by Suman Gupta
August 16, 2018, Mumbai: Manufacturer of the lifestyle and adventure Pick-up, ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross, Isuzu Motors India has signed on former South African cricketing legend and an adventure enthusiast, Jonty Rhodes to promote the brand and V-Cross in India. The announcement comes at a point when ISUZU is establishing itself rapidly as an important player in the Indian Pick-up and Utility Vehicle market. The association brings together a distinct combination of ISUZU’s thrust on ‘Never Stop’ philosophy and Jonty’s strategy & excellence of being ‘game-changer’ in the world of Cricket. ISUZU launched its latest commercial, featuring Jonty Rhodes, underscoring the message ‘Be the Game Changer’ at a press conference held in Mumbai, today. Jonty drove the V-Cross to mark his association with ISUZU in India in the presence of senior management executives, business partners and media.
The association with Jonty Rhodes is an embodiment of what ISUZU has been doing over the last 50+ years, making world-class Pick-ups for both personal and commercial segments across geographies. ISUZU Pick-ups are meticulously designed and crafted perfectly to meet the needs of global customers. It continues to prove its versatility and unmatched prowess across many developed markets and has been a frontrunner and catalyst in bringing the change in those markets.
ISUZU has always celebrated sports and adventure over the years by proving its mettle in some of the most demanding rallies in the world. It continues to leverage its Rally DNA in rallies like Dakar, Silk Way Rally & British Cross Country Championship (BCCC) to name a few, where ISUZU has carved a niche for its reliability and performance.
Jonty Rhodes, known for this impressive and outstanding cricketing career, brings in a lot of value to the brand ISUZU and stands for everything that clearly defines its core attributes of reliability, performance, excellence on one hand and innovative, consistent and aspirational on the other. Jonty has built an identity in the game of Cricket and continues to inspire many with his unstoppable pursuit for adventure, travel and sports. He strongly reflects a modern Indian who is largely aspirational and willing to explore a new dimension in life.
Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross is a one of a kind vehicle that has played an important role in effecting this change in the country. It is a perfect vehicle for the aspiring young Indians who seek a new lifestyle and complements the dynamism and attitude in them. V-Cross has brought in a paradigm shift in the automobile market and has empowered the aspiring Indian to ‘be the game changer’.
“Jonty perfectly represents the brand’s values and his association encapsulates what we intend to do in this country”, says, Mr. Ken Takashima, Deputy Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India. “Jonty Rhodes, an internationally known sportsman, brings with him unique qualities that differentiated him as a ‘game-changer’ in the international cricket. He continues to be an active adventurer, surfer and a traveller, endorsing many aspirational traits of the growing Indian population. The V-Cross, lifestyle & adventure Pick-up, has been a catalyst in bringing about a new lease of life to the people and adventure enthusiasts in India. The Indian Pick-up market is growing significantly and we have been witnessing a strong inclination towards the V-Cross. We are happy to have carved a niche in the Indian utility vehicle market. We are thrilled and excited to associate with Jonty and I am sure this will make the brand & the V-Cross even more exciting and aspirational in the days to come.”
Commenting on the association, Jonty Rhodes said “I am pleased to be associated with a legendary brand that makes reliable, durable and performance-oriented vehicles. Coming from country where Pick-ups are commonly used as a personal vehicle for daily commute and weekend getaways, I am equally excited to endorse such a versatile vehicle like the V-Cross in India from a world-renowned manufacturer of automobiles. India is a phenomenal country and I have had the opportunity to be closely associated with this country, doing new things and meeting new people. I am truly excited to be associated with ISUZU in India and I look forward to an amazing journey with the brand.”
Isuzu Motors India has been selling the world-renowned ISUZU D-MAX Pick-ups and mu-X SUV in India. The ISUZU D-MAX is tough, refined, encompassing aggressive styling and levels of safety – plus ISUZU’s legendary durability and fuel efficiency. The V-Cross continues to be the preferred lifestyle and adventure vehicle in the country, while the ISUZU mu-X makes for a versatile family SUV. The company also sells the commercial range of ISUZU D-MAX Pick-ups for the growing businessmen.
Isuzu Motors India recently rolled-out the 10,000th vehicle from its manufacturing plant in SriCity, Andhra Pradesh, since its start of production in April 2016. The company had already crossed a cumulative sales of 10,000 units in March 2018, which includes the vehicles that were sold before SoP at SriCity.
ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross: The ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross is India’s First Adventure Utility Vehicle, and caters to those SUV buyers who seek adventure and want to stand out among their peers. The V-Cross comes with a highly capable 4WD, modern SUV features and a large deck. Available in High and Standard grade variants, the new V-Cross comes with additional features such as – Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), Auto Cruise Control, Daytime running lamps (DRL), LED Tail lights, Rear view camera, 2-Din touchscreen entertainment system and Side-step.
ISUZU mu-X: The ISUZU mu-X is a premium, 7-seater, full size SUV, designed to offer the best of both worlds – All Muscle, and All Heart. It is a perfect combination for those buyers who seek not only style, power and a dominating road presence but also want to have the best-in-class space and comfort for their family. The ISUZU mu-X now comes with ‘5ECURE’ offer that provides ‘5 years warranty and 5 years free periodic maintenance or 150,000 km (whichever is earlier).
Isuzu Motors India Pvt. Ltd.Isuzu Motors Limited, Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan is a global manufacturer of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, utility vehicles and diesel engines. With operations in 25 countries, selling in more than 100 countries worldwide, the company is a leader in Pick-ups and utility vehicles in many markets. The company manufactures and sells over 6 lakh units annually, across the world.
Isuzu Motors India Private Limited (IMI), a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, was established in August 2012. Headquartered in Chennai, the company sells the popular ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross – India’s First Adventure Utility Vehicle and the ISUZU mu-X, premium 7-seater SUV in the personal vehicle segment and variants of ISUZU D-MAX Pick-ups for the commercial segment. ISUZU vehicles are known for their reliability and performance around the world. Renowned the world-over, ISUZU vehicles are gaining huge significance in the Indian market as well, thanks to the ‘value proposition’ it offers the customers.
Isuzu Motors India manufactures these products at its new manufacturing plant in Sri City, spread over an area of 107 acres in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The company began its manufacturing operations in April 2016, with strong focus on quality and commitment to Indian market. Isuzu Motors India began its vehicle production with high levels of localisation at Start of Production (SoP) and aims to increase it in future.
The company has dedicated dealer outlets, strategically located in 35 locations across the country. For more information on the company, and its products/services, please visit – www.isuzu.in
