The Philippine unit of Isuzu has set its sights on 400,000 units to sell in 2 to 3 years, another milestone after it hit 300,000 units sold in mid-2020.
Isuzu president Hajime Koso noted that Isuzu has taken 12 years to achieve its first 100,000-milestone and another 9 years to reach the 200,000 mark and after 6 years, it has successfully sold its 300,000th unit.
“We can probably reach our 400,000 units in the year 2022. When we reach that record, Isuzu will be an essential brand in the Philippines and at the same time, we help you, our dealers, expand your business with confidence and pride,” he said.
“On this journey, we will surely encounter countless storms. And now, we are battling with a perfect storm we call COVID-19. The spread of this virus is a big chain of reaction not just to automotive industry but to the global markets,” he added.
The company continues to be optimistic even as industry sales forecast was slashed by half to 240,000 units that influenced Isuzu to also temper sales projection by 45 percent to 11,000 units, 9,000 units less from the pre-COVID forecast of 20,000 units.
“We can feel its impact to our sales and aftersales operations as well. Our sales executives cannot have a face-to-face conversation with our customers. Vehicle mileage, PMS (periodic maintenance services) and accident repairs have significantly decreased. Customers have lessened their visit to dealers to buy parts. I’m afraid that this will go on for at least several years,” Koso said.
This situation, he said, will force automotive companies to adapt, thus, companies must provide customers with products, sales methods, and after-sales operations that are suitable for the new normal era.
The pandemic served as an eye-opener for Isuzu. Koso assured that the company, just like always, IPC would be prepared for the future.
Exerted to optimize operations by enhancing and expediting the company’s digitalization, has become a core thrust of the company.
To this end, Isuzu is drafting a 10-year plan to further build its resiliency as a responsible and reliable partner on the road as it seeks assistance through thoughts and ideas from dealers.
“Change is inevitable, and all we have to do is to adapt to stay competitive. IPC has geared up for its digital transformation as we have formed a digital task force that specializes in creating a new business platform for the new normal. I think we can present various solutions to you, and this is something to look forward to,” Koso said.
Since March, the company has been lending vehicles to different hospitals to service frontliners as part of their “Isuzu Kasama Mo” campaign wherein charitable institutions like Philippines Red Cross and Caritas Manila were regular beneficiaries.
As the threat of COVID-19 pandemic continues, Isuzu is set to donate medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical facemasks and gloves to one beneficiary hospital each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
These are the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City, the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, and the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro. Rochelle Campos
