Isuzu executives held a ceremonial toast to open the 2014 Isuzu Truck Fest Manila at the SMX

Already having a firm hold on the country’s commercial vehicle segment, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) in its 2014 Truck Fest Manila showcases the diversity of Isuzu’s product range, which ensures the brand’s continued leadership in the local market.

IPC’s Trucks for Life lineup takes to the spotlight at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia on June 11 to 14, 2014. Starring at the spectacle are products that represent the core value of what Isuzu is all about—the ever dependable, durable and reliable Isuzu trucks. The 2014 Truck Fest Manila follows a similar edition held in Clark, Pampanga on May 8 and 9, 2014.

“The past few years have shown a tremendous increase in the sales of trucks and buses, with growth rates going past 30% not only for Isuzu, but for the entire auto industry,” says 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.”
 
Being the Philippines’ most trusted brand when it comes to trucks, clearly seen in the N-Series being the country’s bestselling light-duty truck for 15 consecutive years, Isuzu remains steadfast in bringing out new products to the market. At the 2014 Truck Fest, IPC presents the new Isuzu CYZ and EXR heavy-duty trucks, which can be configured depending on the requirement of a particular company.

At the event, Izumina leads in turning over the new CYZ and EXR trucks to the companies that have already placed reservations for the units. Three companies ordered EXR trucks and one purchased a CYZ.

Receiving the EXR trucks are Alexander Yu, President and CEO of Pan Pacific Petrofuels; Barnett So, President of Rephil Station Inc.; and Gumersindo Ilagan III,  Vice President of GITC Supply Solutions. Getting a CYZ is Ismaelito Altamiro, Vice President at 1st Balfour, Inc.

The EXR, which boasts a gross combination mass of 45,000 kilograms, is powered by Isuzu’s 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 power output of 390 PS and Euro II emission compliance.

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

Equally as capable is the CYZ, which is rated with a gross vehicle weight ranging from 30,700 kilograms to 33,000 kilograms. It runs on the same engine as the EXR, so it has high torque ratings even in low rpm ranges, helping it achieve excellent fuel efficiency.

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.

The new purchases indicate that IPC is on track to surpass, or match at the very least, the company’s truck sales total in 2013. Last year IPC’s tally in the segment reached 2,682 units. In the first five months of 2014, IPC sold 1,130 trucks to various companies.

“As business people, we would like to worry less about logistics and focus more on growth,” Tomita says. “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.”

So lining up the event’s hall are 24 Isuzu truck models that are each designed for a specific business purpose. These are an NHR55 school bus & aluminum van, NKR71 composite/aluminum van, NPR71 fire truck, aerial platform and aluminum van, NQR71 telescopic and articulated crane,  drop side and aluminum van, FRR90 drop side and aluminum van with side door, FVR34 dump truck and garbage compactor, FVM34 drop side and 28-footer wing van, 12.5 cu. m. CYZ51 dump truck, EXR51 tractor with 30 kl fuel tanker, a D-max Flexiqube and two I-Van in  16 and 18-seat UV Express shuttles.

“With this Truck Fest, we showcase the very best of Isuzu products, which have special features and rear body configurations,” says Izumina.

Spicing things further at the 2014 Truck Fest Manila are special promos offering free items that are included on fleet and retail purchases made between June 11 to August 31, 2014. The freebies are P10,000-worth of Periodic Maintenance Service coupon, three-year LTO registration and Apple iPad Mini 3G (16GB). Customers who purchase or place reservations during the show qualify for a raffle draw that gives away truck-scale models. The first 200 guests on June 11 receive giveaways like Isuzu truck miniatures, eco bags, and pens.

The Truck Fest, which IPC started mounting in 2013, takes over from the Isuzu Truck Attack events that were held in 1999, 2004 and 2010. All bolster IPC’s leading position in the country’s commercial vehicle segment.