Isuzu Philippines to introduce Euro IV engines by 2018

Move in line with Philippine government's move to enforce Euro IV emissions standards from beginning next year

Isuzu plans to introduce Euro-IV-compliant engines in models sold in the Philippines by 2018, reports Auto Business News. In a bid to achieve this, the automaker has scheduled plans to launch Euro-IV-compliant light vehicles, including passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), in the country starting 2017. The switch to Euro IV is set to coincide with slight model changes to give customers more value for their money as the shift will lead to an automatic increase in prices, according to Isuzu Philippines' marketing head, Joseph Bautista. Significance: Isuzu's plan to introduce Euro-IV-compliant vehicles is in line with the Philippine government's move to enforce Euro IV emissions standards in the country by 1 January 2018. Mitsubishi Philippines also plans to introduce Euro-IV-compliant multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) in 2018 to replace the locally assembled Adventure sport utility vehicle (SUV) and L300 van. Isuzu achieved a market share of around 7.6% in the Philippines during 2016, according to data released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Incorporated (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers' Association. During the year, Isuzu recorded a 21.1% year-on-year (y/y) increase in total sales, including passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles (CVs), in the country to 27,361 units, largely on the back of strong demand for the MU-X and Crosswind (globally known as the Panther) SUVs. In a bid to strengthen its foothold in the country, Isuzu recently launched a new variant of the D-Max pick-up, the D-Max X-Series. According to IHS Automotive light-vehicle sales forecasts, Isuzu's light-vehicle sales in the Philippines, including passenger vehicles and LCVs, will decline by 5.5% y/y to 20,017 units in 2017, down from an estimated 21,192 units in 2016, mainly due to a high base of comparison. Isuzu assembles some models locally in the country, at a plant in Binan city. At this plant, it assembles the Crosswind SUV, D-Max pick-up, and Elf van, along with CVs. We forecast Isuzu's light-vehicle production in the country to grow by 10.2% y/y to 8,684 units in 2017, up from an estimated 7,879 units in 2016.