Isuzu to sustain sales momentum
Isuzu Malaysia is confident that their ultra fuel-efficient and highly durable vehicles will continue to be highly sought-after by consumers this year especially in light of the growing economic uncertainty.
With award-winning fuel efficiency, rally-winning durability and reliability among its key features, Isuzu D-Max sales are expected to remain at the same record levels of 2008 with 5,000 units expected to be sold this year as motorists continue to make intelligent vehicle purchase decisions.
Sales of Isuzu D-Max models hit a record high in 2008, breaching the 5,000 unit target with 5,026 vehicles sold throughout the country, increasing the company’s share of the pick-up market to 19%.
Speaking at a media cocktail welcoming him, new CEO and Managing Director of Isuzu Malaysia Takashi Hata expects that the strong demand momentum for Isuzu vehicles to continue in 2009.
“We expect more motorists will want to spend less money on owning and maintaining their vehicles and more on improving their own quality of life or on their future. The Isuzu D-Max gives them this flexibility to do more for their business and families as it has been proven to be very gentle on the pocket,” he said.
Hata expects that the bulk of Isuzu customers will come from both saloon car up-graders who may require a more versatile vehicle and from SUV owners who want to enjoy savings on their fuel and maintenance bills. The company expects its market share to increase to 20% as a result of this growing segment of customers.
“With this healthy demand, we will continue to move forward in our expansion plans and this will include the upgrading of existing 3S outlets as well as the opening of new centres in key market areas,” he added.
Isuzu Malaysia has enjoyed double-digit annual growth since it started operations in 2005. With Isuzu Motors Ltd taking a majority share in the production facility in Pekan, Pahang in late 2007, supply has been on a steady increase with customers’ waiting periods reduced significantly aiding its strong sales performance last year.
Demand for what is considered the toughest and most efficient pick-up truck in the country as proven when the Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4×4 won the overall title in the AAM Malaysian 4×4 Rally Championship 2008 and the inaugural Asian Auto-Bosch Fuel Efficiency Award 2008 continues to remain high.
