9th PIMS: Isuzu PH to 'possibly showcase' NEV models

MANILA: Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) hinted at the possibility of showcasing new energy vehicles at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

Although withholding details, IPC Executive Vice President Shojiro Sakoda invited the public to visit the brand’s booth at the upcoming biennial motoring event — set on October 24-27 — to see what Isuzu has to offer when it comes to electrified mobility.

During press conference organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Incorporated (CAMPI), the IPC executive expressed optimism about the future of electric vehicles (EV) in the country.

“We are indeed very excited about the developments in our electric vehicle lineup, as seen in Japan and Thailand. For the Philippine market, we recognize the growing interest in electric vehicles, and we are carefully evaluating the best approach to introduce our EV models here. Our primary focus is ensuring that the infrastructure, support systems, and consumer readiness are in place to provide the best customer experience," he said.

Further, Sakoda shared that IPC is studying the possibility of entering the local EV arena via hybrid technology route. 

"Introducing hybrid vehicles is something we are actively exploring, especially as we consider the unique challenges and opportunities in the Philippine market. Hybrids could provide a practical bridge towards full electrification, offering improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions while still using existing infrastructure," he explained.

He also said that any move towards hybrid technology would be carefully planned and aligned with the evolving needs of Filipino consumers, particularly for commercial vehicles like trucks. "We are continuously monitoring market developments and are open to adapting our product lineup to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” he noted.

To note, Isuzu showcased at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show EV offerings such as the Erga EV, Giga (commonly known as the C and E Series in the Philippines)Fuel Cell and Elf (known locally as the N-Series) EV.  

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