Isuzu Malaysia (49% owned by DRB-Hicom) expects sales of commercial trucks to jump by 94pc

Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd expects sales of its commercial trucks to jump 94 per cent to 6,340 units this year.

Its chief executive officer, Kimitoshi Kurokawa, is confident of achieving the target with the introduction the enhanced turbocharged Isuzu N-Series Road King Hi-Power and the all-new 6th Generation medium-duty Isuzu F-Series FVR.

Isuzu is a joint venture between DRB-HICOM Bhd (49 per cent), Isuzu Motor Asia Ltd (25.43 per cent) and Mitsubishi Corporation (25.57 per cent).

Of the total sales this year, 45 per cent will be contributed by the versatile Isuzu N-Series trucks, which are distributed through a network of 30 outlets nationwide.

"The introduction of the new trucks to Malaysia is a step forward in our effort to expand Isuzu's presence in the country," Kurokawa said at the launch here yesterday.

The top executive believes that with the positive growth trend, stable economic policies and strong domestic demand, Malaysia remains a key market for Isuzu.

Since the introduction of Isuzu branded trucks at the end of 2010, the company has recorded healthy demand for its vehicles with sales of 3,268 units in its first full yea, commanding a quarter market share of light-duty truck segment.

Kurokawa said the new and improved Isuzu trucks will prove to be a boon to business operators as the performance and efficiency of these vehicles could significantly reduce the operating cost of customers' businesses.

"Truck users will see greater savings in terms of running costs with these new model that feature high torque engines," he added.

The 6th generation medium duty Isuzu F-Series FVR is available in two variants with different loading capabilities, ideal for long range haulage.

The Isuzu N-Series truck range is expanded with the introduction of the Road King Hi-Power NKR and NPR models.

Isuzu vehicles are assembled at the Isuzu Hicom Malaysia Sdn Bhd plant in Pekan, Pahang.

Source: www.btimes.com.my