Isuzu D-Max takes bronze in 2023 sales race

ISUZU UTE has marked its own chapter in the 2023 new car sales results with the D-Max ute placing third outright, selling a total of 31,202 units across the calendar year behind the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

The light commercial trifecta comes as Isuzu Ute celebrates and all-time record of 45,341 annual deliveries Down Under, besting the importer’s 2022 results of 35,323 by 10,018 units.

Isuzu Ute took a 3.7 per cent market share for 2023, securing a second year in the top 10. Utility and SUV models continued to be the preferred vehicle of choice for Australian buyers last year, accounting for over three-quarters (78.3 per cent) of all new vehicles delivered.

The Isuzu D-Max sold 28.2 per cent more strongly in 2023 than in 2022, the year also representing the first time the model sold over 30,000 units in a calendar year. With a market share of 12.2 per cent, the results showed that close to one-in-eight Australians that purchased a four-wheel drive ute in 2023 chose an Isuzu D-Max.

In the two-wheel drive portion of the pick-up/cab-chassis segment, the D-Max took the runner-up position as Australia’s second best-selling 4x2 utility behind the Toyota HiLux. Isuzu Ute delivered 5759 D-Max 4x2 utes in 2023, accounting for a market share of 18.8 per cent.

One-in-two Australian new car buyers gravitated to an SUV across 2023, with more than ever choosing an Isuzu MU-X. Some 14,139 buyers purchased a MU-X across the 12-month period, giving the model an 11.2 per cent market share within its segment, and placing it in third position among the 23 competitors on offer in its category.

Overall, the Isuzu MU-X was Australia’s 22^nd best-selling vehicle.

“We appreciate that it hasn’t been the easiest of years for our two-car brand and the industry overall, with a number of logistical challenges affecting deliveries throughout the year,” said Isuzu Ute managing director Junta Matsui.

“But with some strategic problem solving and hard work we were able to work around these challenges and deliver customer orders as quickly as possible.

“Without a doubt, this historic sales record would not have been possible if it wasn’t for all the people behind the brand, from our head-office, regional, and of course the dealer network staff.

“Everyone has remained focused throughout the year and this record result reflects their dedication.

“That all said, we wouldn’t be in this top-10 position if it wasn’t for the customers that chose our brand. So, my heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone that purchased an Isuzu Ute product over the years – over 300,000 customers have since 2008.

“And to those who are waiting for their new Isuzu to be delivered, thank you for your patience, we sincerely look forward to welcoming you to the Isuzu Ute family as soon as possible.

“With the D-Max and MU-X recognised as two of Australia’s most-popular and best-value vehicles on sale today, along with healthy levels of vehicle stock landing at dealers locally, we are optimistic that this positive trajectory will continue well into 2024 and beyond.”