Here’s a very important and interesting note to all Isuzu D-Max owners here in Malaysia. Isuzu Malaysia wants to give away cash to those who have ‘proven beyond doubt’ how good their pick-up trucks truly are in terms of durability, reliability, fuel efficiency, and many more. (more…)
Yes, 2019 is indeed shaping up to be a stellar year for Truck and SUV fans across the nation, and here’s just a taste of what’s to come!
Thanks to AutoExpress, we’re getting a first glimpse of the all-new 2019 Land Rover Defender. So who said the LR Defender was dead eh? You just can’t kill a Defender….
“The all-new Land Rover Defender will be revealed within the next 12 months, likely to be towards the end of 2019, and new official images have given us our best look yet at the iconic SUV in development. The latest image shows a prototype of the all-new Defender under going off-road testing in North America as part of its grueling test cycle. The vehicle will be subjected to temperatures as low as -40 Celsius and as high as 48 Celsius and at attitudes as high as 13,000ft.” – Auto Express.
As we all know, late last year, Ford Malaysia finally launched the much-awaited Ranger Raptor, (<–link) but in addition to that, they also introduced new variants of the Ranger 4×4 in the form of the XL, XLT, XLT+ (below) and Wildtrak. In total there are 9 variants of the new Ranger, including the aforementioned Raptor.
Right. So this SUV is likely the MOST anticipated of the lot. Having subjected us to one of the longest ever “long-lead” ups to its launch, which happened only last month, Proton’s X70 SUV (<–link) has finally hit the road. We’ve already seen a few out there, all CBU of course, with local-assembly only set to begin in October 2019. With more than 12,000 bookings taken before launch and once the order-books were opened, we await word on the official media drive later this month, in the meantime, here’s a walkaround video:
What a Rush. Sorry, just had to with a name like that. Yes, the new Toyota Rush (<–link) was introduced recently too, and we even managed to get a short test drive in! Set to be officially launched very soon, the price estimate is apparently below RM100k… we’re guessing circa RM92,000 or so. Here’s a quick walkaround video:
All hail the new Triton! Shown at KLIMS 2018, (<—link) this truck is likely the only contender to the Ranger Raptor in terms of ‘wow’ factor. There’s still no word on when it’s going to arrive here, but it’s a stunner! Completely unexpected, it was getting a lot of attention at the show, here’s a video featuring the truck:
So technically it’s still very hush-hush for now, but there’s definitely a new Perodua SUV on the way. Perodua isn’t new to SUVs, having introduced the Kembara many years back, and the short-lived Nautica later on. Largely based on the Daihatsu Terios (above) and Toyota Rush, it’s almost a given that Perodua will have some design input in the finished product, scheduled to be launched in Q1 this year. Here’s a video on the Terios…
And now a surprise. In October 2019, Isuzu Malaysia will bring in the new MU-X 7-seater SUV! We have no solid details about it at the moment, except to say that in typical MU-X fashion, it is huge. Here’s a walkaround video:
Photo Gallery (Land Rover Defender images courtesy of AutoExpress.co.uk)
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 –
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”.
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 .
Isuzu Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. has introduced their limited edition, Isuzu D-Max X-Series which should be very appealing to those who are looking for an urban sports concept pick-up truck. The vehicle was unveiled by the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia for Light Commercial Vehicle, Masayuki Suzuki at the Carlist Drive Autofair 2018 event at Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam.
The key exterior upgrades include an athletic front skirting with a dual tone of red highlight that gives a much bolder appearance. The sporty rear skirting is designed together with the aero sport bars to further enhance its metropolitan energetic look.
Other exterior accessories package for this limited edition version includes the exclusive red Isuzu logo badge at the car rear tailgate with X-Series emblem. At the front, the changes include a grey coloured front grille with red Isuzu logo which enhances its sporty charm.
The signature identity for this limited edition, Isuzu D-Max X-Series, is its body decal which cannot be found on their standard variant. A sporty stripe design has been added to its bonnet surface as well as at the tailgate.
Owners of this Isuzu D-Max X-Series will get to enjoy the welcome light which comes as a standard feature for this limited edition variant. The welcome light will come on upon unlocking the car. A white spotlight will be activated and projected onto the ground for 30 seconds.
The Isuzu D-Max X-Series also offers extended standard accessories including features like 360° Around View Monitor (AVM) system (above), built in in-car electronic tag and honeycomb shape stitched leather car seat. The AVM is a new feature that makes use of four exterior cameras in order to have a bird’s eye view for increased safety. This bird’s eye view cameras helps the driver see objects surrounding the vehicle, especially the presence of short objects that might not be visible from the driver’s seat otherwise.
As for the built-in tag (above), this feature is useful for drivers in paying and passing the toll. The Touch N Go card needs to be slotted into the reader which is located inside the arm rest. It works just like an in-car electronic tag whereby the screen will show the card balance and it will release a beeping sound once the card balance is below RM10.
The other prominent changes for this limited edition are the red colour LED interior accent light and LED illuminator rocker plate. These functions heighten the premium feel for both the driver and the passengers. The red light will toggle automatically as the door is unlocked and opened. It also helps in improving visibility inside the cabin in dark conditions.
At the launch, Isuzu Malaysia Chief Operating Officer for Light Commercial Vehicle, Masayuki Suzuki said that he is pleased to introduce the signature X-Series marque into the Malaysian market at such an opportune time. “Since the tax holiday with zero-rated GST started, demand for Isuzu D-Max especially has increased tremendously due to the fact that the pick-up is priced 6% lower, a significant reduction. The consumers should take advantage of the situation to book one today, seeing the X-Series is only produced in a limited number,” he added.
The new limited edition vehicles are expected to appear at Isuzu’s Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia showrooms on first week of August onwards. However the public will be able to test drive one at the launch event at Setia Alam Convention Centre until 29 July 2018.
The price of this limited edition Isuzu D-Max X-Series is RM118,000.00 for 2.5L and RM124,000.00 for 3.0L off the road without insurance (Peninsular Malaysia). It is available in two colours; Silky Pearl White and Stallion Black Metallic. Every purchase of the X-Series comes with a premiums pack consisting of exclusive X-Series sling bag, tumbler, key chain and Touch N Go card.
For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my/pickup/.
Isuzu Malaysia ushers in 2018 on a high note, as it tops Malaysia’s 2017 commercial vehicle market by maintaining its position as the No. 1 preferred commercial vehicle (CV) operator for four consecutive years running.
Although faced with market uncertainties and price increase due to the depreciating Ringgit, Isuzu Malaysia still managed to not only retain their spot as CV No. 1, but also managed to capture a 13% share in the pick-up segment, in addition to 20% sales increase in after-sales parts.
Based on the overall sales figures recently released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), Isuzu’s ELF Light Duty truck remains a firm favourite with 5,237 units sold in 2017. Despite a slight decline in Total Industry Volume (TIV), Isuzu managed to considerably improve its market share in the CV segment to 37.1%, as compared to 2016’s share of 36.3%.
In his New Year’s address, Chief Executive Officer of Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Koji Nakamura, expressed his delight over Isuzu’s ability to stand firm as a company and perform well despite the various economic hurdles faced in 2017. Furthermore, Nakamura cited the public’s trust in the Isuzu brand and the long-term value that their commercial vehicles had to offer played a major role in ensuring Isuzu retains its CV No. 1 position for the fourth consecutive year.
Nakamura also attributed the company’s remarkable achievement in 2017 to the unyielding support and services provided by Isuzu Malaysia’s skilled staffs and dealers, in maintaining good relationship with customers, aside from the outstanding quality and reliability that Isuzu trucks had to offer.
According to Nakamura, “A successful company must have good business vision. Heading into 2018, our strategy is to ensure that customer satisfaction always comes first. We will continue to ensure our customers’ needs are handled with great care and consideration, while providing excellent after-sales services at all times. Despite the current economic outlook, it is important to always offer added value to our customers.”
“Being No. 1 for the fourth consecutive year verifies the excellent quality of our products, in addition to first-rate services offered at our Sales and Service centres located nationwide. The ability to maintain this ranking also proves Isuzu’s reliability in providing time-saving and cost-efficient logistics to suit any business needs,” he continued.
Aside from the impressive sales volume of the Isuzu ELF Light Duty trucks recorded by MAA in 2017, Isuzu commercial vehicles in the Medium Duty, High Duty and Prime Mover categories also cemented the brand in achieving the No. 1 rank for preferred Commercial Vehicle in Malaysia.
For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my.
Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd has officially introduced an enhanced Isuzu D-Max with an upgraded interior and exterior alongside a fresh color option.
The Premium D-Max (including 3.0L and 2.5L) and D-Max Z-Prestige are now equipped with a new 8-inch touch screen infotainment system with built-in GPS Navigation, Smart Mirroring, Wi-Fi, AUX-Jack, USB, iPod, Bluetooth and others. This makes the screen more user friendly and the built-in location of official Isuzu outlets enable the customers to find the service outlets easily.
As for another new feature, a sliding cargo tray is installed on the D-Max Z-Prestige variant. It is optional for the rest of the D-Max variants and customers can opt to have this accessory. The cargo tray slides to the back of the cargo area, making goods easier to retrieve when pulled forward to the tail gate.
This also reduces the instances of back injury as the user can lift the weight closer to the body. A new leather seat is also installed into the Isuzu D-Max Premium AT (3.0L) and D-Max Z-Prestige. It exhibits a contemporary sporty design with rectangular geometric shapes. The new color Cavalry Purple Mica will replace the current Nautilus Blue Mica. The appearance of the color is blackish under dark conditions while it impress on the eyes as a dark shade of purple under the sun.
Isuzu Malaysia Chief Operating Officer, Masayuki Suzuki said, “The enhanced D-Max retains our core values (fuel efficiency, durability, and reliability) and the exterior and interior improvements are made in accordance to the user needs so that it will be favorably acknowledged by the users in Malaysia”.
Pricing…
For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my/pickup/.
Isuzu UK has introduced one of the coolest looking D-Max pick-up trucks we have ever seen. Called the Huntsman, the fittingly named variant of the D-Max comes in a number of colours but the most menacing of the lot has to be matte green, which the company calls ‘Tundra Green’.
Marketed to countrymen who cherish their hunting rights, the vehicle is decked out with a number of notable accessories that include ‘out of sight’ storage for firearms and ample bed space for dog boxes as well as other equipment. There’s also a rough-and-tough high-mounted tow bar that may prove useful when traversing difficult terrain.
On the outside, there isn’t much that catches one’s attention, which is precisely the point. The Huntsman’s distinctive body colour and lack of flashy chrome bits allow it to blend in with the surroundings. This may prove to beneficial when owners are on a game trail and prefer to stay hidden.
The extensive list of accessories that accompany the Huntsman variant of the D-Max include:
Isuzu UK says that it will offer this impressive bit of kit as the Huntsman Pack (£5,995/RM32,925.80) that will be made available for purchase to those who already own the double cab variant of the current D-Max. In addition to that, it will also be offering the Pedders Suspension kit for an extra £1,000 (RM5,492.21), which could provide more versatility.
Those wanting a bit more exclusivity can also opt for the new bespoke Huntsman leather interior. And if the matte green body finish isn’t to your liking, you can choose between the Cosmic Black and Obsidian Grey body colours.
The D-Max Huntsman is definitely the coolest pick-up truck name that we have ever come across, and considering who its aimed at (no pun intended), adds to the vehicle’s desirability. Though we aren’t too fond of hunting or game trails here in Malaysia, we would still welcome this Huntsman with open arms.
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