Team Philippines Shines at 2026 Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN — October 28, 2026 — Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) proudly celebrates the impressive performance of Team Philippines at the 2026 Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix Commercial Vehicle (CV) Competition held in Yokohama, Japan, where the country’s top Isuzu service technicians demonstrated their technical expertise, diagnostic capabilities, and commitment to service excellence against some of the best Isuzu technicians from around the world.

Competing against representatives from 33 participating countries, Team Philippines secured 12th Place in the Team Competition, while Mr. Wilson Palugar of Isuzu Iloilo achieved an outstanding 7th Place in the Individual Service Technician Competition, earning recognition among the world’s leading Isuzu commercial vehicle service professionals.

Representing the Philippines were Mr. Marco Comora of Isuzu Alabang and Mr. Wilson Palugar of Isuzu Iloilo, supported by their dedicated coach, Mr. Joeminel Cutcharo, Technical Service Engineer of IPC Aftersales Operation Service & Warranty. Together, the team underwent extensive preparation and technical training to represent the Philippine Isuzu dealer network in this prestigious international competition.

Their achievement reflects not only the individual skills and determination of the participants but also the high standards of technical training, service competency, and continuous improvement being implemented across Isuzu’s nationwide dealership network.

The Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix is an annual global technical skills competition organized by Isuzu Motors Limited, bringing together highly skilled aftersales service professionals from Isuzu distributors and dealerships worldwide. Considered one of the most prestigious technical competitions within the global Isuzu network, the I-1 Grand Prix aims to strengthen the technical proficiency, diagnostic capabilities, and problem-solving skills of service technicians while promoting consistent, world-class aftersales service standards across international markets.

Participants undergo a rigorous series of assessments designed to test both their technical knowledge and practical expertise in servicing Isuzu commercial vehicles. The competition includes Virtual Failure Diagnosis or VFD measuring technician’s knowledge in diagnosing through virtual reality, followed by comprehensive written examinations covering vehicle systems, maintenance procedures, technical specifications, and diagnostic principles. Then, lastly by practical hands-on examinations, where technicians must identify and resolve complex vehicle faults, perform technical inspections, and demonstrate accurate diagnostic and repair procedures within a limited time.

Beyond technical knowledge, competitors are evaluated on their ability to work systematically, follow proper service procedures, maintain safety standards, and deliver efficient and precise solutions under pressure.

Against this demanding international benchmark, Team Philippines demonstrated the competence, discipline, and technical confidence of Filipino service professionals, proving their ability to compete alongside highly trained technicians from other Isuzu markets. The team’s 12th-place finish, complemented by Palugar’s impressive 7th-place individual ranking, highlights the growing capabilities of Filipino technicians and the effectiveness of IPC’s continuous technical development initiatives.

For Isuzu Philippines Corporation, the strong showing of Team Philippines represents another important milestone in its continuing pursuit of aftersales service excellence.

Mr. Hodaka Matsuda, IPC Vice President for Aftersales, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement and emphasized the importance of developing Filipino technical talent to meet international standards. “We are extremely proud of Team Philippines for their excellent performance at this year’s I-1 Grand Prix. Competing against the best Isuzu service technicians from around the world and achieving these results is a strong testament to the skills, dedication, and professionalism of our Filipino technicians,” he said. 

“As ‘Your Responsible Partner,’ Isuzu Philippines continuously strives for excellence, not only in delivering reliable commercial vehicles but also in providing world-class aftersales service to our customers. This achievement further inspires us to strengthen our technical training programs and continue developing highly skilled service professionals who can deliver the quality of service that Isuzu customers deserve,” he added.

The strong performance of Team Philippines at the 2026 I-1 Grand Prix reinforces Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s continued commitment to developing highly skilled service professionals and delivering world-class aftersales support to Filipino customers.

Through continuous technical training, skills development programs, and participation in international competitions, IPC ensures that its nationwide dealer network remains equipped with the knowledge, expertise, and capabilities required to maintain and service Isuzu vehicles according to global standards.

As commercial vehicles become increasingly advanced, IPC recognizes the importance of investing in its people to provide accurate diagnostics, efficient maintenance, and dependable repair services. For business owners and fleet operators, this translates into greater vehicle reliability, reduced downtime, and confidence that their vehicles are in capable hands.

As the Philippines’ No. 1 truck brand for 26 consecutive years, Isuzu remains committed to providing more than just durable and reliable vehicles. Backed by its comprehensive aftersales support and nationwide dealership network, IPC continues to uphold its promise of being “Your Responsible Partner” throughout every customer’s ownership journey.

With this achievement, Isuzu Philippines looks forward to developing more globally competitive Filipino technicians and further strengthening the quality of commercial vehicle servicing nationwide ensuring that every Isuzu customer receives the dependable support, technical expertise, and peace of mind they deserve.