Isuzu Malaysia To Continue Expanding Network; New Blue Power Diesel Engine To Be Available End 2019
Isuzu Malaysia will continue its efforts in expanding its sales and after-sales network in 2019, to boost customer experience and market presence. According to Koji Nakamura, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia, 2018 was a challenging year for the commercial vehicles (CV) market but having achieved its highest monthly sales volume in August 2018, Isuzu succeeded in maintaining its No. 1 position in the CV segment for the fifth consecutive year. “This also marks our milestone of being in No. 1 position for 9 consecutive years in LD (Light Duty) segment,” he said.
“We have a great start of the year in 2019 with the opening of the new Muar and Kluang outlets in Johor in January,” he continued, adding that the opening of the Authorised Isuzu Service Centre in Tringkap, Cameron Highlands will continue the brand’s growth.
“We will also be improving our product line-up in CV and LCV (Light Commercial Vehicles) this year… Isuzu will keep challenging to provide the best reliable product and customer satisfaction for this year as well,” he said.
Separately, Atsunori Murata, COO of Commercial Vehicle Division for Isuzu Malaysia confirms that the existing models comply with B10 biodiesel. He also confirmed that Isuzu Malaysia is planning to expand its ELF range of light-duty trucks in the second half of 2019.
Meanwhile, in the LCV segment, Isuzu Malaysia will introduce the RZ4E-TC 1.9L DDi Blue Power turbo diesel engine. This Euro-4 engine is already available in Thailand and Philippines in the mu-X SUV and D-Max pickup truck, and Isuzu Malaysia had previewed this at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show.
The 1.9L Blue Power engine has a smaller displacement but produces more power compared to its current 2.5L DDi VGS Turbo (150 PS & 350 Nm vs 136 PS & 320 Nm). Besides having 10% more power and 9.4% more torque, it is also 19% more fuel efficient thanks to the newly designed clothoid combustion chamber, anti-friction diamond-like coating and a wide-range high-efficiency turbocharger. Isuzu also claims acceleration is 8.2% faster with the new engine. The new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also helps to reduce NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) emissions.
“We are pushing for the final phase of testing and planning for a debut in Malaysian market by the end of this year,” said Masayuki Suzuki, COO of Light Commercial Vehicle Division of Isuzu Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Isuzu has introduced two genuine accessories packages for the D-Max – Titanium Package and Robust Package. The Titanium Package includes headlamp garnish, rear lamp garnish, door handle garnish, and tailgate garnish in chrome, stainless steel rocker plate, and door visors. The Robust Package includes headlamp garnish, rear lamp garnish, door handle garnish, and tailgate garnish in matte black, black engine hood protector and door visors. Check out the attached video:
