MANILA, Philippines — Leading truck manufacturer Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) is set to welcome Noboru Murakami as its new president in the second quarter.
In a statement, IPC said Murakami, a senior executive from Isuzu Motors Ltd. (IML) Japan, will succeed Hajime Koso who had the longest term as the company’s president for seven years.
Being assigned in different markets under IML, Murakami brings with him years of experience and expertise in the truck industry.
Murakami’s leadership is expected to help the company cement its top position in the Philippine truck market.
Murakami would also be driving the company to a more sustainable and eco-friendlier route, a new direction that started under Koso’s leadership.
During Koso’s term, IPC achieved its 300,000-unit sales milestone.
It was also under Koso’s leadership when IPC introduced a new parts hub in Metro Manila that eased the delivery of parts to different dealerships nationwide, as well as launched the Isuzu Mobile Medic service, a strong dealer expansion program and the new Isuzu Outlet Standardization.
In addition, he led the automotive company in continuing operations during the pandemic, maintaining its leadership in the truck market and rolling out new vehicle models.
Last year, IPC dominated local truck sales for the 22nd straight year as it accounted for 45.5 percent of the market.
IPC’s total vehicle sales rose 28.3 percent to 14,424 units from 11,240 units in 2020.
As of end-February this year, IPC sold a total of 2,295 vehicles, 10.9 percent higher than the 2,069 units in the same period last year.