Isuzu Motors on Monday said it would shortly release a new pickup truck in Thailand, the biggest vehicle market in Southeast Asia.
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To launch the new vehicle, the automaker has restyled the exterior and interior of the D-Max pickup model released in 2002, while giving the new model higher engine power and better fuel economy, Reuters reported.
The model is widely exported wearing nameplates such as Isuzu, Chevrolet and Holden.
Isuzu president Yoshinori Ida reportedly told a news conference: ”Given that local dealers have favourably responded to the new pickup truck, it is likely that local customers will like it.”
With the new pickup, Isuzu wants to expand its share in the Thai market and outdo Toyota Motor, which also uses its Thai truck factory as an export base, as do Mitsubishi Motors and a Mazda/Ford joint venture.
Isuzu remained the top pickup truck seller in Thailand for the 10th consecutive year in 2005 with sales of 163,000 units, according to the report. In terms of monthly sales, however, Toyota took top position from Isuzu in May and June of this year.
An Isuzu official told Reuters Thai consumers refrained from buying Isuzu pickups in the two-month period in light of tips it was on the verge of taking the wraps off the new pickup.
