Isuzu has launched its D-Max pickup truck range in India in a bid to infiltrate the country’s lucrative commercial vehicles sector.
Isuzu Motors subsidiary, Isuzu Motors India, has introduced the truck line-up at prices ranging from $10,000 to $12,000. The sales campaign will be orchestrated from the firm’s recently established Mumbai dealership.
“In India, the pickup truck segment is one of the largest and fastest growing segments in commercial vehicles, accounting for 35% of the total commercial vehicle market,” said managing director of Isuzu Motors India, Takashi Kikuchi, speaking at Auto Expo 2014 in New Delhi.
“With this launch, we look forward to growing our market in Western India, and gradually, across the country.
“In addition to Mumbai, we will also be opening dealerships in Pune and Nasik this year,” he added.
The D-Max trucks sport 2.5L four-cylinder diesel engines, offering 134hp and 294Nm of torque. The range will feature five-speed manual gearboxes, and will be available in a choice of interior configurations.
As Japan’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Isuzu looks well placed to expand its operations in the Indian market. In addition to its Mumbai dealership, and those planned for Pune and Nasik, the company intends to open 60 outlets across India before 2017.
