The robust sales performance of the all-new Isuzu D-MAX has carried the momentum of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) in January as the company recorded a 9.8% growth.

Sales of the all-new D-MAX in January reached 261 units, a 146.2% spike from the 106 units the pickup model logged in the same month in 2013. The all-new D-MAX’s sales movement continues months following its introduction in September 2013.

Combined figures released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association show that sales of other Isuzu models tempered IPC’s tally in January. The perennially strong Isuzu Crosswind dipped 14.1% with 443 units sold compared to its 516-unit total in January 2013. Isuzu’s flagship Alterra SUV, meanwhile, remained a steady force in IPC’s lineup as it registered the same 35-unit total year-on-year. This contributed in driving Isuzu Light Commercial Vehicle models to a solid 12.5% growth, or 739 units sold in January versus the 657 vehicles delivered in the same month in 2013.

The movement of IPC’s truck lineup remained remarkably consistent even as Isuzu’s bestselling N-Series light-duty trucks experienced a minor decline in January, with sales of 131 units compared to 135 units in January 2013. Isuzu’s medium- to heavy-duty truck and bus models allowed IPC to finish the first month of 2013 and 2014 with the same 177-unit total in sales.

“Various forecasts have indicated the Philippine economy will further expand in 2014 after closing 2013 with growth of around 7%. The country’s automotive sector is expected to follow this trend as consumer confidence builds up, spurring increased spending,” said IPC President Nobuo Izumina. “As such, Isuzu Philippines is positive we will reach our sales target of 15,000 vehicles in 2014, and certainly, the all-new D-MAX will play a key role in this.”

IPC’s January tally of 916 units—an almost 10% jump year-on-year—has put the company in the Number Three position in the domestic Commercial Vehicle segment. The performance also placed Isuzu among the top five automotive firms in the Philippines.

To bolster this position, IPC will reveal several upgrades to its product lineup at this year’s Philippine International Motor Show, which is scheduled on September 18 to 21 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.