Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has presented in Cebu the newest additions to its medium-duty truck lines, as well as a host of unique transportation solutions, at the 2013 Isuzu Truck Fest – Cebu, which was successfully held from July 18 to 20 at SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Mabolo City.

Leading the event’s opening ceremonies were IPC President Nobuo Izumina, Isuzu Automotive Dealership General Manager Rene Paningbatan, as well as other IPC executives, Isuzu dealership officials and distinguished guests. Launched at the show were the Isuzu Forward FRR and FVM models, which are expected to bolster IPC’s leadership in the medium-duty truck segment.

“The 2013 Isuzu Truck Fest – Cebu serves to point out the important role that buyers from outside the National Capital Region, especially those in the Visayas, play in making Isuzu trucks one of the bestsellers in the Philippines,” Izumina said. “In the Visayas and Mindanao, Isuzu has firmly established a stronghold, and our latest figures show that 22% of our sales nationwide come from Visayas and Mindanao. From that, Cebu accounts for an impressive 33% share. For this reason, we consider it our duty to bring our very best product offerings to the Isuzu Truck Fest – Cebu.”

Isuzu trucks in the Visayas and Mindanao are presently serving the needs of small- to medium-scale entrepreneurs, multinational companies and even government agencies, among others. In the Visayas, Isuzu has dealerships in Bacolod, Iloilo and Mandaue City.    In Mindanao, Isuzu dealerships are located in Cagayan De Oro, Davao and General Santos.

Along with the newly introduced Forward FRR and FVM, also serving as crowd drawers at the Cebu edition of the 2013 Truck Fest were a lineup of Isuzu trucks that came in various body configurations, highlighting the models’ potential in numerous business and service applications. Displayed were an NKR cab and chassis, NHR Passenger Van with air-conditioning, CYZ cab and chassis, NQR refrigerated van, NKR with a stake body, NPR aerial platform and even an Isuzu marine engine.

The Forward FRR is powered by a 4HK1-TCS 5.2-liter, turbocharged, intercooled, Euro II-compliant diesel engine with common rail direct injection fuel system. It delivers a maximum power of 210ps @ 2,600rpm and a maximum torque of 637Nm @ 1,600rpm and is mated to a six-speed transmission. The FRR has a gross vehicle weight of 10,600 kilograms and a payload capacity of 7,450 kilograms.

A much larger vehicle, the Forward FVM is powered by a 6HK1-TCN 7.8-liter, six-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled, Euro II-compliant diesel engine that is combined with a six-speed transmission. With common rail direct injection, it delivers a maximum power of 240ps @ 2,400rpm and a maximum torque of 706Nm @ 1,450rpm. The FVM has a gross vehicle weight of 25,000 kilograms and a payload capacity of 18,380 kilograms.

Both the Forward FRR and FVM are backed by a two-year or 50,000-kilometer warranty, whichever comes first.

During the show, a special deal was offered to customers who purchase any truck variant from July 18 up to August 31, 2013, which consists of free LTO registration and P20,000 worth of Caltex fuel cards.

The show also featured IPC’s other partners like Almazora, Centro, and, Multilift,  which build trucks’ bodies for Isuzu, and bank partner BPI.

“Through the displays and various activities at the 2013 Isuzu Truck Fest, we were able to stress to show visitors the advantages of buying brand-new trucks. In this regard, Isuzu trucks, which are widely reputed to be durable and reliable, are presented as especially ideal as livelihood and logistics partners,” Izumina said.