Isuzu Malaysia recently delivered a total of 141 units of their commercial trucks to City-Link Express (M) Sdn Bhd, during an official handover ceremony held at City-Link Express’ ‘Super Hub’ facility in Bandar Saujana Putra, Selangor. The handover comprised of 128 units of the ELF 4-wheeler (NLR77UEE) model, eight units of the ELF 6-wheeler (NPR81UKH) model and five units of the GIGA (GXR) model.
The recent handover is in continuity of the mutual trust and longstanding relationship between both companies, since its first fleet deal made back in 2011. The latest purchase has further strengthen City-Link Express’ existing fleet of vehicles, in line with plans of branch expansions throughout the country, while providing fast delivery and customer satisfaction.
The handover also saw City-Link Express’ first purchase of the Isuzu GIGA Prime Mover Trucks as part of their expansion growth. These container trucks are targeted for long distance deliveries and long haul usages, in addition to its high rigidity chassis design and aerodynamic cabin design. The GIGA truck offers outstanding engine output and torque, ensuring high fuel efficiency, which makes it an ideal choice for businesses seeking cost-effective transportation.
Due to both companies’ established partnership, Isuzu Malaysia will carry out training sessions for the drivers on product knowledge and basic maintenance of the GIGA GXR model. These sessions are expected to provide attendees with vital knowledge and understanding of the key features of the GXR model, while achieving economic and safety driving. For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, please call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my.
In the 4×4 world, there are a few events that garner anyone who’s ever participated instant respect from off-road enthusiasts; The Dakar Rally and The Camel Trophy are two of the most infamous overseas events, while here at home, the Rainforest Challenge and the Borneo Safari are two local 4×4 events that aren’t to be taken lightly. Only the skilled need apply, and oft-times, experience alone doesn’t guarantee success. It’s very much man & machine versus the elements, and here’s the official (un-edited) news from Isuzu Malaysia, reproduced as received, who were once again sponsors of the event…
KOTA KINABALU, 16 NOVEMBER 2018 – The 28th annual Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge organized by Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) has just completed with Isuzu as the Diamond Sponsor for 12th consecutive years. This year Isuzu sent in three units of off-road capable Isuzu D-Max to meet the challenge.
In this installment of Borneo Safari, the organizer has prepared two routes namely Super Hardcore and Hardcore over the 8 days challenge. All three units of Isuzu D-Max Monster stormed into super hardcore section without a second thought and emerge from this extreme terrain track after 5 days.
The terrain conditions inside super hardcore track consists of numerous obstacles including “bungee jump”, uphill driving, V-Gulley as well as rough rocky terrain, condition worsens with the constant rain. Certain terrain consists of few obstacles with steep descend and hill climb that required winching for safety reason.
All three unit of modified Isuzu D-Max has conquered Super Hardcore section of Borneo Safari, Malaysia largest and most renowned extreme off-road 4×4 challenges. The challenges were completed without any modification to the standard 2.5L and 3.0L engines.
Out of the 3 units of D-Max, two of them was built in 2013 and has completed Borneo Safari challenges for six straight years. It is a testament indeed for Isuzu’s core values for outstanding durability and reliability. In a speech during the closing dinner, Isuzu Malaysia Light Commercial Vehicle Chief Operating Officer Mr Masayuki Suzuki expresses his gratitude for the strong relationship has been built between Isuzu and SFWDA:
“Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge is the best platform to showcase the toughness and durability of off-road vehicles. Our Isuzu D-Max has proven to withstand extreme terrains in the past Borneo Safari Challenge.”
A total of 399 vehicles have participated in 28th Borneo Safari International Off Road Challenge 2018, which consist of 1030 of participants and 27 competitors. This is also first time in Borneo Safari has a participating team from Russia. Other competing teams came from Japan, Indonesia, Ireland, Philippine, Vietnam and Brunei as well as local teams in Malaysia.
This 8 days 4×4 off road expedition covered 400KM distance between Kota Kinabalu, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud area, both sealed and gravel road, giving participants a very memorable and unforgettable experience. For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, please call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my/pickup/. – ENDS –
Here’s a bunch of 2018 Borneo Safari videos from Beng Lim of EVO LTN Aurizn (above, centre) who actually participated in the whole event this year! Well done Beng! – Chris Wee.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
2018 Borneo Safari Photo Gallery (Photos courtesy of Isuzu Malaysia)
Isuzu Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (IMSB) has appointed Atsunori Murata as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He will be overseeing all operational aspects under the Commercial Vehicle Division.
Revealing the appointment during a recent media event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Koji Nakamura said, “Atsunori Murata has held diverse leadership roles throughout his employment with Isuzu Motors Japan, with experience particularly in sales and business development, product planning and operations. I believe that his extensive experience will prove to be a vital advantage to this organisation, in order to maintain Isuzu Malaysia’s position as No. 1 preferred Commercial Vehicle (CV) in this country”.
(L-R) Mr. Yuji Shinya (新矢侑史) Advisor, Parts Operations, After Sales Division, Mr. Ryo Kakogawa (加古川良) Chief Operating Officer, After Sales Division, Mr. Atsunori Murata (村田笃纪) Chief Operating Officer, Commercial Vehicle Division, Mr. Koji Nakamura (中村幸滋) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Masayuki Suzuki ( 铃木正幸) Chief Operating Officer, Light Commercial Vehicle Division
Murata has been with Isuzu Motors Limited since 1998. He brings with him 20 years of experience in international sales and business management, having had the opportunity to serve various markets such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, EU countries, and the United Nations. Furthermore, Murata cultivated vast experiences in coordinating business, sales and aftersales planning, corporate finance management and manufacturing coordination for commercial vehicle during his secondment to Isuzu Trucks South Africa in 2010, and Isuzu Motors Sub Saharan Africa in 2015.
Upon returning to serve Isuzu Motors Japan, he was tasked as Chief Coordinator for the Tokyo Motor Show 2017, aside from coordinating other automotive events that required his expertise and knowledge.
“I am thrilled to join Isuzu Motors Malaysia, and look forward to taking on this new challenge. I have been privileged to coordinate and manage automotive business units on a global scale, and I will do my very best to bring Isuzu Malaysia to the next level in the local automotive industry”, he said.
In addition to Murata, new faces who recently joined Isuzu Malaysia, under the After Sales Division (ASD), include Ryo Kakogawa as Chief Operating Officer (COO); Katsushi Shimauchi as Senior Advisor for Service Marketing; and Yuji Shinya as Advisor for Parts Operation.
For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, please call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my .
