ISUZU GUNS FOR SAFER CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES

New COO expects new norms to take precedence

Petaling Jaya, 12th August 2021 – Isuzu Malaysia’s prospects and customers can expect a safer and more immersive Isuzu experience in the era of the new normal as the country continues on its journey to recovery from the viral pandemic.

The company’s new Light Commercial Vehicle Division’s Chief Operating Officer Kenkichi Sogo said that while the all-new Isuzu D-Max has created a significant amount of interest and witnessed a surge in vehicle bookings over the past three months resulting in Isuzu consecutively claiming the No.2 spot in the sales charts, the constant threat of infections necessitates the enforcement of various safety measures even as government restrictions begin to ease.

“The launch of our latest Isuzu D-Max model during the pandemic necessitated a paradigm shift in the way we presented our new models to prospective customers. As we move towards greater leniency, we need to vigilantly evolve yet remain relevant to the situation in our Gemba,” said Sogo.

Among the measures Isuzu Malaysia has initiated has been the development of an online experience including a 360-degree augmented reality showcase offering prospects an immersive look into the design and features of the all-new Isuzu D-Max before they even need to step into the showrooms. Most shopping tools ranging from loan calculations to maintenance costs are interactively available in the website pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my, allowing visitors to make informed choices before requesting online for a test drive vehicle to be brought to them at a safe and convenient location.

Procedures for vehicle service and maintenance have also been reviewed with the aim of ensuring minimal backlog and ensuring a smoother and efficient flow of vehicles brought in for servicing. Customers are encouraged to make their service appointments directly with their dealers early to ensure their preferred time slots are available.

With over 500 monthly bookings for the new D-Max since its launch despite the various safety lockdowns, the task in hand will also be to safely hand over the vehicles to the customers. “Due to the restrictions in operations and the limited amount of logistics activities allowed over the past months, a key initiative will be to safely and efficiently deliver the new vehicles to their owners as quickly as possible. We hope all our customers will remain patient and maintain compliance to the set procedures to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all,” added Sogo who succeeds Masayuki Suzuki who returns to Japan for his new posting.

Kenkichi Sogo 43, is no stranger to the Malaysian market. He spent the last four years in Isuzu Malaysia in the capacity of General Manager overseeing operations of the light commercial vehicle division and parts operations.

A graduate of Keio University, Sogo began his career in Mitsubishi Corporation in 2001 and has been involved with the Isuzu business for the past seven years. His move up to the position of Chief Operating Officer will ensure the continued growth of the Isuzu business in Malaysia and the development of positive after-sales experiences for Isuzu owners.

THURSDAY, AUG 12, 2021

AUTOMOTIVE