Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has recorded its 9th consecutive year of double-digit growth in 2017 with a 10.4 per cent year-on-year increase in sales.
With only two cars on the market in hotly contested Ute and SUV segments, the 2017 figures are impressive. The 2017 sales results mean Isuzu Ute is ranked the 13th largest automotive brand in Australia which is an improvement from 15th spot last year.
Assisting in the increase in sales was the refresh of the D-MAX and MU-X. The new 3-litre turbo-diesel engine and six-speed transmission, which was developed specifically for the Australian market, as well as improved design, styling, comfort and NVH (noise vibration harshness), helped both cars perform strongly.
New sales records were set with 2,388 new D-MAXs and 1,178 new MU-Xs hitting the road in June alone, helped by the end of financial year.
The MU-X has been a star performer for IUA with 8,087 total sales for the 2017 year. Closing out the year sitting in 6th spot overall in the Large SUV under $70k segment is not bad but in Queensland where the company is based, the MU-X is the second-best seller behind the Toyota Prado.
Against other ute-based SUVs in the Large SUV under $70K segment the MU-X has come up trumps outselling rivals including the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Ford Everest, Holden Trailblazer and Toyota Fortuner.
The D-MAX also smashed sales targets earning 5th place for overall sales in the 1-tonne ute segment. The sales represent an 8.3 per cent increase YOY for the ute. With 4x4 sales increased by 13 per cent YOY to 12,795, this outperforms the Mazda BT-50 (8,900 sales) and the Volkswagen Amarok (8,722).
Overall Isuzu Ute Australia Managing Director, Mr. Hiro Kuramoto has been very happy with the results stating, “We are particularly proud of the growth of the D-MAX and MU-X in an extremely competitive market.”
“Customer satisfaction and loyalty is the key to our ongoing success,” he continued “with many happy owners now transitioning into a newer model as well as increasing numbers of new customers being referred. This, combined with the impressive improvements to our product and aftersales offering – Service Plus 5-5-5, with 5 years Capped Price Servicing being added to our existing 5 year warranty and 5 years roadside assistance package, reconfirming our reputation for performance, dependability and value.”
“It is particularly exciting to see such dramatic and continuous growth for 9 years in a row in a key market such as Australia. I have complete confidence in the quality of our growing Dealer Network, which now includes 140 outlets across every state and territory in Australia. As we head into our 10th year of sales, we are confident that our ongoing commitment to continuously refine and improve our products to meet Australian needs will ensure another exciting year for the brand as we strive to hit double-digit growth again in 2018,” concluded Mr Kuramoto.
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