Isuzu PH welcomes new president

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has officially introduced their new company president, Mr. Hajime Koso during a turnover event that was held at the Solaire Resorts and Casino in Pasay City last April 27, 2015.

Mr. Hajime Koso will replace Nobuo Izumina as IPC’s president, who will be assigned as the Director of Isuzu Body Corporation, an affiliate of Isuzu Motors Limited (IML). Fifty-seven year old Koso has been working for IML for 35 years handling mostly sales and overseas operations. Before his new post with IPC, he was president of Isuzu Motors Kyusyu Limited.

A native of Okayama, Japan, Mr. Koso first 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 then assigned as Vice President for Logistics and Export of Isuzu Motors America. Four years later, Koso became IML’s General Manager for ASEAN Sales. Then in 2008, he was designated as General Manager for North and South Americas Division before assuming the same position for China and the ASEAN Division in 2009. Finally, in 2010, he was assigned Vice President of Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia.

“The Philippine automotive industry is slowly setting up 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, said Mr. Koso.

Mr. Koso is confident to carry on the accomplishments of Mr. Izumina, which includes a record high of 14,134 units sold in 2014, maintaining the number one position of the Isuzu N-Series trucks in the light-duty category, the introduction of the much awaited Isuzu D-MAX and Isuzu mu-X and the 100,000 production units and sales of its best-selling Isuzu Crosswind.

“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” added Mr. Koso.