Pick Up In Demand Sees Isuzu UK Top European Sales Charts

COLESHILL, UNITED KINGDOM – Feb 8, 2012: Sales of Isuzu pick-up vehicles in the UK rose by 11 per cent last year, putting the UK market firmly at the top of the brand’s European sales chart. A total of 2,431 Isuzu Rodeo pick-ups were sold by the 97-strong UK dealer network, up by 11 per cent compared to 2010 and equivalent to 17 per cent of all Isuzu registrations across the continent. It is the first time that the UK operation, which is managed by distributor I.M. Group, has achieved the number one status in Europe.

Last year’s success is part of an ongoing trend for the renowned pick-up brand, which has seen UK sales more than double over the past three years. Isuzu’s UK sales in 2011 bettered the Japanese brand’s registrations in second-placed Turkey (2,296 units) and France (2,003 units).

Isuzu General Manager, William Brown, commented: “The market has responded very positively to the rugged, highly capable Rodeo in recent years, which is testament to the vehicle’s growing reputation as a dependable load-lugger.

“This achievement is also a reflection of the professionalism and dedication of our retail network. The hard work of our dealers is fundamental to the continued rise of the Isuzu brand’s reputation, and the impressive year-on-year sales growth of the Rodeo pick-up. Our challenge for 2012 – a year in which an all-new model will be launched to replace the Rodeo – is to further build our sales momentum and maintain our status as Isuzu’s number one market in Europe.”

Rodeo prices start at £13,995 (CVOTR) for the entry-level 136bhp 2.5 Rodeo Single Cab 4x2, and rise to £23,495 (CVOTR) for the top-of-the-range five-seater, 163bhp 3.0 Denver Max LE Auto. Insurance groupings start at 10A for base models and peak at a still-reasonable 13A.