The Isuzu D-MAX powered Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s (IPC) results in July as the pickup posted phenomenal gains over its June tally, pushing the company to a double-digit month-to-date growth. IPC’s other light commercial vehicles also contributed to the strong performance.

Based on combined figures released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Incorporated and the Truck Manufacturers Association, IPC sold 192 D-MAX pickups in July compared to June’s 114-unit total, representing a solid 68.4% increase. Bolstering the D-MAX’s sales are those of the Isuzu Alterra SUV and Crosswind AUV.

In July, IPC sold 59 Alterra units, two more than in June, leading to a modest 3.5% growth. The Crosswind found 600 customers in July, which is a 10.7% rise from the 542 units sold in June. Contributing to IPC’s results is the bestselling N-Series light-duty trucks as 178 units of these were delivered in July compared to the 166 units moved during the previous month.

The strength of the light commercial vehicles, along with the N-Series, lifted IPC’s July total to 1,094 units, or a 14.6% jump over its 955-unit tally in June. This has allowed IPC to outpace the local auto industry’s Commercial Vehicle (CV) segment results during the same period, which stands at 5.1% after CV makers sold 10,637 vehicles in July compared to 10,123 units in the previous month.

“The consistently robust performance of Isuzu’s light commercial vehicles reveals that there is a demand for value-laden, reliable, durable and fuel-efficient models across diverse segments in the local market,” IPC President Nobuo Izumina said. “This is also an indicator of the positive outlook Filipinos have over the entire Philippine auto industry and the present health of the economy.”

Key to the D-MAX’s popularity is its ability to be both a workhorse and a companion in active lifestyles, the pickup being useful during weekdays and on occasional out-of-town trips. The  D-MAX is equipped with a 4JJ1-TC iTEQ common rail direct injection with turbo intercooler EURO 2 engine, which makes 146ps @ 3,800rpm and 294Nm @ 1,400rpm to 3,400rpm. In LS variant, the truck has black leather-vinyl combination seats, black vinyl door trim insert, and a user-friendly AVT entertainment system that has a 6.2-inch WVGA digital TFT LCD screen for the DVD/WMA/MP3 functions, and which connects to iPods or gadgets via Bluetooth, as well as to a dealer-option navigation system.
   
Constant updates have ensured the Crosswind stay relevant among Filipino families, who value the vehicle for its capacity to serve leisure activities as well as business ventures. The Crosswind’s numerous variants may come fitted with projector-type headlamps, shark fin antenna, all-weather foglamps, side-view mirror with clear-lens turn signals, 15-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, rear spoiler, state-of-the-art full entertainment system, and leather-vinyl seats. A 4JA1-L turbocharged direct injection EURO 2 diesel engine, which makes 85ps and 185Nm of torque, powers the Crosswind.

The Alterra remains appealing to young professionals and entrepreneurs thanks to new features that position the SUV among the best in its class. The Alterra’s  Urban Cruiser X variant boasts of an entertainment system that includes a Kenwood audio/video head unit with a built-in 7-inch wide touch panel monitor, an iPod direct connector, integrated Bluetooth connectivity, CMPEG capability, an SD card reader, and powerful 240-watt speakers in front and 280-watt units in the rear. Passengers in the rear also get headrest-mounted, high-definition LCD monitors. Powering the SUV is Isuzu’s 4JJ1-TC-iTEQ 3.0-liter EURO 3 diesel engine that has a turbocharger and intercooler, plus a common rail direct injection system, producing 146ps and 294Nm of torque.