Isuzu’s mighty D-Max once again proved its best in sector credentials when it won the Export & Freight Pick Up of the Year Award for the second year running. The accolade from all Ireland’s freight transport experts is hard contested and this year the Isuzu beat off stiff competition from the new Ford Ranger Raptor, Mercedes pick-up and assorted others to retain its crown.
Receiving the trophy, Isuzu NI Regional Manager Alastair Kerr said “We’re really delighted with this win. Last year was the inaugural Award, which we also won, so it’s really pleasing to have moved on a year and retained the trophy against some very tough new competition from industry giants”.
“What seems to have impressed the judges most were D-Max’s proven class-leading features like the 5 year/125,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and 5 year Euro Roadside Assist and Recovery package. Impeccable build quality combined with best in class fuel economy and the sheer breadth of our model range (all towing 3.5 tonnes and legal at 70mph where conditions permit) is a hard to beat argument.
All Isuzu manufacture are commercial vehicles, and that separates the quality, reliability and longevity of the product from the competition. It all adds up to industry leading residual values – everybody wants a pick-up that holds its value strongly, and D-Max ticked all the judges’ boxes. We’ll certainly be back to defend our title next year!”
Isuzu NI Regional Manager, Alastair Kerr(left), receives the 2019 Export & Freight POTY Award.
The Isuzu D-Max range starts below £20,000 CVOTR, and rises to over £30,000 CVOTR for the new range topping XTR, due in Northern Ireland showrooms next month. All D-Max’s are classed as commercial vehicles which means VAT registered buyers can offset purchase in full against the business, and reclaim running and maintenance costs including all VAT, in full. The D-Max has a flat rate Benefit in Kind which can save drivers literally thousands of pounds in personal taxation compared to company cars with comparable equipment levels.
“Our buyers split into three clear sectors in Northern Ireland” said Kerr “Those who need a workhorse choose the utility entry price models, they do what it says on the tin with no fuss and no AdBlue, and work as hard as their buyers. Then there’s the multi-purpose user who moves up the range with higher spec to enjoy nights out in comfort and will still tow 3.5 tonnes all day long, every day.
Then there’s our fastest growing sector – the top-end retail buyer – who may tow a horse box, boat or caravan at weekends, but demands every conceivable luxuries for the daily commute and business use. Our range topping Utah, Blade and now XTR fulfil their needs with sumptuous leathers and state of the art sat nav, touchscreen entertainment systems, and Bluetooth connectivity. There’s a D-Max to suit every buyer and a vast range of accessories to personalise your purchase to your individual needs.”
John Barr Cars Antrim, Eakin Bros Maydown, Gormley Motors Dungannon, Eastwood Motors Lisburn and Western Cars Enniskillen represent Isuzu in Northern Ireland – see more at Isuzu.co.uk.
