New mu-X sales drive Isuzu Phl performance

MANILA, Philippines - Diesel expertise and a reputation for reliable, durable and fuel-efficient vehicles continue to strengthen Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s (IPC) position in the local automotive market.

This is shown in IPC’s performance in the three quarters of 2014 as the company’s sales registered significant growth rates. Compared to its figures from January to September last year, IPC sales rose 11.6 percent during the same period while the monthly result posted a 24.3-percent jump.

Powering IPC’s growth are sales of SUV models, which increased from 468 units to 682 units year-to-date, or a 45.7-percent spike. More impressively, SUV deliveries in August 2014, which reached 45 units, exploded to 360 units in the following month – an astounding 700-percent rise.

Accelerating the increase is the arrival of Isuzu’s new mu-X premium SUV, which was introduced in September at the 5th Philippine International Motor Show. In less than a month after its debut, IPC’s flagship SUV already sold 357 units. The result is more than IPC’s total monthly gain in September, which stands at 1,213 sold compared to 976 units in August, a difference of 237 units. This puts IPC’s month-on-month growth at a remarkable 24.3 percent.

Along with the SUV models, IPC’s popular D-MAX pickup also continued on its upward trajectory as it sold 2,860 units from January to September 2014 compared to the 1,497 units moved during the same months last year. The growth is a solid 91-percent improvement, and together with the 3,855 delivered units of the bestselling Crosswind, contributed to IPC’s 9.7-percent increase in sales of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV). IPC sold 7,397 of these models in the first nine months of 2014, versus the 6,746 units sold in the same period last year.

The strong year-to-date results of both SUV and pickup models are reflected in the boost of LCV sales in September, which reached 1,001 units, compared to 644 units in August, or a 55.4-percent increase.

The mu-X comes loaded with advanced technological and design features, boasting numerous convenience and safety equipment that make the premium SUV an ideal vehicle for Filipino families.

The top variant is the mu-X LS-A, which comes with either 4WD or 2WD paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Next is the mu-X LS-M, which comes with 2WD and a 5-speed manual transmission. Bringing up the entry-level end is the mu-X LS. Also equipped with 2WD and a 5-speed manual, this variant should satisfy the requirements of first-time SUV buyers.