Isuzu Motors made its debut at the 2014 Auto Expo and showcased what the company calls ‘India’s first multi-utility pick-up’, the D-max Space Cab. However, the company hasn’t released the price just yet.
Isuzu will market its D-max pick-up trucks primarily as owner-driven utility vehicles, especially in rural areas. Isuzu Motors’ strategy varies from that of Tata Motors and Mahindra, which marketed their respective Xenon and Getaway pick-ups as lifestyle vehicles for urban consumers.
Toru Kishimoto, vice president, vehicle sales division, sales planning division has stated that the company intends to focus right now on its SUVs and pick-ups. “The Indian market is seeing a slump, but the demand for SUVs and pick-ups is still high. So, we intend to focus first on them.”
The Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck is powered by a punchy 2.5-litre diesel engine. At the stall, Isuzu also showcased a rally version of the D-max, which has participated in events such as the Dakar Rally, Australasian Safari Rally, Asia Cross Country Rally and more, to highlight the car's off-road capabilities.
Picture Gallery: Isuzu D-max space cab
The company also showcased its recently launched Isuzu MU-7. Isuzu preferred to stay under the radar last year, but it recently commenced local assembly of its giant MU-7 SUV from HM’s plant near Chennai from CKD kits sourced from Thailand. Isuzu will soon commence its SriCity plant near Hyderabad which, when fully operational, will have an annual production capacity of 1.2 lakh units. The exhibit will give the relatively unknown Isuzu brand some much-needed exposure to potential buyers in India.
The Isuzu MU-7 SUV is priced at Rs 22.3 lakh and, for that money, you get a huge seven-seat SUV that is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine producing 161bhp. As for the transmission, there’s an option of a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic. The company will also focus on expanding its dealer network this year.