Author: Gelzon de la Cruz

Chevron rolls out ten new Caltex storefronts in Q1 2021

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After being hindered by health crisis disruptions last year, Chevron Philippines, Inc. (CPI) started this year strong, pushing for significant growth in their network of Caltex service stations as well as their Caltex-Havoline automotive services workshops.

Bringing their network to nearly 650 locations nationwide, CPI added eight new Caltex service stations for the Luzon island group:

North Luzon

  1. On southbound lane side of MacArthur Highway, Barangay Paras, Candon City, Ilocos Sur
  2. Along Maharlika Highway in San Mateo, Isabela
  3. On the Naguilian-Baguio route at Barangay Ortiz, Naguilian, La Union

South Luzon

  1. On Pulo Diezmo road in Cabuyao, Laguna
  2. In Barangay Tinga, Batangas City, Batangas

Palawan

  1. On South road, Barangay Bataraza, Puerto Princesa
  2. On South road at Poblacion, Rio Tuba
  3. On North road, Barangay San Manuel, Puerto Princesa

And, bringing their set of Caltex-Havoline autoPro and bikePro service centers to 75 workshops,  CPI added two new locations–one for North Luzon and another for Davao City in Mindanao:

  1. Caltex-Havoline autoPro workshop open Mondays to Saturdays from 8AM to 5PM and located at F. Julian street in Barangay 2 along Pila Road in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
  2. Caltex Havoline autoProx workshop open Mondays to Saturdays from 8AM to 6PM and located at the diversion road on Diosdado Macapagal Highway, Ma-a, Davao City

Press Statement by Chevron Philippines, Inc. (CPI), “Caltex accelerates network growth in Q1 to help fuel a recovering economy,” 2021:

Manila, Philippines, April 16, 2021– Posting strong network growth in the first quarter of 2021, Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), warmly embraces the dry season by boosting its retail network with eight newly-opened service stations and two Caltex Havoline autoPro workshop openings in key provinces.

Bolstering its network of nearly 650 service stations and 75 Caltex Havoline autoPro and bikePro workshops at present, Caltex seeks to cater to the fuel and car maintenance needs of both local and transient motorists nationwide this season.

Travel better by tanking up at more Caltex stations

Motorists heading up north can stop for refueling at the recently inaugurated service station in Brgy. Paras, Candon City, Ilocos Sur. Situated along the southbound lane of the MacArthur highway, the service station is now ready to power motorists coming to and from Metro Manila and other provinces. Candon City is regarded as the “Tobacco Capital of the Philippines” and is also notable for its C-shape landmass.

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Another Caltex station opened in San Mateo, Isabela, ready to perk up the daily drives of motorists in the area. This service station is strategically located along the country’s principal transport backbone, Maharlika Highway, which connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. San Mateo is also an agro-ecological area known as the largest producer of mung beans or munggo in the country.

The second Caltex service station in Naguilian, La Union also rose in Brgy. Ortiz, the focal hub of the town’s commercial activities. This station caters to motorists going to and from Baguio City. Naguilian is an agricultural town that is home to the original Basi, a native fermented beverage made from sugarcane.

In South Luzon, Caltex recently opened two stations in Pulo Diezmo Road, Cabuyao and Brgy. Tinga, Batangas City to serve quality fuels to private vehicles and commercial fleets travelling around the provinces of Laguna and Batangas. Cabuyao is often called the “Golden Bell City” while the cove-shaped Batangas City is dubbed as the “Industrial Port City of CALABARZON.” The two areas are home to historical landmarks, beaches, and gastronomic cuisines.

Locals and tourists basking in the splendor of the tropical paradise of Palawan can also fill up their vehicle tanks at the newly-opened Caltex stations to power a blissful escapade around the island. The three Caltex stations are situated in South Road, Brgy. Bataraza, Puerto Princesa; South Road, Poblacion, Rio Tuba, and North Road, Brgy. San Manuel, Puerto Princesa. Motorists can also opt to visit the commercial stalls around the roadside stations for refreshments. Palawan takes pride in its pristine beaches and coastlines, picturesque cave formations, and prized delicacies.

The [eight] Caltex stations deliver the premium Euro 4 compliant fuel Caltex with Techron to guarantee motorists higher vehicle performance, cleaner engines, and lower emissions. Caltex also maintains strict health protocols and offers cashless payment options to ensure safer drives for motorists and to further the country’s recovery.

Conquer longer roads with more maintenance hubs

Aside from its service station openings, two new Caltex Havoline autoPro workshops were also opened in Luzon and Mindanao. Motorists in Ilocos Norte needing a vehicle tune-up can make a pit stop at the newly-opened Northbound Auto Care site located at Brgy. 2, F. Julian St., Pila Road, Laoag City. Open on Mondays to Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., this autoPro workshop is ready to provide quality Caltex lubricant products and services, such as maintenance checks and car repairs.

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The second recently-opened Caltex Havoline autoPro workshop stands along Diosdado Macapagal Highway, Diversion Road, Ma-a, Davao City. On top of its quality automotive products, this one-stop vehicle maintenance workshop has quick service bays for oil and fluid change, ancillary bays for minor repairs, and wash bays for car cleaning. It operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is open from Mondays to Saturdays.

Motorists and gearheads alike are guaranteed the best possible experience the moment they drive in at the Caltex Havoline autoPro and bikePro workshops as these sites have quality Caltex lubricant products, accommodating frontline staff, well-trained mechanics, and modern facilities that can make them feel secure. The two workshops cater to cars and motorcycles, respectively.

“Not only can motorists enjoy a wonderful, uninterrupted ride with our top-tier fuels and lubricants, but also experience high level of customer service, less waiting time for gassing up with more efficient digital payment options, and exciting rewards. Caltex continues to offer these services to bring a safer and next-level travel experience for motorists nationwide. We also remain committed to expanding our network in the country’s remote regions and in urban areas where commerce thrives to help buoy up the Philippine economy. Sa Caltex, tuloy-tuloy ang biyahe,” CPI Country Chairman Billy Liu said.

This year, Caltex continues to ramp up its retail portfolio by adding more Caltex stations and Caltex Havoline autoPro and bikePro workshops to serve many Filipinos nationwide. Motorists can find the nearest Caltex station in their area at www.caltex.com/ph/find-a-caltex-station and the list of Caltex Havoline autoPro workshops at www.caltex.com/ph/motorists/products-and-services/havoline-autopro-workshop/.

Isuzu Philippines donates D-Max to GMA Kapuso Foundation’s ‘Labanan Natin ang COVID-19’ campaign

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Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the top truck brand’s exclusive assembler, importer and distributor of Isuzu vehicles in the country, donated and turned over D-Max LS A/T pickup truck to the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) last April 16.  IPC’s donation is intended to support GMAKF’s ongoing “Labanan Natin ang COVID-19” campaign for providing personal protective equipment to public hospital and border frontliners, and groceries packs to indigent quarantined families, nationwide.

Of their donation, IPC president Hajime Koso said: “We are delighted again to extend our support to GMA’s public service endeavors. Their philosophy of ‘Serbisyong Totoo’ closely resonates with our own corporate values and mantra on being ‘Your Responsible Partner’ not just when it comes to being behind the wheel but also in giving back to the community.”

IPC had initially stuck up a partnership with GMAKF back in 2018–several years before the quarantine lockdowns of the COVID-19 crisis–when they committed to providing transport aid to the television network foundation’s civic emergency and relief operations.  IPC president Hajime Koso reaffirmed put this commitment in context saying, “we stand by our pledge to help Filipinos in need during these tough times where the country is still combating the pandemic.”

About the vehicle IPC chose to donate to GMAKF, Koso said: “The Isuzu D-MAX is known to be tough inside and out. Known for its off-road capabilities and loading capacity, we hope that our volunteer aids will gain added confidence and be able to move easily and comfortably to reach those who are residing in remote, mountainous areas.”

Suzuki Auto opens new Pangasinan dealership

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Big brand in small cars Suzuki Philippines has opened a new dealership in the major northern Luzon hub of Pangasinan. Operated by Grand Canyon Multi-Holdings, Inc. (that network operator’s 12th Suzuki storefront), the new Suzuki Auto Pangasinan dealership was officially launched with an online event last March 26.

Located at De Venecia Road, Barangay Banaoang, Calasiao, Pangasinan and on a sprawling 1,670sqm lot area, the new facility is a full-blown 3S dealership that features a 5-vehicle showroom up front and an after-sales workshop with 6 service bays in the back.

Top executives of Grand Canyon Multi-Holdings Inc. including chairman Peter Po, president Andrew Po and comptroller Caroline Po were joined by officers of Suzuki Philippines and various banks for the online launch event.

In their official press statement for the launch, Suzuki Philippines pointed out that the new dealership: (1) is meant to provide better service for customers in Pangasinan and neighboring areas, and (2) manifests their intent to keep expanding their presence across the nation.

For more information on Suzuki Phillippines, visit http://suzuki.com.ph/auto.

Hino Philippine introduces next-gen 300 Series light duty trucks

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Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), the country’s exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses, has launched their new, next-generation 300-Series light-duty truck models.

In the official press statement for the launch, HMP noted that introduction of the new models come in time to meet the demands of a thriving e-commerce sector. Under the travel restrictions imposed by the current health crisis, logistics providers are compelled to field reliable trucks for final-distance delivery of essential goods in urban traffic grids. HMP further speaks to logistics companies with the line: “Built for durability and usability, the all-new Hino 300 Series is designed to support business owners looking to invest in light-duty trucks that can handle heavy-duty operations.”

The new Hino 300 Series light-duty trucks come in narrow cab models with 3,800 to 4,400kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) ratings, and in wide cab configurations rated at 4,400 to 8,500kg GVW. The new lineup is powered by their proven N04C-VC Euro-IV compliant common-rail injected turbodiesel tuned for 136PS and 390Nm of peak power and torque and paired with a 5-speed transmission for narrow cab models, or for 150PS and 420Nm with a 6-speed gearbox for wide cab models.

HMP reports that one model variant has the option for a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with optimized engine braking and an expanded clutch lock-up range (for earlier solid-contact override of the hydraulic torque converter). Some variants come with SRS airbags and an anti-lock brake system (ABS). For driver convenience, interior appointments on the new Hino 300 Series now include larger instruments displays, updated power windows and door locks, and roomier ergonomic seats.

Their press statement reports HMP president Mitsuhary Tabata as saying: “We recognize the importance of the local transport and logistics industry given the challenges the country is currently facing. As the country works toward economic recovery, HMP will continue providing Total Support to its customers and lifetime value to Filipinos and the country. With the introduction of our all-new Hino 300 Series, we hope to not only support local suppliers and retailers in responding to the current demands of the market but also to help them in expanding to other businesses and finding new opportunities.”

For more information on Hino Philippines and the new Hino 300 Series lineup, visit their website at https://hino.com.ph.

Suzuki opens northeast Bohol satellite dealership in Ubay

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Small-car market leader Suzuki Philippines has opened a satellite storefront in Ubay town on the northeast coast of Bohol Island. The new Suzuki Auto Ubay Satellite dealership is operated by Des Strong Motors–the third in their network which includes Suzuki Auto Bohol in Tagbilaran and Suzuki Auto Ozamis further south in Mindanao.

Located at Purok 1 of Barangay Bood in Ubay town, the new dealership’s 490sqm of floorspace houses a 4-vehicle showroom in front and 2 vehicle-servicing bays in the rear.

The new dealership was launched with a ribbon cutting ceremony last Saturday that was attended on-site by Des Strong Motors’ officers including president Silvestre A. Lumapas, and on-line by Suzuki Philippines’ department heads.

During the event, Suzuki Philippines’ automobile division president and general manager Keiichi Suzuki spoke to their stakeholders and customers saying: “None of this would have been made possible without your support. Thank you for continuous belief and faith in the Suzuki brand. Let us all continue to champion the Suzuki Way of Life and may we have more shared success in the future!”

For more information about Suzuki, visit http://suzuki.com.ph/auto.

Isuzu opens major new dealership in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte

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Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) officially opened their new dealership in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte last March 10, bringing the total number of Isuzu dealerships to 46 locations nationwide–this after the subsequent opening of Isuzu Bacoor on March 18. Operated by Image Motors Davao Del Norte, Inc. (Image Motors), their officers who attended the Isuzu Tagum opening event were led by president Walter Alvarez and managing director Edward Bangayan.

The new dealership in Barangay Canocotan, Tagum City is on the same stretch of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway as the dealerships of other major automotive brands such as Toyota and Honda. Isuzu Tagum is also near two other major roads, the Davao-Mati-Agusan Road and the Davao-Bukidnon Road, that link it to other major destinations in Davao Del Norte and the rest of Mindanao.

The new 5,000sqm facility features the current Isuzu Outlet Standard (IOS) design with an expansive showroom backed by a large service shop having 9 light commercial vehicle (LCV) bays, 4 commercial vehicle (CV) bays large enough for heavy-duty trucks, and 7 bodywork and painting bays.

Last week, documentation of the opening festivities, which included a virtual tour of the premises, was presented at an online press conference officiated by IPC president Hajime Koso and Image Motors president Walter Alvarez. In his opening remarks, Koso cited the perseverance of Image Motors, saying: “We know this has not been an easy decision to open a dealership at this very challenging situation, but you kept to our schedule amidst the delay due to the different community quarantines.”

Koso further explained that the opportunity to serve the growing market centered on Tagum is what motivated them to persevere and overcome obstacles. He said: “Tagum has emerged into a booming city with a strong economic development brought by different businesses citywide. It has become inevitable for IPC to set foot here, so that we can cater to more customers in the region.”

Koso concluded his remarks saying: “Isuzu Tagum demonstrates our dedication and commitment to create tailored transport solutions that make the greatest difference to individuals and businesses anywhere in the Philippines.”

For more information on Isuzu Tagum and the rest of IPC’s dealership network, visit www.isuzuphil.com.

Large Isuzu Bacoor dealership opens for Cavite market

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Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) and the Ayala group’s Isuzu Automotive Dealership, Inc. (IADI) opened the new Isuzu Bacoor dealership yesterday, making it the 11th storefront of IADI–Isuzu partner since 1996 and their top dealer group in 2020.

The new facility is built on a 5,000sqm lot location along Molino Boulevard in Bacoor and opens just 48 days after the dealership contract was signed last January 29. The large Isuzu Bacoor dealership features …

  • the current Isuzu Oulet Standard (IOS) design,
  • a showroom large enough to display 4 light commercial vehicles (LCV),
  • a service shop with 13 LCV-sized servicing bays plus 2 commercial vehicle- or CV-sized bays large enough to accommodate heavy-duty tractor heads.

A simple celebration attended by IPC and IADI officers marked the opening of Isuzu Bacoor. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led IPC president Hajime Koso, IPC executive vice-president Shojiro Sakoda, Ayala group’s and IADI parent company AC Motors president Antonio Zara, IADI chief operating officer Alex Paguio, and Isuzu Bacoor branch head Valance Mauricio.

Isuzu’s press statement reports that this recent opening is part of a two pronged strategy for the entire Cavite area. Isuzu Bacoor will cater to northern Cavite customers, this while the existing Imus branch transitions into a satellite office. Later this year, IADI intends to establish a new dealership in Dasmariñas City, that one catering to southern Cavite and completing Isuzu’s coverage of the entire province.

More information on Isuzu Philippines’ products, services and dealers can be found at http://isuzuphil.com.

PilipinasAuto fills former DHL Philippines’ repeat order for Dongfeng trucks

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Dongfeng truck marketer Pilipinas Autogroup, Inc. (PilipinasAuto) has fulfilled a repeat order from W Express Corporation (W Express), the logistics firm formerly know as DHL Philippines. Five months after the initial acquisition of two Captain E trucks last October, W Express’ experience with Dongfeng haulers so far has warranted a repeat purchase for the same light-duty models.

The Dongfeng Captain E 12-foot 4-wheel light duty truck features a curb weight of 2 tons, payload capacity of 2.45 tons, and maximum gross vehicle weight of 4.45 tons. The Captain E is powered by a license-built Isuzu D28D11-4DA 2.8-liter diesel burner with CRDi fuel injection and intercooled turbocharger forced induction producing peak power of 115PS at 3200rpm and peak torque of 260Nm at 2000rpm. The Isuzu-driven powertrain is completed by a 5-speed manual transmission with a heavy duty 240mm diameter clutch plate.

From PilipinasAuto, the Dongfeng Captain E is covered by a warranty term for 3 years or 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

Refurbished Suzuki Auto San Pablo re-opens under new management

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Suzuki Philippines’ (SPH) satellite dealership for San Pablo Laguna has been refreshed and reopened under new management, updating its facilities for serving the leading small car big brand’s customers in Southern Luzon.  The refurbished Suzuki Auto San Pablo satellite dealership was launched with a virtual online event last March 8 and is now managed by MG Gateway Motor Corporation (Gateway) which also operates Suzuki Auto Palawan under their Puerto Gateway Motor Corporation affiliate.

Refurbishment and reopening of the satellite dealership is an interim step by SPH and Gateway for continued Suzuki presence and service in the city while they proceed with construction of a bigger and complete 3S dealership. Built on a 202 square meter lot at Barangay San Rafael in San Pablo, Laguna, the reopened satellite dealership features a two-car display showroom and a vehicle servicing bay.

The virtual event to officially reopen Suzuki Auto San Pablo was attended by the Gateway Group’s top officers–chairman and CEO Markane Earle Goho, president Raymond Basubas, and vice president Martin Paulo Arancon–and by Suzuki Philippines general manager for automobiles Keiichi Suzuki.

In their press statement for the event, SPH communicated their commitment for keeping their products and services available across the country in the face of challenges brought by the  global health crisis.  During the event, SPH’s Keiichi Suzuki said: “These are exciting times for Suzuki as we have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to look forward to as well, with bigger and better things still on the horizon, let us continue to rise above the challenges of the current landscape together and champion the Suzuki Way of Life!”

SPH’s official website is at  http://suzuki.com.ph/auto, their Instagram account is @suzukiautoph, and their twitter feed is at https://twitter.com/SuzukiAutoPH.

Isuzu Philippines launches next-gen D-Max with DNA that improves on Chevrolet and Ford rivals and upgrades Mazda counterpart

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Isuzu Philippines has just launched the next-generation D-Max and this new model’s lineage covers so much ground against rival brands that it’s been top of mind here since the global launch out of Thailand back in October 2019. The new model improves on the second generation D-Max which has underpinnings shared with GM’s Chevrolet Colorado that’s the platform for the US Army’s new Infantry Squad Vehicle, and represents an upgrade to the Mazda BT-50 which was previously based closely (same chassis and engine options) on the current generation (T6) Ford Ranger.  

For this third iteration of their popular mid-size pickup truck, Isuzu discontinued an engineering partnership with Chevrolet that’s been in place since the 1970’s for developing three generations of Isuzu Faster models and the two Isuzu D-Max generations that succeeded these. The platform of the previous generation D-Max and current generation Chevrolet Colorado will likely be forked off and continued since it now serves as foundation to the winning prototype for the US Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle, initial volumes for which were delivered in October 2020 (a year after the third generation D-Max was launched globally).

Influencing D-Max development now is new ally Mazda. In July 2016, three years into the D-Max’s six-year development period, Isuzu was appointed as OEM of Mazda’s next generation BT-50 pickup truck.  Similar to Isuzu’s linkage with Chevrolet, Mazda had been relying on Ford Ranger foundations since the 1990’s for their final generation B2500 pickup and two generations of the BT-50 model that succeeded this.  Now, based closely on the latest generation D-Max complete with its trademark Isuzu 3.0 and 1.9 liter turbodiesel engine options, the third generation Mazda BT-50 was launched globally in June 2020, just a few months after its counterpart Isuzu model. Isuzu Philippines President Hajime Koso confirms that Isuzu Thailand runs assembly lines for supplying this market with D-Max trucks and other markets with the new Mazda BT-50 model.  (Mazda Philippines which recently introduced their BT-50 limited edition Pangolin variant still has the Ford-based second-generation model on offer.)

Key specs

On the new D-Max that Isuzu asserts to be stronger and safer, we noted the following integral features (characteristics that come with the package and cannot be straightforwardly acquired or added on with aftermarket enhancements):

  1. The new 4JJ3-TCX top-spec 3.0 liter engine option delivers 190PS @ 3600rpm (a 17PS increase in power) and 450NM @ 1600~2600rpm (a 70NM increase in torque that breaks through the 400NM threshold), all these reportedly by improving on the previous generation’s 4JJ1-TCX with …
    • a new cylinder head
    • a new cylinder block
    • new pistons
    • a new Denso-sourced fuel injection system delivering 25 percent more pressure and 20 percent more efficiency
  1. Improved balance and handling with a slightly longer wheelbase as well as the engine being moved back and mounted with its center slightly behind the front axle, in front mid-ship position
  1. Rationalized engine and fuselage layouts that result in a slightly shorter overall length (5.277m versus 5.295m before) that nevertheless bounds what is essentially a larger model with its lengthened wheelbase (3.125m versus 3.095m before) and cargo bay (1.570m versus 1.485m before)
  1. Stronger, bigger-boned proportions that put taller shoulders on its full body length, and stiffer shortened pillars and a squat squinty windscreen cage on its reinforced cabin
  1. A ladder frame with expanded cross-section and improved placement of cross-members, as asserted by Isuzu, that make it lighter but also 23 percent stiffer than before
  1. Fuselage and undercarriage engineering that increase the D-Max’s ground clearance (0.240m on top-spec 4×4 variants) and permit Isuzu to officially assert a maximum wading depth of 0.800m (which, on the D-Max, is well above the usual benchmark of the midpoint of a vehicle’s wheels)

Further, with the third generation D-Max, Isuzu Philippines introduces a new top-spec variant, the LS-E, that exclusively features automated conveniences as well as their Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) package with safety telematics for forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights high-beam, and lane departure alarm.

Price points

As stated by Isuzu Philippines Vice President for Sales Yasuhiko Oyama during the launch event last March 4, introductory prices for the new third-generation D-Max will remain at par with the price-points of the previous model.  Although, with the addition of a top-spec variant featuring first world telematics, prices of their 9 variants now show a notable P0.968M spread between the P0.857M SRP for the single-cab 4×2 MT base configuration and the P1.825M list price for their new LS-E 4×4 AT top-of-the-line variant.

2021 / third-generation D-Max variant list prices (in PHP million)

3.0 4×4 LS-E AT__________ 1.825
3.0 4×2 LS-A AT________ 1.390
3.0 4×4 LS MT_________ 1.630
3.0 4×2 LS MT_______ 1.320
RZ4E 4×2 LS AT______ 1.309
RZ4E 4×2 LS MT____ 1.219
3.0 4×4 LT MT_____ 1.288
RZ4E 4×2 LT MT___ 0.987
RZ4E 4×2 Single Cab MT__ 0.857

Targets

Also during the March 4 launch, when asked about how many third-generation D-Max units they expect to sell this year, Isuzu Philippines’ Yasuhiko Oyama said that they expect this roll-out in March to increase their share in the pickup truck market from 8 percent in 2020 to 15 percent by the end of 2021. We have to say, with their aggressive pricing and the D-Max’s DNA now putting cross-hairs on key rivals, with Isuzu improving on the previous-generation D-Max as well as on the still-current generation Chevrolet Colorado and (through Mazda) the present-generation Ford Ranger, the leading truckmaker’s goal of nearly doubling their share numbers looks feasible.