MANILA, Philippines — Truck assembler Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) is targeting a strong turnaround this year as it eyes a 20 percent sales growth, a goal that would be supported by a competitive new product line-up to address a robust domestic demand.

“We have a game plan and we have a good feel that the market is due for a strong recovery this year. All indicators are positive,” IPC senior vice-president Art Balmadrid told reporters.

The 20 percent growth in sales would translate to overall sales of between 12,000 units to 13,000 units from the 2011 figure of 10,695 units.

To support its goal, IPC is expected to put up a strong line-up this year, mostly new models. The Crosswind, its Asian utility vehicle, would remain its bread and butter. Crosswind accounts for 50 percent of overall sales.

Among the new products to be supported this year is its microbus or the I-Van model, a cross between a minibus and a van.

Balmadrid said they are targeting 50 units a month in sales of microbus more than double its 20 unit monthly sales.

“This year we gear up for 50 units a month from 15 to 20 units a month before,” Balmadrid said.

The bullish sales projection is anchored on a strong refleeting market for shuttle service vehicles.

The microbus mounted on an NHR Isuzu truck flatform has undergone a series of modifications to come with a perfect fit for a shuttle service that can seat 16 to 18 persons comfortably. The model is ideal for school service, tourist bus and passenger shuttle service. It is available in all Isuzu dealerships nationwide for P1.265 million.

Earlier, Balmadrid said they planned to register the model as its entry in the planned Philippine Brand Vehicle program under the proposed new Motor Vehicle Development Program of the Board of Investments. (BCM)