Why Mazda chose Isuzu D-Max over Ford Ranger?

Mazda does not have enough production capacity in Thailand. In addition to other Ford models, the AAT plant now also produces Mazda 2 and CX-3. The Mazda 2 installed in Thailand is exported to the entire region, while the CX-3 is only used for domestic sales (the CX-3 Malaysian market is imported from Japan).

CX-5 and CX-8 are imported from Malaysia. As a result of sharing the AAT plant with Ford, Mazda's capacity allocation has reached the maximum. However, the ASEAN region is known for high taxes on imported cars. In other words, until Mazda gains or increases its model production capacity, sales will not increase.

The current solution is that the AAT factory should reduce production capacity by removing the BT-50 from the production line so that Mazda can produce more passenger cars there.

If this step is taken, Mazda will theoretically have the opportunity to produce more SUV models there because it has higher demand. One of the candidates is CX-30.

Since Mazda has no other factories in Thailand, the country has the largest pickup market in the region. They need to substitute partners. This is where Isuzu comes into play.

The Isuzu D-Max may not be as sexy as the Ford Ranger, but Isuzu is the best candidate to produce pickup trucks other than Ford or Toyota.

As a company, Isuzu may be a bit boring, but it can boast of its expertise-Isuzu is the world's largest manufacturer of diesel engines. No other company manufactures diesel engines more reliably than Isuzu.

Don't underestimate the adjustment capabilities of the D-Max standard engine. All adjustments of the Isuzu D-Max are made to improve fuel efficiency and durability under the most difficult operating conditions. Considering the different quality levels of fuel used in cars, its low power generation is intentional.

If anyone can match Toyota's excellent pickup truck, it is Ford. Yes, the Ford Ranger malaysia is not a Mitsubishi Triton or Toyota Hilux. However, it should be noted that the Ford F-150 is the world's best-selling pickup truck on a global scale. Truck culture is the core of Ford's culture. In terms of pickup trucks, Ford's expertise has a lot to learn.

The current Mazda BT-50 generation shares the same platform and engine as the Ford Ranger. In fact, it is also manufactured in the same plant of the Auto Union of Thailand (AAT) in Rayong, which is also jointly owned by Ford and Mazda.

This close relationship has existed for the past 20 years when Mazda is still part of Ford. Now, Mazda has become an independent company. However, his cooperation with Ford at AAT still makes sense, so the two companies decided to stay true to their joint ownership agreement.

However, as you already know, the newly launched Mazda BT-50 2020 is based on the latest generation of Isuzu D-Max. The Mazda BT-50 will be produced at the Isuzu plant in Samut Prakan, Thailand, which is the same as the D-Max production plant.

For more car information, please see WapCar.