The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Before the end of the month, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) will be having the changing of leadership as its current president Hajime Koso turns over the helm of the leading manufacturer to Noburo Murakami.
Koso is certainly one of the longest serving presidents of a leading industry companies, having been in his post for seven years. He took over the top post of IPC on April 27, 2015.
Under Koso’s leadership, the company has seen numerous company milestone like its 300,000 sales Milestone, the introduction of a new parts hub in Metro Manila that eased the delivery of parts to different dealerships nationwide, launch of the Isuzu Mobile Medic service, a strong Dealer Expansion program and a new Isuzu Outlet Standardization, to name a few.
He also led the company in one of its most challenging times, continuing its operations whilst the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining its No. 1 position in the truck market and launching new models at the same time.
Late last March, Koso led the with Isuzu Gencars, Inc (Gencars), launched the new face of Isuzu Makati of Isuzu Gencars Inc. (Gencars), the brand’s latest dealership in the country to formally adopt the corporate design philosophy known as the Isuzu Outlet Standard (IOS). He was assisted by Executive Vice President Shojiro Sakoda and Gencars executives headed by its Chairman Dominic Edgard Cabangon and President Ms. Lerma Nacnac.
Last year, Isuzu was the proud No. 1 in truck sales for the record 21 years. It was in 6th place overall in terms of overall sales behind Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, Nissan, and Suzuki.
Isuzu improved its standing to sixth with a 28.33% increase in sales in 2021 with 14,424 units sold as against 11,240 units in 2020. Strong demand for its business-oriented vehicles has continued to drive the brand ahead, allowing it to capture 4.9% of the market.
On the other hand, incoming president Noboru Murakami is a senior executive from Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan (IML). Murakami brings with him years of experience and expertise in the truck industry that will help solidify the company’s No. 1 position in the Philippine truck market.