Isuzu Ute is rapidly gaining pace in 2021 despite D-Max demand outstripping supply on some grades, having cracked the top 10 overall brands in a bumper May.
Isuzu grew by 174.2 per cent in May with 3942 sales, to set an all-time record, while also managing to beat MG (3506 units) and Subaru (3547 units). The two-model range nearly outsold Volkswagen (4005 units).
It’s the third time Isuzu Ute has placed in the top 10 brands for monthly sales, after coming 10th in November and December of 2020 thanks to the new D-Max.
Pictured: Isuzu D-Max
The driving force behind the brand’s most successful monthly sales result in Australia was said D-Max ute, which cracked the top five nameplates in May.
Posting 3058 sales, the D-Max grew by 202.8 per cent compared to May 2020 and also managed fifth spot in overall sales for the month. That’s well up on the nameplate’s previous monthly record of 2422 units.
That also means the D-Max placed third in the lucrative Pick-up/Cab-chassis segment, behind the top-selling Toyota HiLux (4402 units) and Ford Ranger (4254 units).
Pictured: Isuzu MU-X
Meanwhile, the Isuzu MU-X 4×4 wagon is still going strong despite being in runout, with 888 registrations (+107.0 per cent) in May.
The all-new MU-X, which will share its underpinnings with the latest D-Max, is due to arrive in Australian showrooms later in 2021.
Isuzu Ute’s sales and marketing director, Koichiro Yoshida, said despite great results in May the brand continues to battle supply delays particularly with higher-grade D-Max models.
“Wait time on the new D-Max depends on vehicle specification, colour and accessories ordered. Some models are available and in stock currently while there continues to be ongoing supply delays on certain higher grade Isuzu D-MAX models due to the unprecedented levels of demand at present,” he said.
“Isuzu Ute Australia and all related parties continue to follow up this matter and we remain committed to keeping dealers informed on their vehicle orders, so they can pass this information onto their customers as quick as possible.”
Year-to-date (YTD) Isuzu Ute is up 102.7 per cent to 14,841 units as of the end of May, placing it just outside the Top 10 brands. Just ahead in tenth place is China’s fast-growing MG, with 15,241 sales to May 30.
| Model | May 2021 sales | Gain/loss |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota HiLux | 4402 | 24.8% |
| Ford Ranger | 4254 | 59.7% |
| Toyota RAV4 | 4014 | 71.2% |
| Isuzu D-Max | 3058 | 202.8% |
| Toyota LandCruiser wagon | 2795 | 121.8% |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2768 | 87.2% |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 2,317 | 167.6% |
| Toyota Prado | 2214 | 63.0% |
| Toyota Corolla | 2190 | 34.7% |
| Hyundai i30 | 2127 | 78.6% |
