Isuzu Motors India has launched their D-Max range of pickup trucks in Chennai today targeting the emerging small and medium business enterprises segment in Tamil Nadu. This is the second product the company has launched after their SUV, Isuzu Mu-7. The Isuzu D-Max pickup range will be available in three models - Single Cab, Space Cab Flat Deck and Space Cab Arched Deck priced at Rs.5.99 lakhs, Rs.6.19 lakhs and Rs.7.09 lakhs respectively. All prices are ex-showroom Chennai and are introductory launch prices.
The Isuzu D-Max is powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder intercooled turbocharged diesel engine. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the engine produces 134 hp of maximum power at 3600 rpm and 294 Nm of maximum torque at 1800-3200 rpm. The D-Max has a heavy duty chassis and body structure made from high-tensile-strength steel and can carry loads up to 1.2 tons.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Takashi Kikuchi, Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, said “Indian pickup truck segment is one of the largest and fastest growing segments in Commercial Vehicles (CV), accounting to 35% of the total CV market, and we are observing a gradual shift in customer preference from Small Commercial Vehicles to Pickups. By 2023, the 1 ton pickup segment in India is expected to grow to 8 lakh units and become the world’s largest pickup truck market. Today, we are extremely happy to introduce our global range of pickup trucks here. Tamil Nadu is an important market for us, being the second largest contributor to the country’s GDP and a progressive state in terms of industry growth, infrastructure, development and a strong agricultural base. It also offers a huge potential for pickup trucks and we look forward to meet the growing demand for world-class pickup vehicles in the state.”
Mr. Shigeru Wakabayashi, Deputy Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, said “D-Max is one of the world’s favourite pickup truck brands, inheriting Isuzu’s diesel engine technology. World over, D-Max is known for its excellent power, torque and operating economy, besides delivering high standards of durability and reliability. With these attributes, D-Max will cater to the burgeoning consumer demand for stylish yet powerful, durable and efficient pickup vehicles that would make their day-to-day tasks easier. We are hopeful that D-Max pickup will be able to establish a strong foothold as it has in other parts of the world and revolutionize the Indian pickup segment.”
He also added, “Tamil Nadu is a very important market for Isuzu. Isuzu started to sell imported D-Max at Coimbatore from February last year to understand Indian customer’s needs. During this one year, Isuzu received encouraging response from Tamil Nadu market. Now Isuzu has 3 outlets in Tamil Nadu - Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai and will add more outlets to meet customers’ needs in a few years.”
Source : CarDekho
