Category: Isuzu

Isuzu Subic formally opens

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Isuzu Philippines formally opened its latest dealership with their new Isuzu Outlet Standardization (IOS) design theme in the Subic BayFreeport Zone last April. The new Isuzu Subic dealership on its 5000sqm lot area features a five-vehicle showroom up front and maintenance bays in back to service eight light commercial vehicles and two trucks simultaneously, plus a wash bay, wheel alignment facilities and workshops for body repair and painting.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “Isuzu PH opens doors in Zambales with Isuzu Subic Dealership,” 30 April 2022:

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) continues its aggressive expansion and modernization efforts with the opening of its newest dealership bearing its new Isuzu Outlet Standardization dealership facility, this time in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Subic, Zambales.

Isuzu Subic stands on a total lot space of 5,000 sqm that will include a five-vehicle showroom area, service bays that can accommodate eight light commercial vehicles and two commercial vehicles, a wash bay and wheel alignment facility, and slots for body repair and paint works.

In the ceremony, executives of IPC and Velocity Motor Sales Corporation organized a walk-through of Isuzu Subic, which would be strategically located at Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, one of the rapidly developing commercial locations in Western Luzon.

This dealership’s IOS compliant facility enhances its customer’s overall journey, highlighting an aesthetic and functional design that not only provides a more spacious and organized area for its users, but expresses Isuzu’s new brand identity and its long-standing reputation for durable and reliable products. The new facilities will also contribute greatly to a more seamless automotive retail experience for both customers and dealership personnel.

During the ceremony, IPC President Hajime Koso remarked, “As we open our doors in this area, we vow to support the region’s vision to be an industrial heartland. With our ever reliable and durable trucks, businesses in the area can count on Isuzu to power their logistical requirements. With our dealer principal’s commitment to providing utmost customer service, we can assure the province of a long-lasting relationship with our customers moving forward.

Mr. Jason Hao, Isuzu Subic President, mentioned in his speech that “Our company, together with the unending support and guidance of IPC, would be honored to work hand in hand with the leaders of Subic Bay Freeport Zone and, its nearby town’s leaders by providing the right vehicle for each and every customer. For us, there is no such thing as big or small customers. We will make sure to value everyone because as the saying goes, “We are happy to serve you.”

“We hope everybody is as excited as we are because Isuzu, the number one truck brand in the Philippines is finally in Subic! This brings each and every one of us wonderful business opportunities in the region, not only locally but internationally as well. Throughout this entire endeavor, we have worked hard in trying to get this business up and running, everybody invited here has positively influenced us, helped us set this business up or are business partners. We are eternally grateful for your support, and we wish to strengthen our partnership and friendship for many generations to come,” Mr. Jeffrey Hao Lin, Velocity Motor Sales Corporation, Chairman added.

Now on its 25th year, with 48-strong dealership network, IPC aims to further strengthen its market leadership in trucks and LCVs in the country, particularly in the Philippines’ fastest-growing regions. With the newly established Isuzu Subic dealership designed to world-class IOS specifications, residence nearby will have one more lifelong reason to make Isuzu “Your Responsible Partner.”

To know more about the Isuzu Philippines’ world-class roster of commercial vehicles, log on to IPC website at www.isuzuphil.com , IPC’s FB page www.facebook.com/IsuzuPhilippines or call your nearest Isuzu dealership.

Traviz runs for two days and 1,063km on 50-liter tank-load of diesel

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Isuzu Philippines got the measure of their popular Traviz light truck with an AAP-observed and certified fuel-economy endurance run that saw the compact hauler getting 21.26 km/l with a two-day 1,063km run on a single 50-liter tank-load of diesel.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “Isuzu TRAVIZ achieves 1,063kms in Isuzu One Full Tank Challenge,” 2 May 2022:

In a recent fuel economy drive, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) records 1,063 kms or a total of 21.26km/l for the Isuzu TRAVIZ in its latest Isuzu One Full Tank Challenge, as observed and certified by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP).

From April 18 to 20, IPC conducted its Isuzu One Full Tank Challenge starting at its newest dealership up north, Isuzu La Union. Led by IPC President Hajime Koso and Vice President for Sales Yasuhiko Oyama, the company fielded two of its latest Blue Power trucks – the Isuzu TRAVIZ and the Isuzu NLR85E, to test its excellent fuel economy, innovative diesel engine technology.

“As the number 1 truck brand in the country, we try to provide the best business solutions to our customers, and with the rising fuel prices, we offer to them our most fuel-efficient variants. The Isuzu One Full Tank Challenge is our way to test and prove our trucks’ excellent fuel economy, which is why we would like to as much as possible test the efficiency of our truck under normal driving conditions, carrying weight and passing through cities and highways. The results are truly impressive, it somehow suggests the optimum numbers our customers can get if they practice good driving habits on the road,” said IPC President Hajime Koso.

From Isuzu La Union, the trucks travelled in just one full tank carrying a weight equivalent to 100kgs for the TRAVIZ and 500kgs for the NLR85E. Driving towards north, the participants drove all the way to Pagudpud, then down to Cagayan on its first day. The next day, the trucks travelled farther south before settling the night in Clark, Pampanga. With little fuel left at the start of the third day, the trucks cleared through NLEX then SLEX before making its final stop at Pagbilao, Quezon.

Running on its tried and tested 4JA1 blue power diesel engine, the Isuzu TRAVIZ has a fuel tank capacity of 50-liter, perfect for last mile delivery. During the run, the TRAVIZ was driven and navigated by Mon Dimapilis and Alvin Mañalac, who managed to achieve an impressive 1,063kms at the end of its journey.

Equally impressive is the Isuzu NLR85E, which is one of company’s most popular variants, that took longer on the road covering a total of 1,234kms. Running on a common-rail direct injection 4JJ1-TCC blue power engine with 75-liter fuel tank capacity, the NLR85E truck was driven and navigated by drivers Alex Gonzales, Marjune Espraguira, and Johnsy Reyes.

“This edition of the Isuzu Challenge truly shows Isuzu’s advancement in terms of diesel engine technology, our trucks are well-known to be durable and fuel efficient which is manifested by the impressive results of this Challenge. On top of that, we continue to advocate economic and safety driving so that our customers can reap the over-all benefits of driving their Isuzu trucks,” said IPC Asst. Division Head, Robert Carlos.

To know more about the latest line-up of Isuzu blue power trucks, log-on to www.isuzuphil.com.

Isuzu Philippines recognizes 2021 best dealers Calapan, Bulacan, and Pasig

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Isuzu Philippines, the country’s top truckmaker for 22 years running, announced the roster of their best dealers for 2021 with Isuzu Calapan in third place, Bulacan in second, and the metro’s Isuzu Pasig as the overall champ.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “Isuzu Philippines Corporation announces 2021 Dealer of the Year and Top Performers,” 11 February 2022:

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), who recently marked its being Number 1 Truck brand in the Philippines convened its 17th Dealer of the Year Awards (DOYA) virtually. The annual awarding ceremony aims to inspire and recognized best performance from dealer network, acknowledge their hard work, achievements, and celebrate the best of the best in Isuzu dealer network across various categories. IPC appreciates its entire dealer network for their dedication and strong commitment for sales and service excellence that brought Isuzu Family many awards and achievements.

2021 is a challenging year, aside from the challenges brought by Covid-19 pandemic, the automotive industry faced semi-conductor supply shortage impacting production which the dealer had to face. But despite that, dealer network handed their untiring support and dedication to the brand which is highlighted by the achievements received both for sales and aftersales operations. Isuzu still managed to conquer exemplary awards such as dominating the trucks sales that earned their 22nd year of being number 1 truck brand, launching of three new models – the first light duty truck in the country with automated manual transmission, N-Series Smoother, the All-New mu-X which won SUV of the Year in the People’s Choice Award and the multi-awarded All-New D-MAX which won Automobile of the Year and Pick-up of the Year in the People’s Choice Awards, Pick-up of the Year in the 17th C! Magazine Awards and reaping its 3rd Triple Star Award in the 2021 Isuzu Distributor & Dealer Aftersales Awards by Isuzu Motors Limited which only shows excellent performance for aftersales operations.

The award-winning Isuzu Dealers and Sales Executives are as follows:

2021 DEALER OF THE YEAR:

Champion – Isuzu Pasig

2nd Place – Isuzu Bulacan

3rd Place – Isuzu Calapan

2021 SALES EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Ms. Elenita Go, Isuzu Makati

2021 TRUCK ELITE OF THE YEAR

Mr. Miguel and Castro, Isuzu Edsa

EXCELLENCE IN SALES OPERATIONS

1st Place – Isuzu Pasig

2nd Place – Isuzu Isabela

3rd Place – Isuzu Bulacan

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE OPERATIONS

1st Place – Cabanatuan 

2nd Place – Isuzu Calapan

3rd Place – Isuzu Davao

EXCELLENCE IN PARTS OPERATIONS

1st Place – Isuzu Bulacan 

2nd Place – Isuzu Calapan

3rd Place – Isuzu Sto. Tomas

In his opening speech, IPC President Hajime Koso congratulated and expressed gratitude to the awardees.  He also mentioned that 2022 is the start of a new era for Isuzu wherein a more sustainable and eco-friendlier route will be introduced for the entire network that is in line with the United Nation’s SDGs or Sustainable Development Goals for its products, operations, and customer service. Sustainability shall be given greater emphasis. “We need to evolve into a company that creates economic value coupled with social and environmental contributions to with-stand the challenges ahead of us and understand the importance of pursuing economic development without harming our natural resources.”, said Mr. Koso.

“Isuzu being your long-time ‘Responsible Partner’ is stepping up the notch with a series of changes in company direction and activities. ‘Mr. Koso added.

To know more about the Isuzu Philippines’ world-class roster of commercial vehicles, log on to IPC website at www.isuzuphil.com ,IPC’s FB page www.facebook.com/IsuzuPhilippines or call your nearest Isuzu dealership.

Isuzu Philippines tops truck market for 22nd consecutive year

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Isuzu announces topping the Philippine truck market for a 22nd consecutive year with the industry’s combined TMA and CAMPI report documenting their 4,427 units sold and 45.5 percent market share in 2021. Of total sales, a large 2,745-unit chunk was for light-duty trucks that garnered Isuzu a 56 percent market segment share, 1,397 units sold were medium-duty trucks that got them 38.3 percent segment share, and 285 units were heavy-duty trucks that secured 25.3 percent.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “Isuzu continues truck domination, marks 22 years as Number 1 Truck Brand,” 04 February 2022:

IPC president Hajime Koso celebrating the win at an Isuzu dealership

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the exclusive assembler, importer, and distributor of brand-new Isuzu commercial vehicles (CV) and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the country, once again topped the industry’s truck sales based on the combined report from the Truck Manufacturers Association Inc. (TMA) and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (CAMPI), marking its 22nd consecutive years as the number one truck brand in the country. 

Based on the report, IPC sold a total of 4,427 truck units which account to almost 45.5% of the market, with a big portion eaten up by its Category III light-duty trucks selling 2,745 units gaining 56% segment share. Its Category IV medium-duty trucks sold a total of  1,397 units or 38.3% share, while its Category V heavy-duty trucks, was able to sell 285 units or a 25.3% segment share. 

IPC President Hajime Koso credited the brand’s continued domination to Isuzu’s global reputation as the leading truck maker, known for its durability and reliability, as well as on the company’s excellent aftersales support, manifested through IPC’s nationwide dealer network with top-notch servicing facilities, expert service technicians and field support personnel that are on-call to provide technical assistance whenever and wherever needed.   

He also reiterated that the company continues to provide timely transport and business solutions to its customer, “As a leader we continue to innovate as we launched our New N-Series Smoother AMT trucks late last year. Currently, this is the first light duty truck in the market with an automated manual transmission, and we are confident that this new innovating truck will have the similar success as other models in our line-up,” said Koso.

Moving forward, Koso said the brand is shifting its gear towards sustainability, “2022 will be the start of a new era for Isuzu, a more sustainable and eco-friendlier plans will be introduced that is in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.  This includes its products, operations and customer service. IPC will evolve into a company that creates economic value combined with social and environmental contributions to with-stand the challenges ahead,” Koso added.  To know more about the Isuzu Philippines’ world-class roster of commercial vehicles, log on to IPC website at www.isuzuphil.com ,IPC’s FB page www.facebook.com/IsuzuPhilippines or call your nearest Isuzu dealership. 

Isuzu D-Max and Mu-X top year’s Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards

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Isuzu’s latest generation D-max pickup and Mu-X SUV tandem have earned top honors from motoring enthusiasts this year at the Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards. The third-generation D-Max came out on top of 140 competing models in multiple categories, earning the overall Automobile of the Year award as well as the category-specific Pick-up of the Year title, while the second-generation Mu-X (based on the third-gen D-Max) was similarly crowned SUV of the Year.

Press Statement of Isuzu Philippines Corp., “Isuzu Philippines receives Automobile of the Year, Pick-up of the Year, SUV of the year and 3 more awards in the 2021-2022 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards,” 29 December 2021:

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) received multiple awards for their All-New Isuzu D-MAX and Isuzu mu-x models in the recently concluded 2021-2022 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFPCA) and Media Choice Awards (AFMCA). 

The AFPCA/AFMCA is organized by Sunshine Television and Marketing Services, Inc. (STV) yearly to establish the cream of the crop among the vehicles in the country via public poll. As such, the AFPCA, which gives the model and automobile of the year awards, features the voice of the public with scoring system that comprises 80% public poll and 20%-unit sales from January-November 2021.  On the other hand, the AFMCA delivers the voice of the media via votes cast by select group of recognized motoring media professionals and practitioners. Its purpose is to further recognize the automobile industry’s unending efforts to provide car owners and motorists with the best on-board features, styling, performance, and overall value. 

Out of 140 models in the 2021-2022 AFPCA Official Entry List for the Standard Classification consisting of sedan, sports car, SUV/Crossover, Van/MPV, and pick up models, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX emerged on top and bagged the 2021-2022 Auto Focus People’s Choice Automobile of The Year Award.  Additionally, IPC’s Isuzu D-Max and Isuzu mu-X topped other popular models in the market as they took the individual category titles, 2021-2022 AFPCA Pickup of the Year and 2021-2022 AFPCA SUV of the Year, respectively.

Aside from the People’s Choice awards, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX also earned the approval of the media and hailed best in three categories of Auto Focus Media Choice Awards, namely – Best Design, Best Engine Performance and Best Value-for-Money. 

“We at Isuzu are very grateful in receiving individual awards for both models as well as the prestigious 2021-2022 Automobile of the Year Award for the All-New Isuzu D-MAX. These awards provide a deeper meaning for us, as a big percentage of it came from the public – which is why, we would like to extend our thanks to our loyal customers and Isuzu fans nationwide who have been very supportive of us throughout the years. We could not have done it without you,” said IPC President Hajime Koso.

For more information about the All-New Isuzu D-MAX, and All-New mu-X log on to www.isuzuphil.com, or get in touch with your nearest Isuzu dealership.

Isuzu Philippines gets third consecutive triple-star rating for aftersales service excellence

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Isuzu Philippines has again rated a Triple Star Distributor and Dealer Aftersales Award at the annual Isuzu World Technical Competition. For the third year in a row since the awards were first given by Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan in 2018, Isuzu Philippines Corp. has rated top honors among single-, double- and triple-star winners for aftersales service excellence. And, the back-to-back-to-back win comes in the face of even more stringent standards this year with the globe approaching two years under pandemic disruptions.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “Isuzu Philippines Garners Triple Star in the 2021 Isuzu Distributor and Dealer Aftersales Award,” 16 December 2021: 

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) takes pride and joy as it bags another “Triple Star” award in the recently concluded 2021 Isuzu Distributor & Dealer Aftersales Award.  This award is given by Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan (IML) since 2018, to Isuzu Distributors and Dealers worldwide for providing excellent aftersales service, with awards ranging from Single to Triple star as the highest accolade to be attained. This year, despite the standards made more stringent, IPC managed to receive the highest rating, making IPC a Triple Star awardee for three consecutive years.  IPC’s back-to-back-to-back title can be attributed to the collaborative efforts and commitment of the entire dealer network to continuously improve its aftersales operations and technical skills in the aim to provide utmost customer experience.  

“We couldn’t be happier, receiving the Triple Star award for three consecutive years proves that Isuzu Philippines’ aftersales service is at par with the global standard. This is the fruit of our hard labor and the collaborative effort from our dealer network to provide the best aftersales service to our customer nationwide. With this award, we promise to continue on our commitment towards achieving utmost ‘Customer Success’, not just by strengthening our aftersales activities but by continuing to provide competitive products and innovative customer experience with the support for our growing network,” said IPC President, Hajime Koso.

The recognition was announced during the awarding ceremony of the 2021 Isuzu World Technical Competition virtual competition, otherwise known as I-1 Grand Prix, where the company also showed its technical prowess.  Team Isuzu Philippines, composed of Gian Cosico, Head Coach/IPC Training Department and technicians Harvey Jay Ragrag of Isuzu Isabela and Leonido Gascon of Isuzu Davao won 4th Place in the Commercial Vehicle Division Team Category, out of 41 competing countries. Gascon also won 6th place in the Individual Technician Category, competing against 82 other Isuzu technicians worldwide.

(From L-R) Hajime Koso (IPC President), Mr. Harvey Jay Ragrag (Technician, Isuzu Isabela), Mr. Leonido Gascon (Isuzu Davao), Gian Cosico (I-1GP Team Coach and IPC Technical Trainer)

“In order to support the operation of Isuzu vehicles all over the world, I-1 Grand-Prix will continue to evolve with the aim of raising service technical skills.  Moreover, this is the 4th time for us to hold the Aftersales Award, and 51 subsidiaries coming from 49 countries have participated. The purpose of this award is to review the aftersales activities of each company and to lead to improvements. We will continue to hold this award and work to establish it,” said Mr. Yasuyuki Niijima, Isuzu Motors Limited Senior Executive Officer.

To know more about the Isuzu Philippines’ world-class roster of commercial vehicles, log on to www.isuzuphil.com, or call your nearest Isuzu dealership.

First N-Series Smoother turnover by Isuzu Philippines

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After launching their N-Series Smoother light-duty truck with its novel Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) just last October, Isuzu Philippines now announces the first ever unit turnover for this market. An N-Series Smoother with its innovative AMT gearbox meant for tough urban traffic was delivered last week to Kimwealth Infinity Marketing Corp., marketer of lighting and electrical hardware based in Quezon City. 

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “Isuzu PH turns over the First Isuzu N-Series Smoother to Customer,” 06 December 2021:

L-R: Mr. Raymond Jarina, Inteco President; Ms. Minelli Ong, VP of Kimwealth Infinity Marketing Corporation; Mr. Hajime Koso, IPC President; Mr. Ranvin Jarina Isuzu QA Branch Manager

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s leading assembler and distributor of brand-new trucks, together with Inteco President, Raymond Jarina and Isuzu Quezon Avenue Branch Manager, Ranvin Jarina, turned over the first Isuzu N-Series Smoother truck in the country to Kimwealth Infinity Marketing Corporation, a supplier of lighting fixtures and other electrical devices, located in Congressional Avenue, Quezon City.

During turnover, Ms. Minelli Ong, Vice President of Kimwealth Infinity Marketing Corporation, shared that their business is expanding, and they needed a brand-new truck to serve their need for timely and reliable delivery of products to customers.   And because of their good experience with their current Isuzu trucks, they decided to visit their trusted dealership whom she described as “Isuzu QA has always been our dealer over the years.  They ensure to provide the best quality trucks and other vehicles and provide the best after-sales service.”  When asked why she chose Isuzu N-Series Smoother, she asserted, “The concept of drive like AT, efficient like MT convinced us to buy the N-Series Smoother. “With various benefits of reduced lifecycle and maintenance costs, improved fuel efficiency, and less driving fatigue for safety will contribute a lot towards the cost-effectiveness of our company”.

On their dealer visit, Ranvin Jarina helped Kimwealth Infinity Marketing understand how the Isuzu Smoother is a better option.  As he explained, “With their countless daily deliveries and considering traffic inside and outside Metro Manila, the Isuzu N-Series Smoother is ideal since it is easy to drive, economical, and safe.  It is because of its Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) technology, an innovative intelligent gearshift system.  It operates without the clutch pedal and achieves automatic shift change by computer control. This lessens the driving stress and allows driver to focus on the road.  And because it has no clutch pedal, it is economical because there is no need to spend on clutch maintenance and no downtime due to clutch component breakdown.”  

IPC President, Mr. Hajime Koso, valued the partnership between Kimwealth Infinity Marketing Corporation and Isuzu Quezon Avenue emphasizing both companies’ commitment to their customers. “As the number one truck brand in the country, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) once again takes the lead in the Philippine truck market as we introduce the Isuzu N-Series Smoother, the first light duty truck with an automated manual transmission in the country.  This Isuzu model has long been existing and highly popular in the overseas market.  And we are confident our newest light duty truck model will have good market acceptance.   In 2020, we finished as Philippine’s top truck brand, making us number 1 truck brand for 21 years in a row.  This year, with the Isuzu N-Series Smoother we want to take the same lead”, Mr. Koso said.  

To know more about the New Isuzu N-Series Smoother truck and the rest of Isuzu Philippines’ world-class roster of commercial vehicles, log on to www.isuzuphil.com, or call your nearest Isuzu dealership.

Stock 4×4 Isuzu D-Max pickups finish strong in multiple categories at PHRX 2021

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A pair of D-Max 3.0 4×4 LS-E A/T pickups–one unmodified and the other with minimal tire and suspension tweaks–have reached top roster at the 2021 edition of the Philippine Rally Cross Series.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “All New Isuzu D-MAX Conquers 2021 Rally Cross Series,” 22 November 2021:

Fresh from seizing the Best Pick Up Award in the 17th Annual C! Awards, the all-new Isuzu D-MAX continues to move into new heights as it conquers the tracks in the 2021 Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX), Rounds 5 and 6, on November 7 at the open grounds of the Clark Global City, Clark Freeport, Pampanga.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) fielded two teams of All-New Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4×4 LS-E A/T models led by veteran race car driver, Mon Dimapilis, who is also a businessman and Vince Pornelos, a motoring-media.  The D-MAX entry composed of one unmodified D-MAX, similar condition to showroom vehicles, and the other, with changes limited to suspension and tires. It proved to be a beast on the racetrack besting many competitors who regularly compete with purpose-built rally-tuned vehicles and managing to stay within the top 3 winners in 3 different categories.  Praises to its powerful 4JJ3-TCX Blue Power Diesel Engine and superb vehicle design, and of course the driver’s expertise.

Each of the D-MAX was tortured on the circuit during the race and yet survived without damage or need for repair. Both were able to drive home without problem – ready for the next working day and waiting for the next weekend race.  Indeed, the All-New D-MAX once again proved its reliability and durability.

PHRX is a timed racing competition that is held on a close course track, that is basically a dirt circuit.  It started in 2015 and has since accrued the respect and participation of many motorsport experts and enthusiasts.  Among them is Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) who competed in 3 different categories:  Open Class which is open for any engine displacement, UV Class which is for all types of pick-ups, sports and Asian utility vehicles, and AWD Class, for all types of 4-Wheel drive vehicles. 

IPC President Mr. Hajime Koso with Mr. Olson Camacho PHRX Organizer

To know more about the Isuzu D-MAX, its new features and pricing, log on to www.isuzuphil.com, follow their official FB Page or visit any Isuzu dealership nationwide winners.

Game changing Isuzu D-Max named best in class at 17th annual C! Awards

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The all-new Isuzu D-Max introduced here last March–the third generation model that we spotted with the trifecta win of improving on its Chevrolet, Ford and Mazda counterparts right off the starting block–has been named Best-in-Class Pickup Truck at the 17th Annual C! Awards.

(See our feature from March 8, “Isuzu Philippines launches next-gen D-Max with DNA that improves on Chevrolet and Ford rivals and upgrades Mazda counterpart,” at https://realworlddrive.wordpress.com/2021/03/08/isuzu-philippines-launches-next-gen-d-max-with-dna-that-improves-on-chevrolet-and-ford-rivals-and-upgrades-mazda-counterpart/.)

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “All New Isuzu D-Max awarded Best-in-Class Pickup Truck in the 17th Annual C! Awards,” 08 November 2021:

The All-New Isuzu D-Max was named Best-in-Class Pickup Truck in C! Magazine’s 17th Annual C! Awards.   The winner was officially announced by the magazine in November via press release. C! Magazine is the country’s oldest premium automotive magazine.  Their annual C! Awards is among the most respected in the industry, having established its reputation on its strict comprehensive review and actual tests.  The jury is composed of the magazine’s editorial staff who are required to experience driving all the vehicles being judged before passing judgement.   “We’re very strict. Even if you’re part of the team, if you don’t have experience, in that particular genre, you can’t vote,” said Kevin Limjoco, President / Founding Editor / Editorial Director of C! Magazine.

Judging entails exhaustive deliberation, considering every aspect and feature of each vehicle such as overall dynamic performance, instrumented performance testing, aesthetics/design, packaging/standard equipment, comforts/luxuries, safety, efficiency, audio/infotainment quality, length of factory warranties, extent of supported aftersales maintenance, pride-of-ownership, value-for-money, resale values and more.

Hailed the runaway winner, the All-New Isuzu D-Max stands out with its network of safety features that operate automatically and independently. Its new Advanced Driver Assist System or ADAS comes with a first in its class SMART DUO CAM, which constantly maps the surrounding area to measure distance of every obstacle on the road. Since it uses a dual camera set-up, it can detect 3D objects just like how human eyes recognizes depth of field.

Because of this, the D-MAX now has multiple active safety features like pre-crash safety, speed assist, lane support and headlamp control. ADAS also offers an 8-eye Parking Aid with reverse camera, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

With these remarkable improvements, the All-New D-Max received a perfect 5-star rating from an international testing body, ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Designed to ultimately provide with better driving experience, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX promises DURABILITY, POWER, PERFORMANCE, INNOVATION and SAFETY FEATURES that can bring INTO NEW HEIGHTS.

Kevin Limjoco, who is also the head juror, shared how the jury was impressed by the D-Max during an interview, “On its own, not only is the D-Max at its very best, the   D-Max has never been as good as it is, until this model.  It’s spectacular.  Now when you compare it to its competition, that’s where it really started to present all its benefits – that it is the most comfortable, the interior, similar to whatever is in the mu-X, it has the most sophisticated, the most elegant interior.  All the little adjustments to the suspension, the increase of the brakes, all the different performance upgrades were very significant.  It’s a balance of all these things all put together.”  Limjoco went on to praise D-Max for not just being a looker, but also for performing extremely well. “There are vehicles in the market that look great but don’t perform well.  With the D-Max, it does it all.  It actually is. You know that it has the Isuzu reliability, you know that it has the strength, all the users are looking for.  The D-Max on road is quicker.  If you look carefully at the acceleration run and speed, on road performance of the D-Max, is actually superior.  Its quicker, it handles better.  When you put all the reasons together, it was a slam-dunk for the D-Max,” said Limjoco.

In an official statement, Isuzu Philippines Corporation President, Hajime Koso states, “Thank you to C! Magazine and to all the judges.  IPC is honored to receive this award and we share this honor with our dealers and with our valued customers.  The D-Max is a symbol of our vision for sustainable development as it has undergone continuous innovations to help protect and save the environment for future generations, without compromising its looks, comfort and performance.  We stay true to our commitment, “Your responsible partner.” That is why at IPC we strive to be the vital engine for Philippine society on the road to progress and towards a sustainable automotive chain.”

See the detailed features and offers on the All-New Isuzu D-Max and Isuzu’s complete product line up and services at the Isuzu Philippines’ website. Follow the brand’s Facebook page as well for latest developments and information.

Isuzu Philippines donates third utility vehicle to Philippine Red Cross

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Continuing what has become an Isuzu tradition, the top truckmaker has donated another off-roading 4×4 D-Max pickup to the Philippine Red Cross to provide more all-terrain mobility to volunteer responders. This third vehicle donation to the Philippine Red Cross in recent months is preceded by the turnover of the first 4×4 D-Max pickup in January 2020 and of a food truck built on Isuzu’s NKR-71 light-duty chassis earlier this year.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp., “Isuzu Philippines gives back to the community with Isuzu D-Max donation to Philippine Red Cross,” 27 October 2021:

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) continues to take active interest in the welfare of its community with another donation of Isuzu D-Max to the country’s leading humanitarian organization, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Laguna Chapter.  The official turnover was led by IPC Assistant Vice President for Administration, David Yandoc and Sales Division Head, Joseph Bautista on October 27 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.  Present to accept the donation were Sta. Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas, PRC Secretary General, Elizabeth S. Zaballa, and PRC Chapter Administrator Laguna Chapter, Frank Gray M. Sorromero. 

IPC recognizes the increased need of Red Cross to respond in this challenging time, as the pandemic persist and continue to affect vulnerable families.  As such, banking on the versatility and reliability of its pickup, IPC donates 1 Isuzu D-Max.  This vehicle will ensure that Red Cross will be where they need to be, no matter how difficult the road condition is. Be it an off-road or flooded area.

This is Isuzu’s third vehicle donation to PRC.  In January 2020, Isuzu supported PRC’s rescue and relief operations for those affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano by donating 1 Isuzu D-Max 4×4.  The following year, amid COVID-19 pandemic, Isuzu partnered again with PRC by donating one Isuzu NKR 71 food truck.  Equipped with a complete mini kitchen, the food truck helps PRC Laguna Chapter actively distribute hot meals into areas affected by quarantines and restrictions. 

In the acceptance message, Chairman of Board of Directors-PRC Laguna Chapter, Director Jaime B. Ching, recognized IPC for its trust and support to Philippine Red Cross Laguna Chapter. He acknowledged IPC as their partner in making their work more efficient and effective.  A plaque of appreciation was also awarded to IPC for its contribution and unselfish support to the endeavors of PRC-Laguna Chapter. 

To know more about IPC’s extensive corporate social responsibility efforts and its world-class roster of commercial and light commercial vehicles, log on to www.isuzuphil.com.