At PIMS 2018 Isuzu shows lightweight truck for new markets that could bring back an old classic

You could chalk it up as a slow-motion mic drop by truck and diesel engine leader Isuzu–it takes a while getting there, but, boom, wait till that slow-burn finally hits you. They’ve just teased a light truck that could get them into new markets offering sales volumes (and those all-important economies of scale) to bring back their departing (although hundred-thousand-unit bestselling) Crosswind model. Let that sink in a moment.

At the Philippine International Motorshow (PIMS) that’ll run at the World Trade Center from October 24 to 28 (this Sunday), they are showing their VTO2 concept for “future urban business mobility.” Essentially the Isuzu Traga light truck platform that was launched just last quarter by Isuzu Astra of Indonesia, the VTO2 concept completes the package with the Philippines’  trademark jeepney-type body on the rear deck. It’s size and powerplant make it an excellent fit as a city-route Class 1 public utility vehicle (PUV), smallest class in the new jeep paradigm, and a stellar replacement for the popular Mitsubishi L300 truck that’s been around for decades but which has been retired along with her naturally-aspirated 2.5 liter Euro 2 diesel engine.

Industry observers have pointed out that the VTO2 light truck’s new market potential is tempered by the need to convert the Indonesian model’s right hand drive and Euro 2 turbodiesel to Philippine specs.  But what if that actually works to Isuzu’s advantage, and what if it could ultimately lead to benefits for the brand’s loyal customers?  They could give a little to gain back a ton of leverage, so to speak.

Like the VTO2’s Traga chassis, Isuzu’s venerable Crosswind Asian utility vehicle (AUV) was first sourced from Isuzu Astra of Indonesia.  But the Crosswind gained such a following, epitomizing that AUV badge, that it justified a local assembly line at Isuzu’s factory in Laguna. This year, like the equally classic Mitsubishi L300 that was manufactured here (and, elegantly, could now be replaced by Isuzu’s new light truck), the Crosswind line has been retired because of its Euro 2 engine.

For months, even years, there were wishful rumblings that the Crosswind’s 2.5 liter 4JA-1L low-boost turbodiesel would be upgraded from Euro 2 up to Euro 4 standards.  After all, Isuzu’s bigger 2.8 liter 4JB1 diesel engine had been Euro 4’d successfully by their China joint ventures with feed systems converted to an ECU-controlled and high-pressure common-rail direct injection (CRDi) set up.  But no, since the Philippines is among the very few countries where the Crosswind (known as the Panther elsewhere) is popular, they couldn’t point to large enough market numbers for Isuzu Astra to invest in developing a Euro 4 4JA-1L for the classic AUV.  

Now, enter the VTO2. Better than the Crosswind in some respects, this light truck opens entirely new market segments to Isuzu Philippines, bringing the potential for tens of thousands more in unit sales per month for modern Class 1 jeepneys and for upgrades to the classic L300 FB.  But, also, like the Crosswind, the VTO2 is now currently powered by that Euro 2 4JA-1L that held back the popular AUV.

So, breaking it down …

1. The VTO2 light truck concept built on the Traga from Isuzu Astra of Indonesia can open up major new markets for Isuzu Philippines
2. New VTO2 markets promise economies of scale that will justify upgrading the original Traga’s 2.5 liter 4JA-1L engine from Euro 2 to Euro 4 emission standards
3. There’s proof of concept since a similar 4-series Isuzu diesel, the 2.8 liter 4JB1-T, was successfully upgraded to Euro 4 standard by their China joint-ventures
4. The 4JA-1L is the exact same engine of the Crosswind which had to be retired for want of a Euro 4 engine
5. The Crosswind was locally assembled and had a large established customer base untill very recently
6. Now, because of the VTO2 concept, instead of the Crosswind coming across as being in desperate need of a Euro 4 upgrade, the classic and popular AUV actually mitigates the risks and promises more returns for Isuzu Astra to finally upgrade its  2.5 liter 4JA-1L to a Philippines-ready Euro 4 turbodiesel 

And, finally, the microphone hits the floor … as business moves go, this one is as smooth as they come.

<Source> Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) “IPC offers glimpses of the future of diesel mobility at the 7th PIMS October 24 to 28,” 2018:

Isuzu Philippines Corporation is set to join the 7th edition of the much-awaited Philippine International Motor Show from October 24 to 28 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. 

And in keeping with the motor show’s theme “Future Mobility“, Isuzu boasts bringing in the Philippines the best and the latest Diesel engine technology – the Isuzu Blue Power Diesel Technology which is set to provide maximum engine output, cleaner emission, superb fuel economy while maintaining Isuzu’s renowned engine durability.

At the forefront of IPC’s displays are equipped with its game-changing RZ4E Blue Power engine that represents the Japanese automaker’s realized vision of a smaller displacement engine but with an output of a larger one. The RZ4E-powered vehicles on display will be the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS and the Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E LS. These two vehicles represent what IPC considers the “future of urban SUV and pickup mobility“. 

Visitors to the 7th PIMS can also get a feel of the power and comfort of these vehicles with IPC’s test drive offer during the Motor Show. The mu-X RZ4E LS-A and the latest base model, the mu-X RZ4E LS and the two units of the D-Max RZ4E, can be test driven around the WTC.

Side by side with the display of RZ4E-powered light commercial vehicles (LCVs) will be the Isuzu mu-X Luxe and the Isuzu D-MAX 4×4. Both are powered by the 3.0-liter 4-cylinder in-line Blue Power diesel engine with turbo intercooler. These two vehicles’ powerful yet efficient engines, bold designs, and ride and safety technologies have also made them Isuzu’s bet for the “future of urban SUV and off-road pickup mobility.”

In keeping with Isuzu as one of the world’s leading truck manufacturers, IPC will also display its modernized public utility vehicles (PUVs), the “future of passenger mobility“, assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 platform and the rear body designed and manufactured by three of the country’s most reputable body builders.

Isuzu will also showcase an interesting concept vehicle called “Isuzu VT02” which is a full-fledged lightweight truck, newly developed by Isuzu through adopting commercial vehicle technologies with the aim to maximize loading efficiency, tight turning performance, and fuel efficiency for customer convenience.  This is Isuzu’s “future of urban business mobility”.

Isuzu will again impress the public with its version of the “future of cargo mobility” with the public launch of its latest pride, the Isuzu EXZ QL.  It boasts its 4-point advantage:

(1) Fuel efficiency – Equipped with the state-of-the-art 6WG1-TCG52 engine paired with a ZF16 speed multistage transmission, and aerodynamic wind deflector, air wing for better fuel economy, and offers a power of 420 PS and 2,060 N-m torque.

(2) Comfortable driving experience – Equipped with an ergonomically designed air suspension seats and air-conditioned double-deck sleeper cab with large storage compartments to make long travel on the road easier.

(3) Safety – the Anti-Lock Braking System is a standard on this new E-series model, coupled with wide multi-sectional side view mirrors and wheel parking and trailer brakes.\

(4) Secure and easy handling – Easy Access Panel for Easy Maintenance, Taper Leaf Spring for Heavy Duty Handling, Differential Lock and 315/80R22 16PR Radial Tires.

Apart from these exciting vehicle lineups, IPC will also demonstrate to visitors at its Aftersales booth, its unique Isuzu Vehicle Health Report, a powerful vehicle management tool that produces timely and accurate “Health Reports” of Isuzu commercial vehicles that are advantageous to owners and operators of Isuzu vehicles for both private and commercial uses. Through the installation of a Data Recording Module (DRM), the Isuzu vehicle’s performance is monitored, giving the owner and operator complete control of vehicle operating costs, while increasing quality, efficiency, and long term use of the vehicle. These Isuzu vehicle “Health Reports” show the engine condition, fuel economy with history, brake use history, and even driver operating habits. The “Health Reports” also identifies potential problems and observes the operating status of key major components.

The Isuzu Vehicle Health Report is a key part of the renowned Isuzu Advantage in its aftersales, which offer a nationwide dealer network and parts availability, expert service technicians and Japanese truck engineers, on-site servicing roadside assistance, a driver and mechanic training program, and safety drive and eco-drive training programs.

See all these exciting lineup of Isuzu’s Diesel mobility in the 7^th Philippine International Motor Show, 10am to 9pm.  

For more information, log on to www.isuzuphil.com.