Car dealers battling for a share in the motor industry

Last Updated 13 years ago by Kenya Engineer

 GM launches a 6th generation of pickups

General Motors East Africa (GMEA) yesterday launched the 6th generation of Isuzu Dmax in a glamorous event held at the Ivory Burning Site in the Nairobi National park. Seven models of the pickup were unveiled to an audience hailing from businessmen, corporates and other car lovers.

The launch of the new 6th generation Isuzu D Max in the highly competitive pick-up segment follows growth of the commercial vehicle segment in the region. 2013 saw an increase of 15% in the commercial segment, in comparison to the previous year.

This increase is largely driven by growth in the agricultural, telecommunication, transport and construction sectors, GMEA managing director Rita Kavashe said. “The 6th-generation Isuzu D Max which builds on Isuzu’s iconic heritage of innovation, toughness, durability, reliability and functionality, is ideally positioned to meet this demand.” added Kavashe.

 “Isuzu has successfully dominated the Kenyan market for most of its 50 years in the country, offering perfect partnership to our customers. We are proud to continue offering a strong vehicle to a strong nation,” Kavashe said.

Speaking at the launch, The Vice President, Product Engineering-Africa, Wendle Roberts, said “General Motors has an excellent partnership with Isuzu, which we will continue to maintain as we grow our light commercial, truck and bus business across the continent.”

“We are proud to be bringing vehicles to market that are of global standard, engineered for African conditions, that meet our customers’ expectations,” he said.

Roberts emphasized that the launch signaled GM’s confidence in the East African economy, where it invested over US$2-million last year in a plant upgrade that improved production capacity by 30% and a bus body technology centre that is a benchmark for safety, quality and technology in the industry.

Also in attendance was the Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, Trade and Commerce, Hon. Aden Mohammed who was also the chief guest.

GMEA’s 26.1% share of the Kenyan vehicle market is built on its excellent reputation for product performance and after-sales support, Kavashe concluded.

The Dmax

              
The new Isuzu Dmax is bigger and longer than the previous one. The increased size allows for wider, ergonomic doors for easier access to the pickup. It boasts one of the lowest coefficients of drag (Cd) in its class. The roof has been designed to direct airflow over the tailgate and reduced drag means improved fuel economy, performance and levels of cabin noise.

One of the differences you notice on the new model compared to the previous one is the design. It has a new style front grille and bumper with an aerodynamic shape and new Isuzu logo.

The new Isuzu comes with improved driver seating position that enhances good visibility and comfort. The suspension technology in the car includes an independent double-wishbone design with coil springs and gas shock absorbers which ensures superior front-end grip and steering control.

The terrain Command Dial simplifies the selection of different 4WD modes from a convenient position. You can turn a dial between 2WD and high/low 4WD mode at speeds of up to 100km/h.

The new pickup will be available in 7 diesel models while the engine has been upgraded and refined coming in options of 3.0 litter and 2.5 litres. An improved 100kW of power propels the 3.0 litre engine with ease while the 380Nm of torque is delivered on a flatter curve to aid drivability and make towing easier. New 5-speed automatic transmission engines have also been made available in the LX models.

The new model pick-up comes in varieties of single cab and double cab. Colours range from Athenian white, star silver, armour grey, maranello red, magna bronze, vector blue and thunder flash.