Isuzu UTE sets sales record

Isuzu UTE enjoyed its 10th straight year of growth in 2018, with the latest VFACTS data showing the brand achieved a record 27,640 sales of its D-MAX ute and MU-X SUV over the course of the year, a 7.1 per cent increase on its 2017 tally.

Isuzu UTE's D-MAX was the fourth best-selling vehicle in the one-tonne ute segment last year, up from fifth the previous year, with the nameplate placing second in the 4x2 ute segment and fifth in the 4x4 ute segment.

The MU-X, meanwhile, has now been Australia's best-selling ute-based SUV for five consecutive years.

While the 2018 result saw Isuzu UTE fall short of achieving its goal of '10 years of double-digit growth', the brand experienced its highest-ever December sales result, with 3244 units equating with a lift of 10.5 per cent on December 2017.

According to Isuzu UTE Australia's Managing Director, Hiro Kuramoto, the brand is well positioned to maintain its positive trajectory, despite some fierce competition.

"The Australian market is unique, with over 70 automotive brands bidding for a spot in customers' garages nationwide," he said.

"However, the sentiment towards utes and SUVs has never been stronger and are the leading segments within the market – the exact segments the D-MAX and MU-X sit – and in 2018 we witnessed our strongest result in 10 years, with more customers choosing an Isuzu than ever before."

Mr Kuramoto said recent updates to its range and dealer network have paid dividends.

"Last year played host to key improvements to our product and service offering – Service Plus 5-5-5, our five-year warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years Capped Price Servicing package – reconfirming our reputation for performance, dependability and value," he said.

"With customer feedback in mind, our dealership network has been further refined to better cater for our customers' needs and expectations, with 149 outlets across every state and territory in Australia.

"2019 brings with it a new decade for IUA, with new challenges and targets to strive towards. However, we are here for the long haul and committed to our current and future customers."