ISUZU Philippines Corp. (IPC) now has a new president in the person of Hajime Koso, who officially took over from Nobuo Izumina during a turnover ceremony held recently at the Solaire Resorts and Casino in Pasay City.
Representatives from the media and Isuzu dealers expressed their gratitude to Izumina and, at the same time, warmly welcomed Koso. “It was a very enriching experience that I will cherish and remember for the rest of my life,” Izumina said.
Since Izumina assumed leadership of IPC in 2013, the company accomplished an all-time high of 14,134 Isuzu units sold in 2014, secured the top spot for the Isuzu N-Series trucks in the light-duty category, introduced the highly anticipated D-Max pickup and MU-X sport-utility vehicle models, and achieved 100,000 production units and sales for the best-selling Crosswind. “Now it’s time to turn a new page in the history of IPC. And also, I’m sad to leave this place that I’ve become attached to. I’m also happy that I’m leaving with no worries that IPC will be entrusted in to the very capable hand of my successor,” Izumina added. Koso, 57, has been connected with Isuzu Motors Ltd. (IML) for 35 years, handling mostly sales and overseas operations.
A native of Okayama, Japan, Koso was most recently the president of Isuzu Motors Kyusyu Ltd.
He joined IML’s Domestic Sales Department in 1980 after receiving a degree in Social Sciences and Applied Economic in Hosei University in Tokyo. In 1999, he was assigned as vice president for logistics and export of Isuzu Motors America.
In 2003 he became IML’s general manager for Asean Sales, and general manager for North and South Americas Division in 2008, before assuming the same position for China and the Asean Division in 2009.
Finally, in 2010, he was designated as vice president of Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia.
“The Philippine automotive industry is slowly setting its pace. In the past two years the country’s record for automotive sales has seen a significant growth, which is probably due to the overall growth of the economy. My previous assignment in Indonesia made me aware of the Asean market. The Philippines will be a challenging task but I think it will be worthwhile. In this competitive market, we need to constantly keep up or get left behind. Isuzu has always been ready for what’s to come and for us to reap the benefits of this healthy economy, we vow to continue providing new and exciting products that will surely satisfy the consumer’s needs,” Koso said.
“It is, therefore, with much excitement and enthusiasm, that I accept this new challenge of leading Isuzu in the Philippines. I am aware that the road ahead will not be a walk in the park, as the Philippine automotive industry is on the rise and competition is very steep.
But with the assistance of my colleagues and dealers, I am positive that, together, we have much to achieve toward the success of Isuzu Philippines Corp. Maraming salamat po,” Koso added.
Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino