The dealers at that time, most of them were panicking by the loss of floor plan." "One or two months after we started selling D-MAX, honestly, we were not sure we could survive in Australia. We reported to VFACTS that we sold 50, actually we bought half of that. So we bought 25 from ourselves, to make up the sum to 50. "In the first month we sold 25 the whole nation. we had ordered over 1000 cars from the factory. Unfortunately, we chose the wrong time - right after the Global Financial Crisis. "So October 2008 we started selling D-MAX. "I had to build the company, had to build the network, had to build the logistics and establish the computer network - everything. It took me 10 months to reach the state of selling the car," Kono informed local media on the occasion of the company celebrating its 10,000th sale in Australia. The name was just one issue to be ironed out before the company could open for business in Australia. It was by no means certain that it would be named Isuzu Ute Australia and the company toyed with being branded 'Isuzu LCV', although Kono likes the Aussie tone of the 'Ute' name and the company will remain branded so, even if it markets the MU7 SUV successor here. That far away from launching the brand here, few could foresee how hard the GFC would bite.Īccording to Kono-san, the prospective business didn't even have a name in those early days. There was no reason to think that the same vehicle, with the right sort of marketing - aimed directly at farmers and tradies already familiar with the Holden-badged version of the product - wouldn't make a killing.īut setting up the network and the infrastructure to support it required 10 months of preparation. The D-MAX was the same pick-up that Holden had been selling in respectable numbers as the Rodeo for years beforehand. It looked like a no-brainer for Isuzu to introduce the D-MAX to Australia and set up a distribution network to support it.
Isuzu even had to buy another 25 in the same month to make the VFACTS sales figures seem less appalling. Just 25 cars were sold during the first month of operation. Contrary to the original expectations of Hitoshi Kono, IUA's managing director, the importer and distributor got off to a very slow start in this country. Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) commenced operating here at the very tail end of 2008 and faced extinction almost from day one. We understand that your customer is looking for a reliable, hard working piece of equipment and Total Energy Systems and Isuzu can help to provide it.Starting any business is a risky prospect at the best of times, but just months out from the local impact of the worst global recession in 80 years must surely be the worst of times. After the sale, support continues with a comprehensive service dealer network and parts distribution. We can also provide customization and controls to enhance your product or to meet your certain specification. Our engines sales team can help you determine the right engine for your application. With an extensive horsepower range, Total Energy Systems and Isuzu can provide the right solution for your power requirements. With over 300 servicing dealers in North America you can be confident that no matter where your piece of equipment is, Isuzu is there to back it up. Known for their leading edge technology and durability, Isuzu Diesel Engines are as tough as they come.
began making diesel engines in 1936 and have sold over 17 million engines world wide. Total Energy Systems is a proud master distributor for Isuzu Diesel Engines.