Isuzu sees better sales for 2019

MANILA, Philippines — Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) expects to see a turnaround in sales next year as it anticipates a decline this year. 

“Compared with last year, we are forecasting our automotive demand may be 15 percent or more down against last year because of TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) law,” IPC president Hajime Koso said in an interview.

IPC posted record high sales of 30,086 units last year.

Automotive firms saw a spike in sales last year as consumers made purchases ahead of this year’s implementation of TRAIN which among others, slapped higher excise taxes on automobiles.

As of end-September, IPC sold 12,113 units, 41 percent lower from the 20,580 units in the same period last year.

For this year, Koso said IPC is banking on its truck offerings to help bring in sales. 

IPC remains the leader in the country’s truck market through its 53 percent share. 

Koso said IPC is planning to start selling the EXZ QL truck this month. 

The truck, which is being positioned as the future of cargo mobility, boasts of fuel efficiency, comfortable driving experience through its air suspension seats and air-conditioned double-deck sleeper cab with large storage compartments, safety through the anti-lock braking system, as well as secure and easy handling. 

While IPC expects to the end the year with lower sales, Koso said the company is optimistic it could bounce back and have higher sales next year as the market is able to adjust to the higher excise tax for vehicles.  

“I think it (next year) will be better than this year,” he said. 

To better serve customers, IPC is also expanding its dealerships.

Last Oct. 29, IPC opened a new dealership in Taytay along the Manila East Road to cater to the Rizal province.

Covering 3,131 square meters, the Taytay dealership can put on display three light commercial vehicles (LCV) and one commercial vehicle (CV), while its service bays can accommodate up to seven LCVs and one CV.