Isuzu confirms that the Isuzu D-Max BEV electric pickup truck will go on sale in 2025.

Senior executives of Isuzu Motors and Tri Petch Isuzu Sales have confirmed readiness to use Thailand as a production base for the electric pickup truck (Isuzu Pickup Truck BEV), scheduled for launch during 2025, in preparation for the start of sales in Europe. Pre-marketing in other regions including Thailand

At the press conference for the launch of the new Isuzu D-Max in Bangkok. On Friday, October 6, Shinsuke Minami, Chairman of the Executive Board of Isuzu Motors (Japan), revealed plans to develop an electric pickup truck. While speaking on stage, “Isuzu will focus on developing towards a community of In the future, we have plans to produce battery electric pickup trucks in Thailand as well. We will start introducing it to the European market first and then we will consider introducing it in Thailand. And other countries, depending on the market demand .

This is the first time that Isuzu Motors’ top executives have officially confirmed their plans to develop an electric pickup truck. After the end of August, the Nikkei Japan’s leading news agency They are said to be developing an electric pickup truck based on the current generation Isuzu D-Max. It is scheduled to go on sale in 2025.

The news also indicates that Isuzu Motors currently accounts for nearly 50 percent of 1-ton pickup truck sales globally. This makes it necessary to accelerate the development plan of the all-new D-Max BEV to counter the trend of the popularity of Chinese electric vehicle brands which has increased significantly in the past 3-4 years, especially in the ASEAN region which is an important region. Isuzu market.

Thailand – Isuzu D-Max BEV production base

Takashi Hata, General Manager of Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Company More information about plans for Isuzu’s first electric pickup truck was revealed during a media interview.After the press conference to launch the new Isuzu D-Max “Isuzu’s first electric pickup truck. Production will begin in 2025, as previously reported by media. We are developing a battery-powered electric minivan, which will be launched first in the European market. This is because European countries have strict regulations regarding the release of special pollutants. Different requirements made Isuzu choose to launch sales in Europe first.

“Isuzu’s BEV electric pickup truck will then begin to be marketed in other countries. Including Thailand. This is because we have to take into account many factors, such as whether customers in each country want to use electric pickup trucks or not. What How ready are public utility systems related to electric vehicles? We have to take all the factors into consideration to determine the order in which they will be sold next.

Interview with Tri Petch Isuzu sales executives This is in line with the Nikkei news report that Isuzu Motors plans to export its Thailand-produced D-Max BEV to launch sales in Norway. To be the first country in 2025 from Scandinavia to have more stringent emissions requirements for new vehicles. Before starting to sell in other European countries including the Middle East.

In addition, Hatta confirmed that Isuzu Motors will use Thailand as a production base for electric pickup trucks for export and sale around the world. It will definitely be in Thailand. Regarding other engine options, such as hybrids, they are currently under study. But no decision has been taken yet.”

Meanwhile, Hatta commented on Prime Minister Sitha Thavisin’s speech on the economic symposium stage. The end of last September, and the plan aims to push Thailand to become a center for the production of combustion engines in the final period before the introduction of electric car technology. Emphasizing the importance of companies producing spare parts in the Thai automobile industry

“We are pleased with the Thai government’s policy to support the country as a center for combustion engine production. We are ready to support the production of electric vehicles at the same time. Achieving carbon neutrality is an important goal for Thailand, as it is for every country in the world. Whether combustion cars, electric cars or other vehicles Alternative energy.It will also help support the government’s carbon neutrality goal.

“The important issue I would like the Thai government to take into consideration is maintaining the supply chain in Thailand. The government should give importance to this aspect as well. Because it plays an important role in domestic employment, exports and economic growth in Thailand. Therefore, the cars we produce should To take into consideration whether there is a supply chain in Thailand or not.

The Thai car market has not yet recovered.Expected annual car sales are 820,000 units.

As a leader in the commercial vehicle market, Hatta commented on the overall picture of the Thai automobile market entering the last quarter of 2023, acknowledging that the Thai economy has been affected in many aspects. It is estimated that year-round car sales in Thailand will reach a level of 820,000 units, and small trucks will account for approximately 36 percent of sales, which is considered close to 2022.

“During the first eight months of the year (January – August 2023), sales of all pickup truck brands amounted to 189,555 units, a decrease of 26.8 percent compared to the same period last year, with Isuzu D-Max sales of 83,654 units, ranking first in this segment. Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Executive Director provided the information, saying: “Although the pickup truck market has shrunk more than the total automobile market in Thailand, first, it is important to understand that the majority of pickup trucks purchased by customers will be used for commercial purposes.” In In the past, there have been negative factors that affected the sales of pickup trucks, including high inflation, which causes production costs and product prices to rise. This makes customers who buy pickup trucks doing business get less income.

Launching the new Isuzu D-Max

“Lending by finance companies has become more stringent in consideration. Because most pickup truck users buy cars in installments. A loan must be applied for through finance. When the economy slows down, finance companies also face the effects. Resulting in fewer cars approved by Before financing. Customer needs will exist but if financing does not pass customers cannot purchase. Therefore, if compared to the automobile market in general pickup trucks are vehicles used for business and not for personal use. As a result, when there is an economic impact, the truck market Small ones will shrink more than passenger cars.

“Another factor is the global economy that has an impact on Thailand. Especially the war conflicts between different countries. Especially Russia and Ukraine have a continuing impact on Thailand. All of these are 3 factors that lead to the contraction of the pickup truck market,” Hatta concluded.

Topic: Bonthawi Swatthikul

Thanks for the information: Tri Petch Isuzu Sales.

INFORMATION COLLECTED BY GRANDPRIX ONLINE.

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