Isuzu unveils adventure utility vehicle D-MAX V-Cross

Japanese commercial vehicle maker Isuzu today unveiled adventure utility vehicle D-MAX V-Cross at the Auto Expo here, which would be manufactured from April at its Sri City plant in Andhra Pradesh.

The company said it will soon make India a global hub for vehicle parts and components.

Powered by a 134 hp, BS-IV compliant, high pressure Common Rail Fuel Injection diesel engine, D-MAX V-Cross is a second generation pickup and is currently available in Europe, Australia, Thailand and South America.

On price of the model, Isuzu Motors India Senior General Manager Shankar Srinivas said: "We have indicative price at this moment... it is approximation and we have not finalised. Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross will be Rs 15 lakhs off-showroom." On sales projections, Srinivas said the initial expectations are not very high as this is a greenfield space.

"We would launch it subsequently early this year." Isuzu Motors India Managing Director Naohiro Yamaguchi said: "The pickup market in India is expected to grow manifold and Isuzu has laid a strong emphasis on offering a range of its latest D-Max products. We have sensed intense anticipation for a thoroughbred Adventure Utility Vehicle among Indians".

Isuzu, which is investing Rs 3,000 crore in India, would start the production of the vehicle by April.

"India is gaining huge significance in the global arena, thanks to the fast moving economy and thrust on various growth factors," said Isuzu Motors Japan Chairman and Representative Director Susumu Hosoi.

He further added India will soon become Isuzu's global hub for vehicle parts and components.

On the capacity of new units, Isuzu Motors India Deputy Managing Director Shigeru Wakabayashi said: "Our new manufacturing plant would have an initial capacity of 50,000 units. We have already tied up 100 key suppliers for our operations".

He further added that India's pickup market is expected to grow and Isuzu would be one of the leading player with strong global expertise.

The company has also expanded its dealership network to 27 locations is looking to increase it further.