Trucks for Life: Isuzu Philippines holds 2014 Truck Fest

MANILA, Philippines - The undisputed commercial vehicle leader in the country, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) held the 2014 Truck Fest Manila to showcase the company’s diverse product range which caters to a wide array of business needs. With the motto, “Trucks for Life”, IPC showcased their truck line-up at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia last June 11 to 14. This follows a similarly successful edition held in Clark, Pampanga last May 8 to 9.

“The past few years have shown a tremendous increase in the sales of trucks and buses, with growth rates going past 30 percent not only for Isuzu, but for the entire auto industry,” said IPC President Nobuo Izumina. “It is no coincidence that during this period, we also saw the growth of the economy, placing the Philippines among the strongest growing economies in Asia. This is proof that the truck and bus segment plays a key role in nation-building. Isuzu rises to this challenge by providing world-class trucks and buses that are suited to the needs of all Filipino businesses.”

With the N-Series already the best-selling light-duty truck for the past 15 years, IPC used the 2014 Truck Fest Manila to showcase its newest product offerings to the market: the new Isuzu CYZ and EXR heavy-duty trucks which can be configured depending on the requirement of its customer.

The Isuzu EXR boasts a gross combination mass of 45,000 kilograms and is powered by the proven 6WF1-TCC engine that has an intercooled turbocharger and a high-pressure multi-injection, common-rail direct injection (CRDi) fuel system. This allows a maximum power output of 390 horsepower while remaining Euro II emission compliant.

The EXR also has an aerodynamic cab design and an optimal ground clearance, which makes it capable of tackling rough terrain. The driver’s seat also conforms to the latest European safety regulations along with the automatic adjusting wedge-type brake with ABS.

Meanwhile, the CYZ, which is rated with a gross vehicle weight ranging from 30,700 kilograms to 33,000 kilograms runs on the same engine as the EXR so it boasts of the same high power and torque ratings even at low engine speeds enabling it to achieve excellent fuel economy.

Like the EXR, the CYZ’s cab is also aerodynamic and can be tilted for easy maintenance access. A strong chassis frame and heavy-duty multi-leaf Trunnion suspension, and a no-spin-type differential are among its key features.

Currently, Isuzu Philippines is on track to match or even surpass the company’s total truck sales last year. In 2013, IPC tallied 2,682 units while in the first five months of 2014 alone, the figure is already pegged at 1,130 trucks.

“As business people, we would like to worry less about logistics and focus more on growth,” said IPC Executive Vice-President Takashi Tomita. “Developments are happening fast and all at the same time, and we often miss opportunities when we encounter operational problems that slow us down. Isuzu offers the solution to business needs, with each model thoughtfully designed to cater to every requirement.”

Aside from the newly launched CYZ and EXR, Isuzu lined-up the SMX Convention Center with 24 of its other truck models which are designed for specific business purposes. For instance, there is an NHR55 school bus and aluminum van, an NKR71 composite/aluminum van, an NPR71 fire truck, NQR71 telescopic and articulated crane, FVR34 dump truck and garbage compactor, and even the i-Van in both 16 and 18-seater UV Express shuttle configurations.

Isuzu Philippines also announced a series of special promotions on retail and fleet purchases on its trucks from now until August 31. These include freebies worth P 10,000 of Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS), three-year LTO registration, and even an Apple iPad Mini 3G.

The Isuzu Truck Fest which IPC started in 2013 is an evolution of its previous Isuzu Truck Attack events which were held previously in 1999, 2004, and 2010. These events all aim to bolster IPC’s leading position in the country’s commercial vehicle segment.