Isuzu showcases new class-leading trucks at 2013 Truck Fest: New forward FRR and FVM model debut

MANILA, Philippines - Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) showcased their truck superiority by holding their annual Truck Fest at the Le Pavillion in Pasay City last June 20 to 22.

Cementing their reputation as the country’s best-selling truck brand, Isuzu showed off various body applications that can be used in numerous business and service applications. Displayed were an aluminum van, boom crane, cargo dropside, articulated crane with dropside, fuel tanker, mobile testing van, aerial platform, cargo crane, rivet-less aluminum van with power tail lift, and wing van. Also available for viewing were trucks in their cab-and-chassis form, as well as a bus chassis and a tractor head.

“In 2012, Isuzu achieved the number 1 share in 28 countries and markets, “ said Kengo Baba, Senior Executive Officer at Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan. “In Japan, we were also number 1 in the light-, medium- and heavy-duty truck segments. From a global point of view, the importance of ASEAN markets has been increasing. And surely Filipino customers are one of the most indispensable partners.”

And reiterating Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s commitment to helping the Philippine economy grow, the Japanese truck maker unveiled two new additions to its medium-duty truck segment: the Isuzu Forward FRR and FVM.

The Forward FRR is powered by a 4HK1-TCS 5.2-liter, turbocharged, intercooled, Euro II-compliant diesel engine with a common-rail direct-injection fuel system. It delivers maximum power of 210 ps at 2,600 rpm and maximum torque of 637 Nm at 1,600 rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Forward FRR has a gross vehicle weight of 10,600 kg. and a payload of 7,450 kg.

On the larger side of the scale, the Forward FVM is powered by a 6HK1-TCN 7.8-liter, 6-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled, Euro II-compliant diesel engine that is combined with a 6-speed manual transmission. With common-rail direct-injection, it delivers a maximum power of 240 ps at 2,400 rpm and maximum torque of 706 Nm at 1,450 rpm. The FVM has a gross vehicle weight of 25,000 kg. and a payload of 18,380 kg.

Both of these new Forward models are backed by a 2-year, 50,000-kilometer warranty, whichever comes first.

The 2013 Isuzu Truck Fest also saw the official launch of a partnership between IPC and Orix Rental Corporation (ORC). A subsidiary of Orix Metro Leasing and Finance Corporation, ORC has been providing rental cars to customers all over the Philippines.

In this new partnership, IPC will start offering Full Service Operation Leasing for its highly-dependable and durable truck line including the Isuzu NHR and NKR with both aluminum van and dropside bodies. Through this program, customers can address their business needs simply by leasing (instead of buying) an Isuzu truck. Additional benefits offered by the program include no downpayment fees, worry-free maintenance, 24/7 customer service, real-time GPS tracking, a 3-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty coverage, and professional fleet management.

Other highlights throughout the weekend included various seminars conducted by IPC technical personnel and other experts. These included a presentation on Conversion Safety Tips concerning Truck Body Applications, talks on Philippine Road Regulations and Restrictions governing trucks, and a discussion on Direct Injection Diesel Technology.

The show also featured IPC’s other partners like Almazora, Centro, Pinnacle and Transbilt, which build truck bodies for Isuzu, and bank partners RCBC and BPI.

“I believe that this event serves as a clear manifestation of our commitment not only to our buyers, but to the Philippine automotive industry as well, as we showcase our products—90 percent of which are locally assembled,” said IPC President Nobuo Izumina. “I am confident that we will once again reinforce that Isuzu will always mean the best.”

“Through the displays and various activities at the 2013 Isuzu Truck Fest, we were able to stress to show visitors the advantages of buying brand-new trucks. In this regard, Isuzu trucks, which are widely reputed to be durable and reliable, are presented as especially ideal as business and logistics partners,” Izumina added.