Admits the festive atmosphere at the Westin Philippine Plaza Mindanao Ballroom, even Isuzu admits it: the AUV market is slumping—due to the revisions to the automotive excise tax. The value-based system, which gives additional incentives to purchase base-model passenger cars, punishes the perennial AUV favorite. With Toyota giving their Revo a minor facelift in
lieu of a full-model change next year (see Toyota Kijiang Innova feature) and Mitsubishi giving their Adventure the new corporate look, it’s just about time for Isuzu to unveil the newest addition to their family: the 2005 Crosswind.