Isuzu Motors India has just launched its India-made “D-Max”, one of the largest selling pick-up trucks in the world. The D-Max range comprises three models – two cabin options and two deck options. The D-Max single cab will be available in flat deck and the D-Max space cab in both flat deck and arched deck variants. While the D-Max single cab will be sold at an introductory launch price of Rs. 5,99,000 (ex-showroom Mumbai), the D-Max space cab will be priced at Rs. 6,19,000 for the flat deck variant and Rs. 7,09,000 for the arched deck variant.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Takashi Kikuchi, Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, said: “In India, the pick-up truck segment is one of the largest and fastest growing segments in commercial vehicles, accounting for 35 per cent of the total CV market. We estimate India to be the world’s largest 1 Tn pick-up truck market by 2023. We are extremely happy to enter Maharashtra which is the biggest pick-up truck market in India and an integral part of our growth strategy. With this launch, we look forward to expanding our market in West India and gradually across the country. In addition to Mumbai, we will also be opening dealerships in Pune and Nasik this year”.
Mr. Shigeru Wakabayashi, Deputy Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, observed: “D-Max is one of the world’s favorite pick-up truck brands. Inheriting Isuzu’s diesel engine technology, the D-Max provides excellent power, torque and operating economy, besides delivering high standards of durability and reliability. We are hopeful that the D-Max pick-up will be able to establish a strong foothold as it has done in other parts of the world and revolutionize the Indian pick-up segment.”
The mighty D-Max is propelled by a 2499cc, 4-cylinder inter-cooled turbo-charged diesel engine, mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. This powerful engine pumps out 134 hp power @ 3600 rpm and 294 Nm torque @ 1800-3200 rpm range, which enables D-Max to carry a payload of 1.2 ton effortlessly. The vehicle has a heavy-duty chassis, a large cargo bed to “accommodate the bulkiest of loads”, and its body structure is made of high tensile-strength steel. It sports a bold and aggressive look.
Apart from its sleek and stylish exterior, the interiors of D-Max are capacious and stylishly-finished, providing driver and passengers with an SUV-like feel. Its seats are specially designed for long-distance comfort.
A completely new concept in India, the new D-Max space cab’s unique feature is its extended cabin space of 1.5 feet behind the drivers’ seat, which can store valuable/fragile goods. The cab offers advance safety measures along with other significant features like power steering, power windows, centralized door lock, AC with heater, etc., making it ideal for commercial use in areas like agriculture, retail, dairy, engineering, manufacturing and small businesses. The cab is available in three color options – Alpine White, Sterling Metallic Silver and Nautilus Blue.
As a part of Isuzu’s expansion plans, the company has opened its first dealership in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital. Its aims to open 60 outlets across India by the end of 2015-16. At present, the company has presence across all four States in south India with exclusive dealerships in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Madurai, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Cochin.
Isuzu Motors India Private Ltd., a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Ltd. of Japan, was established in August 2012. At present, Isuzu has a contract manufacturing agreement with Hindustan Motors Ltd. (HML) under which the latter is contract assembling CKD kits of Isuzu’s sports utility vehicle MU-7 and pick-up truck D-Max at its Thiruvallur plant.