Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
THE latest models from Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) are the attractions in the most significant exhibition organized this year by the country’s premier automotive industry group—the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), which runs from September 14 to 18 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Taking the prominent spot on Isuzu’s display floor is the 2017 Isuzu D-MAX, which IPC officially unveiled a few days prior. At PIMS, the upgraded version of Isuzu’s popular pickup truck model duplicates its drawing power among consumers and auto enthusiasts alike.
The 2017 Isuzu D-MAX is characterized by numerous exterior styling changes that make the model look more muscular and modern, thanks to bolder hood, grille and bumpers, as well as LED Daytime Running Lamps, a tailgate with spoiler shape design and larger 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 255/60 tires. The pickup’s interior was also refreshed with new electroluminescent instrument meters, colored multi-information display, passive entry with push-button engine start/stop function, and a gear indicator readout for the manual transmission variants. Besides the equipment upgrade, adding to the 2017 Isuzu D-MAX’s star quality is its new brand ambassador—sportsman, actor, model and host Derek Ramsay.
“The list of features available on the 2017 Isuzu D-MAX ensures that the pickup model become even more capable than it already was in its previous versions. It guarantees the Isuzu D-MAX’s advantage over the competition in the pickup truck segment by making the vehicle more appealing, and a true reflection of the values that have made Mr. Derek Ramsay such a popular personality. Like Mr. Ramsay, the Isuzu D-MAX is handsome, athletic, family-oriented and very socially responsible,” IPC President Hajime Koso said during Isuzu’s well-attended presentation at PIMS.
Three versions of the 2017 Isuzu D-MAX are displayed at Isuzu’s expansive floor space at PIMS—a 4×4 LS A/T in standard specifications and Obsidian Gray color, a Venetian Red 4×4 LS A/T that has a lifted ride height and is decked out in various off-road accessories, and a Splash White 4×2 LS M/T in special X-Series Edition. Boosting Isuzu’s PIMS attraction are two units of the mu-X premium SUV. The first variant is a mu-X 4×2 LS-A A/T in stunning Limited Edition package and Garnet Red color while the other is a standard specification mu-X 4×2 LS-A M/T painted in elegant Silky Pearl White.
Apart from IPC’s display in World Trade Center’s main hall, Isuzu truck models are also on exhibit at a special outdoor venue. Drawing show goers to the area are an Isuzu NPR 4×2 Double Cab and Chassis light-duty truck, and a CYZ51M dump truck and EXR Tractor Head with a chrome bumper, which are both designed for heavy-duty applications. The appearance of the commercial truck models in IPC’s exhibition in PIMS underscores the Isuzu brand’s capacity to deliver relevant vehicle products and services to any automotive market segment.
“The Philippine automotive industry is currently going through developments that have never been experienced before. The optimism over the local economy is leading to high consumer confidence, as proven by record vehicle sales, and car companies must respond to this very positive outlook by offering innovative mobility solutions. We in Isuzu believe that our products can ably address the expectations of the market, and our range of models displayed in this year’s Philippine International Motor Show gives a glimpse of this capability,” Koso said.
Photos by Neil Pagulayan