Category: Isuzu

Isuzu finishes 2019 strong with two new Mindanao dealerships

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While retaining their decades-long dominance of the Philippine truck market in 2019, Isuzu Philippines also finished the year strong with agreements for two new Mindanao dealerships–Isuzu Tagum and Isuzu Pagadian.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), “Isuzu Philippines inks 2 Mindanao dealership agreements,” 2019:

Bolstering its presence in the Mindanao regions for having one of the most promising growth potentials for the automotive and transport industries in the years to come, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) conducted formal signing ceremonies for two new dealerships last December 19, 2019.

Held at the Isuzu Philippines head office in Biñan, Laguna, the first dealership agreement signed was between IPC and Isuzu Tagum, with President Hajime Koso and Executive Vice President Shojiro Sakoda representing IPC, and President Walter Alvarez and Managing Director Edward Bangayan representing Image Motors Davao Del Norte Inc, signing for Isuzu Tagum.

The second ceremony was between IPC and Isuzu Pagadian, signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Mr. George Ongchua, General Manager of Northern Mindanao Automotive Dealership Inc., for the establishment of a satellite office in Pagadian City.

Isuzu Tagum is strategically located at the northern portion of Southern Mindanao and lies in the intersection of three major road network system namely the ‘Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway’, the ‘Davao-Mati-Agusan Road’, and the ‘Davao-Bukidnon Road’ that connects the city to other major destinations in the region and for the rest of Mindanao.

As the city serves as a vital economic crossroad not only for the province, but for the entire Davao Region, the new Isuzu dealership is strategically situated in at Brgy. Canocotan, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

On the other hand, Isuzu Pagadian is positioned at the regional center of Zamboanga Peninsula and the second-largest city in the region, bridging its nearby provinces to serve and provide quality Isuzu products, excellent after-sales service, and to become the most competitive transportation hub in the region.

Agriculture is the main economic resource of Pagadian, while several large deep-sea fishing vessels which venture into the Sulu Sea and West Philippine Sea, make Pagadian fish port their base of operation.

Establishing Isuzu presence in Pagadian will be the response to its growing transportation and logistics requirements, most especially for Isuzu trucks.

Isuzu Pagadian and Isuzu Tagum will feature the newest Isuzu showroom design that provides a better atmosphere and better kind of service. Both dealerships also comprise the strategic “triangle” of supply and service of world-class Isuzu vehicle brands in Mindanao, covering Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Davao Region.

Isuzu Tagum held its groundbreaking ceremony last July 11, 2019 and the soon to rise dealership in Tagum will be completed in May 2020, while Isuzu Pagadian dealership will be completed in February 2020.

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

Isuzu Philippines turns over 6 heavy duty tippers to 36 year-old major earthmoving contractor Anseca

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Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s top-ranked truckmaker, has delivered six heavy duty tipper trucks to Anseca Development Corporation. Anseca, the major earthmoving contractor, has been operating since 1983, pre-dating IPC’s own establishment in 1995 by a dozen years, and has ongoing projects for cement-maker giant Holcim Philippines and for Philex Mining.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), “Isuzu Philippines turns over 6 CYH52S dump trucks to Anseca,” 2019:

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s leading manufacturer, assembler, and distributor of brand-new trucks, turned over 6 CYH52S trucks to Anseca Development Corporation.

In a formal ceremony held at Holcim Mining, officials of IPC, Isuzu Cebu Inc, and the Isuzu Mandaue dealership turned over the trucks and the symbolic key to representatives of Anseca and Holcim Philippines.

The six brand-new CYH52S with 20 cubic meter dump trucks represents Anseca’s additional fleet of Isuzu trucks and are seen to play key roles in the daily operations in Anseca’s current partnership with Holcim Philippines.

Steve M. Gingco, General Manager of Isuzu Cebu Inc, said, “The CYH52 trucks are durable, heavy-duty trucks equipped with eco-friendly diesel technology, which can take on any load or road challenge. They deliver bigger payload capacity, covering a wide variety of applications, designed to handle all kinds of work under normal or tough conditions. With bigger load capacities, the higher the productivity you can expect from our Isuzu trucks.”

Anseca, an enterprise primarily engaged in earthmoving and allied activities, began its operations in 1983 and has since successfully completed 24 projects with clients such as the Philippine National Oil Corporation, Del Monte Philippines, Sta. Lucia Realty & Development Corp, Vista Land, Atlas Consolidated Mining & Development Corp, and Cemex Corp. It now has a series of ongoing projects with Holcim Philippines, Philex Mining, and Libjo Mining.

In his message at the formal turnover ceremony, IPC Executive Vice President Shojiro Sakoda reiterated that, among the many reasons for IPC’s market dominance over the years, the ability to meet customers’ ever-changing needs has always been a priority.

“IPC continues its market dominance in trucks for 20 consecutive years, dating back to 1999; and for decades, Isuzu has been known globally for its durable, dependable, and reliable trucks that can withstand any challenges in transport operations. With our collaboration with local body builders, our trucks have also been crafted to be suitable for whatever purposes our customers demand. Equally important is the aftersales support we provide to our clients along with every purchase—this is the Isuzu Advantage.”

The Isuzu Advantage is the sum of IPC’s different customer support programs bolstering its world-class lineup of vehicles. The first advantage is IPC’s roster of durable, reliable, fuel-efficient commercial vehicles. The second is its nationwide dealer network that now nears 50 outlets complete with servicing facilities. The third is the reliable and prompt nationwide parts availability. Finally, IPC’s team of expert service technicians and field support personnel are on call to provide technical assistance whenever and wherever needed.

“As your responsible partner, IPC guarantees to provide world-class vehicles and outstanding after-sales services to our clients,” Mr. Sakoda concluded.

To know more about the complete roster of world-class Isuzu CVs and LCVs, log on to www.isuzuphil.com, or visit any Isuzu dealership near you.

Isuzu breaks ground for construction of new La Union dealership

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Isuzu Philippines has kicked off the construction of their new dealership in Bauang, La Union where the provincial government is focusing their economy on becoming northern Luzon’s agritourism center by 2025.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), “Isuzu Philippines Holds Groundbreaking ceremony for new Dealership in La Union,” 2019:

On track for its “Road to 50 Dealerships”, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) formally held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Isuzu dealership in La Union.

IPC led the ceremonial installation of the time capsule on the 7,300-sqm lot along the national highway in Barrio Paringao in Bauang, La Union. The facility is expected to be completed mid-2020. The Isuzu La Union dealership features the new design guidelines for Isuzu dealerships, which has a cleaner and more streamlined interior and façade.

Benigno Garcia, Chairman and President of One Maharlika Motor Sales and Services Corporation will oversee the operations of this contemporary designed dealership. He added that the 3, 000 sqm showroom can display 4 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and 2 commercial vehicles (CVs), while the service area can accommodate up to 5 LCVs and 4 trucks in its service bays.

Isuzu La Union dealership also marks a new partnership between IPC and One Maharlika Motor Sales and Services Corporation.

In his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony, IPC President Hajime Koso welcomed the new partnership, as this would pave the way for IPC to reach more Filipinos.

“We at Isuzu always look for ways to connect and reach out to our customers. Today marks the construction of our new dealership as we aspire to serve our customers here in La Union. Isuzu La Union will be a place of finest Isuzu vehicles, genuine Isuzu parts, and exceptional services,” Mr Koso said.

He further added, “La Union is known for its tourism industry, and its economy is diversified with service, manufacturing, and agricultural industries spread throughout the province; and we at Isuzu Philippines are very happy to establish our presence here in La Union, in response to its growing transportation requirements.”

Mr. Garcia announced that Isuzu La Union will offer the full roster of brand-new Isuzu LCVs and CVs. “By the time we open in mid-2020, we will offer Isuzu LCVs such as mu-X and the D-MAX, as well as our trucks like N-Series, F-Series, C&E-Series, and of course, the newly introduced Traviz, which is ideal for small and medium enterprises.”

In a prepared statement, La Union Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III declared that by 2025, La Union would become “the heart of agritourism in northern Luzon.”

He added, “The Isuzu La Union groundbreaking ceremony is a validation that, indeed, it’s great to do business in La Union. Isuzu La Union would bring forth a stronger presence in transportation technology in the northern Philippines. Ultimately, this would result to a more robust movement of people, goods and services, which would spark economic dynamism not only in La Union and northern Luzon but the whole Philippines.”

To know more about Isuzu’s full roster of LCVs and CVs, log on to www.isuzuphil.com or visit the nearest Isuzu dealer near you today.

Coca-Cola Philippines acquires 95 Isuzu trucks including FVR’s with Allison automatic gearboxes

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Coca-Cola Philippines, owner of one of the largest truck fleets in the country today, acquires 95 new Isuzu trucks including FVR medium-duty haulers with distinctive Allison automatic transmissions.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), “Coca-Cola and Isuzu partner to champion safety and sustainability in fleet operations,” 2019:

Coca-Cola Beverage Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the country, has partnered with Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC)— the country’s leading manufacturer of brand-new trucks— to further enhance safety and sustainability within its logistics operations. 95 top-of-the-line vehicles have been turned over to Coca-Cola’s already expansive delivery fleet.

Coca-Cola operates one of the biggest truck fleets in the Philippines, with almost 3,000 trucks and over 2,000 sales service vehicles. Approximately 2,500 shipments per day are undertaken, transporting to 20,000 doors across the country. For operations this massive in scale, the Company implements a road safety framework built on three pillars: organization and culture, vehicles and technologies, and the drivers. Each pillar, in turn, has different programs and initiatives that address capability development, technical standards and monitoring, and driving performance and engagement.

“For every bottle of Coca-Cola that you purchase, there’s an implicit promise that it was delivered with the utmost quality, in accordance with strict safety guidelines, and adhered to high sustainability standards,” says CCBPI Logistics and Distribution Director Ruth Genota.

Isuzu FVR trucks with installed Allison Automatic Transmission—the first of its kind in the Philippines—were among the partnership turnover highlights. These trucks’ transmission were specially crafted by leading automotive expert Gendiesel Philippines, Inc.

All the turned over trucks delivers Isuzu’s 8-Point Advantage: 1) nationwide dealer network; 2) nationwide parts availability; 3) expert Japanese engineers; 4) expert service technicians; 5) mobile medic; 6) drivers and mechanics training; 7) safety driving training; 8) fuel eco-driving training. The installed palletized bottle carriers were made by IPC partner body builders, Almazora and Centro.

The partnership with Isuzu, whose commercial vehicles are known for their reliability and efficiency, promises to deliver dependable transportation solutions to support Coca-Cola’s extensive and intensive distribution requirements. Isuzu trucks are equipped with Euro IV- to V-compliant engines that produce cleaner emissions; and with blue power technology, which helps make the trucks more powerful, yet economical and environmentally friendly.

These new acquisitions are in keeping with Coca-Cola’s long-standing commitment to reduce carbon emissions and to achieve sustainable operations in fleet management—through the use of low-emission engines in its trucks and through the adoption of new technologies to further improve our logistics and distribution capabilities.

Genota adds, “At Coca-Cola, we make sure that our sustainability practice is a holistic process: our whole value chain, from manufacturing to distribution, has systems in place to reduce our environmental impact. This is a continuous process of improvement, as we work toward further strengthening our environment-conscious policies, across all facets of our operations.”

Coca-Cola in the Philippines has delivered strongly on its environmental stewardship across the business and the value chain through its other sustainability pillars: water, energy, and waste. It has achieved 100% water replenishment in the Philippines, via its water-saving programs and waste water treatment in its operations, in addition to providing far-flung communities access to potable water through the AGOS Program. The company sources over 60% of its total energy requirements in the country from renewable energy; and in 2018, Coca-Cola announced its World Without Waste global goal of collecting and recycling every bottle and can sold, by 2030. In the Philippines, Coca-Cola’s packaging footprint is 50% returnable glass bottles, while its PET bottles and aluminum cans are 100% recyclable. In June 2019, it launched the Viva! Eco-bottle, the first beverage bottle in the country made from 100% recycled plastic.

The Company will continue to forge partnerships with organizations across the Philippines, who share its sustainability goals—pursuing both the health of the industry and the welfare of the environment.

Isuzu serves repeat customer with largest single delivery of modern PUVs

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Isuzu Philippines has delivered 25 Class 2 modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) to MetroExpress Connect, Inc. (MCI), a private corporation operating public transport fleets across the country. Intended for public transport routes in Las Pinas and Cavite, the 25 Isuzu modern PUVs with Almazora bodies represent the truckmaker’s largest single delivery so far (exceeding the 20 for a Tarlac transport cooperative last March), and this one for a third purchase batch by MCI.

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), “Isuzu Philippines turns over 25 units of modern PUVs to MetroExpress Connect Inc.,” 2019:

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s leading manufacturer and distributor of brand-new trucks, continues its effort to support the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) to bring safer, more efficient, more convenient, and more environmentally sustainable transport system to Filipinos.

IPC turned over the third batch of brand-new Isuzu PUVs to MetroExpress Connect Inc. (MCI), which consists of 25 units that will ply the routes of Las Piñas to Daang Hari, Kawit, Cavite to PITX, Tanza, Cavite to PITX, and General Trias to Daang Hari.

MCI started as shuttle services group, with a fleet of no more than 20 shuttles servicing private subdivisions, providing quality transportation to communities, connecting them to commercial developments and city centers.

As the years progress, MCI have soon acquired bigger and bolder projects, widening their operation, and choosing Isuzu PUVs as their transportation hub, MCI will be able to guarantee its commuters to have a safe, seamless, and reliable transportation.

IPC’s modernized PUVs assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 platform and the PUV body designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corp, is equipped with the Euro IV-compliant 4JH1-TC diesel engine that delivers better fuel economy and cleaner emissions than jeepneys; thus guarantees its clients like MetroExpress Connect Inc. to provide quality and reliable transportation, connecting passengers and communities to their destinations the easy way.

IPC President Hajime Koso encouraged other transport companies across the country to already make that switch to safer, cleaner, more convenient, and more reliable modernized PUVs. “I have always believed that the Isuzu PUVs are truly a vehicle made by the Filipinos for the Filipinos and we are confident that these units will be able to provide a more durable, comfortable, and safe transport solution for the riding public.”

For more information about Isuzu PUVs, visit the nearest Isuzu dealer, or log on to www.isuzuphil.com.

Isuzu Philippines introduces Traviz LCV challenger / successor to Mitsubishi L300

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Pasay City, Philippines | 12 November 2019–Isuzu Philippines has officially introduced their Traviz light commercial vehicle (LCV) at the SMX convention center today, first presenting the new model to motoring press and Isuzu dealers in the morning and then displaying it to the general public in the afternoon.

The Traviz is Isuzu Philippines’ first ever entry into the LCV segment that was dominated previously by the Mitsubishi L300 (until the L300 was discontinued in 2018 and then reintroduced last month with a new Euro 4 engine). Last year, the Traviz was first introduced with a Euro 2 engine in Indonesia where it replaced the Isuzu Bison–ironically, a rebadged Mitsubishi L300.

Bigger than the L300 it rivals and replaces (here and abroad, respectively), the Traviz has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of nearly three tons and a load factor reaching 120 percent. It’s at the very top of its Category 2 truck classification, already bumping up against the 3000kg lower threshold for Category 3 haulers that include Isuzu’s own N-series light-duty trucks.

For the Philippine market, the Traviz is available in two chassis lengths, the Traviz S chassis with a 2250mm wheelbase and the Traviz L with 2400mm (consistently 50mm longer than the 2200mm and 2350mm of the standard and extended wheelbases of the old Euro 2 L300). Prices of basic cab and chassis variants are at P962k for the Traviz S and P992k for the Traviz L .

The new Isuzu Traviz LCV

Now powered with a Euro 4 version of Isuzu’s rugged 4JA1-L turbodiesel delivering 77hp @ 3900rpm and 177Nm @ 1800rpm, their new LCV appears to have finally justified an update to this, the engine of their bestselling Crosswind AUV that was taken off the market last year because of its Euro 2 engine.

Challenger / successor to L300

Developed by the Isuzu Global CV Engineering Center (IGCE) in Thailand, Isuzu’s dedicated truck engineering unit for emerging markets, the Traviz was first introduced globally in April 2018 in Indonesia which accounts for a large chunk of the global LCV trade. The new model was badged as the Traga for Indonesia where it directly succeeds the Isuzu Bison which, in turn, is actually a re-badged second-generation L300 they introduced in 2010 but with a 40 year old design dating back to 1979.

Predecessor of Indonesia’s Traga: the second generation Mitsubishi L300 re-badged as the Isuzu Bison

Indonesia’s Isuzu Bison is identical to the Philippines’ standard wheelbase Euro 2 Mitsubishi L300 except for having Isuzu’s 80hp/195Nm 4JA1-L low boost turbodiesel (the engine also under the hood of the Crosswind) instead of Mitsubishi’s 69hp/140Nm 4D56 direct injection non-turbo diesel that we have here (before their upgrade to a Euro 4 intercooled tubodiesel this year).

The Traga was designed to be larger, more agile, and also more rugged than the Bison/L300. It has a slightly longer 2250mm wheelbase (compared to the standard 2200mm of the Euro 2 Bison/L300) but retains a tight 4.5m turning radius. The ladder frame is based on the chassis of their rugged D-Max pickup, resulting in an undercarriage rated for 600kg more in GVW .

Euro 4 update, finally

Just months after the Indonesia roll out last year, the Traga was previewed here at the 2018 Philippine International Motor Show. Initially renamed the VTO2 for this purpose, the new, as yet Indonesia-stock LCV, had opposite, right-side steering and, more significantly, still the same Euro 2 4JA1-L turbodiesel that they had in the Crosswind AUV–Isuzu’s bestselling model that had to be discontinued last year because it didn’t have a Euro 4 engine.

Indonesia’s Traga previewed by Isuzu Philippines as the Vto2 at PIMS 2018

In the face of these incompatibilities, the preview hinted at imminent adaptations for the Philippine market. Good news since it presented a new model’s justification for development work on the trademark engine of the bestselling old Crosswind which gained even more stature when it was discontinued in 2018.

The Crosswind had to be taken off the market last year when government regulation made Euro 4 compliant engines mandatory for all new vehicle registrations. Even in the face of imminent enforcement of Euro 4 standards, the Crosswind’s developer–Isuzu Astra of Indonesia, also the producer of the Traviz–could not justify an update to the engine of an old model that’s a bestseller only in the Philippines.

The new Isuzu Traviz’s 4JA1 CRDi turbodiesel

Now, apparently, the Philippines’ new Traviz has broken that loggerhead and precipitated the update of the venerable Isuzu 4JA1-L low boost turbodiesel to Euro 4 standards by means of a new high pressure common rail direct injection (CRDi) fuel system and an electronic engine control unit (ECU). Updated to Euro 4 compliance, the Traviz’s powertrain retains the Crosswind’s proven and peculiarly successful combination of the slightly over-square and quick-revving 4JA1-L with its 93x92mm bore and stroke dimensions, and its MUA-5S 5-speed manual transmission with extra deep gear ratios …

  • 1 : 4.357 in 1st
  • 1 : 2.502 in 2nd
  • 1 : 1.501 in 3rd
  • 1 : 1.000 in direct drive 4th
  • 1 : 0.909 in overdrive 5th
  • 1 : 4.777 for final drive

Manufacturing outlook

The Isuzu Traviz is reportedly being imported from Indonesia as semi-knocked down (SKD) kits, giving Isuzu Philippines’ workforce some elbow room for working in some local input and shoring up Isuzu’s foothold as an automotive assembler. But the Traviz’s further reaching effect on the economic footprint of Isuzu Philippines is how it suggests a possible reintroduction of the Crosswind as a completely knocked down (CKD) model to be rolled out by assembly lines that were momentarily mothballed while the big brand truckmaker waited for motivations to align and deliver a Euro 4 engine update.

A Crosswind on the Isuzu Philippines assembly line in 2016

Isuzu continues to support LTFRB’s modern PUV caravan on Visayas leg, shows next-model NLR77 Class 2 PUV

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Isuzu Philippines sustains its strong presence on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) modern public utility vehicle (PUV) nationwide caravan as it started its Visayas phase last month. For the caravan’s Visayas leg that kicked off in Iloilo in October, they’ve fielded their next-model NLR77 Class 2 modern PUV which features their trademark hexapod cabin design in front, an integral passenger body built by Santa Rosa Motors in the back, and a powerful new roof-mounted Denso air-conditioning package on top.

Isuzu NLR77 Class 2 PUV on opening motorcade of nationwide LTFRB caravan in Bacolod City

While attending the second stop of the caravan’s Visayas leg held at SM Bacolod last October 28, Isuzu marketing head Joseph Bautista explained that they strongly support the traveling exhibition because it gives the entire country’s commuting public the chance to see the benefits of modernized public transport firsthand. The caravan gives commuters the opportunity to confirm how these new minibus-type PUVs are more comfortable, convenient and eco-friendly than the low-roofed truck-based passenger jeepneys these are replacing.

Bautista said that equally important is how the traveling exhibition shows jeepney operators the modern vehicles they will be driving when they leave behind the old piecemeal boundary system. As members of modern PUV transport cooperatives, former jeepney drivers will be getting mainstreamed compensation, earning fixed salaries supplemented with social security and medical care benefits that are mandatory for all Philippine employees.

The NLR77 Class 2 PUV that they will be exhibiting to commuters and jeepney operators on the caravan’s Visayas leg is described by Bautista as an eventual successor to their QKR77 vehicles, aligning Isuzu’s transport modernization products with the rest of their Euro 4 compliant Blue Power truck lineup. The NLR77-based PUV retains most of the original contours of its spacious cabin and, after its initial development with an integral passenger body built by Santa Rosa Motors, will eventually have more models with Almazora- and Cenro-built bodies as well. NLR77 Class 2 and Class 3 PUVs can be configured with either side- or front-facing seats.

Isuzu NLR77 Class 2 PUV beside converted van public utility vehicle while on opening motorcade of modern PUV caravan in Bacolod City

Bautista confirmed that after Iloilo and Bacolod, the LTFRB modern PUV caravan will visit Dumaguete, Cebu, Bohol, Ormoc and then Tagbilaran to complete the Visayas region leg. The Visayas tour is the third leg of a nationwide campaign kicked off last July in Clark, Pampanga with a first leg covering northern and central Luzon and then a second leg for Mindanao. After the Visayas tour, the PUV caravan will hop to southern Luzon, visiting Legazpi and Quezon, Laguna and Batangas provinces before culminating with a major event at the Paraňaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Metro Manila.

Isuzu Philippines marketing head Joseph Bautista and LTFRB chairman Martin B. Delgra III at opening ceremony of modern PUV caravan in Bacolod City

Bautista further confirmed that aside from visiting upcoming exhibitions of the LTFRB’s nationwide caravan, jeepney operators can go to any of Isuzu’s 42 dealerships nationwide to evaluate these modern PUVs. Bautista said that their dealerships have trained representatives prepared to help interested parties learn options for starting their own modern PUV fleets, and also to arrange test drives to get them behind the wheel of Isuzu’s modern PUV models.

Isuzu NLR77 Class 2 PUV at outdoor exhibit for modern PUV caravan in Bacolod City

Isuzu Philippines gives legal notice to defend premium Japanese brand

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Isuzu Philippines has had to resort to legal notice to oppose the improper importation of Isuzu-badged vehicles from illicit sources in the region. Global Isuzu’s joint ventures in China were licensed to produce trucks for that market only and are not authorized to export these to other countries where Isuzu has its own distribution arrangements.

Isuzu Philppines’ top of the line EXR tractor head with advanced 16-speed driveline and Mimamori telemetry, and legitimately sourced from the assembly lines of Isuzu Motors Ltd. of Japan

The limitation of Isuzu’s arrangements with China to the Chinese market (the world’s largest automotive market) is underscored by how heavy-duty Isuzu trucks produced in that country depart from the design and engineering of Isuzu Motors Ltd. of Japan–direct source of Isuzu Philippines’ C and E series heavy haulers, for instance.

Screenshot of global Isuzu’s page on lineup of C & E series heavy duty trucks for export from Japan (click on image to see page at https://www.isuzu.co.jp/world/product/ce_series/lineup.html)

Press Statement by Isuzu Philippines, “Isuzu Philippines Corporation has recently warned the public about the unauthorized sale or trade of the Isuzu trademark and Isuzu-branded vehicles,” 2019:

In a legal notice issued by the Ortega Bacorro Odulio Calma & Carbonell law firm to major newspapers from October 14, IPC reiterates that Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) of Japan “is the registered owner of the trademark Isuzu and related marks worldwide and in the Philippines,” and that “IPC is the duly authorized distributor and assembler of Isuzu products in the Philippines by virtue of a valid Assembler Distributor Agreement

The notice stresses that “IML and IPC have not authorized other individuals/entities to conduct distribution, marketing, or sales activities outside of the IPC dealership network.”

The notice comes after the discovery of recent business activities involving entities offering brand-new Isuzu vehicles in the Philippines, allegedly without proper authorization.

IPC warned that “any unauthorized use or infringement of the trademark Isuzu and related marks, or adopting any confusingly similar mark, will be dealt with and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. All violators must cease and desist from conducting such unlawful acts, which include unauthorized sale, offering for sale, distribution, importation, advertising, and other preparatory steps necessary to carry out the sale of goods or services.”

Taking stock of its long-standing good reputation among Filipino buyers, IPC reiterated that its brand-new vehicles strictly follow specifications of IML in Japan, are fitted with genuine Isuzu parts, and comes with aftersales services. It guarantees that only the latest components and the best care and maintenance will be given to each vehicle rolling out of the IPC-authorized dealers. The same cannot be guaranteed by IPC with respect to brand-new vehicles purchased through other channels.

Isuzu rolls out Boondock special edition on fifth year of their Mu-X mid-size SUV

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Isuzu Philippines introduced the Boondock special edition of their Mu-X mid-size SUV at their Grand Family Event held at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang last Saturday. The event was organized to commemorate the fifth year of their popular SUV and it brought together members of Team Isuzu Pilipinas, Team Isuzu Car Enthusiasts, and mu-X Owners Philippines car clubs and their 300 Isuzu vehicles. The day’s festivities featured a car show competition, games and prizes, a parts and accessories display, a historic Isuzu vehicles exhibit, and an evening concert.

Isuzu Philippines president Hajime Koso said: “Introduced in 2014, the Isuzu mu-X became an instant hit to Filipino families nationwide, mainly due to its excellent performance, elegant styling and outstanding comfort– factors that are very important for a family vehicle.”

The car show competition at the Isuzu Grand Family Event

A westernization of the Tagalog word bundok, the term boondock dates back to the early 20th century when U.S. military men in the Philippines spoke of putting on their boondockers (field boots) to go hiking in the boondocks (mountains).  Originally used to brand an off-roading special edition of the first generation D-Max pickup a decade ago, the Boondock badge returned first on the top-spec D-Max 3.0 LS 4×2 variants last May, then now as a special edition rendering of the Mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4×2 AT.

The new Mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4×2 AT Boondock edition clads sensible rough-roading capability in strong off-road styling.  It’s a look and feel that was proven popular, and relevant, on the top-spec Sportivo and XUV variants of Isuzu’s classic and popular but now discontinued Crosswind line.

The special edition Mu-X Boondock features large, knobby and high-walled 265/70 R17 Yokohama G015 all-terrain tires that add 3cm to wheel diameters (compared to stock 255/60 R18 tires) and give the Boondock just about the largest tires among the top mid-size SUVs in the market.

Handling is improved for the heavier balloon tires with monotube nitrogen-filled shock absorbers where the neutral gas allows for higher pressurization, and stronger damping control, without foaming up the hydraulic oil. Also, the raw 20mm height increase caused by the large tires was damped down by the enhanced suspension to just 17mm, raising the Mu-X Boondock from a stock 230 up to its new 247mm ground clearance.

Available in Havana Brown, the Mu-X Boondock has a redesigned front grille complimented with grey front bumper extenders that blend backwards into over fenders joined front to back by a honeycomb-surfaced step board. On top, adding to the Boondock’s utility, is a functioning rails and cross-bars roof-grid, also in grey.

The Mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4×2 AT Boondock is now offered at an introductory price of P1.845M. This price reportedly after a P160k discount that notches it beside the Mu-X 3.0 4×2 LS-A AT Luxe that they debuted in February 2018 with its signature tailgate opener servo.

Isuzu Philippines stock photo of new Mu-X Boondock

Isuzu launches new top-spec D-Max with off-road test drives for the public in Cebu and Davao

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After launching the D-Max top-spec LS-A in Makati City last August 29, Isuzu now introduces the new variant with off-road test drive and mall display events for the Visayas and Mindanao regions.  The launch last weekend at the SM Seaside City in Cebu is now followed by the event at SM Lanang in Davao City starting today, Friday, September 20, and running until Sunday, September 22.

The D-Max 3.0 LS-A 4×4 AT atop the table-top challenge on the off-road course Isuzu built at the southeast corner open lot of SM Seaside City in Cebu

Isuzu Philippines Corp. president Hajime Koso says, “the D-MAX LS-A represents nearly a century of Isuzu’s experience and innovation in the design, engineering, and workmanship of diesel-powered utility vehicles.” He adds that, “the D-MAX LS-A is infused, as well, with features that address the demands of a market that value both hard work and play, business with leisure.”

Outgoing D-Max top-spec 3.0L LS, also available for test drive at Isuzu’s launch events in Cebu and Davao

The D-Max LS-A replaces the 3.0 LS as the model’s top-spec variant, eventually to become the upper range model above their 1.9L RZ4E LS line-up.  The LS-A still features the 3.0 liter 4JJ1-TCX diesel mill with variable geometry turbocharger producing 173hp (177ps) of peak power and 380Nm of max torque, with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, and initially available with a 4×4 drivetrain (the 4×2 option will be made available later this year).

The distinguishing touches of the new LS-A start in front with dark-grey furnishings replacing and expanding on the D-Max’s grille chrome, merging this downwards with a two-tone bumper that brandishes bushing stylings on the corners and a silver skid plate at bottom center.  Along the side, the LS-A now features power folding side mirrors in toughened dark grey polymer finish plus logo’d cargo extenders running along the top of the rear deck walls, also in dark grey.  There are fender shields joined visually front to back by faceted rocker panels, all in dark grey, and underscored by a step board in black.  The LS-A’s 255/60 R18 low-walled Toyo tires are mounted on matching two-tone alloy wheels that are exclusive to the new variant.

Isuzu Philippines president Hajime Koso takes first crack at the off-road test-drive course at SM Seaside City, Cebu

At introductory prices that a source tells us are around P200K under what will become its regular price points, the new D-Max 3.0L LS-A 4×4 is now on offer at P1.630M for the MT variant and at P1.700M for the AT. These are the former prices of the 3.0L LS 4×4 MT and AT variants, remaining stocks of which are now being offered with significant discounts at P1.320M and P1.390, respectively.

The launch of the mall display at SM Seaside City, Cebu

Both the new LS-A and the outgoing LS models have been made available to the public for the off-road test drives.  Visitors are paired up with instructor drivers to guide them through specially built dirt tracks that feature steep uphill climbs and downhill descents, side sloping patches to test grip and stability, mud-pools to prove 4×4 traction, an array of deep “elephant” potholes to push the suspension’s articulation to its limits, and that exciting climb up and descent from a tall “table-top” that’s meant to test torque, approach and departure angles, and the driver’s adrenaline threshold.

The regional launches were started last weekend in Cebu in the Central Visayas where the off-road test drives have particular relevance.  Dealer group Isuzu Cebu, Inc.’s general manager Steve Gingco says that in a market where a 200 percent increase from the same period last year now sees pick-up trucks surpassing SUVs in popularity, and compared to the rest of the country where most pick-up sales are for 4×2 variants, Cebu is the one place where most carmakers record an even split between these and 4×4 off-roading trucks.

The top brass of the Isuzu Cebu Inc. (at left) and Isuzu Philippines Corp. (at right) kick off the brand’s “Tough Enough” 4×4 test drive series at SM Seaside City in Cebu