KUALA LUMPUR: Isuzu Malaysia is heralding the new year on an upbeat note as the brand seals the number one position in two categories in 2020 - Malaysia's No. 1 truck for the seventh consecutive year and light-duty truck for the 11th consecutive year.
Isuzu Malaysia chief executive officer Koji Nakamura said the number of trucks sold last year was the highest market share that the company had recorded since its inception.
Nakamura said the success was a milestone for Isuzu Malaysia as the company celebrated its 40th year anniversary in the country last year.
"The pandemic situation in the past year has posed many extraordinary challenges for many people and companies across all industries.
"Despite the uphill market environment, I am pleased that we have managed to stay on course and effectively maximized our resources to help our customers move forward with their business operations," he said.
According to Isuzu, these achievements were based on the annual truck sales data by industry authority, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).
Contributing to the No. 1 truck brand for seventh consecutive year is Isuzu Malaysia's total combined sales of 4,747 units of trucks in all segments last year.
Meanwhile, the company's record success as the most preferred light-duty truck brand in Malaysia for the 11th consecutive year was cemented by the brand's flagship ELF truck with the sales of 4,551 units last year.
Nakamura said some of Isuzu Malaysia's strategic initiatives to sustain truck sales growth, enhance service quality and increase customer satisfaction despite the challenging market situation in the past year included dealership network expansion, introduction of new product innovation and ensuring the timely delivery of new trucks to customers.
One of the significant highlights which had contributed to the continuous success of Isuzu as the most preferred light-duty truck brand last year was the launch of the enhanced Isuzu ELF.
It offers the Isuzu Safety Plus platform featuring a combination of safety system upgrades, B20 biodiesel compatibility and greater warranty benefits.
The enhancements are available in 19 variants of the top-selling ELF, which offers the widest range in the light-duty truck market to help truck operators run a safer, more productive and sustainable business.
Nakamura said looking ahead to this new year, he believes that Malaysia's economy would slowly but steadily improve, and many industries would further recover too.
"Importantly, Isuzu Malaysia's aim this year is to continue rendering assistance in essential services, ensuring smooth delivery of products and making contribution for people's daily life and business," he added.