Isuzu to meet sales target

MANILA, Philippines - Isuzu Philippines Corp.(IPC) is on track to meet its 13,000-unit sales target this year as it saw higher sales in the eight months to August from the same period a year ago, an official said.

Arthur Balmadrid, senior vice president for corporate business division of IPC told reporters that IPC’s sales in the January to August period reached almost 8,000 units, 15 percent higher than last year.

He declined to give specific figures but noted that sales for the month of August alone were down on a monthly and year-on-year basis as the monsoons and declaration of national holidays led to fewer working days.

“But we expect that after August, sales will be better...We are on track to meet our target,” he said.

Sales usually pick-up in September to December, Balmadrid said.

He said the firm is upbeat as more individuals are purchasing vehicles they can use even when there are floods.

Balmadrid noted that others prefer vehicles which consume less fuel.

Most of IPC’s vehicles are fuel-efficient, which makes it the brand’s top selling point.

Higher sales will likewise be supported by the country’s good economic conditions, he said.

IPC’s target this year is the highest set by the company so far, with record sales of 12,000 units recorded in 2003. Last year, IPC sold around 10,800 units. – Louella Desiderio