According to the combined official figures released by the Truck Manufacturers Association of the Philippines and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc., Isuzu trucks again outsold the competition in 2009, as it had the previous 11 straight years.

Last year, Isuzu’s N-Series light-duty trucks sold a total of 996 units, or 56.8 percent of Category 3 of the commercial vehicle segment. Isuzu’s medium-duty trucks, including the Forward, were just as dominant, selling 232 units for 57.9 percent of Category 4.

The impressive 2009 sales numbers of Isuzu trucks included a strong December, in which the Forward sold 20 units (100 percent of Category 4) and the N-Series moved 141 units (51.8 percent of Category 3). The good sales performance of these vehicles helped Isuzu post an overall month-on-month increase from 972 units in December 2008 to 1,199 units in December 2009. Isuzu’s total sales during the month also marked a 28 percent improvement from the 934 units it sold in November 2009.

“The sustained strong sales of Isuzu trucks show that customers continue to trust our hardworking vehicles,” said Isuzu Philippines Corp. president Keiji Takeda. “Factors commonly cited by clients are our trucks’ durability, reliability, fuel-efficiency and low-cost maintenance requirements. Clearly, Isuzu trucks are the ideal business partners.”

In 2009, Isuzu introduced the all-new Forward medium-duty series of trucks. The market’s response was very positive, most certainly owing to the Forward’s many class-leading features, including Isuzu’s new Euro 2 emission compliant 6HK1-TCN engine, which is now already turbo-charged and boasts an intercooler and a common-rail fuel-injection system. Its 72 kg-m of torque is now the best in class. Another feature of the Forward is a new “hexapod concept” design, resulting in optimal aerodynamics for better fuel economy as well as bigger door openings for easier ingress and egress.

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Isuzu Philippines Corp. is equipping Filipino entrepreneurs with a hardworking vehicle that properly addresses the evolving demands of the modern times. Recently, IPC introduced the all-new Isuzu Forward (also known as F-Series) medium-duty truck.

The name “Forward” is being used by Isuzu in the Philippine market for the first time.

“Forward connotes progress, advancement, leadership, innovation and the future,” said IPC president Keiji Takeda. “The name expresses Isuzu’s commitment to its customers that it will always get them ‘One Step Ahead’ of the competition.”

The new Forward is a full-model change compared to the previous F-Series trucks. It is available in two variants: the 11-tonner FS and the 15-tonner FV.

Because this is a completely new model, the improved features of the new Forward truck are numerous. The new 6HK1-TCN engine, for one, is now already a turbocharged with inter-cooler and common-rail fuel injection system — a big leap from the previous naturally aspirated power plant. Its maximum output increases to 240 ps at 2,400 rpm, while its peak torque jumps to 72 kg-m (now the highest in class) at a very low 1,450 rpm. More importantly, this new diesel engine is much more environment-friendly as it now meets Euro-II emission standards.

The Forward’s cab portion boasts Isuzu’s new “hexapod concept” design, resulting in optimal aerodynamics for improved fuel economy. Of course, its other benefit is aesthetic in nature, making the new F-Series truck more visually appealing. More importantly, the new cab design makes for easier ingress and egress by virtue of more generous door openings.

Other notable features are the easy-to-grip vertical-type door handles; a solid, well-sculpted and roomier interior that has more storage spaces; and a new-design and more modern-looking instrument panel.

Isuzu is a world leader in the manufacture of commercial trucks. In the Philippines, Isuzu trucks have outsold their rivals for several years now.

“In 2008, Isuzu sold a total of 218 units to capture 75.7 percent of the Category 4 market,” Takeda added. “We are confident that we will further improve upon this success with the release of the all-new Forward medium-duty truck.”

To prove Isuzu is sincere in its wish to help push the Philippines forward, the new Forward medium-duty truck comes with unbeatable value for money. Also, the new Isuzu truck has an extended warranty of up to two years or 50,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

“The only way to kick-start the economy is to help businesses everywhere move forward,” said Takeda. “We at Isuzu believe that with the arrival of the all-new Forward medium-duty truck, we have just the right vehicle to make that happen.”

For inquiries on Isuzu vehicles, visit the nearest dealership now.

In Metro Manila, Isuzu dealerships can be found in EDSA Balintawak, Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth, Pasig, Manila, Makati and Alabang.

In the provinces, Isuzu dealerships are located in Isabela, Pangasinan, Cabanatuan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, San Pablo, Bacolod, Iloilo, Mandaue, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

Manila Bulletin

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