By Aries B. Espinosa
IN what could arguably be its busiest stretch yet, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) added five notches to its milestones — all within October.
And that’s not even including its successful participation in the 7th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).
In a span of 31 days, IPC opened three new dealerships and presided over two turnover ceremonies of its modernized public-utility vehicles. All while finding time to squeeze in four days at PIMS to showcase its latest diesel engine innovations.
IPC started the ball rolling with the opening of the Isuzu dealership in Pagbilao in Quezon Province on Oct. 5, followed by the Oct. 20 inauguration of Isuzu Butuan in northeastern Mindanao. On Oct. 29, it was Isuzu Taytay’s turn. These three new dealerships effectively added 21,912 square meters in display and service space, and brought the total number of dealerships nationwide to 43. More significantly, IPC deepens its reach into more strategic growth areas in Quezon and Rizal provinces, and in Mindanao’s Caraga region.
IPC president Hajime Koso explained that the rapid expansion of Isuzu dealerships isn’t just about selling more vehicles, though it has played a key role in the Japanese automaker achieving its number one status in total truck sales for 18 consecutive years.
“In order to make the Philippines an Isuzu country, our dealerships need not only to sell, but also to encourage more customers to patronize Isuzu after-sales services and genuine parts,” Mr. Koso stressed.
Apart from opening new dealerships, IPC had also been instrumental in pushing forward the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) envisioned to replace some 200,000 jeepneys nationwide which are 15 years and older with new, safe and environment-friendly PUVs.
And in October, IPC held formal turnovers of its modernized PUVs in two contrasting venues.
The first one, involving initially three modernized PUVs, was held in Boracay Island’s Bolabog Terminal on Oct. 26, on the day the island was re-opened to domestic and foreign tourists following a six-month rehabilitation. The three new PUVs would transport passengers along the island’s circumferential road, and would form part of the backbone of the Boracay Transport Master Plan.
The second turnover, on October 29, saw IPC handing over 15 units of the modernized PUVs to representatives of one of the country’s largest and transport groups — the Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang-Masda) — at the Mabuhay Rotonda on the boundary of Manila and Quezon City.
On both occasions, the Isuzu PUVs were assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 cab-and-chassis platform, and the rear body designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corporation. These are air-conditioned, 23-seat, Class 2-type PUVs with side-facing seats, and compliant with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017).
Mr. Koso said: “What IPC started for the Senate’s transport cooperative last June 18, we have expanded to other key strategic locations in the country. Now, we bring the efficiency, safety and comfort of our Isuzu modernized PUVs right at the heart of the country’s vibrant socioeconomy, where a modernized public transport system is most needed.”
