Isuzu Philippines Corp (IPC) recently concluded the 18th edition of its long-time-running Isuzu Service Skills Olympics (ISSO) in its assembly plant in Laguna. An annual dealer network competition, ISSO showcases the technical competency and service knowledge of Isuzu aftersales personnel.
Participated in by 29 teams coming from different dealerships nationwide, each team is composed of a service advisor, parts staff, and two service technicians—all of whom went to different stages of knowledge and skills testing related to their respective roles in the service shop.
In his welcome remarks, IPC president Tetsuya Fujita commended the excellent aftersales service of their dealer network “With your commitment, we are able to achieve the number 1 truck brand title for 23 consecutive years. People continue to trust the Isuzu brand because of the Isuzu advantage that we offer which is our top-notch aftersales service and support,” he said. Fujita also acknowledged the networks’ effort that enables the company to achieve the coveted Triple Star Award for four consecutive years from its principal company Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan (IML).
Winners of this year’s Isuzu Service Skills Olympics for service advisor category were Maria Noemi Cabaltera (Isuzu Makati) followed by Marius Adrian Pablo (Isuzu Cabanatuan) and Cryser Ryan Carmona (Isuzu Pasig). Clinching the parts staff category winners were Riza May Cabus (Isuzu Pagbilao) followed by Felipines Bangcaya (Isuzu Bulacan) and Hazel Ann Ramos (Isuzu Calapan). While the service technician category champions were Deolito Galono and Raymundo Eduque III (Isuzu Bulacan) followed by Christopher Jateco & Romeo Nayanga Jr. (Isuzu Pasig) and Sani James Maghanoy & Alex Roble (Isuzu Cagayan De Oro). After computing all the category points, Isuzu Bulacan was hailed as the Dealer Grand Champion.
Present during the event was IML executive officer and vice president for aftersales Naohiko Yanagawa, who not only observed the rigorous competition but gave his sincere appreciation for Filipino service personnel, “Globally, Filipinos are known to be very talented and dedicated workers, which is why it is not surprising that almost every year Isuzu Philippines will get a podium finish at the Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix World Technical Competition (I-1GP),” he said.
Yanagawa was quick to relate because the Isuzu Service Skills Olympics also serves as a platform for selecting the team that will represent IPC in the prestigious I-1GP Competition in Japan to be held later this year. Since joining in 2006, IPC has been a consistent top performer in both the commercial (CV) and light commercial vehicle (LCV) categories competing against other Isuzu-serving countries worldwide.