In Saudi Arabia, where a huge percentage of consumer goods are imported, a strong demand for pickup trucks could be regarded as an indicator of a robust economy and consumer-driven growth. The boost in pickup truck sales portends a rise in small-business optimism as the main buyers of the units are small-to medium-scale entrepreneurs, industry analysts said. “That appears to signal a rebound of optimism among an influential contingency - the small-business owners who constitute the big majority of pickup sales,” they said. In Saudi Arabia, there is a marked improvement in pickup sales despite the recent global economic slowdown, car dealers said, which only shows that domestic economy remains resilience. “Pickup trucks are bought by small business entrepreneurs who have their finger on the pulse of the economy,” they said. “It's an expression of confidence in future of economy. They don't buy until they see the prospects for business are brighter,” another analyst added. At the launch of the new Isuzu D-Max 2011 multi-function pickup in the Saudi market early this week, Bakhashab Brothers Holding Co., dealer of Isuzu vehicles in Saudi Arabia, said the new model is in response to the “big demand in the Saudi market for D-Max” since it was first introduced in 2003. Though gasoline engine is the main player in the Kingdom, the diesel-run D-Max segment was able to hold the second biggest market share. “In Saudi Arabia, Isuzu is ranked number two in the pickup segment, posting 27 percent in sales volume or more than 25,000 units sold annually at its peak, Sheikh Hisham Khalid Bakhashab, president, Bakhashab Brothers Holding Co, said. Isuzu Motors Ltd., the world's leading diesel engine manufacturer, having been in the business for over 70 years, was able to come up with an ecology-friendly diesel engine, yet with lower cost and much higher torque. “Isuzu D-Max is packed with engineering innovations and stylish design. This new pickup meets all expectations in terms of durability, fuel efficiency, power, design and keen attention to detail. The new Isuzu D-Max is a perfect balance of aerodynamic exterior styling and useful practicality integrally compatible with active dynamic lifestyle. It sets new standards with a surprisingly spacious cabin and interior comfort for all occupants to relax and enjoy the ride.” The low maintenance cost of owning an Isuzu D-Max is a plus factor for owning an Isuzu D-Max, Sheikh Hisham Khalid added. “Since the introduction of this generation, the sale of D-Max has been increased more than 10 percent every year on an average,” he noted. Tadao Matsumuto, GM of Isuzu Dubai, said “sales volume have been increasing rapidly that we have reached around 60,000 units per year now.” Isuzu D-Max excelled also in fuel efficiency. At the Isuzu D-Max One-tank Challenge” event launched last January, D-Max run from Riyadh to Jeddah for more than 1,000km without any refueling, he noted, adding that “this is first time ever achievement in the Middle East Region among all automotive brands.” On concerns over carbon emissions, Matsumuto said Isuzu D-Max has passed the stringent tests in European countries where ecological protection programs are so pervasive. He said the continuous development of technology has gradually overcome the drawbacks previously associated with the diesel engine. Modern diesel engine, he said, has developed into an environmentally friendly, economical and powerful machine. (See charts). In Europe, the ratio of diesel-powered passenger cars has been on the rise, reaching over 50 percent of all passenger cars sold (in 2007). – SG/QJM t market The ts sales volume have been increasing rapidly that we have reach around 60,000 units per year now. __
