Isuzu shines

Great things are happening at Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) lately. To begin with sales have been continuously looking up especially after they launched the mu-X SUV last year. In the first six months of 2015 it has recorded a more than 50% increase, 58.2 per cent to be more precise, in sales compared to the same period last year. From January to June this year IPC has sold 10,169 units, which is 3,740 more than the 6,429 units they sold in the same period last year. This feat has presently given IPC a 7.1% share of the local automotive market.

Almost half of the IPC’s current unprecedented total sales can be attributed to the success and acceptance of their mu-X, which sold 4,819 units or 47.38 per cent of their total sales performance for the period. Following closely are the Crosswind AUV and their D-Max that are both up 10% selling 1,961 and 1,412 units respectively.

But IPC is not about to rest on their laurels. Last October 11 to 14 they showed off the dramatically updated variants of their fast-selling mu-X SUV and the D-Max pick up to some 20 members of the motoring media in a preview test-drive in Chacheogsao, Thailand.

IPC top executives, Mr. Hajime Koso, president and Mr. Takashi Tomita, evp were on hand to highlight the vehicles’ power, stability, handling and safety features in the Isuzu Factory’s testing facility.

“Today we all have the opportunity to drive what would be Isuzu’s latest offering to the Filipino market, the 3.0 VGS Turbo of our D-Max and mu-X models,” said the very amiable Koso-san. The IPC president who the media is beginning to notice for his friendliness added, “This is our response to those who are looking fro power, aside from that, these variants also boast of fuel-efficiency and durability at the most.”

During the briefing that was held just before the actual test drive we were apprised that both the upgraded mu-X and the D-Max models are equipped with one of Isuzu’s most powerful engines, the new 4JJ1-TC (HI) 3.0-liter engine that is fitted with Common Rail Direct Injection and an Intercooled Variable Geometry System (VGS), which negates the direction of exhaust gases in the engine. We were also briefed that this system optimizes the turbine response at low engine speeds and eliminates the delayed power delivery known as “turbo lag” that is common to non-VGS type engines. Evaluated to produce 163 Ps at 3,200 rpm and a high 380 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,200 rpm, the engine provides plenty of power, translating to less gear changes, effortless hill climbing and easier off-road driving.

IPC executives came in full force for the test drive event. Senior vice president Art Balmadrid took time out to describe to us the premium features of the Isuzu mu-X LS-A, “The new 3.0 Turbo variants also has more premium features like the new LED DRL or Daytime Running Lamps, which not only adds to the sporty appearance of the SUV but also acts as an avoidance safety feature. The new set of lights increases the vehicle’s conspicuity, making it easier to detect as it approaches other vehicles on the road.”

Barely a week after the Thailand preview, Isuzu Philippines Corporation officially unveiled the significantly upgraded mu-X SUV and the D-Max pick up at the Blue Leaf Filipinas events center in Pasay City. Invited to witness the official unveiling together with top Isuzu executives from Japan were its dealers and the motoring media.

Interested buyers may have to wait just a few days before they can see up close these two new vehicle models from Isuzu but to be sure they will be available for very close scrutiny and test drive together with all the brand new models presently available in the market during the Auto Focus Pre Christmas Test Drive Festival, which shall be staged at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds from November 12 to 15 daily up to 9 o’clock in the evening to allow those who may have to come from their offices and travel through the metro’s traffic.

Tokyo Motor Show

As you read this article most of the members of the local motoring media, including this writer are at the Tokyo Big Sight Center in Tokyo, Japan covering the this year’s staging of the Tokyo Motor Show.

We’ll be giving you an account of this always well-attended automobile extravaganza, which is held every two years.

Happy Motoring!!!

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