longest wheelbase in its class. The rear wheels have been pushed further backwards, allowing for a larger cabin as well as a longer, wider and deeper bed.

The Navara 4x2 six speed manual transmission is priced at P1.026 million while the Navara 4x2 five speed automatic transmission is at P1.076 million.