IPC expects Isuzu mu-X to corner 10% of segment

With its light commercial vehicles getting an upgrade, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is targeting to take a 10-percent share of the sports utility vehicle market this year with the all-new mu-X.

IPC Vice President for Sales Yasuhiko Oyama revealed the target at the online press briefing for the launch of the all-new mu-X.

He disclosed the goal amid the current volatility of the market.

“It is quite difficult to provide an exact number considering the current situation and with COVID restrictions affecting the supply chain. But we are optimistic that this new-generation mu-X will increase our SUV market share to at least 10 percent of the market, given its popularity among Filipino families and its renowned durability and reliability,” Oyama told Carmudi Philippines.

After seven years (from the time that it was launched in 2014 up to August this year), the Isuzu mu-X rolled out 51,791 units to customers in the Philippines. 

Also during the launch, IPC President Hajime Koso immediately extended his apologies to vehicle buyers on the possible delay of units on the account of the pandemic.

“As we all know, the demand for automobiles globally has been increasing, especially in countries recovering from the pandemic. As a result, many component suppliers, not just semiconductors, are running out of their production capacity. In addition to this, some ASEAN countries had several lockdowns significantly delaying the procurement from parts manufacturers,” Koso told reporters at the online presser.

“We sincerely apologize for the impact this may have caused the delivery of Isuzu vehicles this year. Isuzu and its parts manufacturers are working hard to expand production capacity, so that the new mu-X can be delivered to as many Filipino customers as soon as possible. We encourage you to please visit and experience the charm of this new luxurious SUV from Isuzu,” he added.

The newly revealed model is offered in five colors namely Onyx Black, Mercury Silver, Splash White and new hues Marrakesh Brown and Satin White Pearl with five variants to choose from:

• 3.0L LS-E AT 4x4: P2.45 million
• 3.0L LS-E AT 4x2: P2.1 million
• 3.0L LS-A AT 4x2: P1.9 million
• RZ4E LS-A MT 4x2: P1.77 million
• RZ4E LS AT 4x2: P1.59 million

IPC this year also introduced the all-new Isuzu D-Max, which is now on its third generation.

These two models are both equipped with Isuzu’s Advance Driver Assist System (ADAS) technology which has Forward Collision Warning, Turn Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Manual Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Aid, Multi Collision Brake, and Pedal Misapplication system.

Photos from Roy Robles

Also read:

Isuzu PH teases all-new Isuzu mu-X

Here is the expected pricing of the soon-to-launch all-new Isuzu mu-X

Mu-X for PH market still under development, IPC exec reveals