Isuzu launches the D-Max and Space Cab in India

Isuzu Motors India launched the D-Max pickup truck today at an event in Mumbai, Maharashtra and opened a dealership in Mumbai. Bookings for the D-max began in Maharashtra today. Isuzu announced their plans to open two more showrooms in Delhi and in Visakhapatnam by the end of the month.

The D-Max range comprises of three models – two cabin options and two deck options.  D-Max Single cab will be available in flat deck and the D-MAX space cab will be available in both flat deck and arched deck variants. The D-MAX single cab will be priced at an introductory launch price of Rs. 5,99,000 and the D-MAX space cab will be priced at Rs. 6,19,000 for the flat deck variant and Rs.7,09,000 for the arched deck variant respectively (all prices are ex-showroom Mumbai). As of now, the D-Max does not offer the five seat version; the D-Max space cab has about 1.5 feet of extra space behind the seats for storage.

L-R  Managing Director Shigeru Wakabayashi, and Managing Director Takashi Kikuchi of Isuzu Motors India at the launch

Mr. Takashi Kikuchi, Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India said, "We are extremely happy to enter Maharashtra. It is the biggest pickup truck market in India and an integral part of our growth strategy. By 2023, we expect India to be the leader in the pickup truck market. With this launch, we look forward to growing our market in West India and gradually across the country. In addition to Mumbai, we will also be opening dealerships in Pune & Nashik this year".

All D-Max variants uses a BS4 compliant 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine which pumps out 134 PS power at 3600 rpm and 294 Nm torque between 1800-3200 rpm range, which enables D-Max to haul a payload of 1.2 ton effortlessly. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

By 2015-2016, Isuzu aims to open 60 outlets across India and are targeting 100 percent localisation of parts and even has plans of exporting the D-Max to other countries. At present, Hindustan Motors Limited (HML) have a contract assembling Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits of Isuzu's sports utility vehicle MU-7 and pick-up truck D-Max, at its Thiruvallur, Chennai plant.