New Model to Bolster Push for Record

Q: Which of ISUZU’s vehicles best cater to the Mexican market’s needs?

A: The ELF truck-base buses are popular all around the world. They are market leaders not only in Japan’s domestic market but also in several overseas markets, including Mexico.

ISUZU Mexico celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015 with a record number of units sold at 3,988. We expect to sell 5,000 units in 2016, surpassing our record by 20 percent. The 5,000 milestone can be reached with the addition of the ELF100 model to our vehicle portfolio, which will generate a good balance between big fleets and non-fleet customers.

The ELF100, which is equipped with the latest emission standards, is intended to be a volume seller in the Class 2 segment, helping to raise brand awareness. Nevertheless, the ELF 300 continues to be our best-selling model in Mexico. Based on customer demand, the Forward series was added to the ELF line and we hope it will strengthen the line’s sales volume going forward.

Q: How have ISUZU’s operations and dealership network adapted to changes in the local market?

A: Part of the ELF’s and Forward’s assembly will stay in our plant in Mexico but production decisions are subject to change, which could happen if implementation of the TPP alters customs taxes. We have not yet noted any serious change in our local operations but ISUZU will continue to pursue improvement in the life-cycle costs of our products in preparation for potential adjustments.

We have identified that a dealership network expansion, both in quality and quantity, will be necessary if we want to provide our customers better aftersales service. We are appointing additional dealers to support more sales volume and current dealers are providing various training courses to improve the quality of our service.

ISUZU recently achieved 30,000 accumulative sales and we hope the expansion of the dealership network will  increase this number. Our vehicles have a number of benefits for potential customers including cargo volume, fuel consumption and maneuverability.

Q: How is ISUZU contributing to CO2 emissions reduction?

A: ISUZU supports the substitution of older, polluting trucks for newer vehicles that register better fuel consumption. Unfortunately, the Scrappage Scheme sponsored by the government is focused on heavy duty trucks and there are a large number of light trucks that also need to be replaced. The program would be greatly improved by including a greater range of vehicles, ideally from class 3 to class 8. This would provide the government with a more effective strategy to tackle pollution.

Q: What plans does the company have for the next 10 years in Mexico?

A: We would like to expand our market share of diesel driven, cab-over and light and medium duty trucks by enhancing the added value we present to potential customers. Over the last 11 years, we have proved how our products can contribute to the development of the industry and must communicate this to new companies. We expect to continue our contribution to the country and national economy with our product offering and local recruitment.