CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- Barely two years after deciding to focus on the truck market, North-Min Auto Dealership, Inc. (NMADI), Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s (IPC) dealership in Northern Mindanao, has now made Isuzu the best-selling truck brand in Mindanao.
NMADI has also registered the most number of trucks sold in Mindanao for two straight years among member-brands of the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) that includes Isuzu, Hino, Fuso, Foton, JMC, among others.
Recently awarded an unprecedented 8th Dealer of the Year Award from IPC for 2024, NMADI achieved a 22% growth in 2024, according to records kept by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), the largest automotive industry organization in the Philippines. Per 2024 Campi figures, Isuzu is the bigger truck brand in Mindanao, over Hino, JMC and Fuso. Moreover, NMADI accounts for 52% of the Isuzu truck sales, with the rest shared among other Isuzu dealers in Mindanao.
Leading the charge is the Isuzu Traviz, a Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) classified under Category 2 by CAMPI. It is available in two versions: the Traviz S short wheelbase (2250mm) and the Traviz L long wheelbase (2400mm). Powering the truck is a familiar engine from the brand’s popular AUV, the Crosswind, now discontinued. It is re-engineered with a new common rail fuel injection system that is Euro 4 compliant and uses the D-max chassis.
NMADI primarily sells Traviz as a cab and chassis, with the customer choosing the type of body that best suits their needs. The dropside body is suitable for businesses that deal in products like hardware stores delivering construction materials. A refrigerated body is ideal for perishable or frozen goods. There are versions that have an aluminum van that’s ideal for deliveries. However, the most popular is the multipurpose body branded by Isuzu as its UV (utility van).
“Our loyal clients like our on-site servicing through which our service technicians proceed to their working areas rather than the traditional practice of bringing the vehicles to be serviced to our casa. The flexibility of our mobile servicing extends even for units on the road experiencing breakdowns,” notes NMADI General Manager Nyle B. Balasabas.
“Even before they make their purchase, our clients are already oriented on how the Isuzu trucks can be utilized to maximize the usage of their assets, lower their maintenance and fuel costs with our driver trainings, and with the use of our proprietary Vehicle Health Report. This powerful vehicle management system details the fuel economy, engine and emission conditions and braking conditions, and even the particular driver’s driving habits, which enables owners to get a higher return on their investments, even when compared to reconditioned and surplus trucks and other ballyhooed brands,” GM Nyle added.
“These reports are helpful for owners and fleet managers alike to monitor how their trucks are being driven, identify potential service areas by analyzing their trucks’ performance and monitor how previous repairs have enhanced their trucks’ performance. It also identifies how their drivers’ driving style affect their mileage, for which we offer free training to further improve their performance.”
True to its commitment of providing top-notch service, beginning in 2022, NMADI has engaged the services of a Japanese expert to train its marketing and after-sales personnel. Toshihiro Kaneda, a Dealer Management Instructor from Isuzu Motors Ltd. in Yokohama, is currently conducting the seventh in a series of trainings for NMADI personnel, focused on educating their buyers on how to best utilize their Isuzu trucks for optimal usage and returns.
Coupled with special drivers and mechanics training on various topics such as Eco-Driving, Safety Driving, and Proper Truck Operation & Inspection for fleet owners, strong after sales services backstopped by Mobile Medic servicing teams for on-site, or road-side professional and efficient vehicle servicing, and Genuine, Select, and Best Value Parts (BVP), which are affordably priced yet have the same quality as genuine parts, NMADI impresses on potential and current ISUZU truck owners the total value the brand can bring to their respective enterprises.
NMADI is also continuously engaging its clients and potential buyers with events such as the 3-day truck expo held Sept. 22-24, 2022 to mark the network’s 7th anniversary held in its main showroom in Cagayan de Oro, and branches in Butuan, Dipolog and Pagadian.
The NMADI Truck Expo showcased the extensive ISUZU truck line-up for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and how these could be employed to redound to the growth and expansion of their individual businesses. Featured were the Isuzu TRAVIZ and Isuzu N-Series trucks ranging Light-Duty to Heavy-Duty, with various custom body applications from reputable custom body building companies, accredited financing partners, and insurance companies providing a one-stop shop for all the customer’s business needs.
In another similar engagement, NMADI feted its fleet customers with an NMADI Fleet Elites Awards Night held March 29, 2023 at the NMADI head office in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.
“We are proud to be a homegrown brand partnering with these local company-heroes,” GM Balasabas said. Awarded and recognized as 2022 NMADI Fleet Elites were M. Montesclaros Enterprises Inc.; Pryce Gases Inc.; Iligan Light & Power Inc., the LCG Group of Companies, and CEPALCO. Also honored in separate occasions in NMADI branches were Equi-Parco Construction in Butuan City, and FML Agriventures, HFT Corporation, and D5 Hardware in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Guest of Honor and Speaker Isuzu Philippines Corporation President Tetsuya Fujita, thanked all NMADI customers present for trusting and making Isuzu their long-time partner for their businesses.
“We are more than happy to contribute to your business success. I assure you we will also continue offering the best business solutions to your companies, by constantly innovating products that would fit your future requirements,” Mr. Fujita said.
“And to continue our partnership, we will continue to provide your company an all-inclusive after-sales support, service, parts and trainings, because we want you to make the most out of your Isuzu vehicles for a long time. Your continued trust and confidence in choosing the Isuzu brand is the reason why Isuzu continues to be the Number 1 truck brand in the country for 23 consecutive years,” he added.
“This is what tonight is all about,” Mr. Balasabas noted. “These Fleet Elites represent the cream of the crop, the top of the heap. They have their own remarkable stories to tell, not just about getting Isuzu trucks, but more so for having the vision and commitment to their purpose and long-term growth. And NMADI is proud to be a part of their journey towards success.”
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