Isuzu Ute Australia smashes its sales record

Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has already passed its previous all-time sales record, only three-quarters the way through the calendar year.

According to the latest VFACTS industry sales report, IUA counted 28,437 D-Max utes and MU-X SUVs as sold to the end of September 2021.

To put that figure into context, that’s more sales than its previous full-year record of 27,640 units achieved in 2018.

Given it has three months to spare, it’s obvious then that the brand will smash its sales record and give the overall top 10 a nudge (it sits 11th but is within touching distance of Subaru and MG).

This growth comes in spite of stock shortages, which are particularly noticeable on the top-of-the-range D-Max X-Terrain that remains subject to lengthy wait times.

This means it’s not relying on discounts to move metal, and the continued strong order bank suggests many buyers are willing to wait – though if sales were to slow down a bit over the next few months we wouldn’t be shocked.

As we know these shortages are related to global supply chain issues affecting almost every competitor brand as well, none more so than 4×4 leader Toyota – as we detailed last week.

Back to Isuzu Ute, September 2021 was the fifth consecutive month where the company eclipsed 3000 sales.

Reflecting demand for caravan-ready 4x4s, the newly launched MU-X passed its all-time monthly record in September with 1297 sales – 1227 of which were the new one and 70 clearance stock of the old.

That made it the clear number-two in segment behind the Toyota Prado.

“We are pleased to see the MU-X has been well-received locally,” IUA director of sales and marketing Koichiro Yoshida said this week, adding that the flagship LS-T was the top-seller.

“It’s no surprise that customers who are seeking the latest in capability, technology and standardised safety are gravitating to MU-X, with the majority choosing the flagship MU-X LS-T.”

Australia is the company’s top export market and second largest market overall behind Thailand, where it makes both its vehicles.

4×4 Ute sales YTD:

1. Ford Ranger – 34,450, up 30.6 per cent
2. Toyota HiLux – 31,478, up 36.5 per cent
3. Isuzu D-Max – 15,027, up 147.1 per cent
4. Mitsubishi Triton – 14,079, up 15.9 per cent
5. Mazda BT-50 – 10,250, up 91.8 per cent
6. Nissan Navara – 8828, up 27.7 per cent
7. Toyota LandCruiser 70 – 8801, up 26.1 per cent
8. Volkswagen Amarok – 6386, up 20.7 per cent
9. LDV T60 – 5187, up 59.2 per cent
10. GWM Ute Cannon – 5158, new to market in 2021

4×2 Ute sales YTD:

1. Toyota HiLux – 9313, up 31.7 per cent
2. Isuzu D-Max – 4979, up 95.6 per cent
3. Ford Ranger – 3101, up 67.3 per cent
4. Mazda BT-50 – 2108, up 2.3 per cent
5. Mitsubishi Triton – 2069, up 8.1 per cent
6. Nissan Navara – 1575, up 14.4 per cent

Large 4×4 SUV sales YTD:

1. Toyota Prado – 17,326, up 61.5 per cent
2. Isuzu MU-X – 8431, up 67.9 per cent
3. Subaru Outback – 7259, up 113.2 per cent
4. Ford Everest – 6146, up 50 per cent
5. Toyota Kluger – 5913, down 15.6 per cent (new model just launched)
6. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – 5747, up 30.7 per cent

Sales by brand Jan-Sept 2021