Isuzu has decided to leave the US market, and will officially stop selling new vehicles in the country on the 31st of January 2009, a year from now. The decision to leave the American market was fueled by the inability to produce replacement models for its Isuzu Ascender and Isuzu i-series, the only two trucks it sells in the US market.
The Isuzu Ascender is essentially a reskinned Chevrolet Trailblazer, and the Isuzu i-series (shown above) is based on the GM small-pickup platform. Isuzu says GM may discontinue these two vehicles, thus leaving Isuzu with nothing to base their next generation US models on. Of course, the other reason could be that Isuzu sales in the US had slid from 103,937 in 1999 down to only 7,098 units last year.
“It has always been our intention to remain in the U.S. market. However, we were unable to secure any commercially viable replacements for these vehicles. Although Isuzu will cease supplying passenger vehicles in North America, it will continue to stand behind its customers and dealers here for years to come. Specifically, Isuzu will continue to honor all product warranties and roadside-assistance programs and will maintain its owner relations call center. Isuzu will be offering all current U.S. dealers the opportunity to continue on as service dealerships for Isuzu,” said Terry Maloney, CEO.
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will be the next 2009 Isuzu Dmax ??
the story has nothing to do with a new and upcoming d-max. Thats a current model being sold in the US.
One end you have the domination of Ford products (F150/F250/F350), then the GM Silverados, and the Dodge Rams. Add to that the rather competent Nissan Titan, and the Toyota Tundra…I’m not surprised that Isuzu is left high and dry. Pickup customers are also very brand loyal.
GM already has platform sharing GMC and Chevrolet trucks so its unlikely that they want to carry more deadweight.
the D max is one size down from the “fullsize” trucks. Same reason why the Hilux and Frontier isn’t sold there as well. People usually op for V8s for the torque needed to pull trailers. Only a handful of trucks populate the lower rungs of the “compact pickup” segment. Mazda B series (based on the Ford ranger) is the only Japanese player. the Honda Ridgeline don’t really qualify as a “real” pickup.
One has to understand that a V6 powered compact truck is only a few grand cheaper than a entry level V8 truck. Why bother with the V6?
Please to welcome this models into Malaysia and also please reduce the price. Mahal betul kereta Isuzu ni!
Good move on Isuzu’s exit. The pickup scene in the US is too competitive. Isuzu may not flourish in the US of A but in the Asian countries, its a seller, thanks to the fuel efficient pick-ups.
Sabah has been dominated by Isuzus before the Hilux came in…
People in the US have too much of a liking for enormous trucks… the pickups like the ones sold in Malaysia just don’t cut it for them… even though they are pretty huge already
I like Isuzu, they make great trucks :)
What’s the point of isuzu in US anyway, they have a strong Chevy brand that everyone adores. It’s the same story as Australia, where the Isuzu D-Max is sold as a Rodeo under the local Holden umbrella
Good move Isuzu…
US market is now declining, nothing good for business over there. Even the US goverment now have to help it’s economy.
Isuzu Shall move to India and China, for good sake.
Cheeers..
can’t fight…
from 6-figure to 4-figure? wow, unbelievable!
well, no comment on that, but how i wish Isuzu can venture into car production again……
we know that the Piazza is a failure (to most people) but i still like to see Isuzu making family sedan or anything other than trucks……
swift will not sell well there.they like things big