Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) will be implementing a dual-product strategy by retaining production of a number of key models from the current Isuzu D-Max lineup.
This is a similar strategy to Volkswagen Polo Vivo production and Nissan NP 300 assembly, where the previous model is retained as a lower-cost alternative to the newcomer model.
The news comes as Isuzu celebrates the launch of production of the new, seventh-generation D-Max bakkie for South Africa and export markets across the Afrian continent in March.
Going forward, both bakkie ranges will be produced at Isuzu’s assembly plant in Gqeberha, where the local arm of the Japanese company now manufactures the sixth- generation D-Max, the incoming seventh-generation D-Max, and Isuzu trucks.
“Our strategy is to support Isuzu’s objectives by retaining Gen 6 models, which have performed very well in the workhorse segment of the market,” says IMSA technical operations senior VP Dominic Rimmer.
“In addition to boosting our fleet business, we intend to increase light commercial vehicle exports into key left- and right-hand-drive markets within the rest of Africa.”
The sixth-generation D-Max, which is now known as Gen 6, will be offered “with five competitively priced models” in South Africa, four models in right-hand-drive export markets, and three models in left-hand-drive export markets.
IMSA believes buyers of Gen 6 models will benefit from ten years of improvement that Isuzu engineers have put into the development of the vehicle during its life cycle.
“The D-Max is engineered for the best performance in our unique local conditions, and these Gen 6 models remain a valuable proposition for fleet operators who place great importance on running costs and minimum downtime,” says Rimmer.
Gen 6 continues with two of Isuzu’s current diesel engines, namely the 2.5 ℓ Leed and 2.5 ℓ high-output engines.
All Isuzu D-Max bakkies come standard with Isuzu Complete Care, comprising a five-year/120 000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and Isuzu Roadside Assistance.
A five-year/unlimited kilometre anticorrosion warranty and a five-year/90 000 km service plan are also included. Service intervals are every 15 000 km/12 months.
Pricing for the Gen 6 range starts at R328400.
New D-Max
The first locally produced seventh-generation Isuzu D-Max bakkie has rolled off the production line at the IMSAf plant in Gqeberha, ending an investment programme valued at R1.2-billion, first announced in 2019.
“Isuzu’s Struandale plant and the new-generation D-Max programme is crucial to the communities in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro and the livelihoods of thousands in South Africa and Africa,” says IMSA president and CEO Billy Tom.